I went to Starbucks this morning thinking to myself that I really want a Venti (Huge) drink, but would resolve for a Grande (medium). So when I got there I reloaded my starbucks gift card and ordered a Grande Peppermint Mocha Frappucino with no whip (which is my "usual" at all starbucks locations), and to my surprise and delight they made me a Venti anyway even though they had no idea the dialog within my brain on the way to Starbucks. God loves to bless his Beloved!
I heard back from the YWAM base in Tyler, Texas and they set up my staff account there so if anyone wishes to send me checks they can now make them out to "YWAM" and send them to the address on the side of the page here. It is very important however that you DO NOT put my name anywhere on the check. Write my name on a post-it note or piece of paper and throw it in the envelope with the check. Your donations will now be tax deductible and you can even opt for automatic monthly withdrawels if you wish! It's pretty snazzy. Just contact me if you would like to do that and I'll get you the info.
I cannot believe time has flown by so quickly. I leave already on June 16th! I will be going first to London to hang out with Lottie, by dear friend from SBS, and then a week later I'll be on a plane to Mumbai. God is providing everything in amazing ways! He is really surprising me with the people and places he's using to get his plan for my life out and about. His plan for India. I am excited to be a part of this change in India. God is doing mighty things there and I feel honored to be an instrument of His over there, and even here now while He is preparing me to go there again. I never thought I'd live long-term in India. Ever. In fact I was all about the "secular" music industry for awhile and convinced I would somehow be influential in the US over musicians. But God had bigger plans, and yes, I do believe this is bigger than being a famous musician.
I have decided to read through the Psalms in the next 39 days, 40 days beginning yesterday. I also have these two books I found in one of my mom's many boxes of books. One is a 40 day journey with Augustine and the other is a 40 day journey with Francis of Assisi. So, I'm set for these next 40 days. I want to take a journey these 40 days. A journey to find more of my identity in Jesus and to be open for God's preparation of my mind, heart, will, body, and every other part of my life that needs to and wants to be touched by Him. I am excited for what this year is already becoming and what doors it will open and has opened. I have already met a lot of new people excited about God's kingdom in India and here in Minnesota too. I'm glad it's all one big kingdom and not divided into different sections or cities or buildings. How awesome will it be when His kingdom is 100% here on earth? I cannot even picture what that will be like.
This last weekend, Easter weekend, I was a part of a group of people who sought to change lives with Jesus Christ in a small city a little north of where I am. I'll admit, this place has not been agreeable with me for some time, I love the people involved with it, I have just been incredibly critical and a little tiny bit bitter when it comes to this place. I have been praying about my attitude and I don't think it has completely changed, but this last weekend I was sitting in a church service in their smaller campus and when that "altar" call came and I think only 6 or 7 people stood up to acknowledge they changed their lives at that moment, tears suddenly welled up in my eyes and I felt the uncontrollable urge to weep. Weep for joy because these people have no idea what they're getting themselves into, and it's not going to be the easiest life from here on out, but it's going to be a life full of love, support, and joy no matter what they do! It's going to be a life of grace, mercy, and peace with the right heart and attitude. I've been in this family ever since I can remember, and it's not cake walk, but when I sit back and really think about the situations I get myself into I do know, I truly know, that I am loved, accepted, and valuable. I have realized for some time now that although I might not agree with some of the teachings of this group of people or how they do things, I do know for a fact that their hearts are in the right place, and if there's one thing I learned from studying the Bible, that's all that really matters to God. The condition of our heart, the attitude of our heart. And so I pray now that my heart would always be for Him and not against Him. That my heart would truly reflect God's heart and that it would drive and push me to do marvelous things with God's help for His purposes.
God is truly the most wonderful being. He is everything I hope to be and I am so glad that I am on His side and He is on mine. He won't leave you or ignore you. He will always love you and see your truest potential instead of your mistakes and guilt. I am glad he is taking this journey with me, or perhaps I should say that I am taking this journey with Him.
I hope to play music one more time at Maverick's Wood Grill before I leave, and also I'll keep you all posted for a "farewell" party coming sometime in June I reckon where we can swim, barbecue and laugh one last time before I go to India.
Thank you for partnering with me and our Creator in this adventure and this vision God has placed in all of our hearts.
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