tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74977514267450911732024-03-21T18:04:37.361-07:00There can be no excuses in the world that we are in...<b>because there are so many uses for this one simple man...</b>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-24527542164254399752011-02-19T08:43:00.000-08:002011-03-31T10:53:01.723-07:00<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:documentproperties> <o:template>Normal.dotm</o:Template> <o:revision>0</o:Revision> <o:totaltime>0</o:TotalTime> <o:pages>1</o:Pages> <o:words>110</o:Words> <o:characters>630</o:Characters> <o:company>Jesus School</o:Company> <o:lines>5</o:Lines> <o:paragraphs>1</o:Paragraphs> <o:characterswithspaces>773</o:CharactersWithSpaces> <o:version>12.0</o:Version> </o:DocumentProperties> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves>false</w:TrackMoves> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:drawinggridhorizontalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridHorizontalSpacing> <w:drawinggridverticalspacing>18 pt</w:DrawingGridVerticalSpacing> <w:displayhorizontaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayHorizontalDrawingGridEvery> <w:displayverticaldrawinggridevery>0</w:DisplayVerticalDrawingGridEvery> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:dontautofitconstrainedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> </w:Compatibility> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="276"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--> <style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ux0WsPz7ROm1LsATtGqvHc_txSycNbzfmjUfsoMqP0G54667sh6YnPtciTS0bSnW_QxY8v_GWzzmjRheMmN9dF7887zaCJKvHMCOYFNbcA2gemvu8RjVtxduTSq9ImMQQVLTKxUo_8ec/s1600/Tent.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 191px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ux0WsPz7ROm1LsATtGqvHc_txSycNbzfmjUfsoMqP0G54667sh6YnPtciTS0bSnW_QxY8v_GWzzmjRheMmN9dF7887zaCJKvHMCOYFNbcA2gemvu8RjVtxduTSq9ImMQQVLTKxUo_8ec/s320/Tent.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575444825923406290" border="0" /></a>As the sun retreats behind a smoky horizon, the generator roars in the background as a constant reminder that we are not in Kansas/Kona anymore. Like a thick morning fog, tension hangs in the air brought on by the news that we will be spending yet another restless night stuck in the tent city with out showers. The worn out 14 sit outside swatting mosquitoes, struggling to maintain their pasted on smiles as the pastor and his crew put the finishing touches on the fence that will eventually protect the new church we have been setting up for the past two days. Some of us are crowded around one of the last remaining clean sheets of paper trying to plan sleeping arrangements for 14 people in an 8-man tent when a new commotion stirs everyone to attention.<br /><br /><br />Our contact, Pastor George, has been diligently meeting our<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-y8LAKdRtW87j3sjRM475XNYgfYAzx0XGHEmgLwDL-nFpTNGuADBBYPyoVTv6ZTKNWXAucmm-OMrYyN-ImAvt_PL4MY6YVa3V43vXfOfo5bQRCKmUKh1nu0YkoTfnfo6Ml22xkoMTI2e/s1600/Bed.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 278px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-y8LAKdRtW87j3sjRM475XNYgfYAzx0XGHEmgLwDL-nFpTNGuADBBYPyoVTv6ZTKNWXAucmm-OMrYyN-ImAvt_PL4MY6YVa3V43vXfOfo5bQRCKmUKh1nu0YkoTfnfo6Ml22xkoMTI2e/s320/Bed.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575445165510860066" border="0" /></a> every need while also faithfully taking care of his beautiful wife, Shelly, who is now frantically pacing back and forth with a strange look in her eye. Her hands press firmly into the small of her own back while she stifles the panic that slowly approaches with each deep breath. One foot stumbles in front of the next as the pain is almost too much to bare. Realizing what is going on, the girls spring into action, taking Shelly by the arms and helping her to a make shift bed that just happened to be ready. As the women scramble to make sure everything is clean , the guys are taping bare wires together to the rest of the scene does not have t continue in the shadows.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36pt;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VeeBO1t8xUVECIlQMQGiRZ-AHh8HOvQSDOOUMxoY0xXBGkhVvMNyQPRbXBwz6lywZJK5b_0BU3cZTkeOzCjHEI2RQ2tAxVOh5IHkpny9g4y-5mI4dwiEW594BlckX6ihma-zkkTFt32Z/s1600/Shelly.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 143px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VeeBO1t8xUVECIlQMQGiRZ-AHh8HOvQSDOOUMxoY0xXBGkhVvMNyQPRbXBwz6lywZJK5b_0BU3cZTkeOzCjHEI2RQ2tAxVOh5IHkpny9g4y-5mI4dwiEW594BlckX6ihma-zkkTFt32Z/s320/Shelly.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5575446539165441282" border="0" /></a>Trembling hands scrub and lay out what few supplies we have available. 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panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0cm; margin-right:0cm; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0cm; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:35.4pt; mso-footer-margin:35.4pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <br /> <!--EndFragment--><!--EndFragment-->Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-36331371919076639312011-01-29T06:03:00.000-08:002011-01-29T06:09:51.069-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr6GwxPpG3Z-tkIJEfKWiBV9036ovHEeL0UKDqfRq9s1FgqL_EdE6s9C7N7RziAUdkS5jYwzx89M4v4xzt3tPELahS9fcS414MF9dWM_2D88DXuvOmJZKPaPITOyIcxFhZcJZUMF6gDlg/s1600/Christmas.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUr6GwxPpG3Z-tkIJEfKWiBV9036ovHEeL0UKDqfRq9s1FgqL_EdE6s9C7N7RziAUdkS5jYwzx89M4v4xzt3tPELahS9fcS414MF9dWM_2D88DXuvOmJZKPaPITOyIcxFhZcJZUMF6gDlg/s320/Christmas.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567608501238993922" /></a>Ok... So, I know today is January 29 and this is dated Dec 27. Internet out here is very rare and time to sit and type out what I wrote a month earlier is even harder to come by. Hope this post still gives a little bit of insight into this part of my journey. Love you all and hope someone is actually reading this! :)<div><br /></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Monday</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dec 27, 2010</span></b></div><div>_________</div><div><br /></div><div>Haiti...Day 12... I thought the first 10 were bringing me to breaking point, but these last 2 are solid evidence that we are capable of so much more than we think.</div><div> <p class="MsoNormal"> During the 1<sup>st</sup> week, we woke up each morning, walked half an hour to an orphanage and spent time loving on 40+ kids. The men hauled dirt and bricks up a hill so the local workers could finish building a new toilet and shower. We worked our butts off each day in the blazing sun. It wasn’t easy, but it was definately evident that we were helping. On day 4 of orphanage detail, a few of us began work on the pre-existing well. Because of the Cholera epidimic, they are scared to drink the water from it. Our plan is to install a pump and cover the well to block out the light. In theory, this should make the water drinkable because the bacteria cannot survive without light. We didn’t quite finish that part of the project, but I’m pretty sure we have plans to return.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> Friday was Christmas Eve... This is my very first time away from home for Christmas. Let me first say. . . It was bittersweet. You don’t how much the climate effects you until you are jumping headfirst into a place where the winter months involve shorts, beaches and very little change in temperature. It was so strange to hear Christmas music in the 90 degree weather! It just wasn’t the same, but we still did our best. That night, the team made hot chocolate and watched “It’s a Wonderful Life.” After the movie, I stayed up, into the wee hours of the morning, decorating the common room for Christmas morning with threaded popcorn and duct tape streamers. When everyone woke up, we listened to Christmas music and were suprized with bacon, eggs and pancakes for breakfast! MERRY CHRISTMAS HAITI!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> So, all that brings me to the last 2 days. On Sunday morning we load up on top of a truck and ride an hour and a half into the heart of destruction. Port Au Prince looks like a scene from a war movie! Most of the buildings are completely destroyed and millions of people have been left homeless even a year after the quake. They have been forced to set up make shift tent cities in the parks and any available land. The smell as we drove into town was overwhelming to say the least! There is trash everywhere and people use the streetcorners and gutters to relieve themselves as mother nature makes her frequent calls. We finally get to our destination, a tent city in the middle of Port Au Prince. We’re told that this is the largest and most chaotic tent city in existence. 5 – 7 thousand people crammed into makeshift houses with only feet or inches separating each tattered tent. Human beings living like cattle...victims of circumstance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> The team climbs down from the top of our chariot into a crowd of curious locals. Everyone wants to hold your hand and ask your name. The fragmented english they know comes from programmed responses to the few white faces that pass through from time to time offering pocket change and donated t-shirts. We spend the afternoon building a stage and painting a sign for the crusade that has been scheduled to start that night. As the sun goes down, people gather in the square in hopes of finding a better tomorrow. Preachers from around the world share their hearts as the words are translated from the multitude. From atop the bootleg stage, the Holy Spirit gently moves accross a willing crowd and each heart present is given a message of hope in the midst of despair. Something became very clear to me that night. There is a difference between someone who is wrecked by poverty, struggling to make it from one meal to the next and someone who is broken to the core and struggling to live. A lot of people I have met in my travels were just living so that one day they could die. These people, however, are dying to live!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> After the crusade, all 14 of us piled into our one designated tent to sleep like sardenes. The hours passed slowly through the night until the sun came up way too early the next morning. A new day has come but the same hopless people are still waiting to fight for our attention, and the same question lingers in the thick morning air... “Will this ever end?”<b style="font-style: italic; "> </b></p></div>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-43661516907102506482011-01-17T15:58:00.000-08:002011-01-17T16:07:03.630-08:00I said, "Here I am, send me!" And God said, "OK...Go to Haiti!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAEWIqYlYr45XMv1F7uXHr0y1623Y_E_RKwH8S1YGOP8GhhjcRz9DqRfguhYNd1qZvS-govag_WC-pSqTpX18X-t-5sIK3DNkMoNRPae9raPULElg1zKbtuUbw2Hj9Im2Eg4YUFBTDFHs/s1600/Blog.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 164px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVAEWIqYlYr45XMv1F7uXHr0y1623Y_E_RKwH8S1YGOP8GhhjcRz9DqRfguhYNd1qZvS-govag_WC-pSqTpX18X-t-5sIK3DNkMoNRPae9raPULElg1zKbtuUbw2Hj9Im2Eg4YUFBTDFHs/s320/Blog.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563310673744448162" /></a><br /><p class="MsoNormal">So here we are. . . Haiti! </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">September 28<sup>th</sup>, I landed in Kona Hawaii to begin planning for this day!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>People from all over the world converged on one campus in the middle of the pacific ocean fervently searching for God’s call on their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I arrived, I knew nothing of Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>All I knew was that there was a team going to Africa.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Little did I know, God had something different for 14 of us.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>For the first 3 months we learned about the father heart of God.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He loves you and I so much!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We also learned that the spirit world is real and active.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is important to be able to discern between spirits and/or negative strong holds on our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>God is continually speaking to us each day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>On Dec 15<sup>th</sup>, 14 of us started our journey toward Haiti.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Four planes and 30 hours later, here we are.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Everyone is tired and no one has luggage because it got misplaced somewhere along the way.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If ever there was a time for us to understand that God is in control, that time is now.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’ve been here for 3 days now and still have no luggage.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The first night we stayed at YWAM Port Au Prince.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That was such a blessing because there was power and internet.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was able to call home and assure my family that I landed safely.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The next day we get on the Tap Tap (Haitian Taxi) and drive about an hour to our home from the next 30 days.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At this point we realize there will most likely be no power because it has been out for 8 days already.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>That’s ok though!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The food has been great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We only have one bathroom between 14 of us, but that’s ok too... nobody packed soap so we all smell the same!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We have been passing the deoderant <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>between pits and have shared what snacks we have as we spend each night reading books, playing music and sharing life be candle light.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Saturday, we went to the market.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It was like nothing I have ever seen.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Vendors lined the streets selling anything and everything they could find.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As we walked through the city of St. Mark, eyes followed our every move.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Empty hands and hopeless eyes met ours as we passed by the beggars and orphans.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>“Grangou...Grangou”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They were saying, “I’m Hungry!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of the kids we see had been trained to say, “Give me one dollar” in english.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>My heart ached for the people because I had nothing to give.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When we got home that night there was a hot meal waiting on us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I ate the delicious feast, I thought of the people I had seen that day.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Most of them have nothing, but I fell asleep w/ a full stomach and an aching heart for the people of Haiti.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>Sunday<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>morning, a new smell drifed though the house.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Pumpkin soup is a fairly new delacacy for the Haitians.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Apparantly there was a revolution in Janaury.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Before that, only the high class had access to pumpkins.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After the revolution, every Hatian was allowed to cook and eat this delicious meal.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our cook this morning was from one of the largest hotels in Haiti and she wanted us to be a part of the new revolution.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>After we had this soup for breakfast, I get news that I’m preaching the Sunday morning sermon in about 30 minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I wasn’t super excited to be put on the spot, but I began to prepare.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>As I began to stifle my own apprehensions and fear, I asked God what he wanted me to tell the people this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Immediately he said, “Give them Hope... Tell thime I love them.”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In my heart I thought “Lord I’m sure they hear that all the time!”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in">He said, “Tell them again!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>“But God...”</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:2"> </span>“Jon... I want YOU to tell them...again!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">30 minutes passed... One Hour... Two Hours...<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>About 20 minutes after I finished preparing to speak,we get news that we are going somewhere else for church.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I thought I was off the hook but we plan on going to night church, so I’ll have the chance to preach in Haiti after all!</p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-13326892008438851842010-11-01T20:18:00.000-07:002010-11-01T20:43:54.798-07:00Stretch Armstrong<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://retaliators.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/stretch-armstrong-ng.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 260px; height: 260px;" src="http://retaliators.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/stretch-armstrong-ng.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Good morning world! </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">First, let me apologize for "falling off the map."<br />Second, let me assure you that I have not been thrown into a volcano or eaten by a shark. Unfortunately, I haven't even had the opportunity to see either. I have however, been bitten by an angry fish on my maiden snorkeling adventure in the Pacific Ocean!<br /><br />I can't believe that we are already in week 4! It seems like I just got here yesterday, but each day I get out of bed I'm reminded that this is still just the beginning. During week one, we heard from a big Hawaiian named Ben. I walked into class on Monday morning with the mindset of "Step on my toes if it brings me closer to God, because I'm into God and I can survive without toes." Ben's message was on "The Father Heart of God." He told us that we are in a battle between two fathers; the father of lies and the father of light.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"> We also learned that the capacity to receive all that God wants for us will require vulnerability and boldness, and the ability to give that away come from the ability to receive. At this point in the week, my toes were still intact and all was well with my soul.<br /><br />As i began to process all of what Ben the Hawaiian I started to ask myself what it meant to be vulnerable and how it looked to be bold in that vulnerability. Naturally I began to wonder "Is this place safe? Are these people really safe?" I found myself in a beautiful place... Exposed and vulnerable before a mighty and sovereign God... Terrified because every shred of personal protection was down, but calm because the Father's hand is gentle. The shelter I had been working so hard to build for myself was being broken piece by piece, opening me up to the elements. In a place like this your first instinct is to keep just a shred of shelter... something to hide behind in moments of weakness... but then I am not going to receive the extent of what God has for me because I am not truly vulnerable.</span><br /><br /> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I Cor 10:13 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> endure.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Ben taught us to "be legit in where you are, and God will meet you there." This meant that it is ok to say <span style="font-style: italic;">"Hey God... This is tough and I don't quite understand or agree with all of it, but if I have to have my toes broken in order to get closer to you...please stomp with all your might!"</span> If I never walk again, at least I'll be closer to God.<br /><br /><br />So yah... That's week one... I know I told you that we're already in week 4 and so much more has happened but, with the intensity of what we're learning, it has taken me this long to process stuff from the first week. So please keep praying and checking back for more updates!<br /><br />I miss you all and would love to hear from you! I also love getting mail! "Hint Hint ;)"<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Jon Hatton</span><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >University of the Nations</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >75-5851 Kuakini Highway</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Kailua-Kona, HI 96740-2199</span>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-28615973671171971692010-09-30T10:13:00.000-07:002010-09-30T10:24:46.525-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Lf222BXQmEfsa69wIFytDppazQz-OPtBKy78J7l2Mot-8CS6uFlL0wURChokfTn00j5NFtHVaztn8WxWSV7AItRV_SYOZBaaKeLeOjUfXfq0S6ugN9POcHLQ1c-5zVhY7e-nuMrNfgT/s1600/PLANE.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2Lf222BXQmEfsa69wIFytDppazQz-OPtBKy78J7l2Mot-8CS6uFlL0wURChokfTn00j5NFtHVaztn8WxWSV7AItRV_SYOZBaaKeLeOjUfXfq0S6ugN9POcHLQ1c-5zVhY7e-nuMrNfgT/s320/PLANE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522758707220469346" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Every once in awhile we all do something good.</span> From time to time, we all catch just a glimpse of who we were meant to be. Maybe you say something inspirational. . . or you have the opportunity to help someone that had no idea how they were going to accomplish a certain goal. . . Maybe it is the time you simply find patience in a situation where you would normally explode. It could be when you find yourself lost in a moment and didn't realize you had tears in your eyes. . . or that time you found the compassion you’ve been in search of for years, or you find yourself grateful to God for no reason at all. . . For just a moment. . . and in that moment, you get a just a glimpse of why God made you. <br /><br /> It is in these moments that an overwhelming feeling comes over us. It is in these moments that we cannot shake the feeling that there is so much more to life than we realize. The feeling that we can, in fact, be better. In these moments, I have to acknowledge that there is a God. . .and it is <span style="font-weight:bold;">NOT ME</span>. You see, I am not my handy work, and it is not up to me to make myself into who I am supposed to be. God is all the while guiding the process of bringing me to my fullest potential as a follower of Christ. He has many tools and is in no hurry.<br /><br /> From time to time I get caught up in the thoughts of “If I were a better person...” or “If I only read the Bible more…” or “If (insert situation here) had worked out differently, then I would be closer to what God intended for my life.” All the while missing countless opportunities to enjoy my creator and his endless grace. I find myself trying so hard to live up to expectations and qualifications, and fail to realize that the expectations I’m trying so hard to live up to…are none other than my own. My life is not my project… It’s God’s… And today is the day that He is beginning a new work in me. Today is the day that I’m embarking on a journey of change. . . of discovery. . . of transformation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Today is the day that I take a step closer to being who God intended me to be!</span><br /><br />Yes. . . Today is the day! I wish I could say that I got to bed early so I would be rested for today, but that would be a lie! As I laid in bed last night, I just couldn’t get to sleep… Thoughts of what may face me on the journey ahead raced through my mind. I tried my hardest to come up with every scenario I could think of, but found it impossible to shake the feeling that nothing in my imagination will compare to what is actually around the corner. It’s so bizarre when I look back on life. If someone told me even 3 years ago that I’d be sitting on a plane on September 28th 2010…. On my way to a place called YWAM to spend 12 weeks learning more about God before spending another 12 weeks traveling foreign countries sharing the love that I am just now learning to receive, I would have called you crazy! But… here I am… on a plane over the ocean. . . on my way to the beginning of the journey of a lifetime!<br /><br />If you’re reading this, you probably know a little bit about what is going on in my life. It has been so amazing to sit back and watch the Lord work in me as I began to prepare for the chance to abandon my comfort zone and dive into the unknown. I’ll admit that I’ve had my days where I wondered if I was listening correctly when I felt the Lord calling me to YWAM, but I’ll also rejoice in the fact that over the past month, as my fears and concerns grew, God has continued to show up in the most surprising ways. I had my idea of how it would all play out until now, but I was pleasantly wrong. I thought that if God wanted this for me he would make it easy. . . that the support would POUR in… and I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing. But what I’m realizing is that God is not only showing up and hanging out, but he is also speaking to me and assuring me that the journey may not be painless… but that He’ll be hanging out with me along the way.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-74116599153924872452010-08-06T08:21:00.000-07:002010-08-06T08:40:29.942-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4207449006_5cf726df3e.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 500px; height: 225px;" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4207449006_5cf726df3e.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This week was my very last week in my apartment.<span style=""> </span>I finally got everything moved out and stored most of my stuff in a 5’x5’ storage unit.<span style=""> </span>Who knew that Jon Hatton, the king of collecting junk, could fit all of his stuff in a 5’x5’ room?<span style=""> </span>I bet I threw away 20 trash bags of stuff.<span style=""> </span>In fact, I know it was at least 20, because I used an entire box.<span style=""> </span>Moving makes you realize just how much junk you have that you don’t really need or use.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">With the move, I disconnected my internet and packed up my computer.<span style=""> </span>When I got home last night I checked my email and found my official acceptance letter to YWAM!<span style=""> </span>So yes… It’s official… I have been accepted to the Justice DTS Lecture Phase of YWAM.<span style=""> </span>Starting in September, I’ll have the opportunity to be taught by the mothers and fathers of world missions, who God has been using to build His kingdom all over the earth.<span style=""> </span>This portion of the YWAM Journey will cover 12 weeks.<span style=""> </span>When this part is over, we’ll spend the next 12 weeks targeting areas of poverty and injustice in both Asia and Africa.<span style=""> </span>We may be working in an orphanage in Cambodia, digging wells in Mozambique, working with the trafficked and sexually abused women in Thailand, or caring for street children in India.<span style=""> </span>The possibilities are endless!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, why have I decided to take such an extreme leap?<span style=""> </span>Over the past year or so, I’ve realized that I am my own biggest fan.<span style=""> </span>It’s a humbling experience when you confide in your friends about your concerns with your own ego, and they agree that you have become one of the most self-absorbed people they know.<span style=""> </span>I’ve gotten really good at putting myself first and that’s not ok.<span style=""> </span>YWAM had been on my radar for awhile and the more I looked into it, the more I realized that this was a perfect opportunity to be part of something much bigger than myself.<span style=""> </span>When Jesus spent time with his disciples, he told them that in order to find life they first had to lose it.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style=""> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I understand that losing your life isn’t the “American Dream,” but right now, I want nothing more than to know what it means to die to myself in order to find true life.<span style=""> </span>I want to experience life in Christ in a way that I’ve never imagined!<span style=""> </span>The Justice DTS is designed for those who refuse to stand on the sidelines and observe the atrocities of the world.<span style=""> </span>It is for the adventurous in spirit, the compassionate at heart, and those who desire for their lives to really make a difference!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you feel like God is speaking to you through this post and would like to consider partnering with me in ministry and joining me on this mission, there is a “donate” button on the right side of this page. <i><b>YWAM</b></i> is a support-based ministry, therefore its participants are required to raise their own support. First and foremost, I only want to strive for what the Lord has for me.<span style=""> </span>If you are considering making a donation, please take some time to <i>pray and hear from the Lord what amount to give.</i><br /><br><br />Thank you in advance to anyone who is called to join me financially or through prayer!<o:p></o:p></p>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-45767424962510026342010-07-27T21:58:00.000-07:002010-07-27T22:15:26.939-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.3592.com/onlinedb/wylvfm/pics/LOVE_webheader.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 800px; height: 180px;" src="http://www.3592.com/onlinedb/wylvfm/pics/LOVE_webheader.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br />I think it may rain soon, but I’m not quite sure.<span style=""> </span>The windows here are tented and I can’t tell if the sun is shining or if the clouds are holding him hostage.<span style=""> </span>Either way, I’m comfy because I have my coffee, music and a soft couch to keep me safe.<span style=""> </span>There isn’t anyone else in the coffee shop right now but that’s ok because I’m not really hear to talk.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>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.<span style=""> </span>Is there not security in flowing with ease; caught in the rhythm and melody of Christ?<span style=""> </span>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?<br /><br />As of today, YWAM is almost exactly 2 months away.<span style=""> </span>I’m supposed to be out of my apartment by August 5th and I’m trying really hard to get everything packed up.<span style=""> </span>This morning I had the chance to worship with the staff of <b><i>Love89.1FM</i></b> through painting. They invited me in to be part of their meeting and it was such a blessing being there.<span style=""> </span>I was able to share my story and tell them where I am in my journey.<b><i>If you’re finding this blog from the Love89.1FM Facebook page…Welcome!</i></b><br /><br />As far as support goes, each day a little more comes in and I am slowly creeping forward.<span style=""> </span>Of the almost $15,000 needed, we are around 1/5<sup>th</sup> of the way there with little time left.<span style=""> </span>I am currently trying to land a job painting a 40’X13’ mural in Arkansas before I leave.<span style=""> </span>Please pray that the clients like the art I have sent them and give the green light to move forward with the project.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">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.</p><br />God Bless You All!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs039.ash2/35321_536309914293_82201598_31673034_5315979_n.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 719px; height: 233px;" src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs039.ash2/35321_536309914293_82201598_31673034_5315979_n.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-67368935383787044602010-07-13T15:56:00.001-07:002010-07-13T15:56:37.666-07:00Painting JesusAll 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.<br /><br />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... <b><i>Will I have what it takes to jump?</b></i> It seems that this question has been dominant in my thoughts lately and the verse that has brought tears to my eyes is <i>"<b>Trust</b> in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In <b>all</b> your ways acknowledge Him, and he will make your path straight."</i> The very first word in that passage, Proverbs 3:5-6, stops me in my tracks right now! <br /><br /><b><i>TRUST</b></i>...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."<br /><br /><i>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.</i><br /><br /><br><br /><br><br /><b>READ ON!!!</b><br /><br />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!<br /><br /><br><br /><object width="460" height="283"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XWLXeNZC1Hs&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XWLXeNZC1Hs&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="460" height="283"></embed></object><br /><br>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-7725803879151625802010-06-12T19:23:00.000-07:002010-06-12T19:26:54.180-07:00Can I Tear Out The Sidewalk?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.espares.co.uk/datastore/ProductImages/734144.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 500px;" src="http://www.espares.co.uk/datastore/ProductImages/734144.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />When I was little, we had this old sprinkler. You know, the kind that goes back and forth sending about 100 little streams of water in a perfect arch across the lawn? <span style="font-style: italic;">Yes, that's the one!</span> I can remember running back and forth through that cheap sprinkler all day! We would pretend we were invincible and whatever was coming out of that sprinkler (dihydrogen monoxide - H2O), could somehow take that super power away leaving us helpless against the attacks from "The Enemy," also known as "mom". . .and "dad."<br /> Time passed and I eventually forgot about the excitement hidden within water coming out of the aluminum and plastic contraption that eventually got stepped on and became useless. As I grew older I began to immerse myself in much more expensive and more complex forms of entertainment. Movie Theaters, The Latest Game Systems, Nice Cars and Computers. These are the things that, over time, have come to hold my attention. These are the things that only months ago, I would have scribbled onto a list if someone had asked what I couldn't live without. And, unfortunately, these are the things that today. . .right this moment. . .are holding me where I am, possibly keeping me from moving forward.<br /><br />In July of 2009, I started selling windows for Andersen Windows in Knoxville, TN. About 3 months into it, the timing chain in my car BROKE and beat everything in the engine to a pit. When I finally found a way to get it to the shop, the mechanic called me hours later with crippling news. It was going to cost almost $2,000 to fix my car. After telling him that I just couldn't afford to fix it, I hung up the phone... defeated... Luckily he was willing to let it sit in his lot until I could figure out what to do with my 2003 Honda "Paperweight."<br /><br />I began calling around and quickly found a loner vehicle to use so i could begin working extra hours to earn the money to fix the car. However, there wasn't as much luck finding someone to come move it. A week went by... The end of the second week was quickly approaching... I knew i had to figure something out quickly. I decided to call the shop and find out just how long they would let my car sit until they had to dispose of it. To my surprise the man on the other end of the line informed me that my car had been fixed, and that someone had dropped off a check to cover the expenses! I didn't know what to do or say...so I graciously accepted the generosity and drove my car home the next day. This is just one of the many times in my life that God has provided above and beyond what I could ever expect! A few months later, the newly repaired car develops an appetite for burning oil very quickly and I decide to sell and get a newer vehicle to get me to my window selling appointments. With the purchase I acquired a newer set of shiny wheels along with a pretty hefty monthly payment. But I've got a good paying job right?<br /><br />Well, in January I was offered job with a non-profit called "Z-Foundation." They are an organization that produces media for missionaries and other non-profits around the world. This wasn't just any job to put on the list of the many positions I've held over the years. You see, Z-Foundation doesn't really have many employees because they cannot afford to pay full time staff. The interesting thing about this opportunity was that someone actually called Shawn, the president, and offered to pay my salary if they would hire me. After praying about it, I really felt like this decision would be the beginning of the next chapter in my life. This was an opportunity i couldn't pass up so I said goodbye to the window business, and hello to the new adventure called "Z-Foundation."<br /><br />After the tragic loss of their son Zach Weimer, Shawn and Sally Weimer started the Z-Foundation in his name. It's aim was to provide opportunities for families to serve together, because Zach loved serving the Lord...especially with his family. With Shawn's background in media, a new avenue of ministry opened up and they began creating digital and print media for different ministries and non-profits around Knoxville and surrounding areas. This is where I enter the scene. I was hired to help Shawn develop the media portion of Z-Foundation. In my first few months I created and reworked several videos and graphics they had not been able to get to because of the busyness of planning service opportunities for the number of families looking for the chance to serve the Lord. In the midst of planning, serving and creating, the Weimers were also in the process of helping their daughter, Kelly, get ready for YWAM (Youth With a Mission).<br /><br />YWAM is the largest missionary training ministry in the world, with an international base in Kona, Hawaii. Participants of YWAM spend three months in a Discipleship Training School (DTS) with emphasis in different areas, and are immediately sent into the mission field for another 3 months to use the skills they gained during their the DTS. When Kelly had been there only a few weeks she called us with exciting stories of the things she had learned and what God had been showing her in the time she was spending in His word and around His people. After 3 months, Kelly found herself in a remote jungle in Brazil. When she finally finds civilization and a way to contact us, her face was glowing like she had been spending time at the feet of Christ. It was amazing and I began to long for the chance to meet God in such an intense way. After much wise council, prayer and research I began to realize just how selfish and comfortable I had become. When even my closest friends agreed that I had a really bad case of "But I'm Jon Hatton" syndrome, I knew something had to be done. I made the decision to begin preparing for my own YWAM journey because I knew it would force me to put things other than myself on the top of the list. I began to grow tired of sitting on the sidelines watching others do radical things for Christ and decided I wanted to be part of His movement.<br /><br />On September 29, I will be getting onto a plane directed at the International YWAM base in Kona, Hawaii. While there I will be part of the "JUSTICE DTS," a DTS focused on heartbreaking injustices in both Asia and Africa. After the 3 month training, we will travel overseas to reach people involved in and affected by Human trafficking, child soldiers, genocide, poverty, living on the street and AIDS. In order to make this trip a reality I have to raise almost $15,000 to cover the expenses involved in travel, training, room and board. Along with the 15k, I also need to sell my nice shiny car that I owe more than $18,000 on, because I won't be able to make payments on it while I'm involved in YWAM. When I get back from YWAM I won't have a job waiting on me, so there is no way I can pay for it when that part of my journey is finished.<br /><br />At the moment, I am in the process of listing most of my belongings, including my car, on "Craigslist" with hopes of doing nothing more than breaking even on the Honda. Blue book retail value is $17,500, so I'm hoping God will send someone to either write a check for what I owe or take over payments. If nothing happens by the middle of September, I'm pretty sure I'm prepared to drop it off at Honda with the keys and accept a "Voluntary Repo" on my credit. Right now, I'm praying that I don't have to do that, but I know that I have to do what it takes to follow God's call on my life, even if it isn't how I would write the story.<br /><br />What I'm beginning to realize is that the things I once found glorious and desirable aren't bringing the joy they once did. The pretty car and nice belongings I wanted so much are now the very things holding me where I stand. I used to walk down the sidewalk in my neighborhood watching the cars fly by wishing I had something better. I used to be jealous of my friends because of the toys and gadgets they had. Now... I would give anything to tear that sidewalk out of the picture, leaving no place to stand.Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-78407532375620970402010-05-05T06:53:00.001-07:002010-05-05T12:50:47.146-07:00Push Me Out of The Plane!<span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;" >So... I sat down and made this blog almost a year ago with no idea what I would really do with it, and just like many of my "good ideas" it sat here and did nothing on its own. I had dreams of becoming the next big blogger with a following of hippie Christians who despised mainstream and wanted something more out of life. Unfortunately, this idea sat on the shelf with many others and collected the dust of laziness, apathy and complacency. </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;" >Can anyone relate?</span><br /><br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-size:100%;" ><span><span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwVUPXidjA7_VuY0xmSwrtXUrdZqy6GF_Pugm0JK9oqSiIMCem3l9YRJzsNZpwxd-QVBp46NF5A3iahW1-o5O9w231xCPoPn_T0nizgLzXi4R43QRnTVgjgDIlct96hk3sADWyFe3cJgu/s1600/SKY.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 220px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwVUPXidjA7_VuY0xmSwrtXUrdZqy6GF_Pugm0JK9oqSiIMCem3l9YRJzsNZpwxd-QVBp46NF5A3iahW1-o5O9w231xCPoPn_T0nizgLzXi4R43QRnTVgjgDIlct96hk3sADWyFe3cJgu/s320/SKY.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467872902013375394" border="0" /></a><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span>Today... I sit here te</span><span>rrified... </span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span>But</span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span> I've never felt so alive! From what I've heard, this moment could be compared to skydiving. <strong style="font-weight: normal;"></strong></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span><strong style="font-weight: normal;">Thirteen thousand feet up and plunging toward t</strong></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);font-family:arial;font-size:100%;" ><span><span><strong style="font-weight: normal;">he ground at 120 miles per hour.</strong></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span>What a rush! A feeling of exileration bordering panic. Adrenaline pumping through your body. The incredible sense of floating on nothing. Meanwhile, you see the earth as never before, amazingly cool and soft-edged and peaceful for something that's pulling you closer with enough speed to break every bone in your body on impact.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span>However, before getting this far, before this experience could even begin. . . there was something else that had to be done. <em>You had to to jump out of the plane.</em></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Everything I've heard about the experience of Skydiving. . .I'm feeling right now. Feeling paralyzed at the open door as the wind ripples your jumpsuit. The butterflies throwing a party in your stomach. Everything inside you screaming, </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><em>Are you crazy? Don't do this! You're an idiot! </em>The icy surge of fear.</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> After all, it's totally unnatural to step out of an airplane door and fall into nothing. It's totally unnatural to move hours away from your family with no idea how you are going to survive. <em> <strong>But without it, without stepping down and out, there'd be no exhilaration of the skydive, no rush of aliveness in the freedom of the beautiful blue sky. . .</strong></em> <em>This is reality whether I accept it or not:</em> </span><span style="font-style: italic;">To Get Real Life, You First Have to Loose It!</span></span></span>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7497751426745091173.post-7738389471105593812010-05-04T14:02:00.000-07:002010-05-04T14:03:37.054-07:00<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JU_dLcaCq_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JU_dLcaCq_Q&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x3a3a3a&color2=0x999999" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04827044153011476667noreply@blogger.com0