Fuego

Keep the earth below my feet

For all my sweat, my blood runs weak

Let me learn from where I have been

Keep my eyes to serve and hands to learn

Keep my eyes to serve and hands to learn

- Below my feet

As the year has come to an end and the New Year has entered, we reminisce about what happened in 2012 and wonder about the unknown of 2013. With every year we pass by, we gather experience from the things that have happened, they add to the integrity of our character. We all face hardship in our own way which will either build on or solidify the foundation you're standing on. As well as joy and laughter, we will all experience much of this in our lifetimes. 

With every new year it holds a great unknown. A deep sea of opportunities to set things right, aim for new heights, meet new people and so on. The key is to actually have the integrity to carry these out for the whole year and not just the first week/few days of the year. It takes 21 days to form a habit. Think about the things you want to accomplish this year! Then think about how you're going to do it! 

I have a love/hate relationship with the unknown. Black and white is more my style. The gray area and I are becoming better acquainted which has caused a bit of stretching and growing in a good sense. I feel 2013 will be more of this, which in the end when you look back at what you've gone through, it really wasn't that bad. Going through it you never think it's going to end. All in all, I do love diving into the unknown and seeing what the Lord has in store in his plan. I'm looking forward to reaching new heights and ascending the mountains...

Your eyes they tie, me down so hard

I'll never learn to put up a guard

So keep my love, my candle bright

Learn me hard, oh learn me right

This ain't no sham

I am what I am

-Not with haste

Recap

We started off 3 months ago with the Circuit Riders. Seeing many lives be saved, stretching us to walk the streets and go preach the gospel to the people of this city, and learning how to love God more. 

Some boy challenged me to a cheesecake competition. Needless to say they were both delicious but he came out on top. It's all good, I know I will get him next time. 

I had the opportunity to catch up with these wonderful people. I haven't seen some of them in almost a year. I love how different organisations bring people from all over the world together for seasons on end. It brought so much joy to my heart when I got to see these kids again! Fish and Chips on the beach is the kiwi way. 

We had a celebration time for some amazing people leaving. Food always brings people together, who could argue that? 

This is our group. They have all done so well in these last few months! I'm very proud to have walked alongside all of them! 

This is Tim and Alex, they are two amazing people, they were interns on this last school. 

These boys, like to make me think I'm short for some reason. Hobbit is the new in. 

Wendy and Alex at Grad. 

These are some of the staff that served until the end. (one is taking the picture) We finished well and with a smile! 

And last but not least, our finishing photo of all these hooligans. 

I can honestly say that this past year has flown by! I was reminiscing about the last year today. A year ago I came up to Tauranga, not wanting to. I fought the Lord for a few weeks. My main reasoning was that I did not want to go to the House Of Prayer. So I said I would come for a month, which when I got here the Lord had different plans obviously. So I stayed and did the internship at the beginning of this year. One month turned into one year which will now be turning into two more years. Ha, I laugh now when I look back because of how much I fought it but how much the Lord taught me through it. 

I feel blessed and privileged to have walked alongside these individuals. The things we learn from each other in a life time astounds me. It also amazes me how this many people can do life together and come out the other end loving each other more than they did at the start. All the things we've been through and all the memories we have. I look forward to many more this coming year. 

Blessings to you all! and Merry Christmas! 

Can you hear me?

Listening

When you live in community you need people to listen to, as well as people that just listen. When you show interest in someone by listening it is the beginning of love for a brother. Often people forget that listening can be a greater service than speaking. You don’t always need to contribute something, sometimes contribution looks like listening, or being silent. It can be the greatest service to a community, especially in the beginning stages. If you can’t listen to a brother then chances are you will no longer be listening to god either - this can be the beginning of death in a community and in your own personal walk with the Lord. We must be ready to allow ourselves to be interrupted by God. He will constantly be interrupting and canceling our plans. We should listen with the ears of God so that we may speak with the words of God.
In your own personal walk with the Lord, it is a key thing that you listen to what he is saying. Often times we forget that it's really a two way conversation with the Lord rather than us just word vomiting on him. I find it key in the natural as well. When you find someone that's a mile wide but an inch deep, you probably won't want to hang out with them. Although when you find the true treasure of someone who is an inch wide and a mile deep, then you will never want to let go of that person. A deep well that we store up by listening can only be obtained by the one who created us. It's an art to comprehend, to not talk and simply listen. We all have our own insecurities, where as some people really don't like silence so they fill it with the noise of talking. If you're the type of person that doesn't like silence then do you really like yourself? Are you comfortable with yourself? Often times people aren't comfortable with themselves so they cover it up with talking and being loud and obnoxious. When really we just need to shut the front door and listen.

Meekness

Meekness

"Never think that thou has made any progress till thou look upon thyself as inferior to all" - Thomas a Kempis

Meekness is simply put like this, having the patience to live in community without resentment for each other. It is serving each other by walking situations out in a Godly way. As a leader, if you set the standard of how to do this, the rest of the community should follow and flow smoothly. Loving your enemies has a whole new meaning in close quarters.

Ephesians 4:9-10 - (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

To put others first, to think of others before/better than yourself is the way to ascend, by descending low. It’s a choice you have to make in community living, to serve brothers and sisters in love. Sinking all the way down to the depths of humility to serve one another by considering them better than yourself is the key. It’s all for the Lords glory and at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.

Life together is something we must learn to do. It is something we make a lifestyle through community. When you have people that are challenging in close quarters it requires meekness, humility and servant-hood. It is something we cultivate in our hearts in the secret place of prayer with the Lord. What you have on the inside eventually makes it's way out, good or not so good. Iron sharpening iron, refining is what happens when you live in community. Honouring one another through humility in community is a beautiful thing once you learn it. You have to choose to go low, to lay down your life for someone or others around you, you truly find meekness.

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live in unity together." - Psalm 133:1

Faith. Unity. Love.

To be blunt the Lord has been slapping me with revelation upon revelation of what he is doing in my life and in the wider community. Today I meditated on this verse:

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity." - Psalm 133:1

I spent 4 hours on this verse just asking what it means and what the Lord was trying to say through it. Oh man was I in for a treat. Basically the Lord really loves community, when people are willing to "do life together". Together in unity is a beautiful thing when you figure it out that is. When you do it well with the Lord at the centre it's unstoppable. The next verse in this passage talks about it like precious oil being poured out. When you live together well it is delightful. It's just getting to that stage is the challenge. Meaning when you stick 13 people that never knew each other before, in a house with two bathrooms there is bound to be some controversy. However the lord revealed today that it is Iron sharpening Iron - which causes friction. But just stop and think of what friction is.... It's heat right, so that means it creates a spark that can spread like wildfire. If the spark is pure and brings the lord glory then I would say that wildfire would be unstoppable! - Awesome! 
Which brings me to my next verse:

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgement, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you." - Romans 12:5

Doing this in love. Living in a community where people go low and think of others better than themselves. Which can be a real hard reality if you come from a 'worldly' background. When you are willing to sacrifice for the benefit of your brother or sister it can be a beautiful thing. It's just having that mindset of serving rather than having the mindset of entitlement or 'rights'. In Christ you have no rights, you have no entitlements. I love the way Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 4:13 - We have become the scum of the earth meaning that when we are slandered, persecuted, cursed we bless, answer kindly, and endure it. Not saying we are the rubbish of the world but we are to think of everyone higher than ourselves. Who are we to judge one another when we have no rights and are not even entitled to say to our brother or sister 'you are wrong so serve me!' So Loving one another:

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." - Ephesians 3:20-21

God loves us so much that he will do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. He wants us to live a radical life of loving one another. When we can do that and live in community we can't lose! To him be the glory! He is the one that pours out his love on us so that we can overflow onto others. How exciting!
Through all this we need faith:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."         - Hebrews 11:1

I know we have all heard this verse. My grandmother is a big advocate of this. Which I'm thankful for because from a young age it was ingrained in me. I never fully understood the meaning of it until last week though. When you pray for healing you need to believe in yourself that the person can be healed. If you don't trust in the fact that they can be healed then you shouldn't even pray. But when you go at it with zeal and power in believing that your prayer is in line with what God wants then yes! You have faith! I mean there are a lot of different ways to take this verse but that is my take right now. Because something clicked and it made sense, that I just need to believe that what I'm praying will be!  
Our mandate is:

"To prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ"                     - Ephesians 4:12-13

We are to be an example in love, faith and unity for the people around us. When we do community through loving one another through the hard times we become unified through having faith. Make sense? I know my mind was pretty much blown this morning. So when we suffer well through doing this, we will be blessed. When we endure the hardships that the lord has put before us we can't lose. There is so much to be said on unity in the body through Christ. Oh how I love community and the love that can come out of it! I mean some days you will want to kill everyone but most days you love them. The key is when you are going through those difficult days and the people around you can love you through it. Man that's gold! That means you have achieved unity in community through faith in love. Doing life together is not hard. You can do it anywhere, I mean families do it all the time but when you're blood related it's a bit different because you literally are stuck together. But when you're complete strangers and get along like blood relatives, oh that's the good stuff! 

So to come in for a landing:

Doing life together is a beautiful thing! When you suffer well through it, that's the gold!

Jehovah Sneeky

I just have to say that these past few weeks have been a whirlwind of ridiculousness, fun, radical living, trying, radical loving and ah-mazing. All in two weeks we have learned heaps. I have been flipped upside down in such a good way! The circuit riders were in town, this is their description:  

The Circuit Rider History
In 1703 a hero was born and because of this man the world would never be the same. From the time that John Wesley's heart would be "strangely warmed" to his dying day, he never stopped his tireless work of revival and reformation! Out of his heart was birthed a movement called the Methodist revival, and this move of encountering God, deep devotion through the spiritual disciplines, and great exploits among the poor and the lost would explode across the western world leaving an indelible mark. Wesley himself was said to have traveled on horseback some 250,000 miles in his lifetime and to have delivered over 45,000 messages on the good news of Jesus Christ. Out of his mentorship and commissioning, another young man would be launched to the shores of America to "spread scriptural holiness across the land". This man would be perhaps the only man to outride Wesley himself and is said to have spent more miles on a horse than any man in history. This man was Francis Asbury, and even though Wesley was the father of Methodism and the original circuit rider, Asbury would be credited for recruting and organizing a band of selfless and radical riders who the world was not worthy of that would in fact change America's future forever.
This group of rough yet broken men would travel the frontiers of America for decades, taking the Gospel to the most remote places in America. In a time of American history where it was easier to stay in one place and live in the comfort of the few cities that existed, these men refused comfort and driven by the ancient dream of Eden to see mand and God live in intimate fellowship. They rode on. Ove half of them died before reaching age 33 and their annual pay, if any, was around 50 dollars. They did not do it for the love of money, fame nor an affinity towards human comfort. They were absolutely marked by the same determination as Asbury that every home in America would hear and believe the Gospel. When Asbury arrived in America there were a few hundred Methodist followers and a few dozen preachers, but by the time he died there were over 210,000 followers and over 4,000 preachers. America would never be the same because of these wild-eyed revivalists.

They are radical people, living a radical life for the lord. Two guys came and taught us how to share the simple gospel. Then we hit the streets. 120 people from Tauranga gave their lives to the lord within 2 hours. Oh how the lord works! Oh how the lord works!
What I really took from these two weeks was that if you are showing your love and joy for the lord, others are going to want it too! It's so key to remember that.

So stepping into a new role, new season, new people. Oh how great it's been. With anything we have our struggles, challenges, highs & lows. But at the end of the day when I lay my head on my pillow, I know I'm a champion because I cannot name ten people that did what I did in a day. Seriously, it's been amazing to see everything fall into place in the most odd ways sometimes. But seriously, Jehovah Sneeky sometimes!

Another update coming soon.....

A. New. Season.

"We must learn to regard people less in light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer."

-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Community living can be a beautiful thing if you let it. It can also be the biggest nightmare of your life if you let it. The key is prayer, laying the foundation for all that are going to be doing life together for a period of time. If we set the standard of praying for one another daily, we will have a much smoother ride. I think some people don't really know the reality of community living especially when you've never done it before. Shoving 11 people in a house that barely know each other and expecting them all to get along. Ya, Na. Unless if your foundation for living together is rooted in Christ. We need to look at the person when they really annoy us and just say, where is this coming from, what are we bringing up in each other that needs work and how do I pray for this person. It is the hardest thing when you're in the heat of a conflict and all you really want to do is rip their neck off. But alas take a deep breath and don't let the enemy have his foothold.

This season will be challenging in many different ways I feel. New things the lord wants to show, new adventures, new people. It's just a whole new season. I feel as though the lord is about to flip me upside down and take me to new levels. Ha. Then yesterday happened... The first day of our internship, with most of the interns here we were apart of this thing called Circuit Riders. They are a radical bunch of people that really just don't care for the lord. Anyway, listening to them, sitting in my seat, I didn't know whether to laugh, cry, sing, shout. I can honestly say that there was some flippage going on in my heart. I feel these next 2 weeks are just going to mess me up and mess the rest of our interns & staff up! I'm excited for what God is allowing to happen, as well that we are allowing him to move in his mighty way!

This time around staffing, it is a completely different environment compared to what I've been part of in the past. It has it's ups and downs but all in all I can say from the bottom of my heart it is going to be a really good season! The lord has some beautiful things planned and has some new things in store for all of us!

Aotearoa

The Mission field

C. T. Studd - 

Up until that time he had felt content to witness amongst his own associates but after hearing a missionary speaking about the need for workers in China, Charles was increasingly burdened and convicted by verses such as "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession." (Psalm 2:8). Although his friends and relatives tried to dissuade him, Charles knew he was being called to eh mission field and he sought an interview with Hudson Taylor, the director of the China Inland Mission and was accepted as an associate member. 
For C. T. Studd those future years were to see him giving away his family inheritance to help the work of George Muller, D.L. Moody, Dr. Barnardo and others and spending ten years in China where he suffered great hardships to reach remote areas where the gospel had never been heard before. 

James Hudson Taylor - 

His father was an eloquent and able Methodist local preacher and his mother a woman of more than ordinary sweet and patient spirit. Hudson Taylor combined the ability of his father with the gentle disposition of his mother. He was converted through the reading of a tract at the age of fifteen, and not long afterward passed through a remarkable experience, at which time he dedicated himself to God for whatever service might be appointed. Unknown to himself, his father, who had been deeply interested in China, had prayed that his son might go to that land as a missionary.

Charlotte "Lottie" Digges Moon - 

When she set sail for China, Lottie was 32 years old. She had turned down a marriage proposal and left her job, home and family to follow god's lead. Her path wasn't typical for an educated woman from a wealthy southern family. But Lottie did not serve a typical God. He had gripped her with the Chinese peoples' need for a Savior. 
For 39 years Lottie labored, chiefly in Tengchow and Pingtu. People feared and rejected her, bur she refused to leave. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies drew people to her house. She adopted traditional Chinese dress, and she learned China's language and customs. Lottie didn't just serve the people of China; she identified with them. Many eventually accepted her. And some accepted her Savior. 

Courtney Todd - 

I left the American comforts, the American dream, the American culture for a culture that I understand. New Zealand, Aotearoa. At 20 years old I broke out of the mundane for something radical and different. Something not commonly known in my generation. 3 years into this thing I have done it again. In the 4th grade I always said I never want to be a missionary. Well here I am at 23 years old and it is a job made for me and I was made for it. You know when you just know! Something new and different than the "normal life" I was leading before. Which there was nothing wrong with but something deep down was always calling to me that there is something more! I can finally say I now know what that is! It's diving into the Unknown with the Lord as my guide! 



I thought I would do a post of the mission field according to all these remarkable missionaries that put in years of service! I'm especially inspired by Lottie Moon mainly because I can identify with how food always brings people around! 

So back on the mission field. On my way over this time I stopped in Fiji. It was interesting in the way of how that airport works and how everyone is on island time. It was great but I didn't like breaking up my sleep too much. Anyways when I was sitting there waiting for my next flight I got thinking of how this really is the mission field for me. I guess I always think of the slums in India or villages in China when I think of "mission field". It's not though! It's where you are! Everyone is in the mission field. Or more Politically Correct it's what you make your mission field. For me it's being a disciple in this season for the new students coming in! I'm pumped because this is what I've been doing the past 3 years now! It's such an honor to speak into other peoples lives! I love encouraging people with where they are and on the journey to where they are going to end up at the end of the 3 months! I know it's going to fly right by! It's going to be awesome! 

I'm stoked to be back and over jet lag!   

Authenticity

Oh Authenticity how I love thee. It is a great thing you know! To just be yourself! When I was doing my quiet time this morning I really had this on my heart. This word just kept popping up in my head and heart. Being back in the states with a different perspective has brought some things to light for me. Like this fast paced world we live in... Have you ever stopped to think or smell the roses? I know that since being back it's been a little bit of a challenge and has taken some discipline, to be mindful of my time with the Lord and in general. It's had me reflecting back on when I was here working and doing life. It wasn't bad but I found myself just going along and doing what the world was doing or what the world was saying to do next. When now that I'm a few years out from living in the states, I can see things in a different light. Like how to be Authentic in this digital world we are living in. We are all searching for our authentic selves. 

Do we really know how to find it though? Do we know who our TRUE selves are?       

Authenticity is just being yourself day by day. Who is the person you spend the most time with? The answer is YOURSELF. That means YOU are the person you will know the best out of the whole world! John 15:5 says - "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

Although I'm more of a Luke girl John hits it on the head. We have a spirit inside us that awakens each day. A spirit that guides us, teaches us and helps us understand the unknown. That spirit is the Holy Spirit. He helps us remember everything the Lord has told us. 

You know when you look at a green pepper, the inside of it has all the seeds and veins. I stop every time to observe the veins. I love looking at the intricate authentic work of our maker. It astonishes me every vein on there was formed. Or the petal of a flower, each line, leaf, color, everything! Oh it blows me away each time. 

It is a hard battle to fight, I agree with E.E. Cummings. The great thing is that we don't have to fight it. We have the help of a mighty and great God. Every person is unique in their own way, every cup of coffee is different, every recipe no matter how many times you make it is a little different. We are all made up of different ingredients, some have more sugar and some have more spice. Embrace who you are because there really is only one you! The world is putting up a good battle we need to be ready each day with Ephesians 6:11-18. Put on that armor! I want to go down with blood on it, not all shinny. It's meant to get dirty and bloody. Our battle is not with each other it is with the evil one. 

So be you, an authentic human BEING. It's truly a pleasure to be yourself for not only you but for everyone around. We have all the tools in our tool boxes of life, we just need to let the Holy Spirit show us how to use them. He is the best teacher. Some of us may have the same tools but we all use them differently and for different things. 

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Become a principled human being. Become an authentic human being. When you say that you will do something do it. Don't say you will do something and then not do it. That is not what a principled human being is like. Thought, word and deed must come together. These are actually the holy trinity within the human being. 

Thought, Word and Deed.

 When Thought, Word and Deed are in alignment at a very high level, then you are living a principled life. You are living an Authentic life. This takes you to a Divine life. 

- Swami Sitaramananda

BWCA

The BWCA = Boundary Waters Canoe Area. aka the greatest place on earth! We meaning all four of us got to have a weekend in the great outdoors. Getting back to our roots is really what it was. It was so good to be able to stand by this lake again and remember all the good times we've had. I love how God orchestrates the things around us. Instead of an alarm clock in the mornings I had the loons waking me up. Before the north winds would blow on the lake the loons would make their call. Oh what a great alarm clock!  

My little brother and I, we hadn't seen each other in almost two years.... 

This was pretty much the best things since sliced bread. I tell you what. Some things never change between siblings which in some strange way is a good thing. 

A good catch up indeed

We paddled out to the palisades for a day which are on our lake so it wasn't that far. On our way out loons kept popping up. If you don't know what a loon is then you need to google it... It was awesome, we would just drift along and they would get closer and closer to the boat. Such amazing birds. 

Of course thanks to tradition we had to eat breakfast at Trail Center.... They know me from when I was shorter....

It's sweet going back to places you grew up with. I so enjoyed this trip, it was refreshing and amazing all at the same time. Makes me miss New Zealand with all my heart. Thankfully I'll be back there soon. 

I leave you with this, a peaceful sunset from our door...

Ja Know?

Oh how I think Dr. Seuss was way ahead of his time. This quote brings me comfort. Just no matter what, be yourself that's all that matters. The bible is our guide book, a recipe book if you will. The Holy Spirit is our teacher, he teaches us how to interpret the bible or how to cook the recipes if you will. I LOVE food. My favorite part is making it for other people! I love sharing the food I make. It's more enjoyable for me that way. The bible should be like that too. You should want to share the "recipes" with other people! That's why some women get together to swap recipes. They want to share their stories with others!

I know I'm the first to admit that I don't follow recipes to a T, but I do like to see the ingredients.

 I remember the Lord gave me a picture once of how we are all made up. There were different little bowls with all different kinds of ingredients in them, some were being thrown into a bowl and some remained on the counter. In that bowl he was "stirring" me up. He was adding different ingredients at the right time. He knows just as a chef knows when to put something in and when to leave something out. How long to bake it for or if it's a no bake thing then to let it chill in the fridge.

That picture amazed me and gave me so much revelation because we are all "made up" of different things. I was so excited when I found that out and a little bit relieved! Knowing that some people are meant to be sweeter, some are meant to be spicy, some are bitter and some are just right. I guess it all depends on how you take your cup of coffee in a sense.

But knowing that I have just the right amount of ingredients added at just the right time astounded me! We are all unique, we are all ourselves nothing can change that! We all have the circumstances and situations in our lives that make us up. Oh how he keeps amazing me! I love it! There is only one you, so be the best you. I always thought that was a cliche to say! But nonetheless it's the true.

Authenticity is something we are all searching for, when really we can find it in ourselves if we search deep enough and are willing to go through the storms to get there.....

A few of my favorite things....

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My amazing grandparents, I had the privilege of visiting with them for about a week! 

Scott is one of my very good friends that I met in New Zealand but he lives in Michigan so he came to visit for a night at my grandparents house. 

My grandparents again, full of laughter and joy....

My grandfather has a unique fetish which is fun. 

Oh how I've missed my favorite drink! 

My mother's pride and joy likes to produce a lot! 

This Zucchini IS as long as my arm. 

At my Grandmother's 70th birthday party. 

My grandma and her friend Sherri

My two lovely cousins. 

My ah-mazing uncle and I

a three generation picture

These two little girls just wouldn't leave me alone. That's a good thing though! 

Ya know when you're away for so long you kinda forget how good all these things/people are. It is nice that you can just pick up where you left off with some things at least. I've so enjoyed seeing everyone and getting back to my old stomping grounds. There is much more to come as this weekend I'm going to the place where I feel  most at home..... Minnesota. Oh how I've missed this marvelous place. We all have those places that make us feel like we're home. So stay tuned....

She'll be right

She'll Be Right = Don't worry, it'll be fine. 

This is ingrained into farmers everywhere! I don't care if you're from America, Canada or New Zealand, this saying is what they live by. In America it's Oh you'll be fine! In NZ it's She'll be right. I've found myself saying this a lot lately. After living in a place for so long you pick up certain aspects of their culture and character. Mostly though I've found this saying reassuring when it comes to me not trusting God. 

The past few weeks have been a bit of a struggle. Because I've come back home only for a short time yes, but it's still hard. The culture is different, the people have somewhat stayed the same (thank goodness), the way people dress over here is different, how we use our resources is different. Or really it's all the same and I've changed. I think that's more or less the truth. 

Still this saying is one important one if you ask me. It's basically saying: don't worry, relax, it will all work out fine! Ah, I love that feeling when I don't need to worry because the Lord is going to take care of it all for me. it's reassuring in the fact that we stress over little things, we look at our "problems" and try to fix it ourselves. I know I'm guilty of this. When really - She'll be right! 

I'm sure most adults can relate with this but when you come home after not being home in forever and you have to go through all that stuff (I call it crap) that you left packed up in the garage because one day you might need it but really you don't. Yep that's what my project has been since being home. I feel a new season coming on. One of letting go and being excited for new things. It feels good to get rid of crap. Yes some stuff I'm keeping but most of it is on it's way out. It's like cleansing the soul. 

What I've been thinking about is that I will really be a nomad after I leave home this time. One bag full of stuff and that's it. I won't have much stuff here then. Which is kind of a relief, I've been wanting to go through my stuff for a while now. Eh, she'll be right. 

Farmers, you have a good saying, now I think the rest of the world needs to catch it.....

Do Sum Bombs Cuz

Back to my Eden

We call it Aotearoa around here Bro

I've had many questions on why would you want to go back? As people look at me perplexed and awkward like. I take a deep deep breath, smile and say that it's home for me. God can place anywhere on your heart, he can put countries and people groups on your heart to pray for or do missions work for. For me it's no different, He has put Aotearoa known as New Zealand the land of the Long White Cloud on my heart. When I watched this video, first I was relieved to hear the accent again, oh how I've missed it. Second, it really is Eden. It's such a beautiful place wherever you go! I feel the most at home there. 

"By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country" Hebrews 11:9

This verse among many have stood out to me as I've returned to the states all the while knowing I will return home to New Zealand shortly. I've had the chance to reflect on where I was three years ago to where I am today. Three years ago I took this opportunity and went on a grand adventure! Little did I know it would be an adventure that lasted this long. I am so grateful for everything that has happened and the way things have happened. God is so good.

Psalm 57 is my favorite Psalm. David is talking about when he is "in the midst of lions I lie among ravenous beasts - men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords." How he still praises the Lord no matter what, how the Lord's name alone is worthy enough to be praised! This passage has brought me so much comfort since being home. It's hard to explain everything in such a short amount of time to everyone for what I've been doing.

I feel as if I'm ruined for the ordinary.God is so faithful in his promises. I know that all the things I said I never wanted to do I have done. I know, never say never. I guess that even the little things in my head he knows, he knows me better than anyone on the planet. His heart is for me, it is always fighting my battles. Looking back at who I was 3 years ago to where I am today is like chalk and cheese. Two completely different things! It's amazing where God can take you if you let him! I was scared three years ago, I almost called a week before I left to say I'm not coming. I didn't though, the only reason I was scared was because I had no control over it or what would happen. I wasn't a control freak but I liked to have my ducks in a sorta row.

Now it'll happen when it happens and it is what it is.

Until then, DO SUM BOMBS CUZ!


*Sorry if you can't understand the Maori boy in the video but that is how true native kiwi's talk. 

The Mundane

The mundane of life for me was to boring. Coming back to the States, is a sea of mixed emotions. Out of all the people I've met at airports or in small town USA, they have all asked the same question: "What made you go to New Zealand?" My answer is always the same: I felt like my life was empty and I wanted to start traveling and get out of the mundane of going after the "American Dream". The reaction to that answer has been one of two things: 1. Good for you! 2. You're really brave.... 

Oh really though, it's not me that's brave, I'm just doing as I'm told. Which is a good thing too. 

I've really been in Genesis 32:22-32 when Jacob wrestles with God. I feel like I'm wrestling with God and Man right now. Transitioning back into "normal" life and only being back for 6 weeks is a hard thing. I've done culture shock before but this is like mental culture shock, having to curve my language or explain myself. It's not that bad but it's hard for me to fully get across what I've been through. I guess that's for anyone though. 

It hasn't even been a week yet but I know that although this time is short it's going to be amazing. 

The Looking Glass...

Here I sit in the room of my youth, in the state of cheese, in the land of the free....

Looking at this 'world' with a different lens on is a hard thing to do. When I've come from living simply, back to living in a country where you can't get things fast enough. Don't get me wrong I love this country, I am American after all. Although after being away for so long though I don't know if I'm even that.

Driving is definitely an experience. I haven't driven on the wrong side yet but there were some close calls. It just feel so weird. I find my right hand going for the blinker and my left hand is going to shift. Because in NZ I have a stick so shifting with my left hand has become normal.

I am loving the fact that it's summer here. It gives me the chance to really catch up with people. That being said, if you would like to catch up please let me know. My number is 608-214-9883. Or you can email me at courtodd@tds.net.

I found this quote by C.S. Lewis. I think it really simplifies where I am right now...

America?

Alright America, we have something we need to talk about!

I'm currently sitting in LAX because I have a 9 hour layover here before I get back to the beautiful Midwest! I mean I'm in the domestic terminal so most if not all of the people here are American. I haven't realized until now how much I've changed. Call it culture shock....

If you've never experienced culture shock then I envy you. This has probably been the worst so far. Which the lack of sleep factors in as well. The lady behind me on the plane kept kicking my seat when she was sleeping on accident. Still it didn't help. I have met some lovely people though while waiting!

Oh then the kicker was that while sitting among a lot of people and I mean a lot a man strolls a woman in a wheelchair up and asks me if I speak spanish. I mean among all the people and I get picked out! Ah, well I guess it's back to normal then. My welcome home greeting from the immigration was lovely. Joking my way through customs is always fun. I will say that you can tell who the first timers are and who the experienced people are. It was nice however to not be called a foreigner.

However I will say that I feel like a foreigner. It's going to be an interesting 6 weeks. I know I've changed, even the way I speak. Oh, it was a blessing though that on the long haul 12hour flight over here I had both seats on each side of me empty! So I got to spread out and try to sleep.

I miss NZ already. But I know that this 6 weeks of summer is going to be glorious! Just so amazing! I can't believe I'm here!!!!

packing sucks

I hate packing....

I must say that when you've lived somewhere for so long you collect a lot of crap. Although most of my stuff is clothing and trinkets but still it adds up. I have these silly weight requirements for the airlines. Let's just say I will probably be leaving some stuff back here. 

Oh another chapter is starting. I'm pretty stoked to come home though. It's been a while, I'm sure much has changed and many people have either moved on or stayed the same. 

I feel like such a changed person from when I was last home. I'm stoked to catch up with everyone to see what's happened and what's new! It's gonna be awesome! So Sunday July 22nd I will be touching down in Minneapolis at 5am. I really touch down in America on the 21st but I don't get home until the day later! 

Whirlwind Week

This my dear friends is the face of a 23 year old. Yes I am 23 years old. I know it's real hard to believe! Even for me! So I had the privilege of starting off this week with my birthday bang! We had a dessert night and everyone prayed for me. It was awesome to just hangout with everyone and see the joy in communing with each other truly come out! I thoroughly enjoyed it! Alas I am 23. That's alright though!   

To end this week we had GRADUATION! This is a picture of all the interns. We finished 3 months of hardcore prayer! It was awesome! I love everyone on this school and I know we are all going on to do great things! It was a pleasure to do this unique internship with all of them. They are all authentic human beings!

I feel like this week went by too fast!  

This is Francois and Nathan. These two are truly amazing nineteen year old men! 

Some of the girls from the internship.

And last but not least, to end this week I am packing up almost 3 years of my life to come home for a short stint. I just want to make this clear: I HATE PACKING! It's a pain and everything becomes a mess. As well I don't want to leave this beautiful land that I call my home. I love it here with all my friends and 'family'. I know I'll be back but for now it's bittersweet. I will be home a week from today. Which is really hard to believe! I'm excited to come to the land of America where all the food is tasteful and the people can understand my accent. It's been 19 months since I've been in America. I'm stoked to see everyone and be in my old stomping grounds again! Until then my friends Bless you all....

New Age Mrs. Kravitz

Oh good ole Mrs Kravitz. Bewitched ran from 1964-1972. I grew up watching this show. I loved the older shows like I dream of Jeannie, The Brady Bunch and  so on. Even though I was born in the 80's. So the reason I bring up the nosy neighbor is because we all have one in our lives and inside us. I figure the older you get the more and more it comes out. Ha I may be picking on the older generation here but, it's true, when you become a grandparent, or a parent even this side of you comes out. 

"Abner, I think I ought to go over there!"

"What do you think they're doing?!"

"I don't want them peaking over here while I'm spying on them!"

Oh some famous quotes from her. I know that I have a few Mrs. Kravitz's in my life and I am admittedly one myself. I know it's the curiosity inside of us all! The "New Age Mrs. Kravitz" is on the internet now, when people look at your facebook, twitter, or any other device that lets you see everything! Which is pretty creepy. I think I liked the old way of Mrs. Kravitzing. I know that the grandparents generation still do that and I'm thankful for that! For me it keeps me on my toes and in line. or.... does it improve my ninja skills? hmm.... 

So yes, for those of you reading this and nodding your head yes, I know what you're talking about then I applaud you. For those of you that are to young to remember this show then you need to go watch it and get some culture in your life.... 

Keep on Mrs. Kravitzing! 

Old Glory

HAPPY FREAKING BIRTHDAY AMERICA! 

Oh to be home for the 4th. This is my third year of not being home for the fourth of July! But for all of you that are home in the glorious summer, bless you and bless your night! I will be being patriotic tonight with my fellow Americans with a good ole cookout! 

Paul, Opportunities and Tommy Boy?

Tommy: Where are we gonna take the deer?

Richard: I dunno, the vet?

Tommy: You take dead animals to the vet?

Richard: Why not? I'd take you to the vet.

Tommy: Yeah I'll take you to the... Um...

Richard: Got that?

Tommy: Shut up.

"Making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:16

How do these all line up together? I know that's what you're thinking but I can reassure you that I have not yet lost the plot. When I was reading this verse tonight Tommy Boy kept replaying in my head. Tommy Boy is my favorite movie hands down. I know it by heart and I haven't seen it in almost two years. Anyways it aligns with this verse in the sense of making the most of opportunity. If you have not seen the movie then DO NOT READ ANY FURTHER AND GO WATCH IT! Tommy looses his dad and needs to step up to save the company from going bankrupt. So he volunteers but since he knows nothing about brake pads he volunteers Richard as well. The quote above is from the scene after they hit the deer. In the same sense we are called to "The family business" which is saving people. Being imitators of God as dearly loved children. Paul talks about how to do so in loving one another and being childlike. I don't know about you but my opinion is that Tommy Boy is pretty childlike (in the movie).
Sometimes life can get in the way and make things so difficult. When you signed on with the Lord you signed on to the family business of loving people and living a godly lifestyle. Paul lays it out for us in these verses in Ephesians of what we are to do and not to do. We learn from our mistakes and experiences that make us better human beings. We gain knowledge and wisdom daily through asking the Lord for revelation in these areas. Tommy also learned from his mistakes of what to say and what not to say. The moment he was real and himself with a customer was the moment it clicked and he couldn't stop selling them!
There comes a point in all our lives of when it just clicks! I love that feeling of when it all makes sense and for me it's all so simple. Just love.....  I know that Tommy Boy is not a perfect picture of Jesus and the church but it begins to paint a picture for us in understanding what our role in the kingdom is. That is to carry out the first two commandments.
So seize every opportunity and just trust that God is working in all our lives all around the globe. We all have issues and things going on that only we know about. Make the most of everyday!

One last quote to tide you over (one of my favs!):

Richard - Look Mommy, the Rhino's getting too close to the car.
Tommy - Him too afraid to get out, him just a little guy.
Richard - All right, that's it, fat boy, I'm gonna wail on you.
Tommy - Hey, boys and girls, it's Papa Smurf!
Richard - You don't want none of me; think it through.
Tommy - Just gimme your best shot.
(Richard punches him)
Tommy - That was it? Come on you can do better than that, can't you Captain Limp Wrist? Try again!
(Richard punches him again)
Tommy - Hey everybody, is there a window open; I feel a draft!
(Richard punches him twice)
Tommy - If I wanted a kiss, I'd call your mother! 
(Richard hits him over the face with a 2x4)
Tommy - That was a good one.
Richard - Hey, Prehistoric Forest. 

I have another website that I'm updating more daily... If you wanna look:

http://courtneyrtodd.tumblr.com/

Musos & Metros

You know those things that get your heart burning! We all have different things that are burning on our heart and things that make us burn brighter and hotter. (There is a difference, be careful to note that!) One of the many big things that makes my heart burn with deep passion is WORSHIP. The church I've been attending here in Tauranga has been such a unique one. They are so on fire with their worship and that leads into everything else! Right now the pastor is doing a teaching for the next 3 weeks on worship. I feel blessed because I only have 3 more weeks at this church before I return home for a bit. Anyways I thought I would share with you what knowledge I have been imparted with. It's sooo good! Alright here goes:

• Worship is an expression of passion!
• Worship is for EVERYONE!
• Most of our ideas and opinions about worship are based on experience not on scripture! 
• The CORE idea of worship is to give worth to something!
• It is deeper then what you sing to, it's what you give worth to your whole life. How you attribute the best of your time and treasures is where your heart is and that is what you're worshiping. 
• His presence comes and INVADES in worship.

Right so these are just some of the many thoughts and things I wrote down. I feel like this speaks for the thing that I've been trying to put words to for the past year! Worship makes me feel so alive because I'm doing it for the one true living God! 

"It's the praising life that honors me as soon as you set your foot on the path I'll show you my salvation!"

This quote sums it all up in my opinion. Because Gratitude unexpressed is just a kind thought. We express ourselves in worship, we cry out, we pour out our hearts, we have a conversation with the Lord. We thank him for the things he does in our lives! That is Gratitude to him! That is showing our praise and honoring him for who he is! Worship is whatever you do Colossians 3:23 says "Whatever you do, do for the Lord and not mankind." WHATEVER YOU DO, do it unto the Lord. That means when you wash the dishes, take the kids to school, cook dinner, or even in church on a Sunday morning. Praise him for he is good! Honor his name, worship the living God because he is WORTHy! He is worth it everyday!

I have a testimony about this that I will share:
Last Saturday night we as an internship were required to help out with Emerge. I was super tired and I didn't want to go for two reasons: one, I was feeling sick (cold symptoms) and two, the rugby was on! I pulled up to the church at five to seven. I sat in my car debating with the Lord. In my own words "If I just leave right now, no one would know if I'm there or not!" then the Lord spoke: "IF YOU GO I WILL BLESS YOU" after another few minutes of debating I finally went in the church and had an awesome night! I know that people would have noticed me not being there because I'm not the quietest person on the internship so my plan was ruined from the beginning. Anyways my night was awesome, even though I didn't want to be there God saw my heart and changed my heart. He showed me that being there was worth it simply because he is worth it!

Our worship habits are generally based on how we feel. We need to build in ourselves a discipline of worship. We as humans are the ones that have the problem of changing and circumstances around us changing how we feel. We need to REMEMBER that he does NOT change! We are the ones that change on a sometimes hourly basis. Don't be fake, bring your circumstances in to your worship but give them to the Lord. He is all knowing, all powerful and almighty! He is the one with the power to change our hearts, lives and circumstances! When we are REAL AND RAW he is real and raw right back! Remember he is all knowing so when you have an issue he already knows about it and there is no need to be shameful or feel embarrassed. He wants us to give him everything! To give him the deepest parts of our inner being! He wants to go to the depths of our hearts, the parts that we let no one into. I dare you to let him and then wait to see what happens.....

"Worship - As an expression and extension of your entire life to him!"