The World Race - Anna Ruth Coffey

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

It is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week (otherwise known as NEDA Week) and I think we should take time each day to pray for those who suffer from eating disorders and other disorders caused by the pain of false identity.

Satan loves to discourage us and tell us that we are not pretty enough, cool enough or worthy enough and we so often believe the lies he throws at us. For so long I dealt with these lies along with others and they controlled my life. I too dealt with a eating disorder. I fall on the side that most people ignore and don't recognize as a disorder. I would eat to ease the pain of not feeling worthy of love. I knew no one should love me for how I looked but for who I am but I chose to make that the only way in. I don't know if that makes any sense to anyone. It may be a struggle in my own mind. Basically, I didn't want people to be attracted to me based on the way I looked but by only what was on the inside (though the inside wasn't pretty and God still had some work to do).

It wasn't til my Mom got diabetes and all the damage that came with it did I realize the damage I was doing to my body. And though I try to eat healthier now, it is still a struggle.

On the race, God taught me that my identity is found not in what other people think about me or even what I think of me but only can be found in what He thinks of me. God is truth and what He believes and knows about us is true.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Before I formed you in the womb I chose you, before you were born I set you apart. Jer. 1:5

The King is enthralled by your beauty. Psalm 45:11

Say this with me... "I AM WORTHY AND BEAUTIFUL AND ENOUGH!"

Here are some truths God shared with me (through His word and through others) about myself that I want to share with you...

i have a gentle and quiet spirit (1 Peter 3:4)
i am worth far more than rubies (Prov. 31:10)
i am a hard worker (Prov. 31:17-19)
i am clothed with strength and dignity (Prov. 31:25, 2 Cor 1:3-4, Psalm 18:28-36, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 27: 1&3, 2 Cor. 12:9-10, Rom 8:37-39, 1 Cor. 1:8))
i speak with wisdom and have authority to speak (Prov. 31:26, Mat. 10:27, Titus 2:15, John 14:12-14)
i am worthy and beautiful and enough (Prov. 31:30-31, Pslam 139:14, Psalm 45:11, Isaiah 61:3, Isaiah 60:5, 1 Peter 3:4)
i am clean, pure and whole (Isaiah 1:18, Isaiah, 43:25-26, Isaiah 44:22, Heb 8:1-2, 1 Cor. 6:11)

Here are a couple links...

Unsure of your purpose? Check out iamsecond.com

To read more on NEDA Week check these sites out... get Superchick's song "Courage" which talks about eating disorders for free and check out http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/

New Blog...

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, they say it takes 30 days to start a habit. Well, I had to regularly write blogs before the race, on the race and finally for Project SearchLight. And now, I am okay with saying, "I have a habit of writing blogs." Anyway, I do plan to still write on this site when I have anything to say pertaining to AIM or The World Race but I have created a new blog page for other things going on in my life. If you want to continually follow me, you can do so here and/or http://annaruthcoffey.blogspot.com/

Thank you and God Bless!

Fasting With (and for) Haiti

Sun, 14 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I just finished reading a blog by Stephanie Tyrna and I couldn't help but be moved by it. Stephanie's blog is about this weekend being national weekend of fasting and prayer in Haiti.

This is INCREDIBLE!

You see, last year at this time, our squad was in Haiti and it ended up being a really hard month. Voodoo is the dominant practice in Haiti and in February they celebrate what the call "Carnival" also known as Mardi Gras. You walk/drive through Haiti this time of year and all you see are mask of monsters and other such things but these are truly scary and demonic even.

My team worked with Stephanie's team in Haiti and every night we would wake from nightmares, fear or some other spiritual attack. This only left us wondering what these people must go through each night not knowing that there's some HUGE spiritual warfare going on around them.

As we left Haiti at the end of last February, our prayer was that God would touch this country and that Haiti would become a light for all to see. All I can say is that God is good!

Now, today I plan to partner Haiti by fasting. Would you join me? And if not today, please set a day aside.

Dance Party

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, after several years of not seeing my niece and almost 2 years since seeing my sister, we are finally reunited!

When we were much younger, my Mommy, Berenice (my sister), Jasmin (my niece) and I would do everything together. We would go shopping and eat at our favorite restaurants like Rain Forest Cafe or SoupPlantations (AKA SweetTomatoes). To top it off, Berenice, Jasmin and I shared a room. And time in our room included music, dance parties and dress-up. "Girl Time" was a ton of fun!

But things between my brother and Jasmin's mom got rocky and before we knew it, Jasmin was completely out of our lives. Then, my sister got married (and for a while I still lived with her in her husband) then work forced her and her husband to move to Washington.

Before the race, we got in touch with Jasmin and her mother and things were restored. It was beautiful but hard for me because now I really didn't want to go on the race. But God reminded me that He was in control and that Jasmin would be around when I got home. It ripped at my heart to say good-bye but I knew God was calling me to the race. I spent the year writing and talking to both my sister and my niece (along with the rest of my family and close friends) longing to see them again.

My sister was planning on moving back to Southern California and I anticipated home even more because I hadn't seen my sister in over a year. But she was unable to find a job and ended up in Northern California. I came home from the race and was excited to see my Daddy, Step-Mom, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephew but still longing to see my sister.

She then told me should be down by the middle of January but I was going to GA for Project SearchLight. However, she would still be in Southern California when I returned. And to my surprise, I got picked up at the airport by Berenice, Jasmin and Kinsley (my niece).

Anyway, just yesterday Berenice, Jasmin and I were back to being silly just like before. This video is the end result. (This video also includes my nephew, Charlie.)

Dance Party from AnNa BaNaNa on Vimeo.

Beautifully Written

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

From the people of Treasures

Are You a Tweeter?

A Treasure for You: The Treasures E-Devotional

Are You a Tweeter?
by Ashley Dodson

Are you a tweeter? Me too... In fact, I have tweeted in the middle of a Pilates class, as I begged God for mercy from the beautiful-Russian-ex-Ballerina instructor holding us hostage. I have tweeted during showers, weddings, dates, awesome conversations, accidentally from my purse, and yes, I have even tweeted in church (but I am sure it was because Holly or Philip had a brilliant point that required an insta-tweet).

You see, I love words. More specifically, I love to learn who people are, what and who they love, and what matters to them. What we say (and don't say) determines what we do, so I try to listen carefully. Whether it's Bentleys in Beverly Hills or fighting human trafficking, I value a deeper insight into, and understanding of, humanity. Because, as John Maxwell always says, "People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." Go ahead and tweet that. I'll wait.

Aren't you so glad that Jesus didn't come to condemn the world, but to save it? Whatever people in our world care about influences our media, the arts, business, industry, ministry, economies and ultimately establishes our global condition. If we are to ever minister effectively to others, it will require that we operate less in judgment, and more in love. I am not suggesting tolerance; we are supposed to be in this world, but not of it. I am suggesting an aggressive, radical love that stands strong in what it believes, but has an enduring presence and a faithful heart that makes way for each individual journey.

I like that Jesus hung out with tax collectors, prostitutes, Samaritans, rough neck rowdy entrepreneurs AKA Disciples, traitors and thieves. I like that when he saw Zacheus up in that tree he didn't scream, "You thief! You oppressor! How can you lay your head down and sleep at night!" Nope, he said, "Dinner at your place. Tonight." I like when the woman at the well gave him a tough time about even wanting to talk to her that he didn't say, "Listen woman, I am the Messiah, I know everything about the hot mess you're in and if you know what's good for you, you will do what I say. And can't you see I've been walking a while? Get me some water!" Nope, he listened gently, spoke lovingly and revealed to her His character as He addressed the need in her heart through perspective correction. He offered her another way... His way...the Way. I hardly call what He did tolerance - I call it understanding where she was, where she had the potential to go, and speaking the truth in love.

How can I ever begin to minister to anyone without an understanding of the context from which they view life and make decisions? Jesus knew how to love because He took the time to listen to His Father, who revealed to Him understanding and insight from heaven. Then He took the time to listen to the individual as He encouraged them to successfully navigate the transitional journey of becoming more like Him.

I see myself in the rebels and outlaws. In the thieves and robbers, the thugs and traitors, the rough around the edges disciples, the forbidden women. In the lost, the broken, the forsaken. I am so thankful that He offers us new life, a fresh start, a beautiful invitation to join Him on the wildest History story ever unfolding. He is a God of freedom, second chances, new and seemingly small beginnings.

F. Scott Fitzgerald, a well-known American author said, "Vitality shows in not only the ability to persist but the ability to start over." This made me consider what it's like to walk with Jesus. My journey with Him has called for tenacious persistence; however, it has also called for endless surrender. I am learning to master maintaining the constant ability to keep on keepin' on, matched with the humility to begin again in various areas, at the same time. Life in general requires us to increase in capacity to handle thinking, believing, doing and loving on several different planes. This is what the Proverbs 31 woman, our Mother and Hero, our Blueprint from the Bible, was so great at. She had a super-natural ebb and flow, which kept her ready for anything in every season of her life. She also had capacity that kept her prepared not just for her life, but also her husband's, her children's and even in her local and global world, encompassing politics, economics, social awareness and spirituality. She knew how to live, and I imagine she knew how to let go, to roll her sleeves up and start again, whenever life called for it.

Sometimes the answer is not to persist but to let go, to give up a method, process, system, a way of thinking and start over again. Letting go is not always failure; oftentimes, it yields a fresh way to live. The way I used to live was full of persistence, but there was no method to my madness. Giving up my ways to adopt all that Jesus Christ is and all that I am in Him was not only an incredibly gracious chance to start over, but the key to living fully. After all, He came not just that we would have life, but life more abundant. This might just mean hearing, Daughter, you can keep living that way or you can live a better way. Persist in becoming more like Christ and endure faithfully when that means letting go and starting again. When we seek first His kingdom, when our whole life is focused on being transformed more into the image of Christ, everything else in our hearts, lives, and dreams must be held lightly. Nothing is surety but surety in God.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
www.twitter.com/Ashley Dodson
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Hotel Rating?

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Perhaps you're trying to select the ideal location for a restful vacation. Check out The Hylton's.

You are sure to find this place a fine getaway. This place has all your heart desires including amazing food, a theater, nice and cozy beds, a view of the lake, swimming pool and hot tub, cabins and petting zoo. But what makes this a place unlike any other is the hospitality you find here. You are sure to feel loved. The "employees" make sure that you are well taken care of both physically but also spiritually. If you are looking for people to pour into you, show you an excellent example of a godly family or just looking to be loved, then the Hylton's is the place to stay.

This is THE five-star hotel!

Jeff and Alycea, thank you for opening your home to 14 strangers and loving on us. We truly have been blessed by you and your children. You seriously have been an amazing example of what a godly family should be. Your children are beautiful and I can't wait to hear stories of how God will continually use them. Brittany's story of obedience over desire is just the beginning. I love you guys and hope I can come visit again soon. May God bless your family abundantly!

Thank you to everyone who was behind Project SearchLight. You are all amazing! A special thank you to Seth Barnes for taking time out of his busy schedule to pour into us and to help make our Kingdom reality. A thank you to Stephanie Conners and Josh Markland for all your work behind the scenes as well as in front. A thank you to all the coaches for investing in us.

Project SearchLight may be over (and I don't want it to stop) but this is just the next step for what God has in store for our lives. Love you all!

In Need...

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Just a few days ago I asked God how I can learn to intercede and moments later Seth talked about sending in intercessors as part of the relief efforts in Haiti. While we were praying about who to send, I couldn't help the tug I felt upon my heart. My heart was saying, "Go!" while my head was saying, "How?"

"How am I going to raise the funds to go?"

"I am willing to go right now but I forgot my passport. How do I make this work?"

"I haven't seen my sister in almost 2 years and I was supposed to see her when I got back, what if God calls me to go now?"

"I promised AIM that I would volunteer at this next training camp and I want to be a good steward. I want my yes to be yes and my no to be no."

All this stress was filling me and then a peace fell over me.

I was reminded of how God took care of everything while on the race. I knew I was called to the race but didn't know how to make it happen but it was God who called me to it. He was in control.

I still plan on helping at training camp and going home and seeing my sister. AIM hasn't decided when they would send us in but I know it won't be for at least another week or so. Everything is falling into place so far. I just need support for airfare, food and other traveling expenses. Read Seth Barnes blog on plans to help Haiti here.

If you would like to help, please donate below.

If I don't get the opportunity to go, then any support I raise I will send to AIM for Haiti Relief.

Blackmailing God

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The biggest desire in my heart is to get married and start a family. And though I know God will give me the desires of my heart because he planted them there, I use them to stay stagnant. I have so many other desires but have put them on a shelf until God fulfills my biggest desire.

I am basically telling God "I am going to just sit here and not move forward in life until you make this happen!" Blackmailing is basically a "this for that" type of mentality.

Funny, I just pictured myself in my head as a kid throwing a tamper tantrum.

But God calls us to obedience over desire. He wants our trust. By being fully vulnerable and submitting to God then intimacy with Him can grow.

So, I haven't finished college because I thought, "Well, I am just going to get married and have children." But what if God changes my heart? What am I going to do til then? How long will I have to wait? And how am I supposed to follow my other desires?

I came to Project SearchLight with a desire in my heart but also with this fear. "What if my future husband doesn't have the same calling?" I easily forget how great God truly is. ANYTHING and EVERYTHING is possible through God. God will stir the same passions within us and that is the biggest thing I need to look for in my future husband, can I see myself building the Kingdom with him? And my coach made me realize something I never did before. If his Kingdom dream is the same as mine then following that dream is where we will meet because he will be have to pursue his Kingdom dream also. Two roads will become one along the way.

My question to you is this, what desire is making you stagnant? How are you blackmailing God?

Community

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I worked in a camp setting for 6 years before doing the World Race. And though I lived in community at camp, the World Race was different.

You have people always around to encourage you spiritually, emotionally, etc. It is hard to describe other then it is beautiful. While coming home has been great and I love spending time with my family, there is just something different about living in community and in covenant with other.

It wasn't til I got to PSL that I realized just how much I missed it, but more importantly, just how much I NEED it.

In Acts 2, we read about these people living in community and God adding to those being saved each day. Isn't that awesome? People saw the these people living in community and there was something different about them. Something inside them made them shine. They had people around to always pull them up and to just love on them. Sound too good to be true? It isn't!

We NEED community... We NEED fellowship!

Rest...

Sun, 17 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Rest... such a wonderful gift from God!

Ever wondered why God rested on the 7th day after creation?

He is God and He intricately put us together. He could have made everything in the twinkling of an eye but He chose to take His time to make the universe and everything in it. He put a whole day aside to work on each different aspect.

Day 1: He put forth day and night.

Day 2: He put forth the sky and water.

Day 3: He put forth the earth and seas.

Day 4: He put forth the sun and moon and the stars.

Day 5: He put forth living creatures.

Day 6: He put forth man.

Day 7: GOD RESTED!

God didn't need to rest but He chose to. I think it was to give us an example that we DO need to rest.

Jesus talked in parables so that we could understand the Kingdom better. I am sure that everything in life points back to God is some way. We eat to grow and get the nutrients we need to live. But we really eat so we can see our NEED for Jesus and His Word. We need Him to grow.

So, why rest? I think it is to remind us that we can't do life on our own. We need Him to constantly fill us up. We need to run to our Father's arms and just rest.

So, have you rested in Him today?

One more thing to point out to you because I just think it amazing to think about. It took Him only ONE day to create each of these things but He continually is working on you and me. Isn't that exciting? He loves us that much!

Haiti: From Hurting To Healing

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Haiti is hurting right now. Death and devastation plague the country after the earthquakes hit just a few days ago. Haiti needs people to come in and take care of their needs and to be loved. Haiti needs our prayers.

Our squad had the opportunity to work in Haiti this past February and so our hearts are burdened. i have heard countless stories from people I know living in Haiti to the stories of the people my squad-mates had the opportunity to work with.

I have found several accounts in the Bible where people are in the desert and that was when God spoke to them. He whispered His words of love, peace, joy and comfort. Right now, Haiti is in the desert and God is crying out to them. "I will allure her into the desert place and speak tenderly to her." (Hosea 2:14)

What are we to do to help these hurting people hear God call out? We can go... support... pray!

So, today I was doubting the gift of intercession God has given me and I was going to ask for prayer in that prayer an opportunity to put it into practice. When suddenly, Seth began to talk about possibly sending intercessors to the Dominican Republic. Right then and there I knew I was to go. AIM is talking about sending a team of intercessors to the Dominican to pray for the teams they send through to help in the Haiti efforts.

I need money for transportation, food and other expenses. Would you please pray about joining me either by encouraging and/or financial support. Please, pray continually.

Send the money to my paypal account. And if I end up not going, then I will place any support I receive into the AIM support account for Haiti.

God bless!

Don't Jump The Gun...

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When God births a passion / desire in my heart, I just want to dive in! This new passion to build His Kingdom by mentoring youth has me at the starting line impatiently waiting. The gun hasn't been shot yet but I am ready to go. Through PSL, I have been learning that the dream is more then getting to the finish line, it is going through the journey.

I think the journey is important because it is where God shows Himself. Through the trials, falls, successes and miracles you can see Him. I am excited to walk on this journey. I am excited to wait patiently for the desires of my heart. God's timing is perfect.

* I bought myself this ring to remind myself to wait on God. Not just on the subject of marriage but in all the desires He has put in my heart. It has "I will wait for" written on the inside and "my beloved" on the outside.

Name Dropping...

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today in PSL we talked about networking. I was most excited about this part because I feel like I know no one. I have a dream and I my head tells me that there is no one who wants to hop on board, there is no one to teach me the tools I need, no one to mentor me. Before we stepped into the lesson, the first thing Scott Pitts told us was SCREW FEAR! So, we dived right in and I got used as an example. So, Scott and Seth asked me who I knew that might be able to mentor me in the area of fulfilling my dreams. Who did I know that worked with youth? I thought of a few and have set up appointments to talk with them. And Seth even connected me by contacting Mark Oestreicher who will be connecting me with someone else down the line. This made me feel pumped! The rest of the day I have been in a good mood (though I wasn't in a funk before).

Today taught me that when God calls us to something, we need to take the step forward. Just as Peter took that first step out of the boat. He forgot his fears, trusted God and stepped out of the boat. When the waves came crashing, his fear came back and he started to fall but Jesus was there to catch him. So, if God has given you a dream, step out in faith.

First Step...

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In August, I realized there was a new theme with each continent I was in. In each continent God was teaching me a different aspect of my relationship with Him. I wrote the themes before on here but I have one to add now that I am back home.

In the Caribbean God was teaching me about His light. That He shines for all to see. The light that caught my eye.
In Asia it was love. Just the love He has lavished me with. The love that made me fall in love with Him.
In Africa it was God's pursuit of man. That even when I turned to other loves God was still pursuing my heart and He wasn't giving up until He had it... all of it.
In Europe it was redemption. This is the place where I fell in love with my First Love once more and He freed me of all my sins.
And now that I am home I feel that the theme is walk. Now, that I have been redeemed, I have been restored and found my new identity in Christ. The identity He intended me to live. And now I can walk in freedom and authority.

"The journey of a thousand miles begins with a first step." -Chinese proverb

We Are All Hurting Right Now...

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I am sure everyone has heard of the devastation that hit Haiti just the other day. A 7.0 earthquake shook the island leaving the country in shambles and devastated. Please pray for the people of Haiti.

It's been almost a year since our squad headed into Haiti. I was scared of going into Haiti because all I have heard was that it was a dark country with a lot of spiritual battles going on but I never expected my heart to hurt for the people of that country as much as it did. I know, from talking with several people from my squad, that we are hurting. There are people who God used to touch our hearts there just as much as God used us to touch theirs. There are names behind some of the faces that we know.

Sacrifice

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I heard this story when I was much younger and just found it again and I wanted to share it....

After a few of the usual Sunday evening hymns, the church's pastor slowly stood up, walked over to the pulpit and before he gave his sermon for the evening, briefly introduced a guest minister who was in the service that evening.

In the introduction, the pastor told the congregation that the guest that the guest minister was one of his dearest childhood friends and that he wanted him to have a few moments to greet the church and share whatever he felt would be appropriate for the service. With that, an elderly man stepped up to the pulpit and began to speak.

"A father, his son and a friend of his son were sailing off the pacific coast," he began, "when a fast approaching storm blocked any attempt to get back to shore. The waves were so high, that even though the father was an experienced sailor, he could not keep the boat upright and the three were swept into the ocean as the boat capsized."

The old man hesitated for a moment. Making eye contact with two teenagers who were, for the first time since the service began, looking somewhat interested in his story. The aged minister continued his story, "grabbing a rescue line, the father had to make the most excruciating decision of his life. To which boy would he throw the other end of the lifeline? He only had seconds to make the decision."

"The father knew that his son was a Christian and he also knew that his son's friend was not. The agony of his decision could not be matched by the torrent of waves. As the father yelled out, I love you, son!' he threw out the lifeline to the son's friend. By the time the father had pulled the friend back to the capsized boat, his son had disappeared beneath the raging swells, into the black of night. His body was never recovered."

By this time, the two teenagers were sitting up straight in their pew, anxiously waiting for the next words to come out of the old ministers mouth. "The father," he continued, "knew his son would step into eternity with Jesus and he could not bear the thought of his son's friend stepping into an eternity without Jesus."

"Therefore, he sacrificed his son to save the son's friend. How great is the love of God that he should do the same for us. Our Heavenly Father sacrificed his only begotten son that we could be saved. I urge you to accept his offer to rescue you and take hold of the lifeline he is throwing out to you this service."

With that, the old man turned and sat back down in his chair as silence filled the room. The pastor again walked slowly to the pulpit and delivered a brief sermon with an invitation at the end. However, no one responded to the appeal. Within minutes after the service ended, the two teenagers were at the old man's side. "That was a nice story," politely stated one of the boys, "but I don't think it was very realistic for a father to give up his only son's life in hopes that the other boy would become a Christian." "Well, you've got a point there," the old man replied, glancing down at his worn Bible.

A big smile broadened his narrow face, he once again looked up at the boys and said, "It sure isn't very realistic, is it? But I'm standing here today to tell you that story gives me a glimpse of what it must have been like for God to give up his son for me. You see... I was that father and your pastor is my son's friend."

She's On My Mind Again

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, every night we have a couple people share their stories of how they got to the World Race and eventually here to Project SearchLight. I haven't told my story yet but have been thinking about it. There is one part of my story that turned my world upside down and it's the part that has been repeating itself in my head.

I lost my Mom almost 5 years ago to diabetes and though it still hurts (and I am sure it always will) I finally have a peace about it. I thought I had a peace before because I knew she was in heaven and that I would see her again but I think a part of me was still angry that God had to take her from me. The race has been a year of growth and healing and though I am still unsure why He had to take my Mom, I know it is so He can use it for His glory.

One thing that I think has given me peace is how God has kept my Mom alive in me. She left a legacy and it is growing in me. As a little girl, I wanted to grow up and be just like my Mom. Some things were a little too extreme; like being married at eighteen. But then there were some things that just bring me joy. Recently I found some home videos and one was of my quinceaera. At the end of the video there is about 20 minutes of my Mom serving people food. My Mom loved to cook because it brought her joy to serve other people this way. I made tacos last night and it felt good. I felt like I came alive and I felt like my Mom was alive in me.

I miss her!

One of my favorite photos of my Mom and me.

What Is Written In Your Adventure Book?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today Seth had us watch a 20 min clip of the Pixar movie "Up".

We first meet up with Carl Fredericksen as a young boy who dreams to be an adventurer as he watches footage of explorer Charles Muntz. Carl's love of Muntz leads him to Ellie. When we meet Ellie she shows Carl her "Adventure Book". It's a book she hopes to feel with her adventures. They go on to share their lives together. They dream of a time when they can actually take off on an adventure in the wilds of South America just like Muntz. But jobs and health issues and whatnot have a way of hindering their dreams, and Carl and Ellie grow old never having visited the South American jungles. And then, sadly, Carl becomes a widower with just his lovely little house and his beautiful memories of Ellie to keep him company.

After this clip Seth asked us 3 questions;

What adventures are in your book?
What hindered Carl from taking on the adventures in his book?
What hinders you from doing the adventures in your book?

Well, question two is answered above. As I searched my heart for the answer to number one, I realized that there were some adventures in my book that have already been accomplished. Those adventures made me come alive. But there were also adventures that I haven't yet reached; which posed me to answer question three.

What held me back? Fear, doubt, finances, resources and people. Fear used to hold me hostage. It held me down and kept me from coming alive. Doubt told me the lie that my dreams are impossible when God's Word tells me nothing is impossible through Him. Money makes the world go round. I both don't have the resources I need nor do I know what resources I need. And I know I cannot do this alone, I need people to back me on my dreams.

What is written in your adventure book? What is keeping you from following those dreams?

* Today is Sex Trafficking Awareness Day. Yes, it is real! Yes, it happens today! Yes, all over the world including America! Yes, we can make a difference!

Are You Willing To Go?

Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Today, Seth pegged us with the question, "Anyone willing to go on an adventure with me?" He wouldn't tell us where because he wanted to see who was willing; he wanted to know who would take a risk. It ended up being a fun but the reason I am writing about this in a blog is because it made me think of some spiritual applications.

Sometimes... a lot of the time, God will ask us to do crazy things and sometimes we have no clue where it will lead us. And it scares us... to give up control; to hand it all over to God is hard.

If you have followed me (through my blogs) from the beginning then you know that I did not want to go on the race! God called me to it and I fought Him for a long time. I didn't want to surrender control. I was in charge of my life and I knew what each day held because I planned them. I was in control! But God wouldn't take no for an answer! He used several people in my life to finally get me to the point of surrendering (that little bit). But that little bit was all it took. It lead me to give Him a little more each day. On the race I surrendered a little here and a little there but He wanted ALL of me! It wasn't til the end of month 6 that I surrendered myself completely. When I let God take the wheel I became alive!

One of the people that God used to help me surrender before the race and eventually on the race was Benny V. He had me read a blog of his and it encouraged me to go ahead and take a leap of faith. His blog was about giving God the steering wheel but not only giving Him the steering wheel but taking a ride in the trunk. Please read his blog on giving God control here.

My question to you is this... are you willing to let God take you for a ride?

Obedience

Sat, 9 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I just love it when God speaks!

It just amazes me time and time again when God is teaching me things through His Word, books, other people, etc. Right now, as I have said in an earlier blog, I am reading "Battle Cry For The Next Generation" by Ron Luce. And I think the title alone gives you a hint into what the book is about. It is about standing up and fighting the spiritual evils for the next generation.

This morning, during my morning devotional, I read Deuteronomy 20 and in the first verse I was brought back to this idea of war. It reads, "When you go to war against your enemies... do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God... will be with you." Anyway, I thought it was a sweet start to my day and it went along with what I was learning in the book.

We then had a learning session with Seth Barnes and he talked more on war. He talked about a King fighting for His kingdom. A King who set the captives free! And now that we are free we are to help the kingdom by setting others free.

I think when you truly are set free by God, you can't help but want to set others free! Something ignites inside you! It is this feeling that makes your heart skip a beat every time you think about it! My heart is pacing even now as I write! SO GOOD! Anyway, what I am trying to say is I think when you are really set free you, God puts a desire in your heart to do the same for others. Whether it is through youth ministry, missions, education, etc. GOD GIVES YOU A DREAM!

So many times people give up on their dreams / desires because they seem impossible but with God nothing is impossible! He gave you those desires because He chose to use YOU! And He has given you authority and strength!

And if you have a dream, do it! Be obedient! One thing that really stood out to me in "Battle Cry..." was the following sentance and what I will leave you with...

"REAL PEOPLE ARE WAITING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF OUR OBEDIENCE."

Today I Leave

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

So, I am trying to pack all of my stuff into a carry-on but it doesn't seem to work! In a few hours my brother will be over to pick me up to take me to his house for the night because I fly out early tomorrow morning.

Well, trying to fit things into a carry-on is impossible for a 3 week trip! I am going to have to take a luggage! There is one problem though! I have the money to pay for my luggage to get it to GA. I just don't have money to bring it back! It cost $20 each way!

So, I am asking for your help! If I can get 4 people to donate $5 each or 2 people to donate$10 I will have enough to bring it home! Please, help me! I am still unemployed and live with my brother and his family. His wife is the only one working and it's hard to feed 6 mouths on 1 persons check! Thank you and God bless...

If you would like to help click on the button below. It takes 3-4 business days to process on paypal then another 3-4 business days to process it to my bank account so I could use it ASAP! Thanks again!

The Difficulties Of Coming Home and PSL

Mon, 4 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

When God first asked me to go on the race, I struggled with saying yes. Being away from family for so long played a big part but what scared me the most was coming home. Why would I be scared of coming home? you ask. Well, in 2003 I ventured out on my first mission trip alone. I had gone to Mexico with my family several times growing up and we would go down to visit family but also to help at churches and orphanages. But this time I felt I needed to go on my own.

In 2003, I signed up to go on a mission trip with The North American Missionary Board. I had always wanted to go to Canada and I finally had my chance. I helped a church in Kamloops, British Columbia. While there I helped with set-up, teaching and tearing down of VBS and also went to the park to face paint and invite kids to VBS. It was an easy trip but it was then that I felt called to missions.

While in Canada, I called home everyday during my 2 month stay (or I should say my Mom called me). So, I had no idea that when I got home, I would feel the way I did. God taught me a lot while I was there and when I came home, I came home a different person. Being this new person in Christ was amazing but my family didn't know the new me and I felt like a stranger in my own home for a while.

During final debrief of the race the fear of coming home came back but this time I also had another fear. I was scared of losing the people I had grown to love on the race; my new brothers and sisters. Well, I have been home now for a little over a month and I can say that I haven't felt the awkwardness that I thought I would. I think what made this time different was talking with my family about what God had been doing in my life all year and hearing what He was doing in the hearts of those back home. Yes, there are things my brother doesn't understand about me (I live with him and his family) but they aren't the big things that matter. It's the smaller things like the fact that I don't eat as much as I used to.

The struggles I do face though is that I do feel like I have lost my brothers and sisters from the race. Going from having them around me 24/7 to not having them around me at all is hard. I don't have a phone to call. All I have is a lousy internet connection. I email people from the race and sometimes don't get responses at all. I see that they respond to others but not me.. I know that it is just lies from the devil but I feel like they only put up with me all year because they had to and now that we are home there is no need to contact me anymore. I feel so alone in this area. I feel like they all have each other and all I have is my family. But I want them. No, I need them in my life. I miss that community!

I worked at a Christian camp for 6 years before going on the race. I basically lived there and it was amazing to be among a community of believers. Being surrounded by other Christians is amazing! I knew I always had someone I could turn to for godly advice and to pray with me. It was awesome to walk along my brothers and sisters as we grew closer in our walks with God. The race was the same thing but on a deeper level. I miss community. I miss fellowship. I haven't been to church since being home because we just don't have the funds for gas to get there. It's driving me crazy. I need something! I need someone!

A part of me is excited to go to Project SearchLight (PSL) and see the few I have stayed in contact with on a normal basis. I am also excited about going to step out in faith. You see, before the race I had such a low-self esteem. I believed I couldn't be anything but a follower. But as I have said before, on the race I found my true identity; my identity in Christ. He has shown me that He has given me authority; that I truly can do anything through Him. A few times on the race, He has even called me to lead a thing here or there. Sometimes, I would stand back when someone would push me out of the way and take over but I am still learning to stand firm. I am really hoping that PSL will help me grasp the authority I have deeper. I want to learn to fight for what I feel is right instead of cowering whenever someone bigger and louder comes around. I want to learn to be loud. I want to be in the frontlines of this battle. I want to fight for my Kingdom dream. I want to go forward. And I really feel like God wants me to start this organization for children but I have no clue where to start. I am hoping PSL will help me find those tools needed.

A Call To War

Sun, 3 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

I just started reading "Battle Cry For A Generation" by Ron Luce and I am already pumped up!

Excerpts from the book...

"Today we face our own D-Day. Now is the time for us to come together to win a war for this generation of young people. We have the chance of a lifetime to preserve for the children of America a future of freedom and promise."

"This is a war for the heart and soul of a generation that we can win, if we ALL take action."

"Why do I begin by speaking of war? Because I have seen the enemies of our children march across the land, leaving ravished young hearts and minds in their wake. I have seen the wounding effects. I've listened to the stories of teens hurting, broken, and bleeding (some by their own hands). I've seen the signs of war, and you have too. Yet to no avail. Too few of us have taken action. Too few seem to realize that the enemy really is at our own back door.

It is time for us to wake up and acknowledge that this is our war for the hearts of today's teens and for the future of America. It is time now for us to get involved, not only as a supporter but as warriors."

"Psalm 1:1 says 'Blessed is the (person) who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.' We have a generation that isn't 'blessed' because it has allowed the wicked to shape its value of life."

"And consider the fact that 88 percent of kids raised in Christian homes do not continue to follow the Lord after they graduate high school, it looks like the terrorists are winning."

If this isn't enough to get you pumped... here is some other info from their website. BattleCry.com

THIS IS A GENERATION IN CRISIS

    * 1 out of 11 attempt SUICIDE each year.
    * 1 out of 10 fifteen year olds and younger have gone through family divorce in their life-time.
    * 58% have been involved in objectionable content on the web.
    * 40% have experimented with SELF-INJURY (are "cutters").
    * Use of prescription DRUGS (Ritalin, anti-depressants etc.) by children/teens has increased substantially in the past few years.

THIS IS A GENERATION WITHOUT MORALITY

By the time the average child graduates from high school, he/she will have watched 19,000 hours of TV including about 200,000 sexual acts and 1 million ACTS OF VIOLENCE.
1 in 10 high school females have reported being RAPED at some point in their life.
Fear of violence in schools is now the leading "worry" of public school teens.
48% of high school seniors are SEXUALLY ACTIVE (had sexual intercourse in past 3 months).

THIS IS A GENERATION WITHOUT TRUTH

91% say there is NO ABSOLUTE TRUTH.
75% of teens in America believe the central message of the Bible is, "God helps those who help themselves".
53% believe Jesus committed sin (40% of born again teens believe Jesus committed sin).

I urge you to take action now! Pray and ask God how you can help and join the cause by visiting BattleCry.com and joining!

Getting Ready...

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a few days I will be leaving home and flying to GA for a few weeks for Project SearchLight!

Project SearchLight is a program setup for World Race Alumni. It is to help adjust to being back home and to help us find our Kingdom dream. But not just find it, live it! (This is just a summary, to read more on Project SearchLight click here and to read more on Kingdom dreama click here.)

Well, we had a couple assignments to do as we prepared for it. One of the assignments was to share our hearts about what we feel lead to do; to tell about where we felt like God wanted to lead us. And now I would like to share my heart with you.

Whenever I look into a child's eyes, I see life, I see depth and I see questions. As soon as children are old enough to put words together, they can't help but ask many questions. Everything around them is intriguing, exciting. These questions (and the answers they receive) help develop the character of who the child will become.

Too many children today have lost their identity. They want to know who they are and so they ask the question and so many times are lead astray by the answers they find (if they get an answer at all). The media tells them that they are overweight, ugly, unpopular, and everything in-between that would tear down their self-esteem. Parents, when angry, can throw words that can cut deep into a child's soul. Peers (who are also suffering from an identity crisis), throw harsh words to cut others down in hopes to find themselves on a pedestal (where their told they will find happiness). Children are hurting.

In the U.S., it's estimated that one in every 200 girls between 13 and 19 years old, or one-half of one percent, cut themselves regularly. Those who cut comprise about 70 percent of teen girls who self injure. (www.teenhelp.com) According to international study commissioned by Dove, by the age 12 most girls have seen around 77,500 ads. Researchers questioned 2,000 girls from the UK and the US aged between 10 and 14 and found out that as much as 77 percent of them described themselves in negative terms. Many said they consider themselves ugly, fat and upset when comparing themselves with attractive images shown in advertisements. (www.infoniac.com)

For the last 7 years, I have had the opportunity to work with children from 6 years of age to 18. I have heard their heartache, shared some tears and comforted them. I have heard them identify themselves as ugly and fat. I have heard them throw these same remarks at other children; along with others. I have spent time with children who claim to be homosexual, involved in gangs, put into group homes, are pregnant (or have children), etc. And my heart breaks for these kids.

I too dealt with low self-esteem growing up and believed the lies I heard from my peers and television. It wasn't until I read and understood Psalm 139 that I began on this journey of discovering who I really was. And it wasn't until this year (on the race) that I found that my identity is found in Christ.

The Big Brothers Big Sisters Mission is to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships with mentors that have a measurable impact on youth. This is an amazing organization but it has one major concept missing. It needs to be centered on God.

I would love to start an organization where children can come and hang out and go on trips, I want children to have a godly mentor that they can ask their life impacting questions to or to just lean on when they need a shoulder. I want this next generation to know that their identity is found in Christ alone. I want to leave a legacy that points to Him. I want to start an organization that exists to enhance the spiritual and mental (self-esteem) health of the fatherless/motherless youth through partnering each child with a positive role model. It was envisioned as a means to help children find their identity through Christ.

Hope You Had A Wonderful Christmas

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hope you all had a glorious Christmas!

It is such a blessing to be home just in time to spend the holidays with the family.

On Christmas Eve we went to my brother, Joshua's house. I enjoyed having all my nieces and nephew together. Those kids bring me to life. We ate a yummy Mexican meal (tamales, rice and beans) and just enjoyed each others company.

Christmas day was spent here at home with the kids. Waking up early to watch the kids open their gifts brings me joy. We ate turkey and all the fixings!

Anyway, I am excited to be home and start this next chapter. I am excited about going to Project SearchLight in a couple weeks to start working on my dream.

And I hope that you all had an amazing Christmas and may this new year bring new blessings! God bless!

Jasmin, Mattie-Grace, Kinsley and Charlie... my beautiful nieces and handsome nephew!

Blessed Year!

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am lying here awake in my bed thinking about the race. All the fun, sad and moving stories that I had the privilege to share with 51 other people... make that 55 (including coaches and "squad advisors"). You have all made an impact in my life and so I want to say thank you!

Spectacle, I couldn't imagine myself on any other team! You are all just as wacky as me. We sure did have an amazing year together, though at times it was hard and I am sure, just as me, each one of you have wanted to give up but we didn't. We have shared tears, laughter (and lots of it) and embarrassing moments with each other. We have also had the privilege to watch each other grow tremendously this year. We made up an amazing family put together to build kingdom! I want to thank you all as a whole and individually. I love you all!

Darci, you really do have a heart of gold. You exuberate the compassionate character of God. It was really easy to talk to you because I knew you not only heard my pain/joy but you endured with me. You truly kept the team alive with your energy. I still have images of you dancing in my head along with all the jingles. You are a beautiful daughter of The King and I am blessed to call you sister. I love you!

Dave, thank you for believing in me always, even when I didn't believe in myself (even if it meant you pushing me beyond what I felt was my limit and I didn't like you a lot of the time for it). Thank you for being there when I just needed to talk, cry, pray or I had questions. From the beginning, I could see a heart swelling up inside you, a heart yearning to know his Savior. It has been beautiful to watch as you have come to know Him more and I am excited to hear how He will continually pursue your heart as you pursue His. You are a magnificent son of The King and I am blessed to call you brother. I love you!

Di, I have loved to watch you grow. I remember the vision I got of you (back in January) tearing down walls. You are a really strong woman of God and because of the strength He has given you, you have done that this year. He isn't done with you yet! 1 Peter 3:14 says that beauty comes from the inner self; that it is an unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit. And you my dear are one of the most beautiful women I know (both inside and out). Your beauty has oozed out more and more throughout the year. You are a beautiful daughter of The King and I am blessed to call you sister. I love you!

Jenn, you have impacted my life the most! I knew that God placed you in my life as an answer to prayer. I asked for a godly woman that I can look up to and grow alongside and He blessed me with you! I have shared more tears, pain, joy, laughter and everything in between with you than anyone. Thank you for your words of advice and for sharing in my pain and joy. You are my sister for life and there is nothing you can do about it. LOL! I think about you often and am brought to tears because I truly feel blessed to have you in my life. And though we are now many miles apart, I know we will continue to walk alongside each other as long as God permits. You are a beautiful daughter of The King and I am blessed to call you sister. I love you!

Rachel, your encouragement has helped me tremendously this year. God really has used you to help me find my identity in Him. At first, I didn't want to hear what you had to say because I didn't believe them for myself. But you have helped me bring not just the lies to light but God's everlasting truths! I am happy that I got all your notes this year! You are gifted at giving love in the different ways it is received. After all, God has given you His heart to love His people. As I have told you, He has given you authority to speak! Continue to use your words to bring life to those around you. You are a beautiful daughter of The King and I am blessed to call you sister. I love you!

Zack, you amaze me. You always knew when I needed to talk or be left alone. You knew when I needed a hug or to be put in my place. You were always there at the right times. Speaking of hugs, boy, do I miss your "daddy hugs"! God has equipped you with words to pierce the hearts of people around the world! He wants to use you to lead His people; to let them know He is calling them to Him. God has used you to minister this year as His mouth, not just to the people we have met along the way, but to my heart as well. Thank you! By the way, I have been singing a lot of your jingles here at home and have taught them to Mattie (she is a big fan). You are a magnificent son of The King and I am blessed to call you brother. I love you!

This list can go on forever... Everyone on the H-Squad has impacted my life in some way and I want to say thank you to each one of you but I won't write it down here because this is already getting quite long but there are just a few names I want to add.

Jenni Weir, Melissa Betz, Stephanie Pridgen, Teri Gunnink and Kim Hillebrand... you are my sisters for life! I have enjoyed our times together at debriefs and I want to say thank you for truly investing in me! And I can't forget to let the world know that Stephanie Pridgen is my "World Race Best Friend"... we have shared a lot of memories; including breaking a bed in Koh Samed, Thailand.

Renee and Amanda, I love you both a bunch! You two have heard all the craziness that goes on in this head of mine and love me just the same. Renee, you were one of the first people to talk to me before the race (I think Pridgen may have beat you by a day or something... lol) and are still the most involved in my life! I love you girl! Amanda, you have grown tremendously and it is beautiful!

David Matthew Williams, Cameron, Benny and Tim... I love you guys! Thank you for being wonderful brothers!

Jenny Brown and Ashley Musick! I love you! Thank you for pushing me and encouraging me the whole way through! You two are the best!

Mike and Patti, we are really blessed to have had you as our coaches. I really feel as though I am one of your children and I knew I was safe under your authority.

A special thank you to Connie! Your cards, letters and gifts have been a blessing to my soul and your monthly support helped me get to the finish line! I have been blessed to hear the wonderful stories this year of what God has been doing in your life and to spend the year with your beautiful daughter. I love you!

Dad and Eva, you believed in me from the beginning and your encouragement has blessed me abundantly! Thank you Dad for being an example of Christ and teaching me to walk in His ways. I wouldn't have done this without you!

To the rest of my family! God has blessed me with such an amazing family that loves the Lord!

To all of my supporters! You rock!

This Isn't The End Of The Book...

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Recent blog entries have been about new seasons/chapters in our lives. And those of you who have read my blogs this year know the summary of the chapters before the race (the summaries I was willing to give). Some of you followed along on this very adventurous chapter known simply as "The Race". And for a lot of you, that is the end of the book. You go on and start on a new book (someone else who is currently on the field).

Now, I am not saying it is wrong to pick up the new book, in fact, I encourage it. What I am saying is that books don't end at the climax. There is a beginning, which starts with God creating the world and everything in it. There are the chapters of those who have gone before you. Then, there is the greatest chapter of all, the chapter that tells of the life, death and resurecction Jesus Christ. This is the climax of your book and mine, the one that changed our lives completely. Now, that would make the perfect ending to any good book, but God continues to write out this book... and you know who He uses in the following chapters? You and me.

When I truly accepted Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, that was a turning point in my book. One that says, "I no longer live but Christ lives in me." In other words, I only live to please You and will do whatever You call me to do. Another turning point of my book was when my Mom passed away. It was the hardest chapter of my life to live out but all of those events lead to the chapter you know so well, "The Race".

But "The Race" isn't it. It is just another chapter in my story. It is another turning point. God has taught me a lot on the race. He has taught me who I am in Him and how He wants to use me to advance His kingdom. And that is exactly what I needed to learn to start on this next chapter of my life. One that I hope you will continue alongside me.

And when my life ends, that still won't be the end of my book. You see, I want to leave a legacy!

I do need your help with this next chapter... I want to work with children but am unsure of how to puruse it. Project SearchLight is a program designed by AIM for people returning from the race to help them achieve their kingdom dream. I would really love to go but need money for roundtrip tickets and other expenses. If you would like to help, please donate below.

Happy Birthday, Di!!!

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Hope you have an incredible birthday! I love you and miss you!

Di's Birthday Video from AnNa BaNaNa on Vimeo.

Still Looking for Help!

Mon, 7 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

I am still looking for support to head to GA in January (Read previous blog). Need money for a round-trip ticket and some personal... keep on praying! Love ya'll!

I Am Home... Now What?

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

As time approached for coming home, the question "What's next?" came up a lot... and for a lot of people they knew what was ahead of them. And me... I am not 100% sure... I am not left in the dark... I know my desires but I don't know how that looks.

I thought for a while I was going to move to Mexico in January and attend my step-brother's Bible school and it sounds exciting but then God interceded. He told me He wanted me to stay home for now. He wants me to pour His love into my nephew and nieces... He wants me to live an example of who He is for them to learn from. And I am very excited! I love kids! In fact, they are my passion! I want to work with kids and impact their lives so they can go out and impact the world... I want to leave a legacy!

But I don't know exactly what that looks like... and recently AIM sent an email out, inviting World Race alumni to join Project Searchlight. Click here to learn more... And I really feel lead to go. Now everything is free except transportation to and from Gainesville, GA. And that's where I am asking for your help...

If you would like to donate to the cost for a plane ticket (around $500) click on the donate button below. Thank you and God bless.

By the way, home is good. My nieces and nephew are attached to my hip and I love it! My brother is already enjoying annoying me. Thanksgiving was a good time with the family. I got to see my Dad and Step-Mom... loving it!