I Will Praise You In The Storm

An MC student is going old skool in the office next to me with this Casting Crowns song. Heard it awhile ago and still love it.

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus:
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus:

Source and Youth Leader's Coach

For some reason feltl pretty blogless the last couple of days.

Jeanne and I ate lunch at Ruby Tuesdays today. As we talked, I was reminded of exactly how brilliant she is. Here are a couple great lines I heard as I listened to the final version of Who's Your American Idol (Source) and What To Do While You're Waiting (Youth Leader's Coach)

Beware of undoing in a careless moment of disobedience the work that God's grace has taken much time to build.

People live the unedited version of your life (I've quoted that one before, but still love it).

The right choices eventually bring the right emotions.

Every time I listen to the resources I think how stupid I was when I received them though the mail and tossed them on the shelf. The good news is that I get to listen to them for free now ... over and over again.

Things Not To Do At Camp

Three of our Cadre Prestige from Michigan (Don Champion, Nick Nelson and Steve Royalty) had a little fun making a video. It was great seeing their faces.

What to do?

What do you do when you have so many things to do that you don't know where to start? I guess I'll just pick one.

Looking forward to putting my life in "park" for a week next month. The only decision now is to decide whether to do that in Indiana or on the beach.

The Little Girl That Captured My Heart

Usually on mission trips, I'm running around like a chicken with its head chopped off making sure everyone is ok, has something to do, is on course, etc. However, while I love them both, taking college-aged students on a missions trip is a little different than middle school students. I found that I had more time just to "be" vs. "do". So, on Friday, while I did some checking up to make sure everyone was ok, for the most part I hung out with Juanita, my little eating machine (she loves candy). She didn't like to swim like everyone else, so we hung out under the Palapa playing with crayons, playdough, necklaces, balloons and everything else under the sun. She stole my heart. I truly miss her.

Never Prouder

After helping to create, prep and provide some oversight to Cadre Legacy Reunion, leading 19 people on the Mexico missions tirp, an all-nighter prepping for Cadre Litmus, then two full days of Litmus I was wiped out. After making sure the MC gang got the Cadre to the airport for their 4 a.m. - 11 a.m. departures, I did nothing but sleep, do laundry, sleep some more, and do some more laundry and sleep some more until 7 p.m. tonight when I left for Oxygen.

I loved watching worship tonight. As I looked around the room, I saw all the Cadre Executive Team serving or worshipping their hearts out after putting in two really long days. Monday their day started at 7:30 a.m. and ended around midnight. On Tuesday, their day started at 7:30 a.m. and ended around 3 a.m. They were allowed to come to Master's Commission a little later than normal this morning, but not enough to compensate for their efforts. The fact that they were "all in" at 7:30 p.m. tonight is an indication of their character and commitment. I am so proud of them.

Tonight was an 02 small group night. We had a great time. Before moving into 02 groups, we worshipped and celebrated VIP night for those who had signed up and paid their deposit for the retreat (Bulletproof). It's hard to believe that we are nine short days away from our reteat. Sign up right now is right around the 200 mark.

Cadre Litmus

Got back from Mexico at 5 p.m. on Saturday and headed hard and fast into Cadre Litmus. I am gathered right now among greatness - people living in the trench fighting daily to stay creative, centered and connected to and for Jesus. Their stories of success bring tears to my eyes, their stories of struggle brings tears to my eyes as well. The battle is real and worth it. I really sense what we are giving them practically is making a difference, as well as the deposits we are making in their hearts.

Post #7- Mexico - Del Norte 2

Today we went back to Del Norte to work for a couple of hours before lunch. After lunch, we took the children back with us to the base for a pool party, some singing and crafts. They loved it. Juanita was my little girl for the day. I'm not going to lie. If I thought I could get away with packing her in my suit case I would. I think all the MC students thought the same way about the kids they were watching as well.

After the children left, they opened the market to purchase all the Mexico junk you typically find in the real market place. The good news is that all the proceeds help the education fund. We then moved into debriefing where we began as usual ... sharing our mental picture or snap shot of the day. We concluded our week with an ice cream party for the team and the families at the base. Good times were had by all.

My highlights of the week...
1. Watching Brian Mizell leading the team in made up, on the spot hand motions for Spanish songs I don't think he had much of a clue on what the words were. I'm not sure what Brian Mizell got on the plane with us, but it wasn't the same one we had in the ATL. No other words could describe him but ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS. He made me laugh so much I thought for sure I was going to wet my pants on more than one occasion.
2. Witnessing Megan say yes to courage and no to insecurity and fear. Watching her jump from a 40' tree on the ropes course made me grin ear to ear.
3. I can honestly say I didn't expect much out of Julianna in the way of work because of her health, but I was totally ok with that. As I told her, I needed her to bring energizing and encouraging spirit more than anything. I got that and so much more. She worked like a beast. I wish her parents could have seen some of the places she's been this week ... jumping out of a 40' tree, on top of a 12' wall slapping buckets of cement into holes, pushing a 50 lb wheelbarrow, lugging around a 40 lb kid and the list goes on. Outside of the airport, she was in her wheelchair maybe a total of 15 minutes, probably more like 10. Watching her this week was a beautiful site to behold.
4. Speaking of encouragement, Lisa takes the prize. What a sweet spirit and such an encourager ... I had no idea ... it was absolutely wonderful.
5. Watching Amanda scurry up the tree and play with kids made me incredible grateful about the fact that she leads in our junior high program.
6. There only one word for what Alissa shared in the circle tonight ... WOW! I'm excited to see what the next six weeks have in store for her.
7. Watching Kayla in action was such a site to behold. I don't think she's ever met a stranger in all of her life. The joy she lives out before us has been an encouragement each and every day.
8. I will never forget Brandi scaling the scaffold two or three stories up to weather proof the wall. You can face your fears or run from it. I think long ago Brandi decided to face them.
9. Kat got a 24 hour flue bug a couple of days ago. She had a puke feast one night and I hung out with her on the bathroom floor. I've never seen anyone handle being sick so well. Once again, our choices make all the difference in the world.

Post #6 - Mexico - Del Norte

On Thursday, we went to yet another orphanage called Del Norte. Del Norte was founded by a lady named Martha. Martha's nickname could be persistent. She went to the officials every other day for two years trying to get the land to build the children's home on. Guess what? Persistence pays off ... they gave her usage of the land for 90 years.

As Gabo talked about Martha his eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. You can tell he had total buy into her vision. It was my reminder ... "Where there is vision, people will follow and join the effort." Martha not only takes care of the babies, but will the mothers as well.

For Martha, we had the opportunity to help pour the cement for an indoor play area for the little ones to get out of the heat. I've never seen anyone more dirtier than what Garrett came out looking like today. One of his jobs was to man handle the 80 lb bags of cement into the mixer, along with a few other duties. I don't know if it was the cement or the dirt, but he came out dusted from head to toe.

Another group dug a trench for landscaping in a flower bed, still others painted the gates and crawled up scaffolding to weather coat a wall. Brandi and Alyssa climbed the scaffold with their cat-like abilities. I about had a heart attack watching them do it.

At the end of the day, we had the opportunity to play with the kids and buy pastries out of the bakery that helps fund the children's home. It was yet another amazing day. I'm sure the work that God is doing in the children is amazing, but what is exceeding my expectation is the work he is doing in the team ... more on that later.

Post #5 - Mexico - Wednesday - Cadereyta

I'm a day behind on my blogging, but I will catch up. On Wednesday, we went to the Cadereyta. The Cadereyta is composed of squatters by the Rio moved by the government. They were moved with the promise of better provision (building supplies, electricity and plumbing), which some have received. However, the government's generosity has run its course.

The Cadereyta is a few steps up from the Rio I visited three years ago, but it is definitely still a poverty stricken area. There is hope in the Cadereyta though. We helped a pastor who feels called to serve and live in the Cadereyta. We assisted in the cement work of the community/worship center they are building, along with an apartment upstairs for him and his family.

Afterwards, we held a worship service under tarps. The pastor had someone lead worship and spoke a short message. The team did their two cool songs for the kids and then a number of our students shared testimonies of what the Lord has done and is doing in their lives. At the conclusion our team handed out gift bags to the kids and this ginormous wafer like crackers with cream, cheese and salsa on top. They must of tasted better than they looked, given both kids and parents gobbled them up.

We left the Cadereyta and went to Pollo Locos (or something like that) for dinner where we meet up with Ruby and a number of students from the Hope Program. What an amazing day. MC Atlanta represented today, as well as in the previous days. I am so stickin' proud of our team, words cannot express.

Post #5 - Mexico - Wednesday - Cadereyta

Post #5 - Mexico - Wednesday - Cadereyta

Post #5 - Mexico - Wednesday - Cadereyta

Post #4 - Mexico - Can you say T-I-R-E-D

What an amazing day. We started with our normal breakfast of toast, Frosted Flakes and bananas, then John briefed us on the vision of the Hope program and the work plans for the day. We mixed cement, poured stairs and a larger patio area for Matt and the gazillion kids he has in his house.

The sweat rolled off of our faces, as some hurled water and cement into the mixer, while others rolled wheelbarrow after wheelbarrow to where they were working. It tested both our strength and endurance.

Afterwards there was just enough time for lunch and a deep breath before the kids from Casa Hogar Douglas came. It was supposed to be a pool party, but it wasn't warm enough, so instead we played sports, did crafts and a few other things. The kids came in two groups, first the younger and then the older. We definitely left everything on the field today. I'm not sure we could have given more of ourselves. Most of the MC students are down at the pool swimming while I write. Everyone kind of wanted to play volleyball, but I don' think they have it in them at this point. Floating in a pool is about as much strength as they can come up with.

Well that's day three in Monterrey, Mexico. Next time I need to remember to pack Ben Gay in the First Aid Kit, along with a message therapist.

Post #3 - Mexico - Warning: Great Day Ahead

Today we will spend on campus working on housing for the Hope Program. The Hope Program is for students from the Children's Homes once they are in 10th grade. Basically in Mexico, free education ends after ninth grade. Only one in ten ever graduate from high school. So, some of older students from the children's homes are invited to come and be a part of the Hope Program after 9th grade, where they will be able to continue their education and have it paid for while living with house parents. For some, this is their first experience ever living in a family environment, and for others this is the first time they have ever lived in a "healthy" family environment for sure.

I was talking to Juan yesterday and he and his wife are the house parents for eight boys. A couple of them are studying computers, graphics design and culinary arts. The Coopers have another group of boys (along with six of their own kids), Garcia's have girls and Couch's boys ... there are a few other house parents, but I haven't met them yet.

I love the vision for Back2Back. They not only share the love of Jesus, but do AMAZING things to impact the generations to come by breaking the cycle of poverty and lack of education.

Enough said, I'm off to pour cement. Later today we will have the 70 kids from the Casa Hogar Douglas over for a pool party and cook out.

Post #2 - Mexico - Day 2

Today I remembered why I absolutely love Back2Back. One word ... organized, organized, organized! At Back2Back, there's enough to do and tools for everyone to get the job done.

We started out today doing work at another children's home, El Retiro Juvenil. El Retiro has about 48 kids. The team kicked tail by working on the ropes course, clearing brush, hanging lights and moving gravel to level out an outdoor type hut's floor before the pouring of cement in a couple of weeks. The hut will be used by the children for meals and activities.

After lunch, we did team building exercises in the back wooded area of the children's home. Why does a children's home have a kickin' awesome ropes course.? Well, most of the homes are near the city and they support themselves by selling baked goods. However, El Retiro Juvenil is in a more remote area, so they built a ropes course in a effort to bring businesses out there for team building exercises. We had a blast and laughed a lot with Juan, Antonio, Jose and Saul.

After our ropes course extravaganza, we played with children at the home and ate dinner with them. A good time was had by all as we showed the love of Jesus through our actions, attitudes and smiles. Too sum up today ... we worked and played hard.

I'm up blogging but everyone else crashed hard tonight after debriefing. It was a great day.

My highlights...

1. Meagan taking a "Leap of Faith" by scurrying up 40' foot of a tree and jumping off. I was so proud. I had a great talk with her at dinner as she told me her story.













2. Julianna did everything today. She cleared brush, did all the ropes course elements and played with kids without the use of her wheel chair. She knocked it out of the park.













3. James was a beast and such a great leader on the ropes course.












4. I had a great conversation about life lessons learned over the last year with Ashley.

5. Kayla is a gifted leader in countless ways.












6. Missy and Adrian just make me laugh ... all the time. I need that.
7. It was easy to tell that Amanda has climbed a few trees in her lifetime.
8. I had no idea how funny Garrett is ... he worked like a machine with the wheelbarrow too!

More later, the team is amazing. I've got to get some sleep, but here are a couple more pics before I go...

Post #1 - Mexico - We arrived

Yesterday we arrived ... without incident ... we were on time, made it through customs and were met by my AMAZING friend, Ruby, and Tim. All of our luggage made it too ... well, almost all of it. They lost one of the small bags, but it arrived today.

We dropped our stuff off and hit the ground running. They took us to to our first orphanage, Casa Hogar Douglas where we hung out with kids and cooked them dinner. Casa Hogar Douglas has about 70 kids there. Immediately they captured the hearts of our team. We loved well.

The weather here is perfect, while they were in the 100's last week, so far it's been in the 80's. Keep praying my friends, more great days ahead.

The Mann Clan

On their way back from Florida, Corey, Debbie and Chloe met Loretta, Whitney, Kira, Scott, Mike and me at the infamous Fat Matts for some BBQ chicken and ribs. The Mann Clann are just fun to be around ... all day long. While we only had a few hours, we made the best of them ... a pic to come.

We Took The Mountain

Yesterday was gorgeous ... sunny and 80. So Loretta, Whitney, Kira and I took on Stone Mountain. I realized way too often I'm locked at my desk behind a computer. I've come to the conclusion sweating is good for the soul.

I came back for a mission team meeting at 7 p.m. After spending some significant time in prayer at the end, I feel like both my head and my heart are in the right place. I love our team.

Cadre Legacy

31 of my peeps were in town the last couple of days for the first ever Cadre Reunion. We had a great time and God was at work for sure. I've never seen anything like what happened right out of the gate. 31 people willing to be vulnerable, hungry for Jesus and in passionate pursuit of Him ... yet, at the same time, battered and bruised by the sometimes brutal church world. I'd tell you about it, but then the secret would be out and we would never be able to do what we did again. That would stink! Anyway, came in early this morning to knock out some work, taking the afternoon off to go to Stone Mountain with one of my best friends in the whole wide world and her daughters, then off to Oxygen tonight. I think I will sleep well tonight, but not before I watch Kite Runner and eat some Chinese. I heart "The" Cadre and "The" Iron Group.

It's Official I've Turned Into One Of Them

When I first came to Atlanta I blogged about how they were texting addicts around here ... it's official, I've turned into one of them. It's 8:40 a.m. and I've already sent a dozen.

...And Tonight We Celebrated

Tonight we celebrated the 2nd year students who are being asked back for a 3rd year. It was cool. They were all told that they were going to be a part of a scavenger hunt brainstorming team that we are doing for our spring retreat. They were to meet PJ in the board room to brainstorm. Instead, there was no PJ, just envelopes with puzzle pieces in them. Evidently, at Michael's you can buy blank puzzles. On which they put a poem, letting them know of their acceptance and that they were to then meet the staff, who would be waiting for them at PF Changs. It was a great night ... especially since it means I get to keep my current Administrative Assistant Cherry for another year or two. I'm living in a creative microwave when it comes to unique ideas.

Everyone Should Have Some 20-Somethings Around Them

Today, Cherry, Alissa and I went near and to the University of Georgia to scope out some places for a certain undisclosed event. We had a blast. When we went onto UGA's campus it was swarming with 20-somethings running, playing soccer and hanging out given the skies were blue and it was about 78 degrees. The great time I was having with the girls and seeing all of the others made me realize everyone should surround themselves with at least a handful of 20-somethings. They can take a great day and make it better with their laughter, hunger to learn and energy. It made me remember the Monday evenings back home I spent with Ruby, Jeanna, Jerica, Jermemy, Jason and Naomi. Great times!

Ben, Cherry and Alissa

It's 11:45 p.m. and Ben, Cherry and Alissa just raced out of my office to make curfew back at the apartments. Cherry is my administrative assistant and Alissa is Jeanne's. It was fun taking time out to talk and laugh with them. All three of them are amazing and could do just about anything in life they put their hand too. If you look at Ben you think of Mr. Basketball, if you listen to Alissa you think ridiculous amounts of wisdom/loyalty and if you look at Cherry you think both stunning and smart.

It wasn't too long before Cherry and Alissa got caught up in Alissa's wedding plans. It was cute. At which time, Ben grabbed a seat in my office and fired off some fun questions at me. He asked me something like, "When you meet Jesus, what will He say is the one thing He was really glad you did?" I told him, "loved them all the same - the five star, the average kid and the underdog." I then reversed the question and he said "loved the homeless." When Ben talked about the conversations he's had with the homeless, his eyes lit up like I hadn't seen before. In fact, it was interesting seeing this five star kid tear up when talking about a homeless man he met in Cincinnati at the Group conference.

He then asked me, "Judy what do you think your purpose is?" I told him "I don't know, I'm trying to work that out." I threw it back, "What do you think my purpose is?" I gave all three of them a shot. Ben said it was to do YLC and mentor MC students, Cherry said it was junior high and mentor MC students, and Alissa said it was to be an armor bearer of Jeanne. I thought all were interesting perspectives. I then tossed back to Ben and asked him "What he thought his purpose was?" We got back on the conversation of the homeless and I challenged him to pour some more fuel on that fire and see where God takes him. We went on to talk about Kurt Salierno and I let him read the story of Max.

Before I knew it, 11:45 p.m. was here. Have I said lately how much I love the Master's Commission students. I think they will keep me young for quite awhile.