la famille

I love when we all come together.

Even if it means watching Husky football.

The yelling. The laughing. The eating. (Lots of eating).

I love times like tonight, when everyone realizes that they are exactly where they want to be. Together.

It's beautiful moments of together that give me the most hope for our family. Still trying out our identities, we recognize more of each other in ourselves each day. Sometimes, the similarities frustrate or annoy us. Sometimes, the common thread is painful and offending. But sometimes, like tonight, our common ground makes for a great evening. Family is yet another clever expression of God's relational love in action.

"Better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf where there is hatred." Proverbs 15:17 NIV


I didn't plan to throw a vegetarian party tonight.

And I wasn't sure that love would win, either. But we are blessed by a faithful God. I am grateful for a family that is humble enough to enjoy football and humus together. I love that these people get to be my family.

Love won, because God always wins.

doing

A few years ago I realized my obsession with "doing". I like to have something to "do" for every moment. Whether it's preparing, enjoying, or reflecting, I am most satisfied by adventure.

Today, in all my doing, I forgot about a coffee date with a student. Today, in all my doing, I packed up my whole house even though I'm not moving until Monday. Today, in all my doing, I burned my hand in the oven trying to see if an apple pie was really done or not.

Finally, I realize that there's more to today than doing.

Time to find a quiet space and listen to the Word that comes from my Savior.

Reflecting on the author of the Season, and life altogether and eternal.

It's a good time to stop "doing."

Cease Striving and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10, again

professional pedestrian

I quit driving.

Who wants to be my chaffeur? I can't promise to pay you, but I can promise to stop wrecking cars.

very real

There are moments when Heaven intersects Earth and the future becomes tangible. Something you can taste or smell. More than just a concept.

Very real.

This morning, I woke up without an alarm. It was 8:45. The perfect amount of time to enjoy the morning. So much better than the last few mornings of a 5:30 am walk to the ferry in the cold, blowing wind!

Then, I went to the 10:15 gathering at our church. I sat one row in front of my mentor, Joy. She shared with me that she is fasting breakfast EVERY DAY to pray for my decision to move to Burkina Faso. What a humbling sacrifice. I don't feel worthy of such intercession. Time to claim identity in the loving King. Very real.

After the service was over, I ran into Tom & Katy, the founders of WITLI (the organization I'm hoping to partner with next year). Katy and I talked plane tickets. Very real.

Tomorrow is Millet Monday. Another opportunity to get my heart right before our Great Father. His will be done.

Life with Jesus is humbling, humiliating and hard. But the rewards are very real.

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing out of selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Phil 2:1 -4 NASB

fast

English is notorious for wearing out words. We take one short, simple word and load it down with multiple meanings. To be fair, the meanings are frequently connected. However, we end up with very tired words.

Love gets the attention, frequently, for being a tired word. And it should! We use love ALL the time. Where other languages have many words to explain affection, devotion, intention, and admiration, we get lazy and say we "love" something.

But what about the other tired words?

"Fast" is a tired word, I think.

In a culture of competition, we emphasize and celebrate speed. It's important to have the fastest wi-fi on your fastest phone in your fastest car. Our busy lives are "fast", mostly because (I believe) we like them that way!

When something is valuable, we hold "fast" to it. No one can tear away what is held fast. Nearness that implies value. A grip that won't let go for anyone.

My dilemma with English, however, comes with the other definition. To fast. No longer is the focus speed. No longer proximity. Instead, it would seem the opposite is true. To fast is to surrender control. To slow down one's pace. To focus on the essential instead of the urgent. The purpose, according to Christian doctrine, is to dedicate time to prayer and discerning the Father's will.

To give the tired little word a break, I've substituted the following alternatives:

In my over-scheduled day, where life refuses to slow for a second, I find sweet moments of conversation with the Father who made me, the Son who walked here for me, and the Spirit who lives within me. When I give up comforts that I feel are important is when I notice it most: He really loves me. He holds me tightly against His chest for the busy little details were long ago considered irrelevant.

Finally ate a bowl of millet tonight. What a difference a little food can make.

The pieces keep falling together. Almost as if someone planned it that way.

"Is this not the fast which I choose, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free and to break every yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; When you see the naked to cover, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your recovery will speedily spring forth; And your righteousness will go before you; the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard."-- Isaiah 58:6-8

10 years

There's been a map on my bedroom wall for a year now. It guards the prayer nook. Lately, though, the nook elicits more laundry and Christmas gifts than prayer and fasting.

Similarly, the vision has been on my heart for the last 10 years. Some years it sings loudly. Other years, it whispers like laundry.

Tonight I met with a brother and sister in Christ who love Jesus through their actions. Apostles, they begin and implement systems that practically show the love of Jesus. We spent four hours talking about what it would look like for me to move to Burkina Faso for a year.

I need to do my laundry. I need to wrap the Christmas gifts. But more importantly, I need to pour more time into prayer. Would you join me?

Please pray for wisdom and clarity, both for me and the WITLI organization. Their mission is to bring the Light of the Gospel into dark places. Equip church leaders. Introduce schools to communities with education for only the privileged.

Pray for the God of the Harvest to send workers.

slam poetry

I've been journaling in slam poetry this week.




Unfortunately, my journal is in the car. My toothbrush is there, too.

But it's cold out.

So, I'll just go to sleep.


Funny little reality, right?


Moments like this make me long for Heaven. No stepping out into the dark, cold, scary outside.

gratitude

It keeps raining. I'm grateful that God promised the earth won't wash away in a flood.

I'm also grateful that conferences are over. Last week, it felt like life might just wash away in a flood of work-related tasks. Now, there's some hope.

Twelve hours from now I'll be enjoying the 4.5 day Thanksgiving break. Enjoying with gratitude.

Education is a beautiful tool of transformation. But it's not the only one. Tomorrow evening some friends will host the annual newlife.youth hunger banquet. We'll talk with teenagers about the purpose of fasting. The purpose of giving. The purpose of changing the world with the Gospel.

I'm grateful to be a part of a movement that changes the course of history.

Today, a student interrupted our 7th grade science class to suggest a class challenge of raising 1000 grains of rice each day for students in Africa.

Tonight, I met with a group of young adults who are confident that the church can end global poverty.

I'm grateful for Starbucks peppermint mochas. I'm grateful for rainy afternoons, watching That 70s Show with my mom. I'm grateful for friends who live nearby and let me sit in their living rooms to research mission trips and hiking adventures.

I'm grateful for the Kingdom-focused brothers and sisters that I've met this month, in Barahona, in Gressier, in Kitsap county.

Praise our generous, gracious King.

back at the Quality hotel: Part 2

Thursday was the day I got to spend time talking with children and teachers in the COTN schools. I talked to many future teachers, professors, engineers, doctors, nurses and one future guard. These children envision a future for their community full of hope and life. They behave much like the students in my classes, calling out answers whether or not it is appropriate! But they diligently complete their homework, knowing that education is the key to changing their community.

I met with a girl named Nicole who wants to become a nurse and told her about my dear friend, nurse Nicole. I heard stories of families that are learning about Jesus, and families that do not want to know him. I met with young adults who have received schooling and nutritious meals from COTN since they were small children. Now, they are the apostles of change, moving the mission forward.

I personally witnessed three sponsors connect with their sponsored children. And, I got to meet Isaura, the young woman that my financial support is empowering to finish high school. Her mother is a cook for the school, making sure that every sponsored child gets their portion of "lentils, spice, chicken, rice" packaged at meal marathons in the states. The cooks also use local foods like bananas, plantains, and vegetables to supplement the meal for the growing Hatian-Dominican children.

A medical team was visiting Barahona at the same time. They performed numerous surgeries in the Barahona clinic, providing health care for those who would otherwise be unable to access local hospitals. In the short week, a visiting pediatrician screened children in every village. A team of surgeons, an orthodontsit (turned dentist for the week!), professional nurses, and others trained in clerical tasks, helped to heal Barahona. My church in Kitsap often talks about the purpose of the church: Help heal the world. This medical team literally brings healing, with the hope of Jesus Christ. The Dominican clinic staff work so hard to provide high-quality care to the children and families that visit, and they are so grateful for the assistance of the visiting medical team from my own hometown.

Finally, on Friday morning, I had the privilege to spend time with children at their schools. In the Dominican barrio of Pueblo Nuevo, Jackeline and her co-teacher let me crash recess. The children were using their break time to play with various puzzles. We huddled into a circle and took time to review the names of fruits, animals and Bible stories. These pre-schoolers are very bright. Hope rests heavily in this classroom. While a relationship with Jesus Christ is the true key to freedom from extreme poverty, the education these children earn will only increase their opportunities.

Next, my team arrived at another hillside Dominican barrio: Don Bosco. I made many friends in my make-shift interview station outside the big yellow school. In Don Bosco, the young girls are happy to welcome any visitor, holding your hand and styling your hair. One young woman shared the same name as me! Then, she told me about her sister, Juane, so I told her all about my sister, Jeannie. Guess what Laura wants to be when she grows up? Yep, a teacher.

Laura's teacher, Isabel, was gracious enough to allow me to interview her. She shared a long list of prayer requests for her 2nd grade class. Pray that her students will know God. Pray that her students will be safe. Pray for her students families. Pray for Isabel, too. Teaching is a tough job in any culture.

The last time I left Barahona for the states, I did not know if I would ever come back. This time, it is different. My Spanish is now understandable. My philosophy of mission, significantly refined. My stomach is stronger. My classroom management is better. How could I not want to stay awhile?

The needs in Barahona, the needs in Gressier, and the needs in Silverdale are very great. Ultimately, our world needs to know of the God who formed and loves all humanity. Will I come back to the DR any time soon? Si Dios quieres! (If God wills)

back at the Quality hotel: Part 1

I've processed a trip in this hotel before.

The second time around, I feel like I have a lot more to process, though. Twenty four hours ago, my dear friend Megan was driving me to the airport. Tomorrow night, my wonderful parent(s) will pick me up from the same place. But a lot of things have happened in the short week that passed.

First, I had the opportunity to reconnect with old friends. People who take the mission seriously. Battle buddies.

Then, our team was blessed to join with the bold missionaries of Batey Los Robles. Their church has burst its seams at the small building on the bottom of the village. Now, they have a brand new cinder block sanctuary at the top of the hill, right a t the entrance to the community. It is sturdy. It is large. But it is not even enough space for Sunday school! Some classes still have to meet outside. The church is led by a brave man named Juan Jose. He leads a fearless band of young adults and teenagers, committed to seeing change in their community. Evil is very present, darkness is very strong in this community. But light always wins. These young leaders are learning the reality of spiritual warfare. They cling to promises in Scripture, memorizing it every week. They pray with expectation and experience the power of the Holy Spirit.

The body of Christ in Los Robles joined with our home churches to shower our team in prayer before we left for Haiti. The air was already hot and thick in the cinder block church, but as they prayed we felt God's Spirit so deeply. It was like an extra humidity in the sanctuary, filling our lungs and our spirits.

The trip to Haiti was "smooth" according to our staff guide, Malou. Still, we had to wait a few hours at the Dominican border because of a missing vehicle insurance document. Then, the staff from COTN-Haiti drove to the Haitian border to meet us. They had "rescued" their old Toyota van from the shop a few days too early. It kept spitting black smoke and dying on the side of the road.

We drove into Port Au Prince in the dark. Piles of rubble still line the streets. There are still tent cities, nearly two years after the major earthquake. In the dark, the roads are lit by the constant stream of traffic, but it is still hard to see each pedestrian as they cross the street. Many fires burn on the side of the road to get rid of the garbage generated that day.

I wasn't sure what I expected Haiti to be like.

Daniel, the COTN-Haiti country director welcomed us with open arms. He shared his nation's history. He introduced us to his entire family. Brian, the COTN-Haiti startup coordinator prepared a delicious American meal for us at the office/ mission house. His dog, Maverick, also greeted us with big pitbull puppy paws.

There is a lot of pain in Haiti. A lot of brokenness. Churches next to voodoo temples. Tents next to new construction. There's a lot of hope, though.

We sat in on a board meeting of Haitian men and women committed to seeing their nation change. They expressed the vision of sharing God's love with children, to empower the future of a nation. We interviewed beautiful children and teenagers with wisdom beyond their years. We heard stories of life before and after the earthquake. Stories of redemption. Stories of revival. Stories of powerful answers to long weary years of prayer.

Then, we prayed for our brothers and sisters in Gressier (the town of the COTN-Haiti base) and loaded back into the big white van. Our driver, Allejandro is fearless. It took seven hours, but we finally traveled the 100 miles back to Casa Betesda in Barahona. (On this trip, I experienced two new locations for the ever-changing list of "grossest bathrooms ever.")

Thursday ranks high on another list: Best day of my life. More to come...

madrina

This is Isaura. She is finishing high school this year. She hopes to become a nurse.

May God bless her and her family.

Isaura already goes door to door in her village, inviting members of her community to know Christ. She has the giftings of a prophet. God clearly brought our lives together for the greater accomplishment of his plan.

Glory be to God.

enchante

In Creole, it means "pleased to meet you."

That's what you say when you meet someone in Haiti. I feel like I have "met" Haiti.

I don't know Haiti yet, but I am pleased to meet it.

The last few days

chair lift

There's a moment when you're snowboarding when everything is peaceful. You have a view of the whole slope. The wind still whips past your face... but it's different. People whiz past below you. Bird's eye view for every epic wipe-out.

You're on the lift.

Then comes the moment of truth.

This is the point where I usually freak out. One time, on the chair by myself, I slipped getting off the lift. Screaming, I turned around to grab the chair slowly moving past. The chair didn't stop or slow. I slid down the exit slope and crumpled into a heap of board and body parts.

And even if you get off the lift successfully, you're still at the top of the hill! Ready to navigate the trees, the rocks, the cliffs and the jumps. People who board or ski for fun would say your skill helps you down the mountain. I hear that's how downhill snow sports are enjoyable. To me, after you let go of the chair lift it's anybody's game.

This weekend was the ride on the chairlift. Soul rest. Bird's eye view. The moment where you can watch your spit freeze as it falls for 100 feet.

Tomorrow, my board will try to hit the snow.

Tomorrow begins with junior high Halloween. It's a half-day (because of state budget cuts) so each class period is only 30 minutes long. And I'm giving quizzes to the 7th graders, then expecting them to understand and diagram the components of a pumpkin "system". And I'm asking the 9th graders to design an experiment that demonstrates a Law I only taught them on Friday. And then I'm going to run a lot of errands, meet with some high school senior girls, and hopefully write an entry for my National Boards portfolio. And maybe greet some trick-or-treaters if they show up.

This week is a week of Kingdom work. "Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest." Mark 9:38


Our youth team is hosting an illustrated sermon two nights this week, to accommodate a hopeful combined audience of 600 students. Many of my former and current students will be there. They'll hear how Satan continues to lie to us, how he convinces us we are worthless. But they'll hear that God wins, too. They will hear that God has always been there, alongside them. They will hear the Gospel.

Our youth team is ready to bleed and sweat for our students this week. We already cry for them. We already pray for them. We already fight for them. We trust the Lord of the harvest for transformation.

These are the moguls on the ski hill. The moments that take your breath away.

As the week winds down, the 9th graders will take a unit test. I hope they study faithfully. I hope they ask the questions that help me to see what they understand and what they still need to.

Friday, I will pack up their quizzes. I will pack my carry-on bag. I will get into Megan's little white car.

If God wills and Friday comes, I'll get onto a red-eye flight and wake up in Newark, NJ. Praying that the snow has literally melted by next week!!! Then, another flight should take us to Santo Domingo. After two long years (and a few months extra) I will get to be back in the Dominican Republic.

That will begin a week in the DR and Haiti. Collecting stories of how God has transformed lives of students in Barahona's poorest neighborhoods. Collecting stories of how friends from Silverdale are bringing medical healing to families in Barahona. Collecting stories of a church beginning in the border batey of Los Robles. Collecting stories of the new program beginning for 13 students whose lives changed in the January 2010 Haiti earthquake.

Maybe, I'll even meet Isaura, the young woman I sponsor. Or any of the children that my dear friends sponsor in the DR.

I'm starting to see how people can enjoy snowboarding. Skiing even.

Wipeouts are worth it. Lord, use our mistakes to shape us more and more like you.

Coming back from Hispaniola, I'll jump straight back into madness. Conferencing week. Grades due. Catching up on e-mails. Youth leader retreat.

But oh, by Thanksgiving! Resting by the fireplace with family and friends, I hope to look back on this month even more in awe of our great God. In the lodge, all things are made new.

I wonder if we'll get to snowboard in Heaven.

in the moment

I cherish the wise, gracious friends that God has placed in my life for this season.

Yesterday I met with Joy and we talked about the concept of "living in the moment." Worship in each moment. Not analyzing the past. Not worrying over the future. But enjoying, rejoicing, obeying in the present. God has made me to walk the Earth in this moment.

As an immortal soul trapped in time, we get to worship our Creator each moment. Not that I always do this. But that we are able to.

I'm with Megan at the ocean right now. Listening to Pachabel's canon on my iTunes. Drinking an iced soy mocha. Sitting at a table made of reclaimed teak. Watching the rain from our cabin window.

Worship seems simple right now.

What about Monday morning? Will worship be my obvious response? Will I embrace the moment when 9th graders are throwing golfballs at each other as I try to film for National Boards? Lord, give me the strength to worship you in each moment.

Those who know and love me have expressed a lot of concern this week about my boundaries. October is like drinking from a fire hose. I have said "yes" and made myself irreplaceable in far too many situations. Part of the path to living in the moment is to set and defend healthy boundaries for my life. Lord, give me wisdom to set and defend boundaries that allow me to worship you.

"Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Save us, we pray, O LORD! O LORD, we pray, give us success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD! We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, and he made his light to shine upon us. Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar! You are my God; and I will give thanks to you; you are my God; I will extol you. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!" -Psalm 118:19-29

ready for a break

Sasha and I met up for frozen yogurt tonight. It was delicious.

She reinforced the same message I have heard from everyone (literally everyone) who knows me. STOP SAYING YES ALL THE TIME.

My plate is once again too full. I have overachieved myself into a corner. There are not enough hours to accomplish every task I have undertaken, at least to the quality that I desire.

It's time to start saying "no". Not even a trimming the fat sort of no. An under-no-circumstances-can-I-even-consider-saying-"yes" sort of no.

Slowly, I'm stepping back.

Tomorrow night Megan & I are renting an ocean town cabin. The plan was to write one of the four papers I have to finish for National Boards. Maybe I'll just read my Bible and sleep instead.

I have to remember to rest.

If my pillowcases were not in the dryer, I'd go to sleep right now.

Does it count that I said "no" to a band concert tonight? Probably not, since I used the time to answer parent e-mails instead.

I wish boundaries could be respected from a distance. It's hard work defending them every day.

"Be still. Know that I am God" -Psalm 46:10

beauty, goodness, truth

This is the view from my dishwasher desk right now. Laptop set in front of the window so I won't miss a single moment of this inspiring October sunset. What a beautiful, good God to create such a beautiful, good sunset.

I just finished re-reading the chapter in Gabe Lyons' book The Next Christians that's called "Creators, not critics." Tomorrow, I'm leading a training on that chapter for our youth leaders. It's such a clear, but difficult challenge: Respond to situations with the reflex of creativity. We were made to create, just as we were created. We were made to mirror God's glory by returning glory.

The little worksheet I prepared plagiarizes Lyons' book by saying we were made to create culture that:

• celebrates BEAUTY
• affirms GOODNESS
• tells the TRUTH
• SERVES

Some days I feel more creative than others. 

But God is always beautiful. God is always good. God is always true. And God always serves.

"For the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 9:45

If you live in Western Washington, you witnessed the most incredible sunset last night. It was the sort of moment where you stop and worship the God who loves you. 

But after the sun went down and I was STILL at work (going on hour 11) it got harder to worship. I left a work meeting just after 7 pm to squeeze in a quick workout at the Y. Then, driving towards my home I started weeping about how much there was still left to do.

Here's the beauty, the goodness, the truth, of what God calls us to. He doesn't require us to DO. Creating isn't about my own energy. It's not about my own intelligence. Nope. It's a response. A beautiful surrender. That's true creativity.

Creativity is what happens when I weep that "I can't do it, God" and He responds, "You're not meant to." It's the beauty of the Gospel that God stepped in to RESCUE us from the death we chose. It's the goodness of a Savior who gave His life as a RANSOM. And it's the truth that we follow a God who has VICTORY over death. YES! This is the response our God delights in. Worship. (:

Mmmmm. It really has nothing to do with a sunset... worship is a response to the Gospel.

Oh that every day would be worship. So many days, though, I find I have to weep before I can worship.

this time next month

... I'll be sleeping at the Casa in Barahona again.

Praying for God to burst Heaven into Earth. For beautiful Kingdom work to captivate the hearts of God's people. For hope and healing to be stirred up in the hearts of children who CAN and WILL transform their nations.

This time next month, I'll be in Barahona, Dominican Republic. I'm heading down with a local team from Children of the Nations. We're planning to collect student stories for the COTN website. That is, we will talk with children who attend COTN schools and hear how God is working in their lives, their families, and their nations. What an honor.

We'll also travel to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and meet the 13 students enrolled in the newest COTN sponsorship program. These students were identified as the highest medical risks of the children treated by COTN after the January 2010 earthquake. COTN has only recently begun serving the children and families in Haiti. It will be such a privilege to see God's Spirit move through a largely unreached people group. I've only seen Haiti over the fence of the Pedernales border, before. Humbled by the privilege of traveling past the border next month.

Please pray for God to prepare the way before us. Please pray for the members of our writing and photography team to seek deep, rich communion with God before and during the trip. Pray that our focus would always be on bringing God glory. Pray that we would surrender personal expectations, so that God may accomplish the EXTRAORDINARY.

This time next month, I probably won't be sleeping then, either.

refining the ranks

"Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too." Deuteronomy 20:8


"Since the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp to deliver you and to defeat your enemies before you, therefore your camp must be holy; and He must not see anything indecent among you or He will turn away from you." Deuteronomy 23:14

discovering sin

Driving home tonight to a pile of 9th grade projects, I was presenting my case to God of why I should be raising my own family right now. As always, I lost. God is always right and my ideas (that I think are for my best) are selfish and miss the mark entirely.

What it came down to is that I desire worshipers. Now, there were many intermediate parts of this argument. But, in the end, I realized that I desire subjects who will adore me in my strengths and ignore my weaknesses.

So, Father God in His deep, knowing love showed me the depth of sin holding on to my heart. It's been a good week, but a long week. A week of staying til 5 every night and still not being done. Even now, after a half day of work, I am still staring down 15 projects that I brought home. (There are 25 more on my desk still at the classroom).

Yet, God doesn't rub our faces in our sin. No way! He shows us that our selfishness was weakness. That His ways are higher, better, the only way.

Instead, He gives us deep holy truth that changes us. Listening to a sermon from the Village Church in Denton, TX. All about worship. Gospel.

Truth that echoes the messages from 1 Corinthians I've been hearing all summer. Messages of Truth and grace.

Lord, use me for Your glory. Move through me. Your will be done.

Restorers CREATE

Reading and re-reading Next Christians by Gabe Lyons, there's a list of characteristics of a "restorer". One characteristic is that restorers create.

Yesterday, Megan and I banked on the weather forecast from Monday and planned a crazy adventure for Saturday.

In the morning, we ran in the Freedom 5k. It's a fundraiser race started by some of our friends. All funds go to organizations that fight human trafficking. Apostle friends in action, starting programs and building systems that rescue people into the family.

Then, we drove to a beautiful mountain. In the car, Megan reminded me of a quote she created this spring: "What if God isn't calling us to better behavior, but to bigger belief?" We wrestled again with this idea, confident that it came from our Creator. Wow. What does it look like to live a life of bigger belief? We talked about our brokenness, the humbling process, the ways that God draws us deeper into Himself. And then we made it to the mountain!

With four other friends (two of whom I'll be traveling to Barahona and Port-Au-Prince with in November) we quickly scaled Mt. Storm King. I wish I would have brought my camera. The view brings praise to the real Creator. Green forests. Towering waterfalls. A deep, glacier-carved blue lake. Peaks pointing to Heaven. The Strait of Juan de Fuca lapping onto Vancouver Island. Perfection.

Creating fellowship, the six of us had dinner at a local-owned diner in Port Angeles. Talking about smart phones, marrow donation, and God's goodness we created some memories, too. Grateful to never do the mission alone.

Today, I was reminded of the deep blessings God pours into my life. Bagel date with one friend. Bible study launch with some student friends. Sweet hours of painting. Time (actual time!) to tend to my yard and garden. Dinner with a dear friend. Chocolate almond raspberry brownies for three sets of dessert guests. Father, thank you for the good life.

Our pastor shared a message from 1 Corinthians 13 & 14 today. A beautiful, direct interpretation about how to use our Spirit-given gifts to build up the Church and bring God glory. Today was one of those days. One of those days where God let me see the Church in action. We genuinely are people becoming the Church. People called to bigger belief.

Oh Father, bring tomorrow! So excited for another week of following a Good Shepherd. Directing my own flock to follow the Father. Speaking Truth in love, without desiring personal affirmation or approval. Praying for Heaven to pour into Earth and God be glorified. Yearning for a revival that leaves our community healed and commissioned. Yes!

"Fear not little flock, for it is the Father's Good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." -Jesus

victorious spirit

That's what my name means. It's a Latin name for "a crown of laurel". The wreath they gave to winners.

Maybe that's why I like winning so much. My desire is to be a crown.

But when you follow Jesus, you don't often get to win on this world. The victory is unseen sometimes.

"I must become less so that He can become greater."

What if I were called to lose?

But.. but, I have a victorious spirit! How do I change that? I'm a crown. I'm the prize. I'm not just a winner, I am the reward for the winner.

Father, teach me humility. Help me look to Jesus so that I could look like Jesus, live like Jesus, love like Jesus.

He is the victorious one. With Him the victory is sure.

epics on school nights

I am grateful for the adventure friends of my life.

For the Julia Langdals, the work friend who helped log 300 miles in Glacier AND present God's Word every week at our worship services in Glacier in 2006.

For the Jesse Kappmeyers, the between college degrees climbing bum who introduced me to the rugged beauty of Idaho during the winter of 2007, even though the snow was just plain awful that year!

For the Amanda Conrads, my person who will always listen to a good vent even if it means driving all the way to Spokane, or flying to WA from TN.

For the Nicole Barrie Floods, the co-laborer who vowed with me to never sleep in our homes on a weekend during the glorious grad-school summer of 2007.

For the Jason Kelleys, the stranger who met up at Central Market on a random Saturday morning because a mutual friend suggested we go hiking.

For the Shannon Billing Freedmans, the roommate who was usually game for a night run, or a climbing afternoon, or a summit daytrip, or a New Year's trip to the Redwoods.

For the Sasha Childers, the student friend who inspires me to be a better leader and go running to get my attitude focused on the issues that really matter.

For the John Rarigs, the family members that let me tag along on adventures every once in a while.

For the Megan Sheppards, the crazy ones that will go along with ideas that other people shoot down: like leaving the climbing gym because its nice out, only to circle Green Mountain in a car and end up sunset kayaking instead.

Any adventure is good when it ends with breaking into your own house using a screwdriver and a butterknife...

On nights like this, I really appreciate the friends God has blessed me with.
Thank you, Father, for never making me run this race alone.

outside the camp

Just finished reading Leviticus. The rules, the reasons, the details, and everything. As I read about the rituals, especially the parts about how to distribute the blood of animals, I prayed that God would make the laws apply to my relationship with Him.

So, He let me see myself as unclean.

Not just in a spiritual way. In a fleas and headlice way.

Saturday night, I literally slept in a tent in Megan's yard.

But thank You, Lord, for hope and cleansing.

I'm thankful for time to sort out details of my trip to the DR (and Haiti now too!)
I'm thankful for time to call so many friends and catch up.
I'm thankful for time to see myself for who I am. And even more for who He is.

Listening to a MH sermon right now about Luke 17: Jesus spends time with the outcasts. With those unclean.

Lord, don't make me comfortable in this time. Make me holy.

And don't let me pass on fleas or headlice!

true

And the last of the drafts stored on my profile:


Maybe I'm legalistic and judgmental, but lately I've been really irritated by people who claim to love Jesus.

This morning, my Bible said that

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me – and I in him – bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples.

“Just as the Father has loved me, I have also loved you; remain in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete. My commandment is this – to love one another just as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this – that one lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I no longer call you slaves, because the slave does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because I have revealed to you everything I heard from my Father. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that remains, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. This I command you – to love one another." - John 15

Why is it so hard to "go and bear fruit"? In very simple words, Jesus tells us what to do. And He tells us how to do it. Why does it seem that so few people love Jesus?

My heart breaks when I see people wearing Jesus' name on their reputation, then disowning Him with their actions. How are we to love them?

Dog-sitting

from the snow storm of 2008:


One of my favorite Bible verses is in Matthew 28, right at the end of the Great Commission:
"..and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

In my limited years of adulthood, I've noticed that Thanksgiving marks the beginning of "Couple Season." It seems that so many friends and acquaintances are falling in love. And who could blame them-the Holidays are the perfect time for romance and idealism. It's exciting to watch new relationships form, to hear excitement in friends' voices, to try on bridesmaid dresses, to purchase plane tickets for summer weddings. I rejoice with those who rejoice this Christmas.

At the same time, I am snowed in and dog-sitting.

But, instead of basking in loneliness, I choose to relish the love of my Savior. He calls me by name, "Lo, I'm with you always." There will be no first kisses this Holiday, but my Savior holds true to His promises. He never leaves.

Maybe this Christmas is romance-less to remind me of the true Lover of my soul. The real reason for Christmas:

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

confetti

Another blog post that never made it past my drafts:

A couple of years ago, my friend Kyle and I were driving from Pullman, WA to Moscow, ID. We were probably sophomores in college. Thinking we were deep and wise. Thinking we had the world figured out. And maybe we did.

I remember the conversation about plans for our lives. My world was in the process of being rocked. I remember saying, "it's like God takes our plans and tears them up. Turns them into confetti for His joy and glory."

This is a confetti week. Haha, really. In face of trials, there's joy!

Turns out, I'm not moving for six more weeks. But... all of my belongings are packed up already since I'm really productive when I get upset. Turns out, I will have plenty of weekends for adventure this summer. Turns out, I will be able to serve wholeheartedly as a youth pastor this year.

Oh wait, that's me making plans again!!!

God, come tear my plans to pieces. Make joyous confetti of my story. You've written a celebration. Help me walk in the parade of Your will. Mmmmm.

personality

I found this in the "drafts" tab of the new Blogger interface. Apparently, I amassed a collection of identity test results last Spring. So, here's who I am... according to multiple choice tests on the Internet:






Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a longer time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

Color Test - Results

Your Existing Situation Feels her position is threatened or not properly recognized by others and feels defensive. Determined to go after her goals despite her fear of bringing conflict upon himself. Your Stress Sources "Avoids pressure from others and insists on developing her individual independence. Wants to make up her own mind with resistance from others or outside forces, and needs the freedom to make her own decisions. Wants to be looked at as a wise individual whose opinions are respected, and has a hard time admitting she is wrong. Can be reluctant to accept or understand other people's opinions or point of view." Your Restrained Characteristics "Seeking to broaden her horizons and believes her hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries she may not be able to do the things she wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore her confidence." "Seeking to broaden her horizons and believes her hopes and dreams are realistic. Worries she may not be able to do the things she wants and needs to escape to a peaceful, quiet environment in order to restore her confidence." "Although she feels isolated and alone, she is afraid of forming deep, meaningful relationships. Is conceited and is easily offended." Current events have her feeling forced to make bargains and put aside her own desires for now. she is able to find satisfaction and happiness through sexual activity. Your Desired Objective "Is intimidated by the activities going on around her. Conflict and disagreements tend to drain her and therefore she avoids those situations. Often times she will hide with plans and goals from others, because she fears they will openly attack her. she works out her plans in private so as not to cause any problems or trouble with others." Your Actual Problem His desire to be respected and to stand out from the crowd is not being satisfied and therefore she is feeling anxious. her normal friendly self is being held back and she refuses to become involved or participate with others in normal day to day activities. Your Actual Problem #2 Must protect herself from outside influences or she risks losing her independence and having restrictions placed on her. she wishes to be left alone ENFJ--Even more than the other Idealists, Teachers have a natural talent for leading students or trainees toward learning, or as Idealists like to think of it, they are capable of calling forth each learner's potentials. Teachers (around two percent of the population) are able - effortlessly, it seems, and almost endlessly-to dream up fascinating learning activities for their students to engage in. In some Teachers, this ability to fire the imagination can amount to a kind of genius which other types find hard to emulate. But perhaps their greatest strength lies in their belief in their students. Teachers look for the best in their students, and communicate clearly that each one has untold potential, and this confidence can inspire their students to grow and develop more than they ever thought possible. In whatever field they choose, Teachers consider people their highest priority, and they instinctively communicate personal concern and a willingness to become involved. Warmly outgoing, and perhaps the most expressive of all the types, Teachers are remarkably good with language, especially when communicating in speech, face to face. And they do not hesitate to speak out and let their feelings be known. Bubbling with enthusiasm, Teachers will voice their passions with dramatic flourish, and can, with practice, become charismatic public speakers. This verbal ability gives Teachers a good deal of influence in groups, and they are often asked to take a leadership role. Teachers like things settled and organized, and will schedule their work hours and social engagements well ahead of time-and they are absolutely trustworthy in honoring these commitments. Valuing as they do interpersonal cooperation and harmonious relations, Teachers are extraordinarily tolerant of others, are easy to get along with, and are usually popular wherever they are. Teachers are highly sensitive to others, which is to say their intuition tends to be well developed. Certainly their insight into themselves and others is unparalleled. Without a doubt, they know what is going on inside themselves, and they can read other people with uncanny accuracy. Teachers also identify with others quite easily, and will actually find themselves picking up the characteristics, emotions, and beliefs of those around them. Because they slip almost unconsciously into other people's skin in this way, Teachers feel closely connected with those around them, and thus show a sincere interest in the joys and problems of their employees, colleagues, students, clients, and loved ones. Mikhail Gorbachev, Oprah Winfrey, Pope John Paul II, Ralph Nader, John Wooden, and Margaret Mead are examples of Teacher Idealists. You Are Honest You are pure, moral, and adaptable. You tend to blend into your surroundings. Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life... And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye. As a result, people tend to crave your approval. Results of your Attention Deficit Disorder Quiz You scored a total of  84 It is highly likely that you are presently suffering from adult attention deficit disorder, according to your responses on this self-report questionnaire. You should not take this as a diagnosis of any sort, or a recommendation for treatment. However, it would be advisable and likely beneficial for you to seek further diagnosis from a trained mental health professional immediately. You’re the free spirit among your friends, voted most likely to do your own thing. You’d prefer a baby name that’s as unique and creative as you are, so you’ve trashed the top-10 lists and are looking more to art, literature, film, and foreign languages for inspiration. Think about these suggestions: Boy names: Pablo, Jules, Dashiell, Sebastian, Pollack, Xander, Ansel, Beck Girl names: Mercy, Cadence, Harlow, Frida, Aquinnah, Lolly, Ciara, Mabel

basking

Summer is really here.

Peaceful, cloudless days. The type of nights you can leave your window open.

And school is ready to begin. I am so excited for the new school year!!!

Day one will be about a new definition of science. I'm planning to tell my students that "science is using your passion to solve a problem." So very excited.

Therefore, I'll spend one more day... basking.

Basking in beautiful gifts of sunshine.
Basking in the glory of a King who loves us.
Basking in one more day of rest and preparation.
Basking in a blessed job at just the right time.

love it!

left of danger

I woke up at quarter to six this morning to meet up with some friends for a sunrise kayak adventure. Unfortunately, the Sound was covered with thick fog, so we never saw the sunrise. It made for an eerie, thrilling atmosphere, though.

As we rounded the point of my little neighborhood, my friend Zack explained the best strategy for paddling under the Mannette bridge.

"You see that sign? Keep it to your right and you should be fine."

Megan & I squinted in the fog to see the sign. We could only see the big word in the center: DANGER.

"So, you're telling us to stay left of danger..."

And we were fine.



Last night I listened to a sermon from the Village Church in the Dallas area. It was about the 23rd Psalm. About trusting that God is always enough. In danger. And in plenty, too.

This next season of life doesn't seem too dangerous. There's a lot of "known" and not nearly as much "unknown". Still, God is faithful.

map

This map shows how WFP is providing nutrition to children and families affected by the food shortages in East Africa. I've been reading two books this week: Radical by David Platt and 58: Fast Living by Scott Todd. Compelled to follow Jesus' example.

lifestyle

"Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. LIkewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me." Phillippians 2:14-18


"Too long have we been waiting for one another to begin. The time for waiting is past! Should such men as we fear? Before the whole world, aye, before the sleepy, lukewarm, faithless, namby-pamby Christian world, we will dare to trust our God... and we will do it with His joy unspeakable singing aloud in our hearts. We will a thousand times sooner die trusting only in our God than live trusting in man. And when we come to this position the battle is already won, and the end of the glorious campaign is in sight. We will have the real Holiness of God, not the sickly stuff of talk and dainty words and pretty thoughts; we will have a Masculine Holiness, one of daring faith and works for Jesus Christ." -C. T. Studd, missionary to China, India and Sudan, 1910

grant me grace...

... because the Truth seems so obvious.



This is the solution the world is coming up with.

Church, what will  WE do?

We are the hands & feet of Christ. What will WE do to help?

a little raw

 Tomorrow is the rehearsal for my dear roommate Shannon's wedding. I'm staying in a hotel room in Eastern Washington tonight. Because I have cable TV, I'm watching Anderson Cooper 360 on CNN.

They just showed images from Dadaab. The thousands of people showing up at the refugee camp hoping for aid. "These are not numbers. These are people. They have faces. They have names."

There was a soundbyte from a press conference with our Secretary of State. Regardless of your opinion on her politics or character, she said, "While droughts may be an act of God, famines are caused by man." Some villages in Kenya and Somalia have experienced 100% crop failure because of this drought. However, world hunger is a problem of distribution.

The UN announced that it would need $2.5 billion to feed everyone effected by the drought and subsequent famine. World Food Programme (a credible organization that is providing the largest portion of the aid) announced that they only have enough food to continue supplying the refugee camp for another 3 weeks. Famines last longer than a few weeks.

This week I've been reading the book of Genesis. I just got to the part about Israel's sons. Through a series of God-ordained events, Joseph ends up in charge of the Pharaoh's grain supplies. During a 7-year season of plenty, Joseph interprets a dream that prophesies an upcoming 7-year drought. With Heavenly wisdom, Joseph is able to allocate resources so that Egypt is prepared for the impending famine. His brothers in Canaan did not receive the same prophecy and consequently experience famine. Ultimately, this drives the brothers to travel to Egypt and reunite with Jospeh, restoring family relationships.

What if the Universal church played the role of Joseph in this time of crisis? Those of us who have resources are in a place to share bounty with our brothers and sisters in need. What if God orchestrated these events, thousands of years after Jospeh & his brothers in Egypt, to similarly unite brothers?

Those starving because of the drought in East Africa are not starving because of choice. Rather, they are starving because of consequence. What is our response?

My heart is too close to this issue to speak with grace. Thousands of Somali children are dying. They have names. They are souls. Many have never had a chance to hear the Truth about Jesus.

Pray, friends. Always pray. But act, too. Here are some links of organizations that are ACTING:
http://www.wfp.org/stories/horn-africa-10-ways-you-can-help
http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/07/20/iyw.howtohelp.somalia.famine/index.html
http://www2.worldvision.org/news/world-vision-east-africa-response


Closing with some words from Jesus:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal;
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21

Two organizations

I'm hoping to have dinner with the founders of this organization sometime soon, like before school starts:
http://witli.com . They are a young family that are part of a local church and have big dreams for bringing education and God's love to the people of Burkina Faso. Hoping to share some heart and maybe even start big plans about the next few years. We'll see how things go!

Then, a friend posted a video from this organization: http://live58.org/. What if poverty could END during our generation? I've read Sach's book The End of Poverty and seen the statistics saying it is possible. But what if God enabled HIS PEOPLE?

"Is this not the fast that I choose:
To loose the bonds of wickedness,
To undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard,
Then you shall call and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am'.
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing finger, and speaking wickedness,
if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in."
Isaiah 58:5-12


"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever."
Revelation 22:1-5

passion revisited

I spent the last two weeks reading Shadow of the Almighty. Reading about how a couple determined their passions within Christ.

Then, my friend Megan shared a great icebreaker question: "What is your passion?"

I asked a group of peers that question over dinner last week. The response was underwhelming. My generation is not marked by passion. Some people had to think for awhile. Others said, "entertainment" or "sports". Where is our passion?

I've already written a lot about passion.

But today, I found this article on allafrica.com that renews passions I've been patiently preparing for.
http://allafrica.com/stories/201108021068.html

Why would you live without passion?

beautiful

I've been receiving a lot of compliments lately. Not that I've been fishing for them, just that people have been offering.

Even tonight, when I felt like a mess after an intense adventure weekend (kayaking, hiking, camping, and climbing). Friends saying, "You look great!" instead of "hi."

A stranger stopped me as I left a restaurant to say, "You look beautiful tonight."

And yet, life isn't at all about living for the praise of man.

The sermon at church today was from 1 Corinthians 4 about humility. We were taught to accept both criticism and praise with "thank you." Through the filter of Christ, all criticism and praise are ultimately for God's glory.

Tonight, after the compliment from the stranger, I wept at a beautiful sunset. God's beauty is vast and dramatic. My beauty is fleeting (Proverbs 31 even says so, to back me up!)

Stuck in my head this evening were the lyrics of a Newsboys song:
"Lord, I don't know where all this is going
Or how it all turns out
Lead me to peace that is past understanding
A peace beyond all doubt"

THAT is truly beautiful.

part of a prayer

Tonight after youth, the Cheshire moon looked like God grinning over us. We spent the evening talking about "the good life." Teenagers here are catching the vision of bringing Heaven to Earth. They described a society focused on Him.

No more fighting. No more purchasing. No more poverty. No more pain.

How?
Righteousness.
Because the war is already won. Because our lives are already purchased with the blood of Christ. Because
the poor are blessed with abundance. Because Christ has defeated death.

That's how.
Righteousness is not of this Earth. But, then again, neither are we.

We are an army prepared to do whatever it takes to bring Heaven to earth. We're done pretending to be dual-citizens. We are from Heaven and we live like it.

This is time for revival.
Victory is here.
His name is Jesus!
Amen

willing

"I must be as willing to remain as to go, for the presence of God determines the whereabouts of His people." Jim Elliot, quoted by Elisabeth Elliot in Shadow of the Almighty (53)

Even though my emotions change, this has been the battle cry stamped onto my heart. August marks the beginning of year FOUR. Another year of remaining.

But, where else would I go? God's presence seeps into Kitsap county and there is nowhere else I could be. For me, for now, this is where Heaven breaks into Earth. Lord, I am willing.

disciplers need extra shorts

Tonight was our first youth gathering since camp. Instead of a regular meeting at the highschool, we met at the waterfront park. I lost count, but I think there were over 20 students baptized.

The message tonight was from our junior high director, Kylie. She shared the simple message that Jesus gave his disciples before returning to Heaven. "Go and make disciples." (Matt 28:19)

So simple. So deep. So sweet.

It's who we are as followers of Jesus. We are called to be disciple-makers. We are commissioned as leaders. We are to point others to follow Jesus. We are to live in a way that they see Jesus by copying us.

This morning I got to have coffee with a friend preparing to leave for college soon. At one season, I was a leader in her life. I guess that kind of made her my disciple. Hearing the choices she is making, choices that bring God glory, blessed my heart so deeply this morning.

This afternoon I was blessed to lead a prayer meeting with our youth staff and summer youth apprentices. Challenging student leaders to step out of their comfort zone, I heard warriors pray to our God without abandon. A student that is dear to my heart prayed over the entire congregation tonight, "We ask you, God, to bring Heaven to Kitsap." Yes! This is the vision, the dream, the mission.

This evening, I sat with a dear friend and former disciple during the gathering. I can't wait to ask her to join me in leading a discipleship group next year for senior girls. Trinity will become a phenomenal leader as God works through her.

And the reason that disciplers need extra shorts...

Tonight I was honored to baptize two students: Tim and Chasen. They are stepping out, going public with their faith. In front of their friends, family, and church, they proclaimed today that they belong to God and choose to follow Him. The water was COLD, but baptism is such an honor. I am excited to see how God continues to shape their stories. There were six of us in the water baptizing each of them. This is our family, our tribe. This is disciple-making in action.

Thank you to Ryan & Katie Kanzler for having an extra pair of shorts, and for holding my watch, car keys and cell phone. Nobody does the mission alone.

back from camp

Theologically, I already knew that God's heart breaks for His children. Statistically, I already knew that teenagers struggle with broken families, body image issues, and histories of abuse. And from experience, I already knew that God would do incredible work at summer camp.

But, still...

Nothing prepared me for the overwhelming tide of brokenness. The stories of deep pain began the first night of camp. Students held nothing back, ready for God to intervene in their brokenness. Camp began with the broken half of beautiful promises: Weeping remains for a night. In our weakness. What seems impossible.

And praise our Father, He is faithful. Joy came in the morning. His strength proves. Nothing is impossible in Christ.

I was blessed with students' stories. Stories of abuse turned to forgiveness, healing, and new families. Stories of addictions ended, chains severed, self-harming behaviors killed forever. Grace WINS. I wasn't prepared for the wave of VICTORY.

The most beautiful thing happened: students caught the vision of welcoming their friends into the Kingdom. These teenagers embraced the mission so fully. They recognized Heaven intercepting earth. They now desire to bring Heaven into their schools, Heaven into their families. Inviting the broken to be healed. Inviting the lonely into families.

Oh, the Savior's love is so sweet.

I can still picture the crowd in worship. Hands raised to the Father, or stretched out to their brothers and sisters nearby. Dancing, singing, weeping praise. Our occupation in eternity: praising our God. (Revelations 4)

"I have proclaimed glad tidings of righteousness in the great congregation; Behold, I will not restrain my lips, O LORD, You know. I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation." -Psalm 40: 9-10 NAS

Behold, Kitsap. There's a troop of soldiers prepared to do battle for the Kingdom. They will pray over their classmates. They will change their families with forgiveness. They will tear down barriers with grace. They will bring Heaven to their schools. Darkness can't defeat them. They are full of light. They have been made new. They have been made whole. They are sons and daughters of the Most High God. They claim a new identity: FORGIVEN. Death can't stop them. Fear won't hold them back. They're playing for keeps. This is a game-changer. God has captured their hearts. They will never be the same.

pick-up lines

My favorite pick-up line in the Bible is "your hair is like a flock of goats" (Song of Songs 4:1).


However, the rock-climber-girl line isn't that bad either: "My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely." (Song of Songs 2:15) 


What climber girl wouldn't want to hear that? Entering into a summer of off-widths, overhangs, and outcrops, I love this example of holy pursuit from the Bible. Maybe hiding in the cleft isn't such a bad way to spend the summer!

sunshine pictures

 And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars--all the heavenly array--do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the LORD your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. Deuteronomy 4:19 NIV


Sunshine itself isn't worth worshiping. However, I am SO VERY GRATEFUL to the God who made the sun shine this weekend! And I'm enjoying this creation SO MUCH this summer!

Since school ended two weeks ago, I've enjoyed so many beautiful people and beautiful places. God has been gracious to provide lots of sunshine as well!

Here are some pictures that tell the story better than my paragraphs:

Mom & I went to Port Gamble and then to the Silverdale Farmer's market on a day when the sun was trying to break through last week.

She bought these beautiful flowers from a local grower.

By Friday, it was beautiful and sunny again, so I drove to Mt. Rainier to renew my National Parks Pass. I love enjoying God in the beauty of His creation. Some kind German tourists offered to take my photo, but I'd already set the timer on my new camera.

The visitor center at Paradise has 290% of the average snowpack they should have this time of year. (That's three times as much as normal!!)
 

There were a LOT of people hiking to Camp Muir so I figured it was fine to join them.
It was like hiking alone... with a LOT of strangers.

So, I befriended a stranger named Gary for the trip back to the parking lot and heard all about his life and family.

Then, I spent the weekend camping with friends on Orcas Island at a hippie resort. It was beautiful, especially the wildflowers. Rhododendrons are the state flower of Washington and one of my favorites!

We drove to the top of Mt. Constitution on a sunny, sunny day. You can't see it yet in this picture, but I am very sunburned (even now, two days later!) Look at how beautiful the San Juan islands are, though. Spectacular!!!

The foxgloves are blooming. That means the fireweed will bloom soon! More favorites!

This is the ferry coming to pick us up from Orcas Island and take us back to Anacortes.

And these are my friends Chelsey & Al playing cards on the second ferry, from Coupeville to Port Townsend. We made up a few different card games over the weekend. The best one was called "Fourth of July" and included firework sound effects each time you discarded.

There have been even more sunshine-y moments this week. Today, I met with Joy to share hope and peace in life right now. Then, I had the honor of picking up Megan from the airport after her 3-week adventure to Sierra Leone with Children of the Nations (www.cotni.org). I tried to be good and stay out of the sun because of my sunburn, so I ended up at the climbing gym for a few hours planning for my first day of work tomorrow! Finally, we had a nacho party at my house tonight. Build-your-own-nachos are such a great meal to bring people together (Thanks, Kristen for the great idea!)

Here's another verse that helps me keep a right perspective on the sunshine: The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
Revelations 21:23


Being a citizen of Heaven, I know that I can look forward to living in a city that doesn't even NEED sunshine. God's glory is far greater. Still, I plan to appreciate all of the sunshine we receive this summer!

"to love"

Here's  a solid paragraph of a quote from C.S. Lewis:

"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it careful round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entaglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket--safe, dark, motionless, airless--it wil change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable... The only place outside Heaven where you can be perfectly safe from all the dangers... of love is Hell." (The Four Loves)


I'm reading the book Captivating by John & Stasi Eldredge. The authors talk a lot about the strength of man and the beauty of woman. But love is transcendent. It's not a man thing or a woman thing. It's not even a human thing.

Rather, love is a God thing. And it's strong. And it's beautiful.

This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an antoning sacrifice for our sins. -- 1John 4:10

where I'm from

I've added 2000 miles to my car over the last week.

Had a great trip visiting my best friend from high school and her growing family.

Kristen and Clara in their happy home!

Dan getting Clara ready for a hike

Rock climbing with Kristen, before we hit the tree!

Dan's "Dream House" looking over the Absaroka Mountains

Turning around to head "home" after such a sweet trip was hard. I love friends, and mountains, and sunshine! Kristen warned me, though, that I need to visit in the winter in order to get a true taste of Montana life!

A few miles outside of Butte, MT, I yelled out to God, "I want to be from Montana." Without missing a beat, He replied, "But I've made you to be from Heaven."

Hmm.

Why should I strive to be from Montana when my true citizenship is Heavenly?

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20 NIV

What a beautiful trip.