Holler For Adventures: Learning Curves

But this I call to mind,

and therefore I have hope:

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

his mercies never come to an end;

they are new every morning;

great is your faithfulness.

"The Lord is my portion," says my soul,

"therefore I will hope in him."

-Lamentations 3:21-24 ESV

I have been reading and studying the book of Lamentations this week. It has been hard yet hearty to read in knowing that as a follower of Jesus we do walk a narrow path. and though lamenting can be a rather heavy feeling and temporary destination,

"Somewhere in the thick of this ongoing heart surgery we begin to understand: only in seeing the depth of our sin can we see the unmatched grace and glory of the cross."

Settling in a bit more here in Laradise this week and my old habits have started to arise. Human failure of myself can often times create judgement within my own heart and mind which I have been reminded this week especially that putting myself into the seat of Judge takes Jesus out of that seat. Thinking I've been here for a month now and I've been feeling not qualified or not up to speed with where perhaps I think I should be currently. I am not a judge. Jesus is the judge. There is no reason why I should be judging myself for the sins that He has already died on the cross for. It is a continual process of peel and nail, peel and nail. Peeling these things from the holdings of my heart and hands and nailing it to the cross.

Sometimes it feels like this: Sappy Hands.

All this to say friends, it's been a really awesome week. Here are some main reasons why.

For the last 3 weeks I have been pretty intently working on SROM's website to get a couple of things moved around, updated and looking fly. My main project is creating an updated more interactive testimonies page for people to read about how our students have been impacted by God and His creation while on Expedition.

For the last 2 weeks I have been reading and pulling together YEARS of testimonies and quotes from past students dating all the way back to 2003. To say that I have been greatly inspired and given fuel for the burning flame of Jesus with in me from this project is an understatement. There were times when I felt like I was sitting right next to these students listening to their story unfold as the elements of the back country and their surroundings continued to strip, bend, break and mend so much. It was extremely powerful.

Check out the new Testimonies page on SROM's website: SROM Testimonies

If you hadn't seen yet, SROM has picked a winner from a huge pool of over 800 people you can see the outcome: Here! Seriously though, thank you for entering! Because people entered, we were able to get SROM's name out and circulated more than we ever could have imagined and through it we were able sign more students up!! RAD!

Other happenings this week:

-Trampled By Turtles was an awesome show that blew many of us away with the talent and energy of the band and atmosphere of the concert.

- I live in Wyoming. Just because we live in Wyoming doesn't mean that we can't hang out on a Saturday night outside by a fire with good conversation while it's snowing. I've got to tell you, this was a huge highlight. There is something about conversation around fire that ignites so much more than just thoughts. It has the ability to burn through the cold. Burn through the thick of distractions that can and often do bring enlightenment and perspective. One of my prayers is that more conversation like this happens often.