I’m in the middle of the summer months, between the end of one season of mission and the start of another.  Yet it feels like the mission doesn’t just “end”.  The need doesn’t just “go away” for a few weeks so I can catch up on my sleep.  The battle doesn’t “take a break”.  ”Whoa!  Hold on everyone!  Would you mind ceasing fire while I get up out of the trench and head out for a few weeks of RnR?”

Below is a podcast by the ministry at Ransomed Heart.  They publish an almost weekly podcast that has given me so much.  You can subscribe to the podcast here: Ransomed Heart Podcast.

I’ve heard this podcast before.  And I listened again this week.  Why am I SO forgetful!  I needed to hear it again.  And, if you are in the midst of a vacation or “pause in the action”, I thought it might be real helpful for you to.  God wants to work something in us during our periods of rest.  I need to allow Him that room.  I hope this is helpful for you to hear and I pray you are being restored during your rest time.

Just press the “play” button!

On May 12, 2010 we took a handful of boys from Saint Albert Catholic High School and “got high” with them – 101 feet worth of high.

In an effort to build trust, instill confidence and show these boys that they’re valuable young men, we worked with them for eight plus weeks with different experiences from blindfold teamwork challenges to visiting Edmonton Police Tactical Unit to rappelling the Leduc #1 oil rig.  There were 12 boys in total.  Two had to leave the program early.  Seven opted to complete the program with the final challenge of a 101 foot descent from about 1/2 way up a retired oil rig.  We did this under the professional instruction and expertise of Robin Postnikoff of www.climbedmonton.ca . (An outstanding job by the way!  Highly recommended!).

There was a definite sense of fear in many of the boys.  A good deal of “I’m scared but I’m going to do my best not to show it.”.  In the end, despite significant fear in some, all of the boys climbed the 101 feet on their own and descended with courage and a definite display of having what it takes to step up in the face of a big challenge.  I completed the rappel as well and I can tell you that even after dozens of similar experiences, the fear does not go away.  And I commend all of these guys on their willingness to say “yes”.

Every boy needs to know he has what it takes.  Indeed, every man walks around with that same question mark hovering over him.  “Will I have what is needed to come through?”  And the uncertainty of not knowing the outcome.  As older men, we have a role in answering that question for these young boys, especially before they have any kind of relationship with God.  And particularly in the absence of an earthly father which is so often the case.  We need to love these boys, share experiences with them where they have a chance to test themselves and have that question answered.  And we look for the opportunity to share with them God’s words – “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”  You have what it takes.

Watch this 3 minute video and leave a comment for these guys!

What will 2010 be for you?

Hello friends!  It seems so passe to just say “Happy New Year” to hearts close to us such as yours.  And “happy” doesn’t quite cover it.  And “wishing” doesn’t work for me either.  It’s more like “An Alive and Awake New Year” to you.  Or “Hopeful Discovering to You This Year”.  And, just how does our walk with God fit into a “happy new year”.  “Journey alive and awake alongside God this year” is good.  I just don’t think Hallmark’s gonna pick it up.

But that is indeed our prayer for ALL OF YOU.

And, to go together.

I’m in touch with a lot of my friends from the U.S. on a regular basis.  And, boy oh boy, Fear is powerfully there.  Fear of financial ruin.  Fear of war.  Fear of the future.  And as I pray through this, last year and now this year, “together” and “community” seem to rise.  The support of like hearts.  The pooling of talents.  The joy of togetherness.  The support during sadness.  So, so important.

With that, we will continue to open our house on Sunday nights, beginning on January 17th.  At 7pm until 9pm.

We want one more week to discern direction.  And, that’s where you come in.

What does your heart need this year?  What’s God asking?  Oooh, can you feel the level of question change?  Maybe an aversion to taking it too deep?  Friends, the heart is key.  It’s where we need to go for life to the fullest.  It’s the reason for Christmas.  He came for our hearts.

We love you.  We look forward to an incredible year.

Doug and Judy

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As we start this new year, where do you feel your heart needs to come alive? What is your deepest desire for 2010? Not “what do you want to accomplish” or “what are your goals” (the gym was ridiculously and hilariously full tonight!). But what does the deepest part of you need this year? Where is God taking you?

Leave your comment below.