.sprained ankles & renewed perspectives.

It's been one month and I am still processing the adventure that was Sweden. Since it was a ground-breaking trip, focused on relationship- & partnership- building, we knew we would encounter opposition.

Little did we know...

From the very moment of our arrival, the enemy attempted to disable us, to discourage us, to render us paralyzed in self-focused feelings. As a team, we encountered an unexpected arrival leading to a surprise 8 hour wait in the Stockholm airport, a 6 hour cramped car ride, and feelings of insecurity about our ability to help. Individually, we each battled something that cut to the core of our being.

The second day there, I severely sprained my ankle.

It was a blow to my heart. Doubt & frustration flooded in, followed by an unsettling darkness. I found myself sitting on my bunk -alone-, icing my ankle, eating granola bars, and wishing I could fast-forward to the end of the week. I opened up my journal to complain and this is what flowed forth:

"I planned on starting this journal entry, 'I'm frustrated.' But, when I
was flipping through to find my page, all I saw was my last entry--'May He become greater and I become less.' My whole attitude changed in an instant. What I had seen as an irritant -a frustration- I now see as an event that has passed through God's hands-- an event He will use for His glory. Satan has attempted to disable me, to weaken me through the negative thoughts he placed in my head. But, our God is GREATER! And while I initially struggled with the thought that 'I'm no longer of use here at this fitness camp. My ministry is hindered.', I've realized that the Lord is NEVER to be hindered and He WILL use me in whatever state I am, in whatever way He sees fit."

My gaze was refocused on Christ.

Details of the week blur in comparison to the overarching awe that I feel of the God we serve. Earthly speaking, our goals were accomplished--a partnership was formed and our fitness classes were successes. But, it was so much more than that. Encouragement and blessings abounded as God was glorified.

And so, the prayer resounds lounder:"He must become greater; I must become less." [John 3:30]

He is taking my feet to...

.Sweden.!!!

Come July, I will traveling to Sweden with a team from SECC. We will be partnering with an organization known as Sport for Life as we assist in the running of a fitness/sports camp for Swedish youth.

More details to come as they are finalized.

Isaiah 6:8

.adventure.

A little fact about me?

I love adventure.

Just hearing the word makes my heart leap. It's alluring. It's enchanting. It's...almost elusive.

...or so many think. They dream of adventure. They long for it. But, in their minds, adventure is still just pirates and princesses, heros and villains, "far-off lands, daring swordfights, magic spells, a prince in disguise!"

Now, I'm all about that type of adventure. And I'm just like Belle, wanting "adventure in the great wide somewhere." (Two Disney quotes already? It's a good day.)  But, here's the thing I believe about adventure.

Down the street or in another country, adventure is EVERYWHERE!

It's about embracing this wild, beautiful life that God has graciously bestowed upon me. And so...adventure is...

.dancing in the rain.
.making a new friend.
.laughing with exuberance.
.running as fast as I can.
.dreaming.
.traveling.
.soaking in the sunshine.
.spending time with those I love.


And that is just the beginning.
But, let me say something else.

This type of adventure is fleeting.

True adventure is about surrendering to Yahweh...completely... remembering that He is the very breath I breathe.
It's about listening to the Lord say "This is the way; walk in it." (Isaiah 30:21). Every. Single. Moment.
It's living in His love. Then pouring that love out onto the lost, hurting, and broken world around me.


I will never find a greater adventure.

.my heart quickens.

Romans 10:13-15:

13 "For, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!'"

With these words, my heart leaps within me. I am full of longing. Yet, as much as I wait in eager anticipation, I know His timing is perfect.

And so I wait.