Adventures WorldRace SethBarnes Sponsorship Giving

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Yes, I know I haven’t blogged in a while. Excuses aside, there has been A LOT that has occurred in the past month……

God is continuing to ROCK my world. The last time I wrote on here was May 2nd, 2010. At the time I was down in Texas visiting family. I spent about 10 days down there and it was great to take a break from it all. I even got to meet two Race mates whom live in Amarillo! They are currently the ONLY married couple that is on the October Squad. They are the sweetest couple ever and are going to be a great asset to the October squad. You can check out their blog here: http://dustinandtracisuttle.theworldrace.org

Since my Uncle Chad and Aunt Nickie worked during the day I had a lot of free time to spare. One of the things I did was a hike in the Palo Duro Canyon which is near Amarillo. I thought of the hike as a chance for me to connect with God and really hear His voice. I grabbed some sunscreen, bottles of water and headed down to PD Canyon to hike The Lighthouse Trail. The Lighthouse Trail is a 6 mile roundtrip hike which leads to a rock formation that resembles a Lighthouse. Hiking a 6 mile hiking trail alone…..in a giant canyon….in 105 degree Texas heat….walking beside rattlesnakes and mountain lions probably wasn’t the safest idea I’ve ever had, but I prayed God would cast a protective hand over my little journey. 
 

 

   

As I hit the trail I just started talking. It was just me and God out there on the dusty trail. I’m sure I talked His ear off, but I know He can handle it J. I thanked Him for planting the World Race into my heart. I thanked Him for his unconditional love and guidance He has blessed me with. I poured out my heart and soul and really had a ONE on ONE conversation with Him. I expressed my trust in Him on what He wants to do with my life. In the past, I’ve always thought that I had control over my own life. The decisions I make are what make me. WRONG!

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Every aspect of my life is now about Him and His plan. The time frames I may have on things in my life are probably different than His, but He is the one who ultimately knows when the best timing is. I trust in Him.

Hebrews 10:36 Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has He has promised.

After miles of dusty trail I made it to the base of The Lighthouse. Little did I know I had to hike UP a rocky slope to make it to the formation. Three miles of hiking in the dessert and now I have to climb a rocky hill to make it to my goal? Crap. “Please Lord give me the strength to make it up this hill. Amen.”

 

 

 
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
As I made my way back we continued to hold our conversation. I remember as I was getting towards the end I was getting REALLY tired. I think I was on mile five and getting to the home stretch. My feet were hurting and I was sweating like crazy. My water supply was getting hot, but I was still able to keep hydrated. I asked The Lord to please give me the strength and energy to finish the hike. I kid you not, as soon as I said Amen there was a gust of wind at my back pushing me along. I had the biggest smile and tears in my eyes. Or maybe the tears were from the sand in my eyes…either way I was thankful that He heard my prayer. I made it back to the car and I felt such a sense of accomplishment. I can also tell you that my faith was definitely stronger after the hike.
 

Moral of the story-God listens. He may not answer back right away, but He hears us. His love and passion for His children are just unbelievable. He is loyal to us and will always be there for us no matter what. There will be times when we have hard times and we MUST rely on our faith to get through. Just because you believe in God doesn’t mean good things are always going to happen. It just doesn’t work that way. BUT if you continue to use faith as your guidance, then God will help you prevail over the tough times.

I just can’t believe I wrote all of that. Eight months ago if you were to ask me to write something about how I interacted with God, it would probably be only a few sentences. I used to pray every once in a while and it’d only last a few minutes. Now I’m praying at least twice a day….one in the morning and one when I go to bed. GOD is rocking my world and I am so grateful for everything. I’m eager to learn more about His word and pass the teachings on to ministries we will be working with on The World Race.

I’m hoping this World Race trip will allow me to be even closer to Him. I can already tell my life is changing day by day. Well, technically……it’s not “MY” life anymore…..