I knew going into the week that my beliefs, personal rights, and expectations would be challenged; my faulty foundation would be knocked down and replaced by a firm foundation of truth.
My expectations came crashing down much sooner than expected though! We arrived at training camp on the afternoon of Saturday, July 14. During our first evening session, we were presented with information regarding rights and expectations. During the speaker’s conclusion, it began raining outside! Actually, it was more like a torrential downpour! Needless-to-say, I hadn’t expected to spend my first night camping in the rain. To be quite honest, when I got back to my tent, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. However, because I made it through the night and the rest of the week, I know I can make it through the Race!
One of the great lessons I learned this week is about our need to grieve loss of past seasons:
*We must grieve the painful loss of past seasons before we can effectively embrace the present and the future!
*When we grieve the loss of a season, it births a resolve in us NOT to miss the next season!
*If we don’t grieve:
*We deaden our hearts
*We compartmentalize our lives
*Our fear of brokenness is worse than what we’ll actually find
*Many times we avoid the grieving process because we simply don’t like PAIN! However, when we shut off our emotions, our joy is negatively affected.
*The best PRAISE is birthed in PAIN
Here are a few words that were spoken throughout the week that struck a cord in my spirit:
*Breathe deep and press in
*God, do anything you want in me so you can accomplish everything you want through me!
*Stop over-thinking it!
*Trust the process!
*We are healthy people shaking off sickness!
*We are free people shaking off chains!
*There are NO insignificant moments
*Don’t perform, just receive
*Others may, you may not!
*The Holy Spirit has a laser pointer shining on your heart and says, “I want that part!”
*You don’t have to be HOLY to see God’s power, but you better get HOLY to survive his power!
*God’s greatest miracle is bringing us wholeness!
FUTURE RACERS:
Many of you may be looking for insight into what you should expect from your upcoming training camp. However, I do not want to rob you of the full experience. Just know that you will most likely feel unprepared at some point and you may even forget to pack something. Just remember that this week is all about community and becoming apart of a new family!
Everything that happens at training camp truly is intentional and is intended to prepare you for life on the field. The hearts of the staff are pure and everything they put you through is done in love. The lack of information is hard and may even be frustrating, but push through and go with the flow. Simply Breathe deep and press in!
Meet my family for the next 11 months: Team Dunamisses
(Dunamis means POWER in Greek):
From Left to Right:
Becky, Me (Karen), Monica, Liz, Ashlee, Laura
Funding Update:
Currently I am at $9,496.15
Still in Need of $6,003.85
Please prayerfully consider partnering with me!
Any size donation will make an eternal impact and will be greatly appreciated!
Online Donations:
Click on the link "Plant a Seed, Support Me" on the left side of the screen.
For checks:
Make payable to Adventures in Missions, with "Karen Thyer" in the memo line
Adventures In Missions
P.O. Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470
