Thinking about everyone

I don't know if anyone is still reading this blog. However, I'm thinking about all of you right now. I miss Canada. I miss our group.

Love you guys!

being inspired

I can't believe its been a week since we got back. Sometimes it feels like its been so much longer and sometimes it feels we just left a place we came to call home. I do not throw around the term "home" loosely. To me home is a place where I feel comfortable and know I can trust those around me. Despite only being there for 9 days, Delta was home. I trusted the group I went with and everyone at the church was more welcoming than I could have imagined. We were strangers but we were considered family. That is by far my favorite aspect of traveling. When I can see that God working everywhere I go, it makes me so much more passionate about letting others see how great God is. Last week I learned so much about God and who I want to be. Visiting with Amy gave me such inspiration to be strong and trust God because no matter the risk taken I will be taken care of. Moving to North Carolina is somewhat frightening but I have no doubt I will be taken care of in more ways than I could even ask. You never know where you'll end up when God is the one guiding you and the adventure of that is so exciting. If I knew where I was going in life what fun would that be? I've wanted to post for a few days now and I haven't had the time, or haven't made the time, but I wanted to let everyone, who I am expecting to see this, know I'm praying for you and hope to get updates on how life is going for you. And I'd like to ask for prayers for my studying. I take the next part of the CPA test in 12 days, I need to trust God that I have the capacity to study and the focus on the material without losing focus on Him. I'd really appreciate that! I miss all of you and the ones I am fortunate enough to see everyday, my day is truly blessed by you. Have a wonderful day!!

Reflecting on last week

Last week in Vancouver was a blessing for all 14 of us who traveled together. It's been a week since we left Canada. It has even been a week since I have seen some of the members of our team.

This week has been difficult. I really have been fighting routine this week. It was nice being out of it for a while in Vancouver. I'm almost back in it. Today helped a lot. I had been planning since the beginning of February not to do anything today. Besides a jog around the apartment complex, dinner and watching "The Holiday" for the third time, I just relaxed.

Although this week has been difficult, God blessed me Thursday night. Me and three of my friends went to the Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and Louie Giglio concert/worship service in Little Rock.

Matt Redman sang a song I hadn't paid much attention to until Thursday night. Let these words motivate you to be a part of a Dancing Generation.

Your mercy taught us how to dance
To celebrate with all we have
And we'll dance to thank You for mercy

Your glory taught us how to shout
To lift Your name in all the earth
And we'll shout to the praise of Your glory

It's the overflow
Of a forgiven soul
And now we've seen You, God
Our hearts cannot stay silent

And we'll be a dancing generation
Dancing because of Your great mercy, Lord
Your great mercy, Lord
And we'll be a shouting generation
Shouting because of Your great glory, Lord
Your great glory, Lord

I miss Canada!

Things I miss about Canada:
1. Late night chats with Mae.
2. Cruising around town in a minivan.
3. Making at least 2 U-turns a day!
4. Sitting on the floor of a living room singing my heart out with 20-something other people.
5. Getting to see 13 of the greatest people on a daily basis.
6. The AMAZING cooks of the Delta congregation.
7. The rain ;)
8. Our morning devotionals.
9. "eh"
10. Seeing God's love at work through the members of the Delta church.

Crazy American & Delta Christian School

Pictures #1

The Delta Family & The 3 Amigos

we're still here

We're still here. Things are going great! We have seen God work in more ways than we ever thought possible.

Devo time. Will update later.

An ogre has many layers...

... Just like an Onion.

So yesterday at Harbor Light (the homeless ministry) I got the wonderful duty of peeling onions. There were boxes and boxes of onions that were donated... er - discarded, for Harbor Light to use. They were gross. Dirty and moldy. At one point I grabbed one and my thumb went through it... gross. Then I did what any Youth and Family ministry graduate does - I made a spiritual application.

Those onions that were moldy, dirty, and 'unfit' for use, just needed to be peeled deeper. We would cut the top and bottom off and then peel the layers back... low and behold there was a very usable part of every one of those onions. In fact, they were perfect. No one else wanted them, they were discarded and given to the homeless to use... but they just needed to be cut and peeled. See where I'm going with this one? How many times do we find ourselves covered in the dirt and mold of our sin. No one wants us.

But God chooses us. He cuts us. Peels us. He finds the good part and uses us.

This week has been amazing and it's only Tuesday. God has taken me and cut and peeled me. He has used me so much more than I thought I could be used.

Have you let God cut and peel you lately?

It's Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and I have a moment of free time to update the blog. No pictures today guys. I'm sorry. :(

Yesterday was a challenging day for a lot of those in our group. We worked at Harbour Light in the east side of Vancouver. Thousands upon thousands of homeless people live in the downtown east side. Harbour Light is part of the Salvation Army. (Beth really made me think about the name yesterday. SALVATION Army.)

We worked during the lunch hour. We served in the soup line. Some of us passed out loaves of bread for people to take with them. Others helped clean off the tables. Luis put it best in our evening reflection time ... Someone working in the kitchen asked Luis why we came all the way from Arkansas to work in Vancouver. Luis said, "It's simple. Love."

After we finished with lunch, we helped prep sandwiches, onions, etc., for the week. Some of us didn't understand how this was helping. However, we now know that we helped put the kitchen staff ahead for a couple weeks. They can spend more time now getting to know the clients of Harbour Light.

Free time

We had a little bit of free time yesterday afternoon. Larry drove us up the mountain to Cypress. At Cypress you can overlook the city, that part of Canada, and see all the way into Washington state. Absolutely amazing. My prayer is that the people of Vancouver will start to see the mountains around them as the love of God and nothing else.

Dinner... oh the fun

What do you get when you take 14 Arkansans to an authentic Japanese restaurant? An interesting time. We ate dinner in downtown Vancouver. A lot in our group had never tried sushi before. So it was really interesting. Ask Logan and John sometime how they felt about it. Let's just say we had to make a stop at Subway later in the evening for them.

The guys... certified movers
After dinner, we helped Amy (Amy is a newcomer to the Delta Church. She is in her 20s and teaches ESL at a school in Vancouver.) move furniture she had just acquired into her new home. We weren't planning on doing that lastnight. God put us in the right place at the right time.

Pictures will be coming soon of the girls and Jake carrying a van seat up a hill to a coffee shop in the middle of Vancouver.

Tuesday's plans
Some of the group have already headed out to their lunch destinations. We are splitting up and taking members of the church out to lunch on their lunch breaks. Later this evening we will be meeting with a small group. We're really excited about that. The next five nights will be filled with worship and encouragement. Now we're getting to the heart of it.

I can't speak for everyone... but I think we're learning that we all are on a ride, and God is the driver this week (that came from Logan). We have to just let our plans fly out the window and follow God's lead. So far this week that has so been the way it has happened. Just ask Mike.

We love you guys!

we're here!

We arrived at Larry and Rose's place lastnight around 8:30 local time. We only had one slight problem at the border. Poor Luis. We're glad he's still with us. It was touch and go for a while.

Since I don't have a lot of time to update in depth. Here's the top 10 list, in no particular order, for what we've done so far.

1. Good food. So much of it. As I type this I'm about to eat my fifth feast of the day. OK... not really five. Beth is sitting next to me. It might be five, she says. (Mama Rose is giving us more right now, including something that is "soaked in some goodies") We all decided we had the best potluck ever today. It was an international culinary exhibition. We had Ukranian perogies, Chinese food that was made by real Chinese people, Italian food made by real Italians.

2. Gelato. 218 flavors to be exact, including Corn-flavored, Garlic-flavored and Balsamic Vinegar-flavored. Ask Mike about the Garlic. Beth said I should say that. But really, there was some really good stuff too. Renee's combination: Tiramisu and Vanilla Cookie Dough. Beth's: Passion Fruit Raspberry and Coconut Creme Pie. Amanda's: Strawberry Daiquiri (Dry of course) and Orange Cremescicle (I don't know how to spell it.)

3. John and Jake running through seagull poop and making birds fly and then getting poop all over their clothes. And then getting in the van for another hour with me. I am not smelling very nice right now.

4. Clickity Clack.

5. Count your many blessings.

6. The rental car lady.

7. John. Period.

8. OK... Luis and the border. Memorable.

9. Worship this morning was amazing!

10. The view in Vancouver.

There are probably so many more. We will get to them, but for now that's it. We love you guys back at home. We'll keep posting. Pictures to come.

On the agenda for tomorrow: We working at a homeless shelter in Vancouver. A lot of us will be out of our comfort zones in a big way tomorrow!

2 Small Bags and a Carry-On

I just want everyone to know that I have all of my stuff for 9 days in two small bags and a carry-on. For those of you who know me, you know how hard that is for me. I took that same amount of stuff to Lexington a month ago for a weekend trip.

And John.... No laptop. It's killing me, but I'm not taking it.

With that said, we're leaving for Vancouver in less than 12 hours. And I went to the dentist today. That's just a sidenote.

For those of you not in Vancouver, pray for us and this work! For those of you at the Delta Street Church, I'm so excited to meet all of you. I'll see you tomorrow night!

...renee

P.S. Since John is making me leave my laptop at home, I hope he's prepared to let me use his to update this blog once a day. :) Either way, someone will be updating this blog once a day from Vancouver. Keep reading!

excited!!

Tomorrow morning we will be just getting to the airport at this time. And I am so excited. There is something about going somewhere to do something and meet people you've never met before that is just so exciting. Every time the trip gets mentioned I get so excited. It's going to feel like a long time between now and tomorrow because I have so much prep work left to do, but no matter it begins in 24 hours!!


See you all soon!!

laura

Day after next...

We have finally arrived at what has seemed like forever... only on a calendar. In actual time, the weeks have flown by so fast that it is hard to believe that I should pack tonight... ugh. This morning I woke up and fed my dog, hit the snooze, hit the gym, and then donned my tie and shirt (not sure if I match today) and was out the door. Pretty normal stuff.

Then why did I feel so abnormal?

There is this sense of calm that comes over me when I have a lot to do. When I am gearing up for a big task. Whenever I step out on a limb. Last night Beth and I were talking, "Wow, we leave on Saturday... there is so much to do. We should pack tomorrow!" We have finally arrived at the boiling point - and I feel calm. I sometimes question our ability to do the work that God is lining up for us. I question my role with this team. I wonder about our commitments and how we will represent Christ. But in all of that, I am calm today. I don't feel rushed. It's neat.

Reminded me of Paul giving thoughts to the Peace that surpasses understanding. I think that's what we all need at this moment. Whether it's us, going on the trip, or the church family in Delta wondering what to expect. Peace will bring us through.

Take a breath today and thank God for the peace he has given us. And if you feel stressed - let his peace wrap you up and live in confidence that He will provide.

God is good

Well... just a few more days until we leave. Unbelievable.

Today has been good. Phone call after phone call today and details kept falling into place. I was beginning to get in the way of God doing his thing. He certainly has his timing and his ways.

Lessons in faith once again.

Knocked off the checklist today:
1. A room to call homebase
2. A meeting with the Delta principal
3. A homeless shelter to help on Monday
4. A contact at UBC
5. Remembering that God is in control and not us.

...renee
pro. 16:3 "commit all that you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." so true.

About Chris Reaves

Name: Christopher Allyn Reaves (I know, my initials spell CAR)
Hometown: Not really sure. I could say Abilene, TX or Junction City, AR. Either/Or.
Education: I am a fifth year senior. I never went to pre-school so I decided to add the extra year on at the end. I am a general studies major with an emphasis in Bible.

Favorite Activities: I love to play sports, especially basketball and softball. I enjoy being outside as well. I like hiking and camping and fishing. I enjoy watching movies, playing Tetris, listening to music, making model airplanes (when I have the time), hanging out with friends, and doing homework. Nevermind, the last one was a stretch.
Favorite Movie: I would say my all-time favorite movies are Rudy, Behind Enemy Lines, and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Favorite Food: My mom's home-cooking, especially the Tereyaki Chicken.
Favorite Singer: Marc Broussard, Hawk Nelson, Collective Soul, and Casting Crowns to name a few.
Favorite Verse: My favorite verse or section of verses in Galatians 4:22-23 also known as the Fruits of the Spirit. This verse reminds me of my father who passed away this past June. He displayed on a daily basis the fruits of the spirits. It gives me something to aim for.

I have a feeling that this trip is going to be amazing. God put every single person in this group for a reason and soon we will all find out what that reason was. I am counting down the days to when we leave it is either six or seven or somewhere around there. I have never been out of the United States, so this will be a whole new experience for me. I can't wait to see how God is going to bless us as a group and how He will bless the Delta church and the surrounding area. This is going to be great!

No longer

So....I quite possibly have been the biggest slacker of the group since this has been created due to my life being infiltrated by travelling, working, messes, small and sometimes ridiculous yet oh-so-necessary responsibilities, and a quite unsettling commitment known as the Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 at the Dinner Theater. I am resolved to wash my hands of that 'slacker' role right now with this post.
In short:
My name is Amanda Lemmons from Aurora, Colorado orignially and Searcy, Arkansas more recently.
I enjoy most things that involve DOING something. I am not a big movie/TV watcher, I would rather be playing something.
Some of the things I like to play include: guitar, volleyball, bike riding, working out, piano, reading, doing plays/musicals, board or card games, camping, travelling, skiing, hiking, swimming, spending time with my niece and nephews, laughing until my stomach hurts, concerts, and most other things outside or involving music.
I also like ketchup, military time, sepia toned pictures, Bath and Body Works lotion, recipes, fruit cereal, tacos, line dancing, funny greeting cards, lots of snow, singing loud in my car, sunsets, hanging out with friends and family, and inside jokes with my friends.

I have come to realize many things about God in the last few years and have had many experiences around the world to witness the way he works and uses people of all colors and nationalities. I am so excited to see God work in Canada. Having watched him work in many other mission efforts, I have do doubt that he will use us to do something great in Vancouver and he will use the people in Vancouver to teach us lessons that we don't realize we even need to learn.
I am proud of our group and the desire we have to get involved. My prayer is that we are stretched and challenged in ways that we have never been before in order that this experience is one that leaves a permanent mark on our lives.

Jill Phillips is a singer/songwriter to whose music I am completely devoted. She's written a song called "Leave It Up To You" that speaks to our continues attempts to do 'it' ourselves. She concludes throughout the song that she cannot pull herself from the place she is at to the place she wants to be, nor can she forgive herself, that must be left up to God alone. I've been thinking about the task ahead of us and our desire to make a difference in eternity through our efforts in Canada. I know that we alone cannot make this trip an amazing one, but if we leave it up to God and place it all in his hands, he will come through, pulling us out of the trap of our own humanity and performing miracles through our efforts.

I'm grateful for this looming challenge and the awesome souls that I will be working alongside.

About Me...eh?

Name: Luis Rodriguez

Hometown: Morelia, Mexico.

Education: Accounting/International Business Majors.

Interests: Politics, Travel, Missions, Languages, Coffee Shops

Favorite Music: Kylie Minogue, Goldfrapp, Shakira, Gwen Stefani.

Favorite TV Shows: The Simpsons, The Nanny, SNL, Will and Grace

Favorite Movies: Lost in Transaltion, Babel, The Others, The Hours.

Favorite Books: Momo, The Giver, Ghost Boy.

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16 "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven".

After a week with tons of exams and homework, I finally had the opportunity to post on the blog. I cannot believe that in one week, we will be in Vancouver!!! A friend of mine asked me: "if I was ready for Canada?", and my answer was "If Canada was ready for me" :) It's incredible that several months of plannings and meetings will be crystallized in one week. I am confident that with the help of our Lord it will be fruitful. I personally expect that I can learn more about our God and I can grow spritually.
The picture is from last Spring Break in Edmonton where I learned more about Canadians, "eh?", Tim Hortons, and snow.

Nos vemos pronto Vancouver
Luis

About Me

Name: Andrea Michelle Bowen
Hometown: Hagerstown, Maryland
Education: Junior Early Childhood and Mid-Level Education Major (tons of work but I love it)

Favorite Activities: Sing, dance, take pictures, scrapbook, watch movies, read children's books, hang out with friends, spend time with my family!!!
Favorite Movie: Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken
Favorite Food: Tacos and Ice cream!!!!
Favorite Singer: Martina McBride
Favorite Verse: James 4:17-Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins. (I have lots....it's very hard to pick one....but this is one I found a little while ago and it hit me)

I am so excited to go to Vancouver! I can't believe it's only about a week away! I will be glad when all my work is done and we're on our way. This is my second mission trip. Last year, I went south to Nicaragua and now I'm going north to Canada. Both are places I've never been. I'm really looking forward to meeting the church in Delta and spending the week serving them. I'm sure the week will be full of lots of memories and lots of pictures!

Life on silent

To Canada: Thank you for Avril Lavigne. Thank you for Pamela Anderson. Keanu Reeves, however, you can keep.

To the group: After hours perusing Facebook and People magazine, I have been unable to find a suitable picture of myself save this map of Alabama. Viewing my home state, however, you may notice it does slightly resemble my right-side facial profile. See the nose? Me neither.

1920 serves to mark a significantly insignificant fact in my story. It was the first time in America that more people lived inside cities than outside them. The western frontier, and all of its swinging saloon doors and gold rush towns (like early Vancouver), was officially extinct. In a literal handful of generations, the United States and most of North America transformed from 90% living on farms to less than 4%. The countryside is now just a place for vacations without roller coasters; a drive across the country comes only when airplanes are booked; a handwritten letter comes only when the computer is down; a crisp breeze on your face comes only when the air conditioning is off.

Knowledge, and how it manifests itself in modern technologies, is obviously a blessing. But the one aspect of life prior to 1920 that I desire the most is this: we will never see the stars as our ancestors did. Those twinkling suns, no matter what mountain you’re on, won’t be as bright as the time before city taillights and pollution. I simply can’t relate to a world before electricity (or Michael Jackson), or to a time where “buttons” were just things sewn to your clothes.

Similarly, I will never know what it is like to be poor. And I mean real poverty. Poverty that leaves half of the world’s population living on less than $2 a day. Poverty that kills 11 million children a year and 30,000 a day. Poverty that sends 800 million people to bed hungry every night—and I don’t mean fending off late-night Sonic cravings like I do.

So what? So Christ compels us to help the poor, and even more difficult, approach him as “poor” for, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt. 5:3). Though I don’t know what it’s like to sleep on the streets or search trashcans for my next meal, I’m called to have an impoverished mindset as I approach God—having to completely rely on him for everything.

If you are reading this blog, then you are probably in the top quarter of the materially blessed in the world. And it is us who must share with the less fortunate, as well as learn their perspective by giving them time (more valuable than money), ridding our lives of instantly gratifying materials, and praying to God. Praying that he allows us to see beyond dollar signs, to get down “in dust and ashes” as Job did (Job 42:8), and to see the stars the way Christ saw them 2,000 years ago—without neon lights or cell phone signals.

ME

After numerous threats by our team leader - media version, I figured I better post a quick bio of me for all to see. My name is Logan T Light - notice that the T is alone, not an initial - not many people know that. I was born in Austin, TX and was then commissioned as a Navy Brat. 10 states and a college education later and you have me in my present state. Honestly, what you should know is that I love to laugh. I love to make people laugh. I love to lead. I love God, I love my wife, and I love basketball. I love my dog KaiYa. I love my family. I love movies (that are funny of course). I love the right click feature on all NON-macintosh computers.

I love the fact that our team is so serious about making a difference in the world. This mission trip is going to create a huge impact in the city of Delta. I am so confident in the team that assembles every week to brainstorm, pray, sing, laugh, and plan for this trip.... but I am only confident in this team because I am so confident in God and his sovereign plan in our lives. The letter to the Ephesians points out that God has, simply put, planned for us. In Hebrews 4 we're told to approach to God with confidence and back in Ephesians 3, Paul gives praise to a God that can and will do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine.

I am preparing to ask a lot of God. I know that he will deliver. I love that.




Oh yeah, and I love chocolate milk.

a fresh perspective

"The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers." - M. Scott Peck


I went back to my room last night after our conference call with Larry, and I kept thinking about the blasphemy challenge Renee, Laura, and Larry discussed. Larry pointed out that the people who accept this challenge may be faced with serious questions about faith and God. He even suggested that these people might find the Truth. Thanks for shedding some new light.

Jessica Williams

Age: 22

Hometown: Marion, AR

What I Do: I'm a Senior Communication Disorders Major, and I graduate in May! I'm planning to start graduate school in the Fall, although I'm not sure where. For the time being all I can do is wait...and pray. This semester has done wonders for my faith...I'm reminded everyday how amazing life can be if I will depend on God.

I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am about our visit to Vancouver! I love to travel and meet new people. I ask the Lord everyday to bless our efforts and the people we will meet. I feel so blessed to be a part of this team; it is an amazing opportunity! I look forward to getting to know all the members of the Delta Church. We are praying for you!

Favorite Verse: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer. 29:11-13

Looking forward

I'm getting old, so my dad says....

So I'm old. Lastnight Mike called a meeting at 10 p.m. Ten o'clock is not what it used to be. When I was a college student just two years ago, 10 p.m. was like 7 p.m. is to me today. I knew it was going to be a challenge for me to stay awake during that meeting; on my way to campus I stopped by McDonald's and got a Triple Thick Vanilla Shake. I needed something to keep me awake.

At one point in the meeting I was literally holding my eyes open. All that to say I'm old or getting old. My dad likes to remind me that I'm closer to 30 than I am to 16 anymore. Thank you dad for that awesome little reminder.

-Blessing-

Even though it was so late, the meeting lastnight was a BLESSING! We conference-called Larry up in Canada. 12 of us from the team and Larry just chatting and asking each other questions about what to expect when we get there next weekend. (NEXT WEEKEND!!)

I felt like our group and Larry connected really well lastnight. It was encouraging to hear how excited he is about our arrival. I can tell he has a heart of gold and wants his area to know the Lord.

After leaving that meeting I felt refreshed and spiritually awake. No milkshake needed to accomplish that. Only God. It's great to know that in every corner of the world there are people who love the Lord with everything they have. I know we're about to meet some amazing brothers and sisters in 11 days.

If you are from Delta, I can't wait to meet you, and sing with you, and pray with you, and serve with you, and learn with you, and grow with you.........

God is good. All the time God is good.

...renee

Crazy times

www.blasphemychallenge.com

Laura and I just saw one of the craziest things we've seen in a long time. The world is different. People are different. God is the same.

We have been created for a time such as this was the message in Harding's chapel this morning. That's a God thing that I listened to that chapel speech this morning and then stumbled across all of this mess just a few hours later.

My question today is if we deny Christ's existence, what are we living for? I guess the answer is ourselves. We live in a selfish world. At the very core of my God-given soul I am bothered by this. The desperation to fight this culture is taking over my thoughts right now. Nothing I have is mine, it is all God's. I believe that. I believe that. I believe that........

I believe God sent His son to die for every single one of us. That hope gives so much more meaning to our lives then simply denying His existence and living for our selves.

Next question... what are we going to do about this?

I leave you with the words to Shawn McDonald's song "Yahweh"
You alone, are worthy. You alone, are worthy. Of all that I am. Of all that I am. Beautiful is Your name. Beautiful is Your name. Yahweh. You alone, are my King of all that I am.

...renee

acknowledge

Moments ago, I was considering going to get a cup of coffee to wake myself up. But now, I feel the need to respond to a video I just saw on U-Tube. I'm not sure how to begin to reflect what I am thinking, but my eyes feel a pending presence of tears and something must be said. The video I saw described a group that is fighting God's influence in the world. It was created by a former Southern Baptist turned atheist and the objective is to encourage people to denounce God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. This blatant fight has overwhelmed me because, although he said he once was faithful but God never talked to him, I can't see how he can look at himself in the mirror and think he just came together to have the personality he does. How he can see a set of twins with identical DNA but different personalities and still think, "Well I'm glad evolution worked out that way..." I am baffled at what I saw, but God knew there would be rebellion. In some respects his love is rebellious because it is counterintuitive. We are naturally selfish beings and only with God's forgiveness and love can we be more. My encouragement is that when we feel the evil presence of rebellion we are inspired to respond with the God's love, not hate or fear, because Jesus' example shows us that no matter the situation we face, God's strength is sufficient. And for our campaign. If and when we face such a situation... trust.

Cinnamon Dolce Lattes

It's almost 11 o'clock at night, and I'm still awake. Not because I can't sleep because I can. It's because I have so much running through my mind. I have work projects that are preoccupying my thoughts. Freelance projects that won't go away. My first dentist appointment in three years is the day before we leave... I hate the dentist. Taxes ... I just filed tonight ... free at last! Random responsibilities ... and ....

12 DAYS TO CANADA.

Tonight I'm researching homeless shelters, the ins and outs of the UBC chaplain rotation, the culture of UBC, and I keep having these thoughts pop up in my head: "What am I doing? There's no way I'll be able to figure out what we need to do with these projects. I'm just going to quit researching. It's above me." And the worst ... "God can't use me."

-What does a Cinnamon Dolce Latte have to do with it?-

Nothing. I just think it is the best drink at Starbucks. (It would taste really good right now. Maybe I'll get one this weekend.) And I just thought about how the founder of Starbucks probably had his moments when he thought there was no way he'd be able to pull Starbucks off.

-"God can't use me." Whatever.-

I think about the people in our group and how much God has already used them in their lives. There is no reason why God won't use all of us now. I had the opportunity to go to NYC again during this spring break. I was talking to my dad tonight about how I was kind of sad I wasn't going back to NYC because I was questioning God and why He wants me to go to Vancouver. And he said, "Renee, God wants you in Vancouver for a reason." I said, "Wow, Dad. You're right. I need to get these thoughts out of my mind."

Moral of the story... Don't question God. He knows what He's doing. He's pretty amazing like that.

...renee

Leavening

My name is Lauren Smelser (this is a picture of me and my mom), and here are my stats: I have an M.A. in English and currently teach freshman writing and grammar classes at Harding University. I am from Alabama...the land of cotton, four wheelers, big hair, and outhouses. Just kidding about the outhouses.

Our dear old pal Henry David Thoreau, in Resistance to Civil Government, says that "It is not so important that many should be as good as you, as that there be some absolute goodness somewhere; for that will leaven the whole lump." I love the idea that humanity is a "lump;" it seems strangely fitting...after all, don't we all feel "deferential, glad to be of use; politic, cautious, and meticulous; full of high sentence, but a bit obtuse; at times, indeed, almost ridiculous—-almost, at times, the Fool"? (Aah, bask in the glory of T.S. Eliot). The point is, if we could somehow all get together, I mean ALL of us, we wouldn't be more than just one big lump of humanity: obtuse, ridiculous, and the "best" of us only full of high sentence.

But then there's Jesus Christ, the only one of us who seems to really stand out. There's something about his words, his Galileean accent, his hands that touch the untouchables...that makes real sense to all of us Fools when we finally notice. And then, subtlely, there is a rising up---not only of souls, but also of personalities and conversations and hopes. Christ, the Bread of Life and absolute goodness somewhere, leavens the whole lump.

I am excited to go on this trip because this God of ours is at work, and I wonder what His face will show itself to be in Vancouver---what has risen and will rise there as a result of his irreplaceable personality.

Laura Brown

Laura Brown
Vero Beach, FL
2006 Graduate in Accounting
Currently working for the Harding University Admissions office as a graduate assistant (a.k.a. I work for Renee).
Future plans to work in Greensboro, NC, for PricewaterhouseCoopers (and by Future I mean September 2007).
Until then, I'll continue working and studying for the CPA exam.
*And the picture is evidence to how addicting the eyesight camera is on Apple computers.

My life has taken me from comfort to an extreme lack there of and back again. I know what it's like to lose and I struggle most with how to recover from that and continue to love. I like situations where it is so obvious I can't stand on my own because it is that much more obvious that God is all that has gotten me through. This may sound a bit extremist but I don't really see myself as such. I want to be more than I am, and although sometimes I don't listen, God never gives up on me, and that is something I'm so thankful for.

I went to Vancouver/Whistler exactly 5 years ago from the time we are returning in 2 weeks. I'm so excited because the mission of this trip is so much deeper than a snowboarding vacation. I can't wait to meet the members of the church and be in their lives, even for the short amount of time we have. Whatever is meant to be done, I pray our group trusts that we will know and be shown the path God has for us. I also pray that I am able to step out of my comfort zone and show how much I truely care, not just care without showing. God's love is universal and I can't wait to see how evident that is in the Delta Church.

Until later,
laura brown

Meet Renee

Renee
Age: 24
Hometown: Salem, Ohio
What I do: Admissions Marketing Coordinator, Harding University

Current Favorite Song: "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch (this changes every five minutes or so)
Current Favorite Movie: "Cinderella Man"
Favorite Book: "Captivating" Every girl should read this!
Favorite Color Combination: At the moment, light blue and brown (this changes every five minutes too)

Favorite Bible Verse: Proverbs 16:3, "Commit all that you do to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." This has been my favorite verse since high school. However, it's only been in the past couple of years that I've figured out what it really means.

Why I love God: He's amazing! He never lets me down. When I feel the loneliest, I just reach out and He's always there.

(This is me and Laura, who is also on the team, in my office in October.)

P.S. We just finished a meeting. Let me tell you... our group is amazing! Have I said that before?

Bootlegs and B Sides

The only two cassette tapes I ever owned-- Lynard Skynard Gold (which was actually purchased by me for my father's Christmas present), and MC Hammer: Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em.

Consequently, Bootlegs and B Sides is also the title of one of my favorite albums by Andrew Peterson. He is top three in my book. His songs tell a story...he's a folk guitarist...and i like stories. My life is a story. I like to think that i am still a part of the story's introduction--besides, all of the characters have not yet been introduced. The reason i like stories in music (and the reason i prefer to look at my life as a narrative, often over embellished) is because the reader can automatically become a part. It is true that i am the main character in my life, but i try to be the best supporting cast in everyone else's that i know. My role is simply to love a lot and thicken the plot--hence a real good story. Maybe i should have titled my intro post Loving A Lot and Thickening the Plot. It rhymes. I know Logan can appreciate that, as I am sure Lauren is loving the constant run-ons and fragments.

My story is a good one. I have learned to love God first, as my number one. I have learned to be loved by God first, as His number one. The second was...no is much tougher for me. I have learned to laugh off things that i cannot do anything about. I have learned that my biggest task on this earth right now is to love people--something i do extremely deeply and intentionally. If i could only make that a career... [Fragment]. That is only a glimpse on today's page of my life. I would love to share more with you...you anonymous to me reader who is reading my words. It's really strange for me to be typing...in my office. One word--one letter at a time knowing that very soon, the entire technologically savvy world will be able to read my thoughts. I almost wish i had a pen... it seems a little more personal. Paradox.

I will post the basic facts about myself at a later point. Age, gender, hair and eye color, toothpaste brand, heritage, all the basics. [Run-on] But for now i will leave you with a story about a penny sang by Andrew Peterson that describes me a lot.

Goodnight. You... reader of my words...whom i do not know who you are...maybe you're rich and famous...like Richard Marx...or maybe even Cher.

probably you are a fellow team member wondering what i could be posting about, or a random 14 year old that stumbled on to our blog page...

Andrew Peterson, Loose Change, 2006. From Clear to Venus, 2001.

I'd give you all of me to know what you were thinking
And if I had one wish I'd wish I wasn't sinking here
Drowning in this well
Oh can't you tell
That I can't pick myself up off the ground
I've been face down
And pushed aside
Well, you know I'd rather just turn tail and run
Than lie here in the sun
And watch you pass me by
'Cause I ain't worth a dime

CHORUS

But if only I could stand up straight
I wouldn't have to lie and wait
I could up and roll away And never be ignored
I've got a feeling that I'm something more
Than just a piece of copper ore
Turning green and looking for The reason I was born
Well, I've been around since 1974
In banks and bottom drawers
On railroad ties
I've been passed around and cast aside
And skipped and flipped and flattened wide
Spun around and thrown away and left alone to lie

CHORUS

But I heard about a penny found
Lying underneath the couch
By a woman who was kneeling down
Looking for some change
Then the woman danced around
Called her friends all over town
Told 'em what was lost is found
It's another penny saved
So I find that all this time
Beneath the surface, I could shine
Like all the gold a king and queen could measure
See, even just a penny is a treasure

-js

Why and Real

Why? Why? Why? I think about the beginnings of this idea.......the talks I had with Aaron Etheridge (Vancouver Church Plant Team) and Nate Copeland (HU Spring Break Mission manager).....the prayers I had with John Sullivan before we even had anyone signup.....and now with less than two weeks to go, a tentative agenda, an incomplete budget projection, and a bunch of other variables which still need to miraculously fall into place, I find myself in prayer multiple times daily for the 9 day adventure that awaits us asking the question…."why?".

Now let me clarify one thing, I am NOT asking myself why we are doing this, and I'm not asking the members on this team why they are doing this (though I'm sure EACH of them would have a much more theologically sound reason than I), but I find myself asking the creator of all that lives, all that moves, and all that breathes...."why do you want us....us 14 random souls.....why do you want us there, God?"

then as tears come to my eyes, (no surprise to those who know me) and my heart is warmed with the thought of just one picture….the picture of a single person whose life is changed…..changed by the Spirit, not by us ……as that one soul’s eyes widen when they finally get it….when they get the epiphany which I have known since I was 4 years old…..the realization that there is a God, ultimate forgiveness is attainable…..and above all else….THERE IS HOPE! PRAISE GOD! THERE IS HOPE!!

Then my question is answered… I know why He wants us there….I know that our teaming with the Delta Church and encouraging them will lead to this one picture becoming a reality, while we are physically there or not.

This trip is no accident….those who are on it…..the Delta Church members being the church we are working with….this is no accident….he is so real……I want to be real.

Just a matter of weeks!

So in just 18 days me and 13 of my friends will travel to the great (well, I've heard it's great. I've never actually been there.) city of Vancouver. We'll spend 10 days traveling the city ministering to so many different people, and getting to know the members of the Delta Street Church of Christ.

I can't explain how excited I am. God has truly put together a great team. We have creatives; we have delegators; we have organizers; we have a rapper; we have so many gifts from God on this team.

We're in the planning stages right now. But our leader, Mike Baur, has put together an incredible plan that has so much room to let God do His work through us. We're planning a coffeehouse night, devotionals, homeless ministry work, worship services, documentaries and so much more.

Just keep coming back as members of the team update about the time leading up to the trip, and most importantly, the trip itself.