Necessary, Necessities. (Thank You Alexander Valley for your encouragement and support)

Again and again and again I am reminded of how much God wants HIS name glorified and how small and beautiful His details are to bring more light and more perspective to so many things. I am amazed by how He builds these foundations and how He steadily builds each of us up. Breaking us down in ways that we are humbled and grateful.
I have a story for you and it is one of many blessings. Ready?

For the last couple of months I have been over whelmed by many things. I have been busy with life and where God has me going and feeling very much like stretch armstrong in many ways. Mind pulled in many different directions with constant reminders of how much still needs to be done. And yet when I was on my last leg... Last toe even. God met me right where I was and scooped me up only to bless me all the more. Again. When you surrender it all, you come to realize that if you had just surrendered it from the very beginning, it would have been way less exhausting.

21 blessings came at a moment where I felt that the stresses of Many different things would finish me off by crushing me down. Bit as soon as I was face down these blessings picked me up and brushed me off.

6th graders who are usually too cool for school heading into the 7th grade blew my mind away with the love they had for one another and myself and all this around them. Honest, true, genuine.

They were an answer to prayer in saying this. Passion in following The Lord and putting your all brings the reward of overwhelming joy. And you find that in these moments these joys are the fuel to keep you going. God has willed it. And He blesses us in these ways often.

By the end of the week I had one of those rare weeks where I didn't want these new friends to leave. They're encouragement is so inspiring and with that said they encourage me to love more. Care more.

They all asked me what else I like to do and I explained to them how I like to ride my bicycle. Curious kiddos, asked me where I like to ride my bicycle and I answered across the United States. Their eyes grew big and mouths stopped moving. Question after question led me to explain to them what I've been doing with this bicycle God has given me.

We said our rather tearful goodbyes. Not even 3 hours had passed and I had a message down in the office to tell me a chaperon from the school that had just left wanted me to call her. I called her back and also saw that the main teacher had sent me an email to invite me to these super kids 6th grade graduation on the 31st.

NOOOO! That is the day that I would be departing to fly half way across the states only to drive to Washington 3 days later to begin bike tour! I emailed the teacher and explained why I couldn't come but when I could potentially come to visit.

So I surprised them with coming to visit them in their classroom. They made a slide show and we watched it while eating cookies and sipping on caprisun.

They said that they were so excited for me to ride this summer and why I was riding. So much so that they wanted to be apart of it all too.

So they're class treasurer, Hannah, handed me an envelope and Lorna (one of the most passionate teachers I have ever met) explained that these sly kiddos decided on the number. They had some funds left over from their stay in the redwoods.
She insisted I look at the amount and as I opened the envelope my jaw dropped... 5...0...0...
$500.

It blows my mind on a daily basis again of who God is and what He is capable of doing. The connections and paths He crosses are not by chance. As a dear friend of mine, Jenna Givens once said a long time ago, "when people come into our lives God isn't asleep".

And just when you think you can't handle those overwhelming moments. And then God just blesses you more. His plans are to prosper you. Not to harm. Even if something's hurt. Like falling on the ground because your bike clip malfunctions and people swarm you in the middle of town. Asking you why you're riding your bike. Then getting a donation out of it. God humbles me in the most beautifully uncomfortable ways.

As I got ready to depart from visiting for a few hours, we walked out to the blacktop to take some pictures. I looked at the ground and saw a painting of the United states. It was huge, Like the map that they had on Carmen San Diego . I ran to Washington state and hollered over for them to all come line up behind me so they could ride across the country with me! It was brilliant. Here they were, two worlds colliding. I am so in awe of what God puts in front of me. Inspiration creates something in all of us that can't be explained.















How does He humble you?

Let The Nomadic Lifestyle Commence...Again.

Let's see here. I have things to say but I don't know where to begin. I have things on my heart but I don't know which words should be used to best describe them.

I rode my bicycle today. I am getting used to new things. Shifters, saddle and handlebar placement. Settling into this contraption that propels me from one place to another. From one season to another... I remember riding different bikes. How much we really do get to know ourselves and our bodies when it comes down to riding on something that is not the one God truly blessed you with. Almost like a wand from Olivanders.

I recalled my first ever team ride heading to Seattle and how exciting yet odd it felt. I remembered the feeling as we rode to Rockaway beach and ran to the ocean. How much life changes in 8 weeks. I put my fingers up and 8 is not 10. But 8 is still a lot. and with in that 8 weeks new discoveries were made and it will happen again and again and again through out even shorter seasons of life.

I hit the road in less than two weeks to begin the trek from Minnesota to Washington (washing tongue).

I've begun packing up my room into the same boxes I pack these things into every 6 months it seems, sometimes less. These happenings cause me to look into the photographs in which I pin up and tear down often and it is fun to have these people in my room constantly. To have them reminding me who they are, who I am and why I am again diving into this rather nomadic lifestyle, adding another layer of this story to the depths of my soul.

If there is one thing I have realized in my encounter with life, it is this; God is faithful and He knows how we are built and what we need. God continues to put these kinds of things in people form in my life. and I am very excited to begin the trek. Truth, depth and growth. With others who have been delicately placed into our lives. And with the weeks that have been following up to these moments and that will lead up to when we are all standing in the flesh with one another. It will be joyful.

Though I have experienced something like this before. This tour this Summer I have never experienced. Because it hasn't happened yet. So my expectations are simply this, I have none. Just memories of places and faces with the strength and will of God propelling me forward through these miles and smiles of individuals who I will see many layers to their stories and souls as the journey commences. I am already very thankful.

I am already very thankful again that God has given us temples for Him to work through, to strengthen and to  show the forces of His love and compassion. He builds the story with in us as we see each hill and make the climb. He builds our hope and sees it through to it's completion. It will be completed. I am thankful for the once in a life time opportunity that has turned into twice. Knowing that I have been given the choice to follow or to disobey. He will push me further and harder than I ever could imagine and I am so thankful for that to know that through suffering there is joy. And through suffering there is triumph and celebration that the hope in which I ride for is the same hope that fuels the lives of so many others.

Let these legs be blessed and His strength and love overflowing through all of us that leaves a trail and soaks those who surround us in these 3,448 miles that we will be propelled across... Like wings on Eagles.

Keep Adventuring

Ironwomen

I felt like a inspired little girl today looking to those who are so much more capable than I am at accomplishing so much more than I could ever imagine. Thinking, "I want to do that someday". I must admit that I haven't felt this inspired in a long time. This inspiration stirring with in me from long ago. Wanting to do something really incredible.

Sacrifice. There are many definitions to this word. Many different meanings and interpretations. Many kinds of views, understandings and enlightenment to what the seasoning of sacrifice brings to our lives and how strong or light at came be to zest so many different things.

I am inspired by my dear friends, Shannon and Ashley. Today, they completed the Iron man in Houston Texas. Merely a thought almost a year ago while we rode bikes, this idea was born into existence at the proper timing of Gods will. And from these roads, these hearts began to yearn for that. To sacrifice time, effort, and will power to train, suffer and triumph in baby steps to places and phases of the months that pass.

To see the time count down and dwindle, I became rather excited to remember watching the Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. And the funny thing is this. I just so happened to be dog sitting and this dogs name is Kona.

As friends posted bib numbers and prep photos leading up to the start this morning at 7am central, I followed them all day long. Constantly wanted to run long distances and ride my bike forever. Feeling intimidated by the swimming yet found myself running with energy to various places at work, secretly pretending I was in the race. Since when has my imagination gone wild again?

Inspiration does that and bring out deeper desires of our hearts. Makes us long to be better, long to be stronger, and long to seek deeper with in ourselves who God wants us to be and what we can SACRIFICE.

Again pushing these tents to the ultimate brink. To think outside the box and outside of this body to prove all the more who God is and what kind of strength He puts in us and what we can actually do if we allow ourselves to be strengthened by Him in these ways.

As of today I have indeed made the decision to do an Ironman before I turn 30. I am not one for bucket lists. If God wills it. Yet I have very much desired to do this for a long time and with in the time and transitions of many things, I feel very much like this is a huge possibility. And I am very excited on top of inspired. I ask you to hold me accountable. You know who you are.

Praise God for inspirations in daily life. For friends who God strengthens through and through.
 I am so proud and stoked for Shannon 15:25:53 and Ashley 14:03:38. The Lords strength in you blows me away on a daily basis!!!

Congratulations!

Today Felt So Far Away

Have you ever had one of those moments where you meet up with someone after a while and it instantly takes you back to the day, time, season, feelings and smells of that day when you last saw that person? Down to the very temperature and feelings of heart ache and such joy bursting out of that sorrow.

I had that tonight. I had that the moment I hugged Chanel Thompson. These moments that I recall were our last day before the airport in South Africa. Surprising her at work while sweat soaked our backs from sitting in an over crowded car all afternoon. It took me back to seeing Jacky and Franco and picking up puppies in Wellington.

Seeing her face in front of mine again reminded me of the moment when we I saw her mane and Calebs
 tie coming up the escalator  How wonderful it felt to know what caring feels like when you are the one receiving it. Seeing us off on a very sad day yet an exciting new beginning. It reminded me of the "just one more hug"s and the hard goodbyes because today felt so far away. And yet here it is and she is here. At last, from across the vast pond months later. What seems like yesterday and fresh heart ache mixed with faith and longing for patience has persevered into the present. And it is lovely.

I had a dream last night about good friends being back and I woke up this morning, split second sadness with and overwhelming aftershock of joy to remember that today was May 15th. Today there would be reuniting of many smiles and many hugs. Many inspirations and many hopes continuing on.

There is yet another season blooming into this path as there have been some frosty moments where things have been more shaded. Now the light, again, brings new perspective. New hopes and more vivid dreams that the Lord seems to have been speaking through as of late.

It's more than nice to see you again.

Vast, Rich Exploration

I am a farmer by default. I gain the most pleasure out of planting seeds and watching progression. Taking delight when fruit is bared and stocks tall. Relationships deep in the soil with intent to hold steadfast. Reminding me and others that we may bend, hard, but we will not be destroyed.

God breaks us as easily as we break dried mud on a river bar. And it is satisfying to see it break down and carried away by the wind. Placing it right where The Lord will have it, for safe keeping. Certainly we feel, at times, like blown about dried mud but even Satan can't prevent us from getting to where God needs us most. Placing us ever so carefully a midst this small earth. We are so small, like a grain of sand that even a river bar feels like eternity. Even a small area like this river bar feels like this is all that there is. YET, we have heard of the quenching waters. We have seen glimpses of the reflecting sunlight and cool breeze from places unseen. And it is in this moment we are reminded how small we really are. In each of these moments we are reminded how precious we are in the middle of these vast, rich explorations.

Normalcy

I am stretching. I can feel the pain yet relief of what the stretch of the Lord brings into my view and perspective of where this life is leading me. Of where He continues to move me towards. Who are we and what are we meant for? And how often do we second guess ourselves because of what culture insists we become?

How many times have I thought, "when should I start looking at better PAYING jobs and go in that (what seems) boring path of predictability"? 

How many times have I been told that what I am doing is bazaar, thoughtless, crazy, selfish, pointless, unimportant, and off direction from what normalcy is? How many times can I be told that it is time to grow up?

How many times can I be asked why I ride my bike up huge hills and torture my body in such ways for people and places I've never even seen? Why do people who have known me for what seems like so long honestly ask me as if they don't know me at all, "what do you do when you get to hills? Why would you ever do something like that"?...Really?

...Really?

Have I miss represented myself in a way that everyone is confused and perhaps thinks I am a fraud? or maybe it is because we are all blinded in one way or another by various things in our own lives that steals focus from what is true, pure and honest. Perhaps another angel would be more suitable. Perhaps this is Humility.

I am not in it for "fame" I am not in it for bragging rights or seeing if I can really do it. It's not about me. But a perk is that it brings me joy to suffer for those who don't have freedom to have a voice. To dream openly and allow themselves to fully surrender to a true God. My God. That what my legs have been shaped into by God Himself can help bring someone near and far learn His sons name and bring them one step closer to the growing Kingdom.

Praise the Lord oh my soul.

My Dad once said that he was rather let down that I didn't seem very passionate about what I've been doing and who I've been doing these things for... Clearly he was being sarcastic.

How'd I Get So Blessed?

We follow old giants instead of the ground. Creation and natural disaster has become our path. But this way is healthy. Abiding by no earthly law. For we do not belong to this earth. We are our Fathers children. Hops, Skips and jumps into discoveries unknown.

These trails are unlike anything we've ever seen. In the same ways the paths of our lives surprise us in the same ways. Not being able to fathom what these things look like to be able to comprehend even the smallest rain drop hitting leaves before drops hit your face. Yet each glimpse that we witness, each step we take across the mossy base, we are revived and torn down. Layers peel back on the cold numb parts of our hearts like frail bits of bark lead to phloem. The deeper we dig, the deeper we dare to trek, the more we loose the meaningless and gain grace and love. The more it swells within us destroying the dead and bringing new life. This rubbish has been cluttering up my footsteps.

 I wanted to hear a good story. One that was true and one that was real deep. As I sat leaning into the inches of life and breathed it in, I heard this story through those around me in awe of what we were witnessing. My eyes are shown while my heart and soul can feel all aspects of this story. An Author telling His story in each detailed layer. The brilliance and the elegance of what He's brought us here to see of what He didn't need to show us or even create...

...And yet He wrote it into our stories. He placed it next to the anticipation in between patience and hardship. He placed it perfectly with each of us in mind.
As each rain drop falls. Every rumble of thunder, every step taken off the beaten path... How'd I get so blessed to witness such delicate glory rays? How'd we get so blessed to be placed into others lives in these important parts and places.

Ever try to put a name to a face but it doesn't seem to come and you can't remember the details? Yet being in the presence of these places and faces, it is far to hard to forget the name behind the detail, color and scent of the things He sits on and signs as His own brilliant creation. Taking all the credit that we praise, stepping back while taking it all in. Taking in every detail. Even the small things like us standing in the middle of it all seeing that it was good. Right down to the skipping hearts as the breath is stolen from each winding turn we take. Overwhelmed by presence and lack of understanding mixing and molding into the longing to know better. To love better... To seek deeper and let His love soak us to the very core leaving us saturated in grace and redemption.