These Deep Puddles.

I'll say it again... because I can, "Soak up the grace. Take a bath in it then sweat it out while you're running so it leaves a drip trail and splashes passer-bys"... Even before this was said to me I was in the midst of gaining new perspective. Realizing a few things that have been lacking. Quality time.

I awoke Sunday morning of last weekend knowing that I wouldn't be going to the structure of a man built thing. Rather I had church traveling in a car (which was also a man built structure. But I think you'll get my point in a moment) listening to interpretations of the gospel. I had church in my shoes with a backpack on my shoulders walking up a trail. I had church in my harness hanging from a wall created by God with people I did and did not know, with sunshine and snow. We pushed our tents to the brink while celebrating Gods glory.

It was cold and it was windy but it didn't phase. I loved what we were doing and I loved for the specific reason of discovering and seeking Gods creation. Celebrating the hills, trees and amazing snowflakes that fell. It filled me up.

Depth. I've been missing you way more than I had realized. I've grown to enjoy smaller. I've grown to enjoy quality over quantity. Over stimulation surfaces more often when you become surrounded by four hundred people with constant words that flow. These things are good. I have rediscovered in this last week how much I enjoy hearing people. I enjoy hearing them. Not always just a casual conversation.

It might sound a tad odd in a written form with out emphasis on drawn out words and hand expressions but I enjoy seeing people vulnerable. I enjoy listening to things that are deeper than just the normal response of "I'm good". Do you hear me? I enjoy hearing... This is why I always gave the answer to the, "Would you rather" question of being blind or deaf, I would rather be blind.

I was hungry and this past weekend I took part in a feast. Praise God for the continued fulfillment that wont ever fail.

"Joy that fills me under full moon is the same joy that always fills God"... "Joy is Gods life."- Ann Voskamp

bruised

Things have been rather strange lately. It's hard to say if it's been me or something else.

One thing is for sure though I haven't been able to sleep for four days and running has never felt so good. while heavy drops hit my cheeks, and while mist looks like snow flakes upon that cliff side, I sit, I pray, I run along while my feet are soaked and my legs burn... But I don't care.

Why does my heart feel so cold... So unlike my normal self. I continue to run like a bandit, simply because I don't know how to over come it all. It is all bigger than me and though someone is trying to tell me false truths, though he tries to bring me down, I have continued faith that God will bring me out of this... I attempt to lay it down, but more so He must take it from my hands.

Isaiah 35:3-4
"With this news strengthen those
 who have tired hands
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
'Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you'."

It's Happened

Blogs are a funny thing sometimes. You think about who reads it, who randomly trips upon it and who you really reach with out knowing... Hmmmm... With these things in mind I feel that a blog can both help and hurt in many different ways.

Reading back upon many of my entries I have noticed how vague I am about my personal self. I only speak of situations and distant thoughts and write upon those walled up emotions. Why? So I can keep this bodacious life of mine a mystery from the rest of the world? Or to protect myself from being vulnerable? Or to simply just find it exhausting to speak in detail all the time. To just touch upon little things instead of the entire picture. To not suck you in....Hmmm I think I'll go with the first excuse.

Well my friends, times are a changin' and I have news for you- I am on the verge of something big. I am in the midst of a journey that unfolds everyday. Some days more quickly than others but it is still a very "hilly" journey.

I am putting this body in motion, I am cycling across the United States of America this summer. Yes. I am riding not a gnarly, loud, "protect your children from this beast", of a motor cycle. When I say cycling I mean bicycling. Yes a little gear, self propelled sit on the saddle with your stereotypical bike shorts (that I am still trying to get past the feeling of wearing a diaper because of the butt padding...Yes butt padding), peddles and water bottles. Picture me riding along with my helmet. Pretty rad, right?

Don't call me crazy. This isn't about me.

Venture Expiditions is a non-profit organization that helps provide campaigns and awareness for various causes all over the world. I will be leaving Seattle Washington on June 10th. From there we will be cycling through towns and communities to help spread awareness and perspective on issues for our JUST:HOPE mission. To help bring justice and hope to the oppressed in Southeast Asia. Issues like human trafficking, child soldering and slavery.  We sleep in churches, homes and tents while stopping off at rest stops and grocery stores spreading the word and speaking to families, communities and who ever asks. We will be speaking in church services and in many other places as God speaks through us. I say "us" because I wont be doing this alone. Currently we have 13 people on the team and our goal is 16...So... If you're interested by all means, get your butt in gear and Apply!

We will be traveling for 8 weeks until we reach New York City. Along this entire route we will be raising awareness and asking for funding. If I'm honest, it's all a bit nerve wrecking but it's worth it because it's for those who are unable to have a voice currently. For those who are afraid to speak, and for those who don't even know what they're doing is wrong. Venture's Blog is where you can view the ministries that are building and growing to help the people we are trying to reach. It also informs you more to who will be riding on the tour this summer. Not only for JUST:HOPE but for other causes too. All the funding raised goes to and help the cause, going to those in need in SE Asia!

This is where I am going to really blow your mind, ready?

This t-shirt was designed specifically with the JUST:HOPE Northern Tour in mind by Rand Renfrow. And guess what! You can totally get a hold of your own radical fashion while helping us raise money for our trip with a minimum donation of $20! All proceeds go to the campaign for the JUST:HOPE Northern Tour. The t-shirts are made in the U.S. completely slave free, in a little town called Boulder Colorado where two of my team members currently live.

 If you make your donation $25 I will for sure make you the radest friendship bracelet you will ever see!

However if you up your donation to $30, well, You will get the t-shirt, a bracelet and a really awesome surprise sent to you! I can't tell you what it is though... It would ruin the surprise!

Take notice though that these shirts are a separate fundraiser than our online donation tab where you can also donate funding in my name (Separate donations). So if you are interested in the t-shirt fundraiser, please send a check to me along with your t-shirt size. It will make life a lot more simple in this respect.

Tell your friends tell your family!

Get ready for this wild ride!
It will be a big good step in another direction of this Blog, I feel. A step that I have been very hesitant to take for a while now but it is something that is bigger than me and bigger than what this blog was originally for. This is indeed a tool that I can sharpen to help so much more than just those who have enjoyed reading some stuff that I have pieced together through these various seasons.

Adventure with me.