Friends,

It has been imprinted deeply on my heart lately to give you a more in depth look at where God has been taking me over the last few years. It has been an amazing journey. And I must again take a moment to thank you for helping me pursue the opportunities and callings God has pulled me towards. If it weren’t for your help I would not have had the opportunity to serve in South Africa for two months of my life, helping to minister and mentor thousands of children in the outer regions of Cape Town, South Africa. Without you, I would not have been able to experience God with in His creation and the body across the entire United States of America while on two wheels as we rode with a purpose of seeking justice for the oppressed in Southeast Asia. Then once more as you helped me gain new parts for my bicycle to help me across the nation again. These new parts on my bike helped me to focus less on the aches of my body and more on the leadership opportunity that was given to me to lead a team of cyclists across the United States, seeing some of the same faces and meeting many new ones. All while we continued to ride for justice and freedom last summer.

All these things are a ripple effect from my first experience with seeking God in His creation, Quito Ecuador, back in the spring of 2010. Seeking community while helping the body is something I see as a constant work in progress and the discovery process within these experiences both break and grows us.

⁵ Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶ Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷ Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, ⁸ because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. -Ephesians 6:5-8

Have I figured out exactly what God wants me to be doing? No. Has the exposure to these opportunities and experiences helped me to gain a better footing in building momentum towards the opportunities to serve passionately with the gifts that God has made me with? Yes. Each experience has not only help so many in the ripple effect of service, but it has also shaped me more into who God needs and longs for me to be, a servant and a slave to building The Kingdom.

I know that bringing people out into creation brings the opportunity of renewal and perspective. It brings possible disconnection from one’s self to The Creator Himself. This is only a small portion of experiential Education. Continuing to become a leader in this way to providing opportunity for others to grow and seek in these ways is the direction I have been being pushed and prepared for.

Along with these experiences another opportunity has risen for me to gain better training and direction with in the field of Adventure based ministry. With the acceptance into Solid Rock Outdoor Ministries (SROM)’s Wilderness Ministry Professionals course, I will be spending a Month in the back country of Laramie, Wyoming from June 1^st-24th, 2014. This course will help to better relate and help build up other leaders to bring the gospel alive in the back country. This leadership training will better equip me to be able to minister to those seeking deeply for whom they are and where they stand with their relationship with God.

As I step into the wilderness, this course will provide an opportunity to grow me in many ways. Not only on my own personal walk with God but also equipping me with skills to become more professional and fluid in ministering to others. Along with the course experience, it will also provide a certification of Level 1 SROM instruction. This will provide an opportunity to possibly become a SROM instructor or further pursue a career in Adventure based ministry. This course is very specific in providing leadership development for further guiding specific to backpacking and rock climbing.

This course is an incredible opportunity to further the development of my adventure based ministry skills and provide the tools necessary to move forward with this calling as a profession not just an interest.

The course cost is $2600. I am asking that you would please prayerfully consider partnering with me in getting to Wyoming.  I am currently in need of those who feel called to donate the following break down costs:

25 people to donate $25 =$625

15 people to donate $50=$750

10 people to donate $75= $750

5 people to donate $100=$500

You can donate online here: https://www.srom.org/?sec=Donate&pg=Scholarship

My invoice # is: INV-259_

This will be the BEST way to contribute if you feel led to do so.

I have been immensely blessed with the opportunity to serve in these amazing ways over the years and this is another door of uncertainty that I will be running through with faith and arms wide open. Ready to jump into the next adventure and season God calls me to.

Please consider supporting and as always thank you for your past support both financially and in prayer.

Blessings to you,

Daria Middleton

Struggle Bus

I can't shake this longing. I don't know if I ever will. However there is something about this entire biblical justice that isn't just for 3rd world countries. Biblical justice can be viewed in different lights all the way to providing those who want to help understand on a more personal level what we really do if we actually sacrifice. To learn how we must first understand the meaning of sacrifice.

Sacrifice can be defined in many eras as a religious offering by killing animals or even people. Yikes. It's nice to know that that is all in the past and no longer needing to happen for the purpose to be saved. Instead God Sacrificed His only son, Jesus. And because of that ultimate sacrifice, we who believe, are saved in that truth.

To offer your only loved one is something huge. So instead The Lord asks of us different sacrifices. These look very different from one person to the next.

Sacrifice: Defined via Merriam Webster and Dictionary
1. The act of giving up something that you want to keep especially in order to get or do something else to help someone.
2. Destruction or surrender for the sake of someone else.
3. The surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having higher or more pressing claim.

Sacrifice isn't compromise... Or is it? How much of a compromise is it if our selfish tendencies out weigh the sacrifice part? When is it too much sacrifice? Or too little sacrifice?

Oppression:
1. The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.
2.The feeling of being heavily burdened, mentally or physically, by troubles, adverse conditions, anxiety, etc...

Oppression isn't candy coated, neither is poverty or wealth. all sides of the spectrum are extremely dark but God sees these things as opportunity to make Himself known and glorified. Many choose to ignore and/or abuse various parts of these realms. How can we sacrifice "Too much" if  our true intention, firstly, is with God in mind and under the acknowledgement of Gods prompts in our lives? When are things such as sleeping on the floor, not getting a shower after riding 100 miles on a bicycle or needing to prepare donated food while so sore and exhausted, too much?

God calls for us to be uncomfortable. It is a very common useful way in which He grows us, teaches us and moves us in the direction He calls us to go in. These sacrifices in response to obeying Gods words and guidance reminds us that these rather simple (yet extremely hard) sacrifices are seen differently in many eyes. The path that we follow is extremely narrow and looks completely different to all who dare to seek. We gain momentum, Satan tries to destroy and discourage all chances of succession. My sacrifice definitions are completely different than someone else.

And yet we can relate in many ways to the teachings that God brings through these trials and sacrifices!

As our comfort zones fluctuate and out hearts and minds are stripped raw of the complexity and simplicity of the "Sacrifices" we make are a very big deal. In the heat of these painful moments, what are we sacrificing for? Who are we ultimately doing it for? For ourselves? For worldly bragging rights? For those who live our sacrifices of floor sleeping, no showers, exhaustion, bruised bodies and broken spirits on an hourly basis?

In these discoveries through self inflicted sacrifice we truly are not just benefiting the world by providing biblical justice but we bring justice to ourselves through the strengthening we allow God to instill in us as He strips us raw in these various elements of sacrifice. I should not be a caterer to what comforts you. But to seek manifestation in what sharing struggle experiences can bee seen as the same thing in relation and lifting one another up with in those struggle moments. Grace, humility, obedience- We must start somewhere.

My needs are much different than yours. But what you and I struggle with and how we struggle with it is also a very important part of the equation of the desperate needs of others who can't even imagine a life even slightly like many have been blessed with.

Please take a moment and freshen up with what is underneath this link. 1 Corinthians 13

These things can't be candy coated... And why should they? Love is raw and can seem hurtful. It's uncomfortable but through the discomfort you find true worship and compassion. You find that the sacrifice taught you so much more than you could ever have imagined. Sacrifice is not an easy thing...

An example in many different ways: Look to Jesus

Heartstring Hurricanes

These words have not materialized upon my tongue but I have put words into various compilations to create vile, godless statements and things that would thoughtfully make me feel better but would not make the world better. I have spent hours verbally telling myself to stop. To stop thinking. To stop analyzing, to stop the false predictions of my deceitful heart.

I try constantly to be one step ahead of the game but my rebukes create deeper holes and more wrongs than they do satisfaction and grace. In fact those last two items never exist rightfully or wholly or holy in anyway.

We are constantly seeking fruit. We are constantly seeking nothing but the reward or the good that we tend to numb ourselves out of the hard work and ships that shape us into who we have been created to be. Blaming symptoms of afluenza and other blinding, earthly, materialistic lifestyles.

YOLO.

Yes to living once. So how will we leave our marks? Can and will it be anything compared to the cross, the blood stained upon it or the nails and scars that signify grace and forgiveness? Will the marks be or love and humility of serving the Lord and not ones self?

I've been sitting in the cold now for a few longer periods and I have been finding more and more that these things that run through my head are things that have been suppressed and held back building in ammunition and false strength. Reflections of a past that can't be changed while looking at what doesn't even exist for tomorrow. Who does God want me to be? VS Who does this earth want me to be?

This road isn't easy nor is it meant to be victorious in social status or material wealth. Rather we are meant to be poor servants who are undeniably rich beyond words and worldly possessions. It doesn't mean we are going to walk without threat of destruction either. In fact, we walk right into point blank line of fire with in this war with what we seek.

So then why try and be God and predict what will happen? Why try to prevent by trying to plan ahead instead of simply asking for guidance and humbly accepting direction from the countless opportunities that He puts within your life on a daily basis. Whether it even be a child, there is reason behind it and it is crucial to seek these little moments because the biggest perspectives come from those little spaces in the time you spend to acknowledge them.

Times and Places.

How quickly our understanding of strength is distracted and false in what we find strength to even be. "I'm not running enough", I'm not lifting or climbing enough". How quickly the boxes we build to enclose ourselves turn into fortresses of negativity and self dysfunction.

From here, memories trigger like wildfire. Recollection of those who have said, "I could never". We build these walls high. We falsely connect dots thinking we've solved and figured ourselves out as we dig ourselves deeper and deeper into courage lacking sleepless nights regretting. "I'm too old", "My prime has passed and there's no way it would be possible". This is where my thought process and realization of how big God really is collide with self pity and self neglect.

This is where we loose ourselves the most and perhaps the gifts that have been blessed upon us have not been put to good use, but instead lays on a shelf collecting dust either partially open or not even unwrapped. Sitting there longing to be used. God has a plan for us. This is for certain.

And my current contemplation is whether we really can or can't do certain things. Maybe we can literally do anything we want but because of lack of Gods direction and blessing upon the focus, it creates do or don't. Example: Say I really wanted to become a bull fighter, a Matador. In Spain, with a red cape and a spiffy matador hat. If I really wanted it bad enough and that desire was deep with in me, chances are very good that I would find a way to make it happen. That is if it is Gods will for me. However, those aren't the passions instilled in me. In fact, I would be content simply running with the bulls. Not being the center of attention to one.

Do you see what I'm trying to exemplify? I have no desire to do that. God has not instilled that with in me because that is not the way in which He feels I can best serve Him. With the gifts He has given me. Same reason why I'm not a singer. If I had those desires deep with in me to pursue the tools and the energy would be provided.

Here comes a tricky part. What if we love many things but don't know what we're passionate about? Or perhaps we feel we are passionate about many things but feel discouraged in ways to make use and believe we can't? Why would God instill a passion in you if it wasn't for a purpose? The urgency of this matter is that we cannot determine our passions upon popularity, social class or judgement. That purpose has nothing to do with numbers of people effected but by the impact of what brings you alive to impact in the ways that God sees fit. Not by our selfish wants or "Think we needings".

I have been seeking clarity and I have also been seeing open doors that lead in the directions as I continue to feel out and determine what my true passions are. And upon being out in the crisp air of the Sierra National Forest, 5,000' higher than I have been in a while, I have been gaining perspective and seeing doors continue to open. It is clear to see that this is a direction God wants me to pursue. There is also fear in seeking into the future that can paralyze me in my own bed. Realizing that we are not meant to live in the future. That is why frustration of lack of clarity becomes all the more frustrating. But it is God urging and yearning for our trust that He will be there. Where as our fear comes from our lack of trust and our projection of what we think will happen. In that day dream, God is not present. Other wise the fear or anxiousness would not exist. Which is why we are, "Left in the fog with only a few steps to see ahead". With doors that continue to open and close, we have been given this moment right now to pursue passions. Right now are the moments that have been given.


So help me if you reply with, "I don't have time".

It's not just about Turkeys

Ever wish you could "uncomplicate", discombobulate and throw away clutter that seems to have complicated far too much in your life? Things that make it way more complicated than I ever would have wanted to. Honestly, who really intends to complicate their lives saying, "This will cause chaos, perfect". No often times we think the opposite. We conjure up and discover remedies for the chaos that rises with earthly living. Becoming weighed down with school loans, bills, rent and investments. We find better ways to communicate more quickly and more efficiently with smart phones, Cars, tablets and computers. More and more these ways to connect us, in a way, disconnect us from each other. 

As I was sitting in my living room pulling together financial applications for overwhelming student loans, I was staring at papers in front of my computer screen. In a numb state I looked up and realized my screen saver was on. There were pictures coming and going, different parts of my life. College, countless seasons in California, South Africa and bike rides. I sat back and watched. From where I was to where God brought me up to this very day. As I sat there I couldn't help but smirk. This is where God has brought me. And with Him I can only guarantee that He will bring me even higher.

Suddenly I sat there and was thankful, thankful for struggles, hardship and setbacks. Every single thing has brought me to where I am. From that living room, thanksgiving flowed, being reminded of those who were also in those pictures sharing in sacrifice, need and growth. One of the hardest things that we can face individually and as a community is the task of thanksgiving. It is harder to be thankful in times of hardship or trial, but even more so I have been trying to be more thankful not only in the hard but also in the good blessed things. 

Recently I read a book that I would highly recommend to anyone, "One Thousand Gifts" by Ann Voskamp. Her writing has caused many walls to fall within my heart and new perspective gained on the true presence of God daily. Thanksgiving has helped to refocus my eyes with the divine surprise of His glory, stealing our breath in these Redwood trees, words from a coworker that were really needed. Or even student loan forgiveness applications. It is all a part of where I am right now. And for all of it, I am thankful.

I pray that each of you would take a moment or several to sit back and take a look at the reel of your past and reflect upon Gods seeking for you. That you are hoping for tomorrow while living presently in today. Thanking our Heavenly Father for where we are, who we are and what He's been doing to continue the process and path within us and around us. I have heard in the past that the most powerful weapon is praise and thanksgiving. What are you thankful for?

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

-1 Thessalonians 5:18

Maps

I feel like between the ages of 24 and 27 there is this stereotypical understanding or thought process that all the sudden we feel like we are passing our prime and that we should have had an established lifestyle by now. That I should have everything figured out and be stable with almost being 30. You look at those who are older than you and who were the age you are now and you wonder why you don't seem to have it as together as you thought they did when you were younger and they were older... The truth is that perhaps you have it more together than those who you thought had it together back when you thought they had it together.

Did I just confuse you terribly? If I haven't well at least someones following because I am so completely lost in who America and this culture wants me to be sometimes that I can't even handle looking in the mirror some mornings. And with that, I'm still lost. I'm still worried and I feel like no matter what I do I just can't get ahead. I just can't seem to bring things full circle or have 100% confidence in something when I should have complete faith in my God. How could I doubt knowing someone who knows the very map system of my veins and what makes me move?

There is still so much to learn and I am overwhelmed by His majesty and also by my failures. Our plans are minuscule and dull compared to what He has planned so why can't we just let go and follow the best way we know how. Moving and learning in the now? Instead of worrying what we don't know about...

So what now?

Landslide

I sit on this cliff side. This secret place of meaning. These physical places that bring back such fond reminders of Gods blessings in the seasons that have passed. We call then rare. Yet I am finding these blessings more common as I open my eyes to focus on where God has brought me. I sit on this cliff side looking out at a view that doesn't get old. Instead, the arms of creation swallow me up bringing my full attention to my glorious God. As I walked the path, I notice the differences and the continued life cycle of this forest. How even with living things all around, there is still death that takes place in order for life and growth to continue.

I have had many awakenings here. I have had many break downs. Pleading and rejoicing with Him in this place. This place was once someone elses place and perhaps it is a place to others. And there will be others after me. For now, it is nice to be in this moment and know that today, God called me out here. To the familiar disconnection from what this world is to the truths of His loud presence on mountain tops. It is just the same in the valleys below.

Simple things of wonder strike me. "Why trees in these spots and not in those spots? Why those three trees be the tallest and no one else? Why am I looking at these things and what am I gaining from it?" He helps us by giving the water that flows to nourish and erode away the parts that aren't necessary and needing disposal. Creating weaknesses in our foundations, we fall as we slide to a stop at the base of it all... The beginning, The Creator. The process continues as the foundation becomes stronger causing the forms of us to change. And paths to climb become more distinct.

Naturally we are surprised by recognizing the changes we see. Yet realize that the changes are constant. Creating both new and reminding of old lessons. Putting into practice what we have learned.

"All things will change.
We wait for the rain
And His promise remains".

Why is it that there are seasons in our lives where we feel more wise and understanding of what God is teaching us while in other seasons we struggle to remember and live by the things we have learned and preached to others?