I think it may rain soon, but I’m not quite sure. The windows here are tented and I can’t tell if the sun is shining or if the clouds are holding him hostage. Either way, I’m comfy because I have my coffee, music and a soft couch to keep me safe. There isn’t anyone else in the coffee shop right now but that’s ok because I’m not really hear to talk. I’m just here…and as the fans softly encourage the surrounding air to move across the room, I can’t help but imagine what it would be like to move without reservation at the slightest nudge from the Holy Spirit. To possess that sort of freedom… that sort of fearlessness… would erase the limits we force upon ourselves with the need for security or stability. Is there not security in flowing with ease; caught in the rhythm and melody of Christ? Is there no stability in feeling the movement and allowing yourself to let go of the things in this world, only to cling to Him as He draws you closer?

As of today, YWAM is almost exactly 2 months away. I’m supposed to be out of my apartment by August 5th and I’m trying really hard to get everything packed up. This morning I had the chance to worship with the staff of Love89.1FM through painting. They invited me in to be part of their meeting and it was such a blessing being there. I was able to share my story and tell them where I am in my journey.If you’re finding this blog from the Love89.1FM Facebook page…Welcome!

As far as support goes, each day a little more comes in and I am slowly creeping forward. Of the almost $15,000 needed, we are around 1/5^th of the way there with little time left. I am currently trying to land a job painting a 40’X13’ mural in Arkansas before I leave. Please pray that the clients like the art I have sent them and give the green light to move forward with the project.

Also, I’d like to thank everyone who has already committed to pray for me throughout the duration of my YWAM journey and thank you in advance for those of you that are praying into how you may be able to help.

God Bless You All!

Painting Jesus

All I want to say right now is wow, we serve such an amazing God! So, it's about 2 and a half months until I leave for YWAM, and I have barely scratched the surface of the money that I have to raise. Right now, I'm sitting somewhere aroud $1,500 of the nearly $15,000 I need to raise in order to get to YWAM in September. I have sent out over 100 support letters and plan on sending out more. Thank you to everyone who has supported me so far and thank you in advance to God and those who will be led to donate to this cause.

As I'm sitting still, I'm humbled by the thought that God is getting ready to use me for something much larger than myself. Every moment marks another step closer to the edge of the mountain. With every step, anxiety builds and my heart begins race... Will I have what it takes to jump? It seems that this question has been dominant in my thoughts lately and the verse that has brought tears to my eyes is "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your path straight." The very first word in that passage, Proverbs 3:5-6, stops me in my tracks right now!

TRUST...Why, as a Christian, do I find that word so hard to grasp at times? Right now, I think it's because I am running out of time and have barely made a dent in what it's going to take to make YWAM a reality. In my limited human knowledge, I don't have enough time and I don't know enough people that are willing to help. And while I know that God is in control of everything, it is very hard for me to let go of it and trust Him do His thing. What happens if September comes and I've raised enough money to go, but have not sold my car to eliminate that payment? Will I be willing to drive it to Honda and walk away? That would put a voluntary REPO on my credit, but isn't that about TRUST? Am I willing to trust that God will still provide 6 months later when I'm finished with YWAM and need a car and a place to live? We are called to "lean not on our own understanding" and "in all our ways acknowledge him."

Please pray that I will learn to trust in God more each day, and that he will continually reveal himself to me in ways I hadn't expected.





READ ON!!!

So, a couple weeks ago I had the privilege of traveling to Arkadelphia, Arkansas to be a part of Super Summer Arkansas 2010. SS started back in the 80's and has been going strong for years! I have had the honor of staffing there almost every summer since 2001, and this year I was able to use the creative gifts God has given me to help emphasize the corporate worship setting. This form of worship is not new by any means, but it has allowed me to express my love for God in a way I had never dreamed. Check out this video from the camp!