Kyla Cornelius - A relentless pursuit of God and the people he loves.

The Return to Phili: Manila

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

If you would have told me a year and a half ago that I would return to the Philippines with The World Race, I am 99.8% sure that I would not have believed you. But alas here I am, 100% blessed to revisit the location of my first month of ministry. Join me for a little video glimpse into God's handiwork here in Manila...

Past, Present, Future

Tue, 9 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

By this point you have probably gathered that the Lord has used The World Race to CHANGE MY LIFE. You may or may not be shocked to find out that he continues to blow my mind. In the simplest way possible let me utilize Ephesians 1 to map out my life: past, present, and future.

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It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Eph. 1:11-12

G Squad: Where God opened my eyes to life as I currently know it.

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It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free-signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. Eph. 1:13

M(&N) Squad: Where my heart currently lies, invested in spurring them to greatness.

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This signet from God is the first installment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. Eph. 1:14

July 2010 Squads

Where God is taking me next...

THIS IS MY INHERITANCE!!!

Our take on Kingdom (Video)

Tue, 2 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

At launch in New Zealand each team made a video with the prompt "The Kingdom of God is..."

Mark and I brainstormed a lot, but never really had the time to put a video together during launch. Well my friends, have no fear because God blessed us with a month of traveling to many of our teams all around Australia last month. This enabled us to put some life to the ideas we put together at launch. So, without further ado, here is what we came up with:

The Great Barrier: Part II

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I can confidently say that despite years of exploration and scientific study, we have NO idea of God's expansive creativity.

The intricacies that make up every fiber of creation are but a glimpse into his brilliance.

As my eyes encountered seascapes like none I'd seen before God reminded me..... "I made this for you."
And I believe him.

What a blessing to explore the magnificence of God!

The Great Barrier: Part I

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I had a vision today. The vision was of glass shattering.

Repeatedly, the picture of sheets of glass shattering in slow motion, flashed across my mind.

The words "break the barriers" slipped through my lips in prayer.

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The Spirit of God is in me. Where I go, it goes. Recently I had a bizarre encounter with a man on the street that asked if I was a Christian without even talking to me. I asked how he knew, and he said, "I can see the Kingdom of Heaven in you."

The SAME Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave is IN me. Do you understand the implications of that?!

I don't want people to look at me and just see the Spirit of God. This is not a museum. These are not just nice ideas to read about. God is REAL. I want people to look beyond the glass, to read between the lines, and ENCOUNTER God.

We've all either put ourselves or God into a box, putting limits on the possibilities of God working in our lives. The time has come friends to break free from those things, shatter the glass, and start experiencing REAL life.

The Spirit of God is tactile. He works in ways that you can feel, tangibly. He'll move in your life, IF YOU LET HIM. Unfortunately most of us have been programmed to fear this, and would rather spend our time inside the glass cage we've created for ourselves, or would rather look at God in the aquarium we put him in across the room.

It's about time we got over ourselves and our comfy little boxes.

What started as a simple prayer passing through my lips has now become the cry of a warrior: BREAK THE BARRIERS!!!! COME LORD JESUS!!!!!

The Day I Dualed

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sheets of water were plummeting to the earth at a rapid rate. The wind blew so hard that the rain seemed as though it were no longer traveling a vertical path. The grass slowly grew shorter as the waterline rose above each blade.

I sat under the pavilion only to realize that the horizontal flow of the water across the wind was defeating the roof's feeble attempt at keeping me dry. I sought refuge in my tent only to discover the water's fingers creeping in, creating small streams leading to pools in each corner. Everyplace I went the rain reminded me with a thunderous roar or a slap in the face, that I could not hide anywhere out of the water's reach.

It was a dual all day long. Kyla vs. the rain. We fought physically: rain jacket vs. water. We fought mentally: hope for sunshine vs. cloudy taunting skies. The battle raged. Ah, what a valiant foe, that rain.

And who was the victor of this battle you ask? Ah, now that, my friend, has an interesting answer. You see, there came a point in the battle that I realized, that despite my greatest efforts, the rain would inevitably prevail...............unless................why yes! The one and only way to defeat my foe was at my fingertips at last! I took off my cap and shoes and faced that mammoth storm. With a deep inhalation I leaped into my foe with a victorious laugh. Yes, INTO my foe. INTO the rain.

What had once been my enemy, the antithesis of delightful, had now become the joy of my heart as it facilitated a stage on which to dance. Rather than fight the rain, I embraced it and in that moment felt free from the oppression it had placed on me throughout the day. The power of that choice left the rain defenseless against my joy.

The moral of the story: No matter the storm you may be facing, you have a choice. You can fight it, or you can embrace it. Either way you'll probably get dirty, but only one way will you find joy.

NZ Publicity Continues

Sun, 7 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Bare Essentials Video

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Special thanks to Matt Herrick, El Rancho, and various bystanders for making this video a success. May this serve as a frame of reference for Racers to come.

New Zealand TV Interview

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

As you recall, in November I was blessed with the opportunity to visit New Zealand for a few days to work on setting up our ministry. Here is the TV interview that God so graciously coordinated to get our name out there in New Zealand. Enjoy!

Just click on this link below!!!!

Kyla+The World Race+New Zealand= This Interview

Retro Number Three

Sat, 23 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Why is the scale tipped?

Why is "Transformers" weighty?

What's the point?

Hopefully you've asked some of these, and regardless I'm going to answer them now.

Coming back onto the field as a squad leader has presented so many amazing opportunities to share bits of my story, especially my experience on The World Race. Recently I have shared the bit of my story related to the Holy Spirit, which is a remarkably controversial topic in the church at large. The retelling of some experiences I've had led me to recognize something NEW that the Lord has done in my life. This is where "Transformers" and Romans 12:2 come in.

We claimed that verse as a team, made it our prayer, and LABELED ourselves as Transformers. I look back over the year and clearly the Lord transformed each of us, but that's not news to me. The revelation here is that we had NO idea what we were claiming over ourselves.

In telling my story, I've realize the MOMENT the God literally transformed me, seriously by renewing my mind. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS???? We memorize nice verses, and hold onto fabulous Psalms, but do you recognize that these words are LIVING.

I walked into the room at training camp one night looking like this on the inside: stubborn, impatient, frustrated, proud, unbelieving, and absolutely thinking that anyone who was experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit was nuts. Over the course of that night I "gave up". I was tired of trying to "make something happen". I thought that meant I would just stand there until they let us leave the room. Interestingly enough giving up is quite synonymous with surrendering. OH. OH CRAP! You know what happens when you surrender to the Lord? TRANSFORMATION. God literally brought me to my knees under the weight of his overwhelming presence. He met me in personal way. We laughed together, for minutes, hours, I don't even know how long. I left the room that night looking like this on the inside: FREE and closer to God than I'd ever been.

Before that moment I was constantly "in my brain" trying to figure everything out. Faith was present, but not very active. At that moment I experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in a personal way, that I cannot explain, but I also cannot deny. The beginning foundations for walking a life FAITH started in that moment.

I gave up me,

and gained my inheritance in Christ.

Retro Number Two

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Remember these guys?----->

That's my October '08 team and me at our training camp. Guess what we called ourselves?

Yep, Transformers.

Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world but

be TRANSFORMED by the renewal of your mind..."

Hindsight is 20/20.

Retro Number One

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Picture the classic scale...

I'll even help you.

Now picture the words you speak coming out of your mouth...

What would happen if you put the words on the scale?

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH YOUR WORDS WEIGH?

Where are the children?

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I have discovered that you can get an incredible understanding of a culture from their children. Here in New Zealand we are in the middle of running a summer camp for kids ages 10-12. Every moment I spend with them sheds more light on what is happening in this part of the world, especially spiritually.

[Jesus] said to them, "Let the children come to me.

Don't stop them!

For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children."

Mark 10:14

Do you see what I see?

I look at these kids and at least 75% of them have lost the twinkle in their eyes. They are at summer camp, a place designed for fun, and many of them can't even produce a smile. Many rebel as we interact with them because they are not sure how to receive positive attention or love.

Jesus highlights how we should follow the example of children as we trust in him. I expect this means we should operate out of joy, humility, faith, and love, the way children do. But what happens when even the children no longer operate that way? What happens when the enemy tells them that they're ugly, worthless, an accident, unloved, unimportant?

I look at these kids and a fire burns deep within me. My heart screams, "NOT OUR CHILDREN!!!" in the direction of satan and his minions. He is the champion of lies, but I am not willing to let him embed lies in the hearts of the generations to come.

This is war. The Lord has laid heavy on my heart the desire to intercede on behalf of those who do not recognize the battle at hand. Camp ends in 2 days. That's 2 more days you can join with me and destroy the enemy through prayer.

I will not relent.

Shear or sheer?

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, I'm not yet real savvy with the video blog concept....but I gave it a go anyhow. If anyone can tell me why the picture only takes up a part of the screen I would accept assistance! =) Hope you enjoy a little look into a big part of New Zealand's culture: sheep.

Happy NEW Year!!!!!!

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As we go forth into the coming year, let it not be in the haste of impetuous, forgetful delight, nor with the quickness of impulsive thoughtlessness. But let us go out with the patient power of knowing that the God of Israel will go before us. Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.

-Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest

The church is not an infirmary; it is a military outpost under orders to storm the gates of hell. Every believer is on active duty, called to take part in fulfilling the Great Commission (see Matt. 28:19,20).

Thankfully, the church has an infirmary that ministers to the weak and the wounded, but the infirmary exists only for the purpose of the military outpost. Our real calling is to be chance agents in the world, taking a stand, living by faith and fulfilling our purpose for being here. -Neil T. Anderson, Victory Over the Darkness

That's how I'm bringing in the new year baby!

Reminder:

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am currently sitting in LAX waiting to board my flight to Australia and do you know what I am thinking about???

That's right.

I would not be here if it weren't for you.

Your support and willingness to embark on this adventure with me is what has brought me to this place.

Your financial contributions, your encouragement, and most importantly your prayers have helped lay the path out before me.

Thanks to you, God's kingdom is expanding.

Thanks friend.

Age before beauty?

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Whoever coined that saying "age before beauty" certainly must've been a fool to not notice that the two concepts are usually synonymous. Today I spent the day with two various groups of incredibly beautiful women, most of whom are at least twice my age.

I had the pleasure of joining a holiday luncheon with a group of women who I either had never met or hadn't seen since I was about 3 years old. As the ten of us sat around the table enjoying coffee and holiday treats while I answered questions about The World Race and what I'm up to, I couldn't have felt more loved. These women are amazing. One woman pulled me aside after the "formal" part of our meeting. "It's the Spirit you know," she whispered to me. "It's the Spirit who keeps you safe. If you've felt the Spirit you know what I mean." ABSOLUTELY STUNNING. Even telling this story makes my heart bubble up with the warmth I felt in that room amidst wise warriors for the Lord.

Later in the day I joined another group of women for a holiday dinner. (Today was my lucky day for delicious meals!) After eating what may have been the best meal I've had since returning to the USA, we sang a few carols. I looked around the room as the sweet harmonies of the women around me filled the air. The notes flowed from the lips of the warm and happy faces of the surrounding me. The sound was beautiful, but the sight of the sincerity in their eyes and the hearts on their sleeves was breathtaking. I have no doubt that as we closed the night out with Joy to the World God looked down at a room full of his beautiful daughters and did in fact smile with JOY.

Today I was blessed with encouraging words and loving support from some of the most beautiful women I've met. I am so honored to have so many marvelous women in my life.

So, who knows where that old saying originated. As for me, based on the evidence provided throughout my day, I choose to believe this saying: "Age equals beauty".

1624

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A few weeks ago my dad called. We chatted like we usually do and he asked if there was anything he could be praying about for me. The two things at that time that were sort of weighing on me were finances and logistics related to some ministry set up. I had checked my support account earlier that day and saw no new activity. I had made phone calls and sent out e-mails for the ministry set up and hadn't heard from anyone recently. I was discouraged. So, we prayed.

Later that day I happened to check my support account again and I sat starring at the computer screen with tears rolling down my face. I had received an anonymous donation for $1,624.

Until now you have not asked anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

John 16:24

Do not underestimate the power of the Lord. His word is true, and he is faithful. My dad and I asked and I am confident that if I would have checked my support account immediately after saying that prayer, the money would have been there. Prayer is powerful. YOU HAVE POWER THROUGH PRAYER. God is listening, so we better started talking to him.

Thanks God.

Follow up

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

If you recall, last October I was in the Philippines working with an organization called Kids International Ministry. As depicted below my team was working on constructing a new children's home in conjunction with eventually having an onsite camp as well.

I recently received this flyer from our contact in the Philippines.

How cool is that?! So, if you're interested please contact Grace. It is certainly a cause worth contributing to!

Extra, Extra!!!

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

At this rate I'm beginning to think that maybe I should have gotten a degree in some sort of marketing or advertising instead of Outdoor Recreation. Over the course of about a week I've somehow finagled my way into three different varieties of interviews. Saturday an article ran in The Alpena News. Check that out here: Globe trotter in The Alpena News!

This, however, is the crazy part of the story....

While in Bucharest, Romania in May my team (and Bannah) had the opportunity to work alongside a lovely couple from New Zealand. Before we parted our separate ways one of our teammates exchanged contact info. So, here we are, six months later.....and I am in New Zealand (who'd a guessed?!). Upon my arrival here I sent Chris and Raewyn an e-mail informing them of our current visit to New Zealand, and the plans we have to bring two squads in January. A few days later I got a phone call from Chris informing me that his sister happens to work for the Christian broadcasting station. A few MINUTES later I got a call from his sister and we discussed hypothetically being interviewed on the radio. We ended the call with a "I'll see what I can do, but I'm can't guarantee anything" sort of tone. A few days after that I get a call from the radio host requesting a live interview a few days later! Check out the interview here: Radio interview with Radio Rhema in New Zealand!

As if getting an interview on the radio wasn't just crazy, I then received an e-mail from the Christian TV station requesting that they also get an opportunity to interview us after the radio. HA! So for anyone who may have been wondering whether or not Casey and I have the Lord's favor, the answer is clearly yes, yes we do. Turns out God is pretty good at marketing his how is kingdom is coming here to Earth! That's you World Race. RISE UP!

While you were out

Fri, 6 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Perhaps you enjoy the following things:

Diet Coke Coffee To-Go Going to the movies: popcorn, giant soda and all

Cheeseburgers and fries Renting movies

Pizza

Now let's convert those enjoyable things into math.

We will follow the simple equation A=B and B=C therefore A=C.

Diet Coke = 7 bottles per week x $1.25 x 4 weeks = $35 per month

Coffee To-Go = 5 grande per week x $3.50 x 4 weeks = $70 per month

Night at the Theatre = $8 ticket + $5 Soda +$5 Popcorn = $18 per month

Cheeseburger and Fries = 4 meals a week x $4.00 x 4 weeks = $64 per month

Movie Rentals = $5 per week x 4 weeks = $20 per month

Pizza = 2 Deliveries per month x $20 = $40 per month

What if we decided to put our money into something more meaningful than coffee and movies?

What if we skipped ordering that pizza once a month to save for something better?

What if we only drank 3 sodas a week instead of 7?

What if?

As you look at these numbers I ask you to consider if there are any expenses in your life that you would be willing to redirect toward a greater cause. These small sacrifices that you can make will affect people around the world for the Glory of God. Please consider the cause, and help support the World Race by supporting me. Thank you!

A Response

Tue, 3 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The question was, "What do you hope to accomplish by going again?" I have prayed over and pondered this question for a few weeks in attempt to put together some sort of response. Here is what I've come up with...

Personally I hope to allow God to continue to wreck and refine me. By stepping out of my comfort zone again I hope to become more vulnerable before him. As I experience more things in various cultures and countries my comfort zone has grown, and so I as I step into a different position leading a group out I hope to continually operate out of faith as I move into unknown territory, physically and spiritually.

I hope to empower people. This is a two-part thing. I hope to help the World Racers recognize their identity in Christ, the gifts they have, and empower them to use them. While discipling them, I hope that we as a group will likewise encourage and empower the contacts we work with in each country.

Practically speaking I hope to be the hands and feet of Jesus. The actions themselves are sort of irrelevant to me. I am willing to allow the Lord to use me in any way. Physical labor, preaching, feeding the hungry, whatever it is he will give me the tools I need to accomplish his will.

Ultimately I want Kingdom. I want to live it, share it, see it, be it. We're going to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and bring glory to the King of kings! We will fearlessly declare the name of Jesus in every nation. We will be sacrificially obedient, whatever that may look like.

Maybe that answers the question....and maybe not. The accomplishments listed are fairly immeasurable and perhaps vague. Honestly I am not sure what to expect besides God showing up and doing some amazing things. That's what I hope to be a part of. You can be a part of it too!

Oh Oswald

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I have a confession: I am not, and have never really been great at following any sort of daily devotional. Now, don't get me wrong, rarely does a day go by that I don't spend some quality time with the Lord, but I am not very good at following along a particular plan or outline. I tend to have a few devotionals rolling around at once and just sort of pick whichever one I feel like each day. Fortunately, God doesn't seem to follow a particular daily devotional either.

Today I went for "My Utmost for His Highest" and I couldn't have picked a more appropriate selection myself. This is what it had to say:

October 27: The Method of Missions

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations ..." (Matthew 28:19 ).

Jesus Christ did not say, "Go and save souls" (the salvation of souls is the supernatural work of God), but He said, "Go ... make disciples of all the nations ... ." Yet you cannot make disciples unless you are a disciple yourself. When the disciples returned from their first mission, they were filled with joy because even the demons were subject to them. But Jesus said, in effect, "Don't rejoice in successful service-the great secret of joy is that you have the right relationship with Me" (see Luke 10:17-20 ). The missionary's great essential is remaining true to the call of God, and realizing that his one and only purpose is to disciple men and women to Jesus. Remember that there is a passion for souls that does not come from God, but from our desire to make converts to our point of view.

The challenge to the missionary does not come from the fact that people are difficult to bring to salvation, that backsliders are difficult to reclaim, or that there is a barrier of callous indifference. No, the challenge comes from the perspective of the missionary's own personal relationship with Jesus Christ-"Do you believe that I am able to do this?" (Matthew 9:28 ). Our Lord unwaveringly asks us that question, and it confronts us in every individual situation we encounter. The one great challenge to us is-do I know my risen Lord? Do I know the power of His indwelling Spirit? Am I wise enough in God's sight, but foolish enough according to the wisdom of the world, to trust in what Jesus Christ has said? Or am I abandoning the great supernatural position of limitless confidence in Christ Jesus, which is really God's only call for a missionary? If I follow any other method, I depart altogether from the methods prescribed by our Lord-"All authority has been given to Me ... . Go therefore ..." (Matthew 28:18-19 ).

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

One of my former teammates prayed over me yesterday. She prayed that I would go before God on behalf of my squad in the same way that Moses did for his people.

TRAINING CAMP OCTOBER 2009

"M" Squad

These are my people. I am astounded with how quickly God is growing my love for them. Today marks day 6 that I have known them, and already I see God working in HUGE ways. We cannot wait to see them become great.

Squad Leaders (M & N)

Mark, Me, Robby, (we miss you Tara!)

If we are the "Moses", may our squads be the "Joshua".

I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Joshua 1:3

No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Joshua 1:5

Antidepressant

Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

So, as you may have guessed or heard from other racers, the transition to home can be a little tricky. My experience in coming home to Michigan has certainly fallen within the parameters of "tricky".

Now, don't get me wrong, I have LOVED spending time with family and friends, and enjoyed the comforts of home. But just as every other location we traveled to, Michigan comes with more than just the joys of "home". This place is soaked under the oppression of alcoholism, depression, and complacency.

Despite my greatest efforts to recognize these oppressors, I found myself slowly being sucked into their destructive ways. Not so much the alcoholism as the depression and complacency. And so here I sat, missing my community, feeling lonely, feeling forgotten and uncared for.

I was talking to one of my teammates about this and how hard everything was and how I was feeling. After a long conversation of him patiently listening and me hoping for "the magic cure" to everything, he said something. He told me to turn around and move in the opposite direction. He told me I was choosing all of this...I was fueling this myself by listening to those lies in my mind. He merely pointed out the TRUTH.

So...my antidepressant:

Step #1: Hear the truth.

Step #2: Choose to believe it.

After that conversation I have not dealt with depression or complacency. That's not to say they won't pop up again sometime, but I will be prepared next time. The truth has in fact set me free!

Support Report

Tue, 6 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Blog Readers New and Old alike,

Hello! As you know, this time last year I left the United States to serve the Lord on the international mission field with The World Race. I recently returned after spending eleven months serving in various countries around the globe, including China, Philippines, India, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ukraine, Romania, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.

Over the course of the year the Lord provided various opportunities for me to step into leadership, including co-leading our squad of 50 people. I have been blessed with the opportunity to stay in leadership by co-leading a World Race squad in January 2010. I will travel with the squad for their first four months on the field and then return to the states to support them from one of the World Race offices. I will also travel back out to meet the squad at their midpoint and final week.

This truly is an amazing opportunity and I am confident that God will take care of me along the way. I do however, need both financial and prayer support. I need to raise $1,000 each of the four months on the field and $857.15 the remaining 7 months to cover travel and living expenses while serving The World Race stateside, for a total of $10,000.00 for the entire eleven months. The options of one-time donations or monthly pledges are available. I have calculated that if 35 people commit to giving $25 each month, I will practically meet my goal! Of equal importance is prayer support. I am asking for people who will commit to pray for me daily while I'm gone. I ask that you consider supporting me in one of these ways. I would be honored to have any support that you are willing to give.If you are interested in supporting me financially please visitthe "Support Me" tab in the left-hand column of my blog.

This is the opportunity of a lifetime, and I hope that God will continue to use me to make an impact on those around me, including you. I appreciate your consideration of this blog and this opportunity that enables me to represent you as a servant to people around the world and World Race participants. Thank you!

Peace ><>,

Kyla

"Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." Ephesians 6:19-20

Da' Vision Decision

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Why am I smiling so big you ask? Read on and you will find out!!!

The blessings of being "home" in Michigan:

- Fall is upon us! Beautiful leaves changing and brisk weather. Hooray for sweaters, jeans, and boots!

- Playing outside. Where else can you kayak, swim,run through the woods,canoe, and shoot stuff all in one day?

- DANCE! You better believe I am LOVING taking dance classes this week at my old dance studio.I'm living in tights and a leotard this week baby!

- Driving all alone for hours at a time. Turn up the sweet jams and sing along at the top of your lungs. Yep, I'm that guy.

- Friends, old and new alike. Between coffee dates, phone calls, texts, and e-mails the conversations had with friends have been a HUGE encouragement. Returning to my past home of Mount Pleasant has been SO great and I haven't even been here for 24 hours yet! I love these people!!!!!

- Sharing my story. I have had many invitations to share in both formal and informal settings. The response to the amazing ways the Lord has revealed himself in my life and the lives of others around the globe is amazing. I am incredibly encouraged by the people who have expressed interest in what God has done, and what he CONTINUES to do in my life. Thanks!

- God's continued providence. He has put me in specific places at specifics times to challenge, stretch, grow, and encourage me depending on what I need at that time. Doors are opening and closing, but he is always faithful to take me through the ones he wants.

All in all, Michigan is turning out to be quite the adventure in itself. Although I am looking forward to what the Lord has for me as I venture out again, I am enjoying where he has put me right now. The blessings of home are abundant and I thank God for this time I have here.

Not off the map

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Apparently setting foot onto US soil made it TONS easier to get distracted, thus causing an obvious neglect of updating the ole' blog. But, have no fear faithful readers, I have not ACTUALLY fallen off the map. Hooray!

I was greeted with a plethora of welcoming smiles, hugs, visits, and celebrations upon arrival into the grand state of Michigan. My family and I even celebrated every holiday (including my birthday) that I missed over the past year. Good times.

I am just now getting to the point of taking a deep breath and tackling each day with a similar mentality in which I entered any other country. I realized that in the same way that we are generally our own worst critic, making it more difficult to forgive ourselves or extend grace to ourselves, I am a bit harder on the ole' USA than other places. This however is not warranted. God sees everyone the same, and honestly being back in "the comfort zone" has made it more challenging for me to remember that.

But, God is of course brilliant and sets us up to learn in the most unique ways. He reminded me how this is STILL not about me. He reminded me that he loves that guy driving too slow, and the lady who talks too much, and whoever else I happen to be irritated with, just as much as the orphan in Guatemala or the homeless guy in the dump. How quickly I forget!!!!!

Jesus, give me YOUR eyes, for mine are clearly failing.

Get your boots on

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Final debrief is upon us. This my friends, is the end of 11 months. Our time is coming to a close. No greater time has there been to strap our boots on and try out walking on our own...........

Wait a second......on our own? No, no, no, no, no. For we may leave what has been "home" on the field, but we are NEVER alone. This is the chance to CONTINUE to walk by faith. It's time to live out what we've been telling the rest of the world for 11 months.

Perhaps you are interested to know where I will be walking in the next few months. Luckily, I am here to fill you in. The Lord has taught me so much and you better believe he is no where close to finished with me. In fact, he has taught me so much through my World Race experience that he has opened the door for me to continue with the program. What does this look like, you ask?

Come January 2010, I will be co-leading a squad into the field!

Do I know what exactly to expect? No.

Do I know who I will be leading with? No.

Do I know what God wants to teach me? No.

Do I know how the Lord will provide finances, supplies and support over the next four months? No.

Do I need to know? No.

Do I know that this is where God wants me? Yes, and that is all that matters.

There is no better place to be than in the will of God.

"For we walk by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Thank you for all your support over the last year! I am grateful beyond words for the many ways you have shown your love and support. Thank you for walking with me through this chapter of my life. As it comes to a close I hope you will consider joining me for the next one!

Going out with a bang

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Alas, our final days are upon us. And even though I sit here knowing that in 2 days I will be finished with ministry and a week after that I will be home, I cannot believe it. The time has FLOWN by at such a rapid rate that I may actually have jet-lag from the experience altogether.

Yesterday we did a video and testimony time in the church here to share what the Lord has done over this year. As I watched the videos and listened to testimonies I realized that we so easily forget what God has done, and is doing in our lives. I look at all the crazy things the Lord has asked of me in this year; preaching, taking EKGs, handing food out at dumps, teaching in schools, hauling cement, going door to door, translating, taking care of orphans, etc. I look at that list and recognize that before this trip I would NEVER have been considered "qualified" to do any of those things. But here we are, a week shy of completion and I have done all of those things, and many others.

I have known that the Bible says that I can do all things through Christ who give me strength, but now I have LIVED it. Those arent just words on a page anymore. So the catch 22 here is that once we actually BELIEVE the words of the Bible are true, they come to life within us, they become true in our lives. It has nothing to do with how "qualified" I am by worldly standards, because my God is capable of anything.....ANYTHING!!!!!!......thus making me capable.

I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO GIVES ME STRENGTH!!!!!!