Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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I struggle with how transparent to be on this blog.
 
I basically see my life as an open book. What’s happened has happened.  It is what it is.  I’ve learned what I’ve learned.  And I am open to sharing it all with anyone that asks (or that I’m in community with). 
(Did you catch that?  People have to ask.)
I don’t feel the need to broadcast my life, my struggles and my joys with people, much less the world.  And yet, I believe there is freedom in vulnerability. I believe there is power in the sharing of one’s heart – the fears, the pain, the joys, the convictions – with other people; people who’ve been in the same place, are in the same place, don’t want to be in the same place or need to hear about that “place”.   Because I believe there is healing in the confessing of struggles as the people involved seek the wisdom and heart of Father and begin to walk with His grace through them.  In James, we’re even encouraged to “confess…to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed….”.  And now, I have this awesome tool to step in to that healing with…   
Hence, the struggle. 
Do I share (read: broadcast) the real “me” – who I am, where I am and what I am – on this blog?
 
I think so.  I think that’s the only real way all of you will be able to take part in and witness the transformation that Father takes me on.  And Father-initiated-transformation is good for all parties involved in it, no?
 
 Right.  So, can I be honest here? 
Awesome.  Here it goes: 
 I wasn’t ecstatic when I got the news.

October 1, 2010. Launch.

By the time I leave, it will have been four years since hearing about the World Race. I have been praying, preparing, waiting for four years to pursue this calling. You’d think I’d be overjoyed to finally have a launch date! Instead, I was … not.

Feelings of insignificance and frustration have flooded my heart & soul over the past month. Insignificance in regards to the Race, my squad and my team and frustration in regards to new, good things entering my life right now that are being “put on hold” to finally pursue this calling. 

It’s ridiculous, I know. For several reasons, not the least of which being that I know I am not insignificant and He is good.  I am a daughter of the King of Kings! I am confident in Him, me and where we’re headed together. I am confident that these “good” things that are developing are directed by Father and, therefore, will be what they want Him to be – which is all I truly want anyway (even if I don’t always think I do at the time ;p). So, yeah…it’s ridiculous. …not to mention selfish.

But, it’s real nonetheless.

Satan’s attacks on us can be as large as death, depression and divorce that tear our world apart or as small as the thoughts, fears or unmet expectations the flood our hearts and cause us to question ourselves, Him and who we are to Him. But, the truth is that they are all lies.  And we do not have to accept them! 

My excitement for the Race has never ceased to exist. It’s just been covered up by the crap that the dirty little rat of an enemy has tried to pile on it. He’s succeeded because I’ve allowed him to. But, in the last few days he has begun to lose this battle as I have begun to fight with the promises and knowledge I have in my Savior! And, in the coming ones, I expect to, with the continued strength and courage of Father, defeat him altogether on it!!

Satan will not take the joy of my salvation, my Savior and my calling away!! I belong to the Almighty God, always and forever.
 
[p.s. our first country is Guatemala.  The rest of the (tentative) route is as follows:  Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and India!!]