Relentless.

Tonight I can't shake a memory that I've had since college. One that sits in my heart reminding me of the hope of Jesus. Though I didn't know it at the time it was written to me, it has begun and will continue to fall into place with each day that God blesses me with.

It was shortly after I broke up with my boyfriend and headed out to finish the grueling task of my under grad. Moms are so encouraging. I have always been a fan of snail mail. I think that words written are far more impactful when seen that someone took time to sit down and focus completely on the note or letter. She was tender and understood my vulnerability. She had written something that still impacts my life and will for the rest of it. "I know it's hard right now, but know that things will turn out better than you could have ever imagined". Wise words from a wise Mamma.

How true it is That we really have no idea how much God sets us up for success if we would just allow Him to do the work in our lives to grow us and mold us to fit and pursue the things He needs us to accomplish His work. The things He has created each of us so individually to succeed.

"Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

I will put my hope in God!

I will Praise Him again-

my Savior and my God."- Psalm 42:11

Doing so changes our views and perspectives. Not just "can" but it actually WILL if we are persistent and continual in our obedience with doing so.

I have been doing 2 sets of push-ups 6 days a week. Monday- Saturday since January. I began with 2 sets of 5 legit push-ups. Every two weeks I up my stats... Then I hurt my shoulder in March so I took 2 or 3 weeks off. I was persistent. Doing them before bed, even when I don't want to do them, I do them. I bring myself to the ground and do them. Discipline began to form, I actually look forward to doing them. It is now September and I am up to doing 2 sets of 17. Legit.

Discipline reminds me of my friend Ashley. The first Summer I spent on the road in 2012 was my first exhausting summer on bike tour. Alarms would ring in the mornings while people snoozed and ignored them, dreading the beginning of the day. There were some sore exhausted mornings when we literally dreaded rising from our sleeping bags.

I would look over at Ashley's sleeping bag and she wouldn't be found there. Every time her alarm went off or if someone woke her up she would instantly spring and leap into the blessed morning. Even if her body was miserable, she would not hesitate. So I mimicked her. I have found that these little areas of discipline have proved incredible possibility in perspective and thriving. To praise God praise God even when you're filled with sorrow or exhaustion, praising God relentlessly. 

I want to praise God relentlessly.

I have learned through physical sacrifice, we gain more. We gain joy, we gain comfort and familiarity in our relationship with God. We build and practice faith and trust knowing that God provides love and watches over us relentlessly. We are human and in being human we are forgetful. The more that you practice something, whether it's a song on piano or Ukulele or even push-ups, if you are persistent you will see results. You will see things fill your brain, heart and body more than you might even realize. Through all of this, ultimately, God strengthens so through these circumstances and opportunities. Why dread it when you can leap in and embrace the moments that God gifts joyfully to us?

Why dread the morning sun of tomorrow when we are only promised today?

"at best, each of us is but a breath"

"You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand.

My entire life time is just a moment to you;

at best, each of us is but a breath." Psalm 39:5  

Keep adventuring.

Life Outside The Box

I am an active person. If you couldn't already tell, I really enjoy physical activity. If you have kept up with my blog over the last couple of years you will notice that in order for God to do some pretty insane works in my heart He has had to sit me down and make me still. Through injuries and displacement I have been shown crazy incredible things from bike saddles, hiking boots, couches and dreams.

While I have been suffering from Shingles unable to barely even bike 20 miles, I have been laying, sitting, reading and writing. I have begun the (what most would think terrifying) process of Support raising. Updating my contacts for news letters and setting up face to face appointments with people to talk more about the vision that is Solid Rock Outdoor ministries and why God has called me there.

I mentioned "terrifying" to some in regards that support raising can feel rather tedious and begger-ish. But the truth is that this is such an incredible opportunity and honestly a chance to connect and share this vision with so many more people. building a support team of believers in Christ and in love. Yes the ultimate purpose for this ministry is to equip students in discipleship opportunities while gaining a better understanding for their personal identity as a son or daughter in Christ. It is an opportunity to be apart of something bigger than us. A chance to continue to adventure together.

I am also excited because this provides me with a better schedule with more flexibility to consistently update my support team on the incredible things that God has been doing with in the ministry that He has called me to serve in. Instead of just doing a 2 month long ask or updating people on the next big adventure. Instead it is an ongoing adventure! 

ADVENTURE WITH ME!

I have had a thought on my heart that I was thinking about the other night. 

It is this: Money though it is an earthly need, it is not something that defines us. God defines us because He created us. We should not build walls and borders around who God is creating and growing us to be. In fact it probably causes Him pain to see the alterations and the shortcomings we build around ourselves mainly based off of money or social stats. The thought of who WE want to be versus who GOD wants us to be are two completely different people. Which person outcome do you think will be better? The one in which we struggle to create with our own strength and direction or the one that God has in mind and is capable of creating in us if we would just allow Him to?

We must stop building these walls around us that confine who we are compared to who God wants us to be. Money means nothing. God's bank is never depleted. However it is up to Him when and how finances are blessed among many. So my hope is that I am reminded of that daily. To know that in order to gain anything I must lay it all down and trust and ask continually for God to do His brilliant work in and around me to continue to build the kingdom.

If you feel like this speaks to you (even if it doesn't) check out my support page: 

Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries 

Keep Adventuring.