One Sentence.

“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” –Romans 1:16

Paul would know better than most the truth of this verse. This week has been long, and it’s still not over. But this verse keeps me going. I know the power the cross has. I’ve experienced it in my own life. I’ve seen it change people in incredible ways. The rejections, the weird looks, the apathy…it’s all worth it to see just one person come to know the Lord. And that has become a truth for our team this week. The apathy on the campus is unreal. You can sit down with someone thinking they’re interested, watch them nod their heads while you explain the gospel and then leave with a “that works for some people, but I don’t think I’m interested”. Inside I just want to grab them and shake them and say, “You have to get this! It will change your life. You’re making a mistake by saying no!” But then God always seems to tap me on the shoulder and remind me that changing hearts is His job and not mine. That truth alone is what I must cling to daily in order for me to press on to the next conversation knowing that what I’m doing will be fruitful in God’s timing.

Fortunately, we serve a God who knows just what we need and when we need it. With each of us having outcomes similar to the one just laid out, He decides to show us a reason to stay true to our purpose and give us a “halftime pep talk”. On Tuesday, Mia made the decision to join us as the body of Christ. The first saved soul (that we’ve seen) so far. It was exactly what we needed to hear happen…it gave us hope and assured us of why we are here. Even if Mia is the only one who comes to know the Lord this summer…it will be worth it. So praise the Lord for showing us that the Holy Spirit is in Melbourne, He is working through us, and He does care what we are doing for Him :)

Tonight StudentLife had an outreach at a local mall…Cheeseburger Party! Everyone who came got a free Macca’s (McDonald’s) cheeseburger. It was a great time of meeting some more RMIT students and finding out where they are spiritually. I had a few really great conversations and hopefully a few coffee dates in the next week J Praise God for that!

The need for bold Christians at RMIT is still great. We are trying our best to spur the Aussie Christians along in their faith, but it’s been a struggle. Our aim is to team up with them and go sharing on campus with them, but because they are in classes, it’s difficult to work around their schedules. Another big obstacle is that many of them are new believers and the boldness is lacking. We are trying to encourage them as much as possible and build relationships with them, but again, that is another difficulty as well.

Going back to our experience on campus so far this week…it’s hard. Melbourne is indeed a desert, a land desperate for rain. Today I was asking the Lord to give me hope for this city, because honestly, it’s hard to see it. I had about an hour of alone time tonight before our team meeting. I was debating how to spend this precious hour of time (alone time is pretty sparse here). My decision: listen to a sermon I had downloaded on my ipod. I opened to Jonah and the Lord left me even more in awe of His incredible power.

Just to summarize… Jonah was commanded by the Lord to go the city of Nineveh and preach the Good News. Nineveh was at the time, the capital of Assyria, a people that were planning on causing major destruction. So, like most, Jonah saw it pointless to go try to this city to preach to people who won’t even give Jonah a second glance. Jonah decides to try to hide from God, in hopes that he wouldn’t have to go. Well, that was a bust. God of course, showed mercy to Jonah by saving him. The point of the sermon isn’t God’s mercy on Jonah, although that is a great sermon in and of itself. The point the pastor was making in this specific sermon was the compassion God has on the world.

In chapter 2, Jonah arrives in Nineveh and ended up leading the entire city to the Lord using one sentence. ONE, a total of 5 Hebrews words (8 translated English words). What the? Yep, that’s God.

What I wrote in response to reading this:

“Now that is power. Reading that is such a great reminder to me during this point of my journey that the amount of words you say doesn’t make people believe. It’s not about a long dialogue or a lot of questions. It’s about the capability of God’s power. God can change the heart of a city the size of Nineveh in just ONE day and with just 5 words, using Jonah, someone who initially ran from God in fear of even going. God uses the weak and He can revive cities with just one man and just a few words. His power is seriously incomprehensible!”

God is awesome. God is working. God will continue to work. He’s bringing the rain to Melbourne, whether it’s while we’re here on not.

If you want to come along beside me and my team, we’re keeping a list of people we meet and are praying about.

-Kiriaa, he is from the Ukraine = grew up as a Christian, but fell away. He wants proof through science.

-Amitola

-Chris

-Long

-Joe

-Jack

-Natalie = interested in becoming part of StudentLife

-Arthur

-Daniel

-Mia = our new sister in Christ…pray that she fights the horrible attacks Satan is throwing at her in her first days of being a believer. Pray that she continues to search for Truth and lives in the joy of having the Holy Spirit in her life.

We're Half Way There, Living on a Prayer.

Full on ministry has begun. This past week, we were able to get a taste of sharing on campus and what it is going to look like for the most part. Wednesday and Thursday we took a tram out of the city to Deakin Uni about 45 minutes away.

Our team were paired up and spread out over the campus approaching students in hopes of getting into a spiritual conversation. Wednesday was such a good start to my ministry here in Melbourne. God put 4 solid conversations in my schedule and each one was encouraging in different ways. We talked to 2 agnostics, both of which were willing to listen to the Christian standpoint and one of them allowed us to walk them through the gospel.

Today was the first day at RMIT and was really successful. Being the first day of classes, campus was pretty crowded and busy. Lexie (one of my teammates) and I were able to share the gospel with a Chinese girl named Amitola. We walked her through the key concepts of the gospel and constantly asked questions making sure she was understanding everything we were saying. She had a lot of questions about the Christian faith, but she showed quite a bit of interest. We left her with a KGP (Knowing God Personally booklet) and she eagerly gave us her contact information so we can meet up again to answer more questions she has. We also met a girl named Cindy from Indonesia who was a Christian and was interested in being plugged into a Christian ministry. That was a huge answered prayer, so we got her contact info as well so we can get her involved with StudentLife (Aussie’s CRU).

It has been quite a draining spiritual experience, but so worth it :) The Lord is working on these campuses and it’s so encouraging to hear all the conversations that my teammates have had. People are hearing the gospel, some are interested and a few are even becoming captivated by it. I am positive that God is calling Melbourne desperately to Himself. He wants so badly for the darkness in this city to become captured into His kingdom.

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” –Philemon 1:6

 Another summer project team arrived last night. This is the PSW team (Pacific Southwest) and are mostly from California. They are working at other campuses on Melbourne as well and knowing that they are here for the same reason we are…following the Great Commission. Both teams got together last night and had an hour of worship and just to better capture the moment, I’ll share what I wrote in my journal last night:

“Tonight was a night that I probably won’t forget. The PSW summer project invited us to worship with them. The room was full of students singing out to the same God. We didn’t even know each others’ names, but yet we were bonded. A bond like that can only by found in the cross. We’re all from different places, we all have different backgrounds, but the gospel brought each of us to Melbourne, Australia to serve Him. Hearing and seeing how passionate that summer project was brought so much encouragement and motivation to me. Tomorrow is our first day at RMIT. I pray for effectiveness and a fruitful harvest. We are made to “chuck” seeds, and to do so with grace, love and eagerness. Reading through the book of Acts has really opened my eyes to what spreading the gospel looks like. The expansion of the church is incredible to read. Willing disciples, the gospel, and God’s power equals a fruitful Kingdom. RMIT is ready for the gospel. They are ready to experience unconditional love. We’ve been placed at their disposal, equipped with the key to their eternity.”

Another thing that has been something that I’ve really grasped since I’ve been here is how important quality time with the Lord is. Spending time with the Lord each day has been part of my life for a while now, but here…it’s different. I’m pouring out so much of the wisdom God gives me each day in the conversations I get into, and without intimate time with my Lord I would be spiritually drained to the max. I need the Word, I need conversation with God and it has been so clear how important it really is. One of our leaders, Ryan, has done a great job in continuing to challenge us as a team in our personal relationships with the Lord. This morning he talked about John 13 and how Jesus washing His disciple’s feet isn’t just showing Jesus’ humility and service, but more of how it paints a picture of how He came down to this earth, take on such a crummy job, and “washing our feet” in order for us to know His love. The metaphor was an incredible picture of the gospel and he challenged us to pray about and even share the sins Jesus has washed us clean of these past 3 weeks. It was really great to become vulnerable with my team and share my heart as well as hear the hearts of my teammates. Ryan had us listen to a song by the Bridge Band called Search Me. Listening to it brought me to tears this morning. The lyrics spoke the exact cry of my heart and the thoughts I so often find myself thinking.

I don't wanna hide anymore from Your voice

I don't wanna run anymore from Your words

I don't wanna bow anymore to these gods

I don't wanna worship anymore of these things

Search me - oh God and know my heart

Test me - and know my anxious thoughts

See me - if there is any offensive way in me

Lead me - in the way everlasting

I don't wanna chase anymore of these dreams

Don't wanna walk away anymore from your love

I don't wanna live anymore for this world

Don't wanna find my strength anymore in myself (go to chorus)

I don't wanna spill anymore of Your blood

Don't wanna be ashamed anymore of Your name

I just wanna lay all my crowns at Your feet

I just wanna raise up my hands and say (go to chorus)

Search me

Test me

See me

Lead me

Thanks for your continuing prayers and I know God hears them.

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” –Colossians 4:2-6

People I’ve met and am praying for (and it would be awesome if you could pray for them as well):

Matthew (atheist), Jeremy (agnostic), Sam (agnostic), Allison (the lady from my last post), Ann (atheist), Cindy (Christian who wants to become involved in StudentLife), Steph (atheist), and Amitola (agnostic, but showed great interest in the gospel).

Adventcha'

Today was our first day out on the campuses in Melbourne and it was pretty amazing. 

We met the STINTers at 10am on the RMIT campus. They sent us off in pairs to walk around the campus and pray for what God is going to do in the next 4 weeks. Today was sweet...prepare yourselves :)

Description of today = ADVENTURE

Shannon and I partnered up and started walking and ended up at our first stop, "the Hub". For those JMUers who are reading this, it was what looked like our Warren Hall. For others, it was pretty much just an information office, a few computers, some lounging areas, and lots of bulletin boards to advertise clubs, events, etc. We found a cute little semi-circled booth and began praying. We prayed for the incredible opportunities that await RMIT because of the diversity of their students. The mindset: We reach out to them, they take it back home to their countries. After that stop, we made our way over the the uni's spiritual center, because of curiosity of course. We went into what we thought was the center, was greeted by a woman named Allison, and was led to an open office where she said we could pray. We met with Jesus, exchanged our hearts' desires for this campus and how we would love to see the students really take advantage of the spiritual center. On our way out, sweet Allison offered us a cup of coffee/tea...and of course we said yes. We sat down with Allison and I started asking her questions about the students at the uni and what primary religions were present. That lasted for a while, and then for some reason I felt the need to ask her what she believed...I mean, she does work with chaplains in the uni spiritual center. From her reactions to us from the beginning (surprised that we were "prayer walking", and her interest in why we were here) I had the feeling that she had some faith of her own. Her answer was not at all what I expected, and I think Shannon would agree. Her answer: "I grew up a Christian, but now I don't believe there's a god." Didn't see that coming. We continued to ask her about her past and why she had come to that conclusion. She told us that she grew up in the church, taught Sunday school through high school but when she got to college and began taking classes for her major (math and statistics) she started noticing that things didn't seem to add up. Her final statement about her reasoning was, "it takes faith to be a Christian, and I just don't have that kind of faith." Shannon and I asked a few more questions before we left to finish up our walk around campus. We talked about it after we left her office...and we were heartbroken. It was so sad to hear that someone knew the Truth (or said they did) and then has chosen not to accept it. Shannon and I believe God put Allison in our life today for a reason. We know where she works, so we know where to find her to talk to her again. She has a skewed vision of Christianity...she is basing it all on facts. We want to change that for her. We want to love on her during the next 4 weeks like she's never seen. We want her to experience firsthand what it really looks like to be a Christian, and we think what she's lacking in her life and has lacked is Christ's love. 

So that was a good start to the morning. I think the best word to describe it was humbling. The conversation with her was difficult. And I believe God used that just to show us a glimpse of what the next 4 weeks will look like.

There's one more thing I want to say about RMIT...the spiritual center, it's built into what used to be a prison. It's now used for tours and what not, but at one time it was the state prison. This is a sad, sad thing to say but it's unfortunately very true. Being built into a prison, this paints a picture of the current status of the spiritual atmosphere of Melbourne and the campuses. I, as well as my team and the STINTers, pray that this will change. These people are in bondage. Bondage of sin and lies. They are slaves to themselves and to Satan and are so saturated in it that they have become numb. Our plea for this city is that they hear the Truth that will break those bonds and set them free. 

After lunch we headed to Melbourne Uni. I'm going to do my best to paint a picture of this campus. In your head, imagine Hogwarts and Oxford combined and put it smack dab in the middle of a city. That's what this uni looked like. The buildings were amazing, the campus is beautiful and I'm so excited to spend time there!

Shannon and I were wandering around praying, taking pictures and talking when we ran into 2 students who offered to take our picture. The guy, Ryan, is actually from the States. He graduated from the University of Utah and is here at Melbourne Uni for his masters studying architecture, and the girl, Angie, is a purebred Aussie from Melbourne studying architecture as well. They were so nice and offered to show us around a little. We ended up getting Ryan's number and email so we can meet up and hang out some more :)

God provided some pretty sweet divine appointments today and I am so excited about the remaining 4 weeks. Today was just a glimpse of what it's gonna be like, and I really really liked what I saw.

Continue to pray for us. We're about to dive in to ministry this week. Tomorrow we have orientation of the unis and with the other Christian Aussies who we will be working alongside. Wednesday we're getting sent off in the city to share our faith. 

Prayer Requests:

-eager hearts for the gospel

-team unity, continual encouragement

-team sickness (still dealing with coughing and runny noses)

-RMIT and Melbourne Uni

What I've been meditating the past few days:

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you." -2 Corinthians 4:7-12

Kiwis, Plane Rides, and Dance Parties

I'm finally settled in. It has been a long, exciting and adventurous 10 days. For those who have been asking...here is a recap of my last ten days:

Day 1-2 (June 28th-30th)

-Consisted of planes, airports, terminals, overpriced food and LOTS of coffee. We were in the air for about 20ish hours overall. It was long for sure, but being entertained by my team made it a lot easier.

Since we flew across the international date line...June 29th was non-existent for us. It got lost somewhere between Hawaii and Fiji for us. The plane rides were pretty normal. It was dark the majority of the time, so scenery was...invisible. The one awesome thing we did get to experience was actually out of the "plan". Our flight from LA was supposed to go straight to Auckland, New Zealand but because of some weather issues, we landed in Fiji for about an hour. Lucky for us, we got to watch the sunrise of the mountains of Fiji. It was absolutely breathtaking. Such an amazing reminder of how artistic our beautiful Creator is :)

Day 3-8

-V20 Conference in New Zealand! I met and prayed with people from 39 different countries!

Some words I've learned:

"jandals"- flip flops

"sneeds"- sneakers and jeans (a big fashion no no in New Zealand)

"sweet as" - awesome

"stubbys"- men's rugby shorts...very short shorts

"egg" - idiot

"muppet" - idiot, jerk (in a more humorous sense)

I was able to go out and share my faith during the week of V20 in a nearby town called Hamilton. I got into a wonderful conversation with a woman named Collet. She invited me into her home and offered me a "cup o" (cup of tea/coffee). She shared with me her upbringing in a Catholic home and the negative impact that had on her. She had some skewed views about the Christian faith, so I asked if she would be willing to walk through the KGP with me (Knowing God Personally booklet). This booklet is a tool we use to witness. It encompasses the gospel in a clear and simple way. I ended up talking to her for about an hour and a half and by the end she was eager to share it with her husband and children. She was such a sweet lady and the conversation I had with her really got me excited about the experiences to come.

As of now, this is my second day in Melbourne and in about an hour we're heading out to do an "Amazing Race". The STINT team has put together a scavenger hunt through the city for us today. I'm pretty excited about it! 

Apologies for cutting this short, but I'm out of time :/

Prayer Requests:

-for our team: unity, encouragement, bonding, good health (we have a few runny noses)

-for our leaders: strength, energy, quality time with the Lord

-people in our hostel (we want to take each opportunity to witness to them as well)

-our parents back home: peace and joy knowing God is completely protecting every move we make

Mom and Dad, I love you! 

Everyone, thanks for your prayers :) They are much appreciated and I know that God is answering them!

Update again soon!!!

Ps. Emma, Logan, Katie, Amy, Laurel...I miss you girls and I love you so much!!

And Kristin McGregor...HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM AUSTRALIA!!! I love you sooo much!

Last Post from the 757

My prayer for my team and I the next 6 weeks:

The boldness to spread the Word of God like Peter and John. 

The eagerness of Paul to save lost souls. 

The devotion of Daniel. 

To be enveloped in prayer like Hannah. 

The trust of Noah in God, despite the persecution and judgment of others.

The fearlessness of Rahab to step out in faith.

The love of Jesus that He displayed on the cross for us.

The team is heading out in a matter of 30 hours from now. I can't believe it's finally here. I've been looking forward to this day/trip since January. The feelings traveling through my crazy mind make up a list that could potentially not have an end. But there is one that I can stick at the top of the list: blessed.

Last night my mom had both sides of my family over for dinner, as a kind of "send off" for my trip. We've had countless meals together, especially since all of my family lives within 20 miles of each other. But last night was different. There was SO much love and encouragement floating around that I found myself a couple of times just walking around aimlessly from person to person in kind of a daze. I had never felt so much love and comfort from my family that I did last night. 

Uncle Scott prepared me well :) He let me wear his "Crocodile Dundee" hat and taught me how to throw a boomerang!

I wasn't expecting it at all, but I was given a few "goodbye/good luck" gifts. There was one in particular that as I was reading the card, I just started crying. If you know me well, you know I'm not the crying type...especially over a gift. It was from my Aunt "Gin" (her real name is Virginia). She wrote me the most sentimental card ever and explained the gift she gave me. It was a book that she was given when she graduated high school. I had never heard of it, but she told me that it was the most circulated book at the time other than the Bible. She further explained how it affected her and it touched my heart in such a wonderful way. 

Tomorrow, I believe is going to be filled with more emotions along the lines of "excited, anxious, ecstatic", which is why I decided to blog today while I'm not completely hyped up. I want to thank everyone for your endless prayers and encouragement so far. This trip has not even happened yet, but it has already impacted my life AND lives of others in a way I know was completely in God's plan. 

I probably won't be blogging again until I get to Australia (aka when I have access to a computer). I will do my best to keep all of my prayer partners/family/friends updated as best as possible. You all know my love for blogging, so it shouldn't be a problem :)

"May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance" -2 Thessalonians 3:5

 

my day in pictures.

A morning downtown with my beautiful friend, Amy :)

We ate a delicious lunch at the Smithfield Bakery

Hair appointment to get highlighted. Caramel and Copper Red :) Pictures of the finished product will eventually get posted.

 

 

Ended the night giving myself an at-home mani :) hott pink...I was feeling ambitious.

Though my day doesn't look that overwhelmingly busy...I sit here typing at 10:30pm and I am pooped. I began the day around 5:30am. So it's been a long one. I will say, as early as it may seem...I really enjoyed my long day. I had a wonderful morning before the pictures start. I woke up and hopped on my bike and headed up the road to feed my neighbors dog while they're out of town. Came back and jumped right on the treadmill and had an awesome treadmill interval workout. I spent a few minutes out on the deck to cool off and then made my way inside and brewed a wonderful smelling cup of hazelnut coffee and joined Jesus back out on the deck :) It was an early rise, but it was very worth the productivity and energy boost for my day.

My goal for the next 3 days: repeat today's morning.

Fun Fact: It takes 21 days to make something a habit. I am going to attempt this while in Australia, but with flying and changing of schedules during the day, it may not happen. 

Fun Fact Pondering: Is there something that you've been wanting to start doing and making a habit of it? Try it out. 21 days of commitment.

68%

4 days folks. That's 96 hours. 5,760 minutes. 345,600 seconds. Give or take.

Surprisingly, I'm about 68% packed AND I still have room in my suitcase :) It's starting to hit me...the fact that I will be spending the next six weeks on the other side of the world, putting myself in awkward conversations in hopes to talk about my God. I don't think I've been more excited to be uncomfortable! 20 hours on a plane, being a clueless American in Australia...so stoked :) I will be using this blog to keep those praying for me updated on my trip. Prayer is going to be so vital for this trip. Open minds of the Aussie students, easy conversations, smooth travels, safety...the list is pretty endless.

The Lord is going to do amazing things in Melbourne, Australia...ah, I just can't wait.

Oh Abby.

This morning was my last bible study with the "girlz". We've been going through a study called Faith Untamed: The Strength of Rahab, Deborah, and Abigail. It has been so incredibly encouraging to study each of these women, read of their past, see their "untamed faith" through the various trials, and be able to relate to each one of them, despite the circumstance.

This was a question that we answered in today's study:

The woman I most admire is ___________________ because...

My answer:

The woman I most admire is __Abigail__ because... her patience is incredible. I hope one day I can have the self-control, love and submission she did for her husband (who was a non-believer). AND, she was completely satisfied in the life she had.

If you don't know the story of Abigail and Nabal, I suggest checking it out. This woman is solid. 1 Samuel 25...it's worth reading.

The more I thought about my answer, the more convicted I became. I'm not patient, especially with the people who need to see it the most. Reading what real Christ-like patience looks like in the life of a woman who was not respected or even loved by her husband was really convicting. I often try to put myself in the situation, and if I were Abigail...Nabal wouldn't have been around long. But instead of seeing her marriage as a punishment or lost hope, she used it as an opportunity to witness to her husband through patience and submission. She relied solely on God for her joy and despite the unhealthy relationship between her and Nabal she was completely content with the life she was given. 

I don't want to ruin the rest of the story, so I'll leave that to you to read. I will quote this, "The faithless will be fully repaid for their ways, and the good man (woman) rewarded for his." -Proverbs 14:14

And just to add on to the message God is trying to tell me about this whole patience thing...

The car that I followed all the way home.

Genius

"Never think that God's delays are God's denials. Hold on; hold fast; hold out. Patience is genius."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon

 

As easy as that is to read and think you believe it, it's much harder to live out...at least for me. I'm at this point in my life where I see myself "waiting". I'm not saying that I'm in a slump, but I do consider myself in a "waiting process". I'm not sure how long it's going to last, but like de Buffon said "hold on; hold fast; hold out". What I've realized through this season of my life is that waiting looks different for a christian than it does for a non-believer. Waiting, for me, has been most of the productive and growing stages of my life. Over the past year, the Lord has given me so many opportunities to serve and experience things that I don't think I would've done if I wasn't "waiting." And through all of those experiences, growth has been incredible. I have felt my faith strengthen, my hope in the Spirit become more sure, and my love for others has flourished. And none of that credit goes to me. It has been God working His wonders during in this season of 'waiting'. 

 

So how am I "in waiting"? Well, I've been asking the Lord for certain desires and answers that have been on my heart in the last year, and I am waiting for His answer. God, I'm sure of it, has been slowly putting the pieces of the puzzle together during these last several months, and the day He does decide to reveal the answers to me I will see why all of my "waiting" was necessary. 

Christians don't stand still while they wait. They don't stop life and become hopeless, or at least they shouldn't. God tells us to "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make all your requests known to God." He wants us get the most out of every season of our lives, especially when we are "waiting." Waiting is when we learn more about God's character; it's when we hang on to His every word; it's when we give our desires over to Him.

Waiting is patience. Patience is genius.

Vampires on Monday, Wolves on Tuesday

It has been just a typical Monday...slowly easing myself into this busy last week at home. Waking up to the Lord is truly the best way to start a day. Ever since I've been home for the summer, I've been blessed to meet God on my deck with either a cold or hot cup of coffee (depending on the temperature). For the last 3 years, I have said that I would never live in Smithfield after college. I still hold that thought, but over the last month and a half of being home and spending just about every morning staring out over my big back yard, surrounded by silence has definitely made a mark on my heart.

Since I ran home from church yesterday...haha, yes. That's how small Smithfield is. I took a change of clothes and after teaching Sunday school for the teens, I tied up my sneakers, turned up my ipod and headed home. I'm sure from the looks of it, many people thought that my parents were punishing me. They pulled out in the truck the same time I headed down the road. I'm sure people were thinking, "man, what did she do that they would make her run home?" Nevertheless, yesterday was my long run. 4.25 miles up and down constant hills. It was pretty tough. Who am I kidding, it was really tough. It may have taken me 45 minutes, but I did it. Anyway...that was my long run. Today was rest day :) one of the best days. With that, I took full advantage of "resting" and during the time I would run, I watched a movie instead. Plopped myself right on the couch, kicked back and pushed play to none other than...Twilight. I know, but being completely honest...it was a good pick. I'm currently waiting on my cousin to get home from work so I can borrow the other two.

Continuing on...I headed to town to feed my uncle's dogs while they're at the beach and stopped by the gym on the way home. It was incredibly crowded there that I lost all motivation to try to get in a small workout. So after 30 minutes on the elliptical, I headed home. I did a quick 20 minute leg workout when I got home and for some reason, my endorphins were going crazy after that. I couldn't sit still. That resulted in a washed car...and a washed dog.

What the rest of my day includes...a bike ride with my beautiful neighbors and probably finishing out the Twilight series :)

Strolling.

 From day one...

 

 

He knew I was his girl.

He taught me how to fish (and clean the boat apparently)

He taught me how to hunt (and yes, I did kill that)

He taught me to love.

 He came to every game, caught for me at every pitching practice, pushed me when it was hard...and was always my biggest fan.

He believed in me and helped me the entire way.

To this day, he still treats me like his little girl.

 Today I took a stroll down memory lane. Out came the albums, and with it came so many memories. My dad is a man who works hard for his family. Whatever he does, he does it with all of his energy. He puts 110% into any task he's given, especially our family. He has been an amazing role model, he has taught me so much about myself and the kind of person I strive to be in life. He taught me to be unique, to be different than your ordinary girl. (Refer to the hunting picture above for this). He taught me how to "hang with the guys" while out hunting, to "rough it out", to "rub some dirt on it"...but he also taught me how to be a woman with class, submission, and delicacy. He has loved me unconditionally from day one, and I have never seen that change. He has his flaws, but we all do. I'm not saying he's the perfect man, I'm saying he's the perfect dad for me :) 

Happy father's day daddy, I love you <3

For my dad...here's our song :)

Drive - Alan Jackson

It was painted red the stripe was white
It was eighteen feet from the bow to the stern light
Secondhand from a dealer in Atlanta
I rode up with daddy when he went there to get her
We put on a shine; put on a motor
Built out of love, made for the water
Ran her for years, 'til the transom got rotten
A piece of my childhood that will never be forgotten

It was just on old plywood boat
With a '75 Johnson with electric choke
A young boy two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And I would turn her sharp
And I would make her whine
He'd say, "you can't beat the way an old wood boat rides"
Just a little lake across the Alabama line
But I was king of the ocean
When daddy let me drive

Just an old half ton shortbed ford
My uncle bought new in '64
Daddy got it right 'cause the engine was smoking
A couple of burnt valves and he had it going
He let me drive her when we'd haul off a load
Down a dirt strip where we'd dump trash off of Thigpen Road
I'd sit up in the seat and stretch my feet out to the pedals
Smiling like a hero that just received his medal

It was just an old hand-me-down Ford
With a three-speed on the column and a dent in the door
A young boy two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And I would press that clutch
And I would keep it right
And he'd say, "a little slower son you're doing just fine"
Just a dirt road with trash on each side
But I was Mario Andretti
When daddy let me drive

I'm grown up now three daughters of my own
I let them drive my old Jeep across the pasture at our home
Maybe one day they'll reach back in their file
And pull out that old memory
And think of me and smile and say

It was just an old worn out Jeep
Rusty old floorboard, hot on my feet
A young girl two hands on the wheel
I can't replace the way it made me feel
And he'd say, "turn it left and steer it right,
Straighten up girl, you're doing just fine"
Just a little valley by the river where we'd ride
But I was high on a mountain
When daddy let me drive

The Zone.

Today has been quite different than my non-productive post from the other day. I woke up, fully energized and headed to the gym. In the process of training for the half-marathon, I'm using Hal Higdon's training schedule. Today was supposed to include a 30 minute cross. I walked in the gym...I wasn't feeling like trudging along for 30 minutes on the bike or elliptical, so I headed over to the free weights. Intervals! I turned up my "Philippians 4:13" playlist and grabbed some weights, bosu ball, and 2 steps.

Here's a sneak peak of my playlist:

Pressing On - Relient K

Like a Lion - David Crowder Band

Enough - Jeremy Camp

Awakening - Chris Tomlin

No One is Greater - Aletheia

Jesus Has Saved Us - Arisen

Glory Defined - Building 429

Starry Night - Chris August

Rise and Sing - Fee

The Saving One - Starfield

Dare You To Move - Switchfoot

Rediscover You - Starfield

Love is Here - Tenth Avenue North

That is about half of them, but I encourage you to check them out :) I tend to get so into my music that I unconsciously start singing them out loud at the gym. Today just happened to be the day that someone heard me and said something. From what I've been told about my singing voice, I'm expecting a "hey, could you stop?" or "can you keep it down?" Instead, I got a "hey! I know that song. I love Chris Tomlin!" :) I love divine appointments like that. This huge, macho weight lifting guy comes over and starts talking to me about how God had changed his life, and it all started with him hearing Christian music for the first time. We did continue our reps, but we continued the conversation as well. He had an amazing story of how he came to know the Lord. It was so encouraging to know that there are people out there who are open and EAGER to talk about their faith like he did. So yes, the gym was wonderful this morning. I'm thankful God told me to do intervals this morning instead of staring at a magazine or TV screen while I climb endlessly on the elliptical. If there were no intervals, there would've been no need for me to get "in the zone" (yes, don't joke). Without "the zone", there would've been no music for me to sing to. And then there would've been no conversation.

I left the gym this morning feeling more rejuvenated than usual :)

So I'm home now, cooled off and filled up with a nice banana chocolate smoothie for lunch. And since it's Father's Day weekend...I'm going to go conquer the yard with nothing other than the "Deere". 

I pray that each one of you ask God to give you an opportunity to talk about your faith today. I ask Him every morning during my quiet time, and sometimes I end up looking back on my day and noticing that He did in fact give me the opportunity...but it not always involves words. Being home almost all day, I find that it's hard to share my faith with well, no one. So I find ways to serve my parents and family while they are at work. That's my challenge for you today. 

Share your faith, in words or in actions, today.

Productive, Not.

Status of my day: LAZY.

I literally have done 3 productive things today.

1. Finished my little "gifts" for my future housemates.

2. Made dinner (in the crockpot)

3. Cleaned the kitchen

My "to-do" list is very disappointed in me. Fortunately for me, I am most productive between 6pm-11pm. What the rest of my day looks like:

Running with a group from my church at a local park. We're meeting at 6:15 and having a short devotional together, then running/walking on our own for 45 minutes, and coming together to close in prayer. This is new on my agenda. First attempt, actually for this training/devo sesh. Several people in my church (including myself) are running the Virginia Beach Rock-n-Roll Half Marathon in September, so this is us "training" for it. I love the idea actually, I hope it will last. 

So that's that. I'll then probably meander over to the gym (if I'm not too tired) and do a little strength training. I got a book I ordered in the mail today that I'm super excited about.

It's like Christmas morning...I can't wait to sit down tonight and look through it :)

Anyway, I just thought I'd throw up a post (and possibly add this to my productivity list). 

God did answer a prayer today which was pretty stinkin' sweet :) My support for Australia had been raised...according to me. But about 3 weeks ago, after I had sent the last of my checks in, I checked my account online and it said I was short $200. Well, that's no good. So I went back and looked through every check and every deposit. I ended up finding the problem. Two $100 checks had never been recieved at the regional office. [Insert Casey slightly freaking out here.] Oh no. I've lost their money. Not good, at all. So for the next week, I emailed back and forth with a CCC director and they said they had never recieved the checks, but they would keep looking. I got an email on Monday saying that they still haven't found the checks and that I needed to contact the people who donated and ask them to see if their checks were deposited. So that was my plan for today, making two phone calls that I really really didn't want to make. So I got up the courage (finally) and signed onto my account to get the phone numbers. I log on, and this is what I see.

Your Ministry Goal

101%

You have received $5,635 of $5,600

What?! So I look, and the checks in fact, had arrived. Wow, God :) And the best part is, I'm over my goal which means that my extra money goes to my team! 12 days left and God provides. And He's not even done yet. I have a few more support checks that I recently recieved and I'm hoping that it will greatly help my team out :)

One last praise: My best friend Emma is full of excitement. Her boyfriend, another good friend of mine, Caleb, just returned home from a month-long mission trip to Tanzania, Africa. So praise that he made it back safely and all the amazing things God used him for and praise that they will soon get to see each other :) Caleb had a blog while he was there, you should check it out. Caleb's blog

A Bowl Full

 

 My lunch :)

I've been so inspired to experiment with smoothies, and I follow pbfingers.com on a daily basis. (before you judge, you must visit. You will soon see why I thoroughly enjoy it) 

Homemade peanut butter granola + strawberry banana smoothie bowl = perfect summer day lunch

It's such a healthy, protein-packed meal :) Perfect for following a pretty intense workout at the gym.

More accomplishments of my summer day:

I purchased my first luggage set. Yes, that's right. Because in 13 days :)

The aqua green was out of stock :( So my next choice was salmon of course. Something bright and easy to identify :)

As for the rest of my day, I spent some amazing time with the Lord. I think that's what I love so much about the summer. Sitting on my deck, admiring my beautiful backyard while talking to my Father is the most wonderful feeling. With my parents at work during the day, the house is relatively quiet. I have so much time to study His word, talk to Him (out loud, mostly) and learn more about what and how He wants to do with my future. This morning I opened up to Psalm 16 and verse 5 immediately caught my eye and I somehow just couldn't get passed it.

"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure."

He has planned out my life. I have been assigned a certain purpose for my time here. Trying to change that will just end in disappointment and straying away from my Lord, either in anger, confusion, or even distrust. Knowing my life is securely written out to the full and nothing can change the words on that page is something God needed me to hear today. There are things in my life that I have been fighting against; things I have been desiring, trying to change and make it happen. Well, He's telling me to stop. Put down whatever I think I have to satisfy my desire and to let Him lead me. 

My challenge for you:

What are you fighting to do on your own?

Is it financial problems? A relationship? Singleness? Independence? Security?

Whatever it may be, just stop. Trust that God will take care of it. Live by His word and His word alone and He will not only pull you through, but He will lift you high on His shoulders.

Projects and such.

Wanted to share a few of my new discoveries and projects :)

These beauties were a total steal! Plato's Closet for $7. I instantly fell in love. Cannot wait to wear them :) 

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This past weekend, my folks and I headed up to Harrisonburg to work on my soon-to-be new home. The lovely Shiloh :) Here are a few shots of the painting process.

Before:

 

After:

 My cute little writing desk :) 

 Shot from the door. End of my loft bed, dresser and closet.

 Under my bed :) perfect place for a nice reading chair and a cute bookshelf :)

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Today I found a wonderful recipe for lunch...all contained in my precious JMU tumbler :)

Banana Mocha Protein Shake

 Super easy to make! Here's the recipe:

1 frozen banana

1 packet of instant coffee

1 scoop of chocolate protein powder

5-7 ice cubes

1 c cold water

Just blend it all together! If you want it thicker, just add more ice :)

It's so filling!!

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And the last new discovery...my new workout equipment. A pilates band and my 3 different resistant bands. I can do all the strength training I want with these. I work everything! Shoulders, arms, legs, back and abs.

Withholding Desires

Again, I'm am going to quote another Elisabeth Elliot book. I'm telling you, I'm hooked. I'm going to own and read every one of her books. I'm confident of that...potentially by the end of this year. I just started "Keeping a Quiet Heart." I feel like I am continually repeating myself, but it's amazing. Each one of her books have awakened a different part of my heart. This is just a little bit of what I read this morning:

"Heaven is not here, it's There. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for. 'Running aground,' then, is not the end of the world. But it helps to make the world a bit less appealing. It may even be God's answer to 'lead us not into temptation' -- the temptation complacently to settle for visible things."

This really put a lot in perspective for me. I keep thinking the more that I align my heart with God's, then our desires will align as well. But I often forget that I am still human. I still have selfish motives and wants. Even if my desires aren't selfish, maybe it is better not to ever experience them. Elisabeth makes such a great point here. We must remember we are but "aliens" here. Why are we expecting this world to satisfy us? It ultimately just won't happen. That's God's plan. He wants us to desire more...eternity with Him. There are many things in my life right now that I am desiring. They are not all selfish, but again, I am human and a few may be.

Here's a metaphor I think of it as: 

I want a cookie. A huge, freshly baked oatmeal raisin cookie. I want it bad. There's nothing wrong with that right? Except for maybe it's 6pm and I'll spoil my dinner if I have it. If I eat that cookie, I'm not going to want the delicious meal that my mom spent time preparing. I had to wait until after dinner if I wanted it. Ugh. But I want it NOW. Just a few bites. Nope. If I got it now, I wouldn't appreciate the dinner awaiting me. But if I were to wait, I would be able to fully enjoy the meal my mom made, and then I would have the option of deciding if I still wanted that cookie.

I don't know how much that makes sense by reading it, but in my head it does. If God were to give us all the desires of our hearts, then what is there to look forward to? Be patient. 

God isn't depriving us, He's preparing us.

I challenge you because God has challenged me. What are those desires that you think God are withholding from you? Picture your life with them and then ask yourself, "would I crave God the same/more/less?" He wants us to be joyful. But He also wants us to be hopeful and eagerly awaiting Him.

Sore Calfs, Joyful Heart

Relay for Life was last night and I, being the optimistic one that I thought I was, eagerly volunteered to take the 11pm-7am shift for my church. The goal as a church was to have our flag (representative) on the track for the duration of the event, aka 7pm - 9am.

Let's just say it was a lonnggg night. I got there about 9pm for the illuminating ceremony and started walking about 11:20ish. With the exception of a few 15 minute breaks, I walked. I finished off 3 cups of coffee and a couple apples throughout the process. It was cold...48 degrees. So to say the least, it wasn't exactly how I would've spent a Friday night. 

The one thing that kept me going...well two things actually. One, the reminder that cancer victims fight and struggle for long durations of their lives to survive and fight this awful disease...I should not be complaining about walking to support this fight. This time and energy sacrifice of 8 hours is nothing in comparison to what those who have this awful disease have to go through. The second thing that kept me going (other than the overload of caffeine) was being able to sit at the top of the bleachers overlooking the track and spending time with my amazing God during the sunrise.

This is what I wrote between 5:50-6:15am this morning:

Watching the sunrise after a long night of walking brings so many thoughts and feelings with it as it peeks its way over the trees.

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." -2 Corinthians 4:16

As tired, sore, and exhausted as I may be...reading that verse is such a great reminder of the state in which I sit. I can see so clearly (and feel) how much I need my Lord. Not just to give me strength, but to keep me going. I wanted to just give up and sleep hours ago. But I didn't for one primary reason: to spend these few minutes with my Creator during one of the most beautiful times of the day. As I sit here, I feel how weak I am and know that I am nothing without Christ.

Life would be without purpose, without calling, without joy, beauty or hope...and most importantly, without love.

He proves His power daily, but do I prove my trust in Him just as much?

"Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place, that it might take the earth by the edges and shake the wicked out of it?" -Job 38:12-13

The Countdown

Seeing that is June 2nd...I have 26 days until I leave for Australia. Whaaa?!?!? I know, I'm stoked too. I'm confident that each and every tough conversation, trying situation and testing of my faith that God has put me through was in preparation for this adventure to the other side of the world. 

Since my time at home is getting shorter and shorter, I figured I would compile a "to do" list before I leave.

1. Spend a day (or two) in Harrisonburg getting my room ready for my return.

    -includes: painting and furnishing

2. Substitute as many days as I can

    -reason: Australia is an expensive place and I plan on buying souvenirs :)

3. Be able to run 6 miles (without stopping)

   -reason: I registered for another half-marathon in September and an 8k 2 days after I get back

4. Visit friends

   -includes: Richmond and Charlottesville

*this next one is questionable -- it all depends on what the artist/my parents think is best*

5. Get tatted

   -what: "I Will Go" written in Greek on the outside of my foot

   -why: great ministering tool, and it's my passion

So there you have it. My "to do" list for the next 26 days. Will they all be completed? I sure hope so. I'm not a person who leaves a list of things without everything being crossed off.

Be praying for Australia. It's been a long journey of calling, prayer, support and trust, not just for me but for my entire team. God is going to do some incredible things in the hearts of those Aussie students this summer :) Just pray that we have the diligence, patience, and wisdom to rely solely on the wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit inside of us.