The Battle

Today is June 1st, the day that Mike and I set as our goal date to be at 100% support. Currently we are at 32%. We are not discouraged, frustrated or angry; more like anxious, impatient, and ready to be with YD Adventures full time. I think about how excited Mike and I are to begin this adventure; we tap our feet and stare at the calendar watching each day go by, believing we are ready for the battle over souls... believing we are soldiers ready to fight.

As soldiers of a mighty commander, we train and train and train some more. We face our lessons, tasks, and missions head on; all for the sake of the battle. We sit in the bunks with anxious hearts ready to face the bigger mission with boldness and confidence. We even say, "Commander, I am ready, can't you see my skills are the best?" Yet our commander makes us wait until He thinks we are ready. He knows what His soldiers are ready for, capable of, and prepared for. He knows when our skills are the best and when our skills will save our lives. Thankfully, He knows the exact right time to put us on the battle field; for if it were up to us, we would begin prematurely with heart and ambition but we would not have the skill, wisdom or knowledge to fight for the long hall. This is a battle for the kingdom of God and it will not be won over night.

So today, June 1st, we wait patiently, we train hard, and we wait on His timing because He is our great commander and He knows far better than us when we are ready fight.

Family

My sister and brother-in-law came through Chicago on their way back to South Carolina after attending a wedding. They weren't here for long, just a few days, but Mike and I loved taking them exploring on the northshores of Chicago. It is funny how the older we get, the more important FAMILY becomes. It just seems like it was yesterday when we were children fighting over who got the barbie; now we are married and actually enjoy spending time together. Funny how time changes our perspective!

28%

Thank you to all who are praying for us. We have felt those prayers and seen God answer them! We are now at 28% of our full support and we are feeling energized!

God recently used a passage in the Old Testament to encourage Mike and I in this support raising process...perhaps it will encourage you as well.

"Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you...Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful." ~ 2 Chronicles 20:15b,17,20b~

Pretty much perfect

What a wonderful night of celebration; 3 new supporters, a beautiful night, the first campfire of the season, Bear's first Smore (without chocolate, of course), and Chacos!

The Process

Wow. What a ride this last month has been for us! Mike has had some great opportunities to talk with churches and small groups about Youth Dynamics Adventures. We have also had some great face to face meetings with couples who have been very encouraging!

We just returned from a trip to Omaha, Nebraska where we were able to reconnect with friends, hear what God has been doing in their lives, and also share more about our opportunity for ministry. While the support raising process has been slower than we would have hoped, we have certainly learned that God's timing is much better than our own. (Although, at times, we must admit that we do forget that promise.)

Currently we are at about 20% of our support. Our goal date to be at full support has been June 1st...and we continue to shoot for June! Yet, in this entire process we have come to realize that we are not in control.

Itching

It has been quite warm here in Chicago this week; it even hit the 80's one day! With the warm temperatures comes a desire to hit the rapids and enjoy the beauty of rivers and lakes.

Of course, you would expect Mike to pull out his kayak and play in it as if he really were on the river. He practiced his side to side moves, his roll moves, and his steering moves all on the grass in the backyard. Just because there isn't access to water does not mean you can't kayak!

I guess it is pretty safe to say he is itching to get to Idaho and share his passion with others!

Meditate.

I have been unable to sleep lately. I toss and turn, my mind running a million miles a minute, fretting and worrying over things I can't control or change.

Last night was one of those nights. After hours of not sleeping, when I really wish I was sleeping, I got up to go to the bathroom and regroup. As I walked down the hall, a soft whisper in my head said, "Meditate on my scripture, meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6." As I climbed back into bed, I closed my eyes and began to recite the verse that I had memorized so long ago. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and he will make your path straight."

The first few time I rambled off the verse hoping that I would quickly fall asleep, but after about the tenth time I began to focus on each word and the importance of it in my life. Trust....wow, something I obviously am not doing a very good job of if I am still awake fretting over the impossible. All... I am certainly not giving it ALL to Him...if I am still awake. Understanding... I can't even begin to understand, it is evident that my plans are not God's plans otherwise we wouldn't be living with my in laws (even though I do love them!).

I continued to meditate on each word, allowing myself to be refined by the Holy Spirit; to be disciplined, challenged, and renewed. To be honest, I don't remember if I was able to meditate on each word before I fell asleep. But I can say that I woke up this morning disciplined and ready to start again.

So the next time you can't sleep, try meditating on scripture. More likely than not, He will put you in your place and you will get a good nights sleep!