It’s been one week since my squad and I experienced the tremendous Glory of God during training camp. It took me some time to gather my thoughts and process all that’s happened. And, quite honestly, my words are not enough to describe the absolute, indescribable feeling of knowing God in such an intimate way.
Bear with me my dear loved ones. I’ll try my best to share with pictures as well. I have prayed and believe to have already received the Holy Spirit’s guidance. I pray my words be the conduit of the Holy Spirit so that God’s Voice will resonate through you as you read. And, that He be Glorified!
I approached Training Camp with excitement, but as I was gathering my pack from the airport baggage claim in Georgia, I recognized that the familiar feeling of anxiousness was beginning to settle in my heart. I was having a really difficult time attaching my tent to my pack. I was getting nervous that I would miss the shuttle. I was thinking maybe I won’t fit in and would be alone. My hands were shaking, heart pounding! Then, SUDDENLY in that moment a word came to me…SURRENDER. I stood there confused. Why at this moment of near panic mode would I suddenly think of surrender?
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God was reminding me of my surrender to Him. And, that surrender came with a promise that I made to TRUST HIM and to see His favor upon my life in ALL situations. So, with the Grace of the Lord and a big breath, I went to meet up with the rest of the World Racers feeling light hearted and peaceful.
During our 1 hour drive from the Atlanta airport to our Training Camp in Gainesville, GA this was my prayer – “Father God, thank you for your patience and understanding. Thank you for gentle reminders that keep me on the path of your will. Thank you Holy Spirit for your beautiful voice of wisdom. May my heart be open to you. May my ears be ready to hear your voice. May my eyes see your glory. May my mouth speak your praise.”
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). God certainly answered my requests. He was and IS in everything…everything. And the rest of the 10 days of training camp were filled with wonderful, intimate, loving, tender moments of just hearing God’s Voice and seeing His Goodness. Here are just some of my memories from training camp and what God was saying to me during these moments…
You are not alone. See, I have sent people to help you when you’re in need. It’s ok to ask for help. And, HELP they certainly did! My squad mates were amazing at putting up tents. They were so eager to lend a hand. Not only with my tent, but also to save me from the largest spiders I have ever seen! Thank you Father God for your Help.
To get comfort with Me, you have to get uncomfortable with the world. This was the hardest night for me to sleep. I was seriously uncomfortable on that cold floor. They had sounds of the airport playing very loudly in the background. It was too bright. And, we smelled badly. Lol! I did what I knew to do. WORSHIP! And, in that moment of Worship, I found comfort with God. Such sweet comfort knowing that these beautiful people sleeping in this uncomfortable setting was willing to give up the comforts of the world to find rest in JESUS. God blessed me with 2 precious hours of sleep that night. Thank you Father God for your comfort.
Your Daddy is here in Heaven. And, he’s cheering you on. I will give you signs along the way to remind you that I kept My promise to protect him. He’s safe in Heaven with Me. On Sunday we prayed and walked around a neighborhood, knocking on the doors of homes that the Holy Spirit was guiding us to. We met some wonderful people, shared the gospel, and prayed with them. I came across Blue and Purple Hydrangeas. Those were the flowers that my dad chose for me to have on my wedding day. They’ll forever represent that special moment my dad and I had together. Thank you Father God for your blessed assurance.
You were given a spiritual gift to overflow. Be humble and tender-hearted. Be aware of My presence and use My gift to encourage and build up My church. This man, Deon is filled with the Heart of the Holy Spirit. His wisdom, passion, and genuine hunger to teach us the ways of the Spirit is so cherished! He taught us how to fight Spiritual Warfare. How valuable!! Thank you Father God for blessing us with wisdom so that we may stand and conquer.
I am your Lord who provides, Jehovah Jireh. I will provide for your health. Your health is not in the hands of any one person. It’s in mine alone. God knows how much I love fitness! So, here He is blessing me with a fit family everywhere I go. Lol! Never in my life did I think I’d be working out in Tevas sandals. But we did it! Awesome Tabata!! And, YES BURPEES were involved! Thank you Father God for knowing the desires of my heart and for your great provision.
I am all around you in creation. Take the time to marvel at the wonderful things I’ve made. This was our walk back to camp after Squad Wars. It was supposed to rain that morning which would have meant our last day would have been cut short and they wouldn’t have had the opportunity to offer baptism. But God who can move mountains, moved those rain clouds aside. And, we experienced such a fun time! I got re-baptized on this day!! Praise God! Thank you Father God for your Glory in Creation. It’s beautiful and reflects Your beauty!
In order to edify my church, you must learn how to serve. Love one another with your whole heart. Set aside selfish ambitions. Do all things with the unified purpose to build My Kingdom. This is my Squad. J-SQUAD. Years ago, I would not have thought it was possible to love and trust people so quickly and easily. But, praise God that over the years, He’s made something NEW in me. I love these beautiful sons and daughters of God. My brothers and sisters. We are the living representation of the Body of Christ. What an honor and a privilege to be adopted into the inheritance of Jesus Christ Himself. Thank you Father God for writing our stories and making a way for us. Thank you Father God for this Calling and Your Great Commission. WE SAY YES AND AMEN! It’s ALL or nothing. We choose ALL in YOU.
I pray you enjoyed this Blog. Writing it now and reflecting on the kindness, the goodness, and the thoughtfulness of God is overwhelmingly wonderful. We came expecting. And, of course He exceeds all our expectations. It’s crazy to know that He has done SO much already, and we haven’t even left for our missionary trip yet. 45 more days until we launch!! Thank you all for taking this journey with us and with the Lord.
Please continue to pray for this missionary trip! If you have it in your heart to partner with me, we can have the opportunity to experience the fullness of 11 months together. Simply SUBSCRIBE for email updates and Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to watch My VLogs!
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