Book Report #1

Throughout the schools available here, the students have the opportunity to read four or five incredible books and then reflect through reports on what they have read. Here's my first one from Phase II:

"A Tale of Three Kings" by Gene Edwards

Report by Hannah Angier

1. Breifly summarize the entire book:

"A Tale of Three Kings" by Gene Edwards is written much like a play. Edwards opens the book as if we are the audience to a reenactment of King David's life. We begin by seeing David, the youngest of his brothers, as a shepherd boy. We watch him grow and soon come under the supervision of King Saul. After a short while, the king becomes threatened by young David as he sees the potential in David. He becomes afraid at the thought of losing his place on the throne, so in turn, King Saul threatens David. Since David was honoring of the authority anointed by God, he flees rather than fighting back. David was crushed; utterly broken. He spent his days living in caves. Others also started fleeing the kingdom because of King Saul's madness. David had followers but never rebelled against the king. By no act of disrespect, David took his place as king. After many years of reign, David's son, Absalom began rallying citizens against King David, against his own father. But David did not fight because he knew that the throne was not his to take, not his to protect, and not his to keep. For it was the Lord who placed him there, and the Lord would be the only one able to remove him. David did not fight. Just like he had not fought Saul, though both Saul and Absalom were unworthy kings, David knew it was not for him to decide.

2. What are two life-changing concepts you derived from reading this book?

A. God is the only one who decides who is anointed to lead, and who is not And he does so in such a way that often defies what we thought was true power. Edwards poses a conversation that likely happened between King David and Abishai. David says, " 'God once delivered a defenseless shepherd boy from the powerful, mad king. He can yet deliver an old ruler from an ambitious young rebel.' " God will preserve His anointed, even when it looks like the anointed should fall or be defeated. God has His hand in the whole matter.

B. Often, God will put unworthy men in authority to reveal their weaknesses. As Edwards says on page 36, "He [God] sometimes gives unworthy vessels a greater portion of power so that others will eventually see the true states of internal nakedness within that individual." So not ever man in power is God's anointed vessel to carry out great works for Him, but every man in power is there because God allowed him to be there for one reason or another.

3. Apply one of the concepts to your own personal life: 

I've see many men given great authority when I don't think they deserve it in the least. But through this book, God has been teaching me that no matter who is in power, no matter how ill-equipped they may be, God has them there for a reason. The only part of it I control is how I respond to what God has allowed. Like David, I choose not to rebel and fight what I cannot control, but instead to let God have His way. He will protect and preserve what He has destined. Even if protection looks like becoming so broken as David had to, through that, he became what God needed him to be as king. God is not looking for perfect persuaders, or ambitious rebels, He is looking for broken vessels. The image that comes to my mind is that of an opaque glass bottle. What is contained within cannot be seen until the bottle is cracked. Only then can the light, if present, can shine through. Saul was broken, but the light was not within, so only madness was revealed. David, on the other hand was full of the light of God, so when he was broken, what was hidden behind the opacity was revealed and shone greatly through the brokenness.

4. Is there anything in this book you disagree with? Why?

In this book, while on the topic of God revealing who is the anointed and who is not, he often writes that God knows, but He does not tell. I am unsure as to whether or not I agree with this. I think often God does tell. But He tells only people that He trusts. Knowing who has been anointed can be a giant burden, or a major blessing.

Community Outreach!

Every Tuesday night, three Phase II students, including myself, get to lead a group of DTS students in ministry, serving Confluence Ministries near Downtown Denver. Every week since the 9th of October we have had this privilege of driving down being prepared for anything because our service changes by the week! And every week, as we surrender the night to God for His will to be done through us, our minds are blown with His presence and His power, and His love!
Yesterday, we had a group of four DTS students, three Phase II students (we lead the outreach every week) and one staff member to drive us. When we got down to west downtown Denver, we met up in the confluence building an prayed about what we were to do. So we prayed and we all got different things but in three categories. Three people felt like they were supposed to head down a certain street, two people felt lead to stay and intercede in the building, then one if the girls kept getting the image of McDonalds but thought it was just her. But then Stephen, our staff member said, semi-jokingly, "Dee! You should go to McDonalds and buy someone's food!" Dee freaked out and told us that she was feeling McDonalds and didn't know why! So we split into three groups. Stephen and Megan stayed and prayed over the building of Confluence ministries, Mats, Brielle and Malia prayer walked the streets, and Ben, Dee and I went to McDonalds! While we were praying, I felt like we were supposed to split into three groups, and God said that I was to follow and lead from behind. So I was to take up the slack, but it was my job to nudge the students forward. So I went to McDonalds because the other two PII leaders got clear answers on where to go. On out way, Dee told us that she's never payed for anyone for anything before but she had $10 in her name and she felt like God wanted her to bless someone by buying their food. So we got to McDonalds. While we were walking in I saw and old man with dark eyes and instantly God put him on my heart, but I was the follow up, not the initiator this time. So I greeted him and we went in. We stood and stared at the menu for a long while, waiting for anyone to come up and order food. After waiting semi-patiently, a man came up from behind us and went to the counter. I saw him and it was the old man from outside! I knew instantly that I was him so I turned and looked at my two students with a huge smile and I said, "Dee! What about him? Is that him?" And she looked at me as if she had been waiting for that last little push. So she went. The look on the cashier's face and the old man's face was beautiful. Dee paid and the old man walked over to wait for his food. While he was waiting I wanted so badly to ask if we could sit with him but I was the follow up. This wasn't my job tonight. Both students felt lead to sit and pray. So we went to a to a table and read some Bible and prayed. All the while I was laughing because the Holy Spirit filled me with joy during acts one conference and I have basically been laughing since then anytime the Spirit is moving. Dee caught it too and also started laughing and suddenly, as if he's been waiting for something specific to happen, Ben stood up and said, "I'm going to go sit with that man!" I was so ready for him to go that I just said thank you when he told us. Hahah so he went and sat with the man, Phil. Dee and I started interceding and while we were interceding, God opened both of our eyes to another lonely person. I looked at Dee and said said, "Do you think I..." And before she could finish I said, "yes. Go!" So she went and sat with this lady who turned out to be a pagan named Piper. While Dee and Ben were making friends, I say and read my Bible, praying and laughing because He is so good! I asked God what He wanted me to do because they weren't anymore lonely people. I noticed there was a ton of trash and I thought about cleaning it up but I certainly didn't want to offend the workers. So I sat and prayed some more. One of the workers came out not to long after noticing the trash and he began cleaning up. When he walked past my table I thank him and told him that he was doing a great job. He thanked me and continued cleaning. A little later, he came and sat across from me and said, "I probably shouldn't do this because I'm working. But I really didn't want to come into work today but I had to. But since I'm here, will you please pray for my family?" Tears welled up in his eyes as I eagerly agreed to pray for him. I asked if there was anything specific and as the tears filled up, he simply asked for me to pray for his mom and his brothers. I assured him I would pray. His name tag said Joshua but he went by Josh. I don't know if I'll ever forget the desperation and brokenness in His eyes when he asked. And then the tint of hope and peace when he walked away. At this point, it was already 8:19 and we were supposed to meet back at the building at 8:15. So I went over to Dee and Piper, Dee, knowing that meant it was time to wrap up. So we prayed with Piper and then she asked Dee if she was still accepting donations for her outreach to Cambodia, Dee said yes and Piper handed her $20. Twice as much as Dee came with and had dedicated to God. We cleared Piper's table and as the lady left, Dee and I just looked at each other, completely astonished! Then I went to Ben and Phil and as Phil was finishing up his last story, I couldn't help but notice to light in his eyes!! They were so blue and bright! Not like they had been when we walked past him outside. God was there with us, and with Phil! We asked if we could pray for Phil and he told us that he didn't think even Billy Graham could fix what he's going through. I told him that even though Billy Graham might not be able to, that God was more than able. Phil thanked us so much for our presence and for blessing him with food and with a listening ear, and he walked out. What an incredible night!!!!!

Back to the writing desk

I’d spend time apologizing for the duration of time between my last blog and this one, but there are more important subjects for discourse.

I love writing, and thinking, and exploring. But I have been rather busy, which, may I remind you, is a terrible reason to cease doing what you love. With that said, I made the mistake of writing much less because of my schedule changes. This morning, during worship, God asked me to write for Him again. And so here I am!

First, I’m going to share with you the entries from one of my many journals. This journal was given to me by one of my greatest mentors, and favorite high school teachers and in it I write whatever I feel is worthy of residing in such a lovely leather journal.

Keep in mind these are thought processes and are by no means new found facts. I highly recommend that you take any of your questions back to God’s written word, and I promise to do the same. Also, since these were written a while ago and God has continued to teach me since, anything written in the red parentheses indicates updated additions or comments. One at a time. So here we go:

Saturday, May 15^th 2010

Philippians 4:11-13 (this passage has since become one of my life passages from the Bible. I love it!)

“11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living with plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.”

Lately, I have realized that I tend to enjoy myself no matter where I am. Knowing that a difficult (/challenging) situation is ahead I get excited. I love the challenge to bring joy into that difficulty. I love the chance to “suffer” for Jesus. In the volunteer guide for my trip (to the Dominican Republic) reading warnings about uncomfortable sleeping arrangements and tiring work makes me fund raise that much more. I am so excited to leave this country for a little while. Everything is so easy in comparison  to the rest of the world. We have so many luxuries that we tend to view as life necessities. Cars, houses, roads, and grocery stores are almost as common as people in the United States. Then there are people living all over the world who have not even seen a store, or a paved road. There are many who have not even seen a store, or a paved road. There are many who have only seen a car once or twice in their lives. I can assure you, though, the majority of these people are content, joyful even. They don’t need worldly conveniences to enjoy life and be satisfied all the way to the end. Then there are those in the U.S. (and much of the western world) with all this, and even more, who are still unhappy. They are marvelous examples of the idea that things of this world have and will never satisfy.

1 Timothy 6:6-7

“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.”

Fire Bible study says, “The key to contentment is realizing that God has given you in your present circumstances everything you need to endure, grow closer to Him, and remain victorious in your relationship with Christ” (1Co15:57; 2Co2:14; 1Jn5:4). The ability to live steadily and triumphantly above changing circumstances comes from Christ’s power flowing in and through you. This ability does not come naturally, however, it must be learned and developed through dependence on and obedience to Christ. 

I graduated! Plan:
Now-October: Work, work, and maybe one more work.
October-December or March: Phase II
January-May: Staff BDTS in Denver
June-August or November: Staff SDTS in New Zealand.
We shall see!
I feel like there is a lot I want to say here, but there's really nothing.
I want to start posting pictures of the clothes and trinkets my sister and I create.
Maybe that will end up here.
We shall see!


We shall see...

Finally back!

I know it's been a while! But I've been crazy busy learning amazing things about myself, about God, and about His plan for this world. A lot has been happening, we've had crazy speakers come in and blow our minds with new wisdom and awesome ideas about our heavenly Father. John Murphy taught on the realm of relationships, Troy Sherman taught on missions and evangelism, Pastor Blake Mattocks taught us how to more effectively study God's word. I can tell you everyone here is ten times more excited to read the Bible now! This week we are doing outreach prep with Kelsey Gilchrist leading it. We are learning lots of skit, dramas, puppet shows and crafts to do while we're on our outreach. It's going to be amazing!

Today, two vans drove down the mountain to downtown Denver right after dinner to minister at the skate park, and to those on 16th Street Mall. Yesterday I had made twenty duct tape flowers to give away as a sign of God's beauty and His never dying love. Very clever, I know. =P So I stuffed those in my little backpack named Josh Bergen, with the intentions of giving them out to random women I ran into. Turns out I didn't actually meet any women, but I did give a few out to some homeless men that we spoke to and prayed for. Cameron, Ashley, NZ Michael and I wandered up and down the street looking for the Holy Spirit to lead us somewhere. The first homeless guy we ran into was Glen. In efforts not to overwhelm him, Cameron and Ashley talked to him while Michael and I interceded on a bench a little ways down the street. They spoke to him for a good while, prayed for him, then came over to us and told us about their conversation. Glen was reading the Bible when we first saw him and he told Ashley and Cameron a great story about how he used it once in a coffee shop. A lady behind him said something derogatory against homeless people. Glen turned around and asked if she thought she was better than him. She said yes, and told him that everyone in that coffee shop was better than him because they weren't homeless. Glen pulled out his Bible and asked, "are you saying you're better than Jesus? 'Birds have their nests, and foxes have their holes, but the Son of God has no place to rest His head." Ah ha! You go, Glen! The lady was caught completely off guard and lost all her pride in that moment.

We kept walking. After a while of not really feeling drawn to anything, we each silently began to pray that God would clearly guide us to a person or a place so we could share His love. At that moment, a tall gangly man came up behind us and began telling us a the story of his situation. He said his name was Benny and he and his wife were left there by their ride and have been trying to find a ride or a place to stay that night. He asked for money and told us he knew where to find an ATM. Whether his story was true or not, I decided I am not one to judge, and God had asked us to love on this man. We pulled some money out for him and then asked if we could pray for him. He was all for it so we prayed over him for safety and hope. I gave Benny a rose and asked him to give it to his wife. I explained what it meant to me and asked him to pass that on. He thanked us and went on his way. "Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do unto me."

Later, we all got a good laugh out of a guy who made a banner crooked, ran into a trash can and slurred to us, "Hah I love doing that!" We laughed and kept walking, only to discover that he really did love doing that because ALL the banners were askew. Oh funny!

We later ran into Andy, an elderly homeless man that Michael had met the first time he went to 16th Street Mall. He is such a joyful, kindhearted man! He blessed me just with his caring heart as he remembered Michael, and took great care in learning the rest of our names. We prayed for him and continued on.

On our way back to the vans, a man started talking to us, asking for spare change so he could buy his brittle-boned mother a punt I milk. He said she's into politics and doesn't believe in buying thugs by the gallon. This guy was hilarious as he knelt on his knees and joking begged for money. We didn't have any change on us so I pulled out a flower and gave to him. His whole face lit up and sprang to his feet and told me that he loved me. He went to shake Michael's hand but then quickly turned and hugged me and kissed the top of my head and made us laugh a bit more then moved on.

What a good night! When we regrouped back at the skate park, we got to hear of some more awesome stories that happened there as well. All that to say, I serve a good and powerful God who is worthy of my obedience. Now I'm going to sleep!

Back!

Made it back from Aspen! We're home! Yay soft beds, showers and laundry! Don't get me wrong, though! Our X-Games experience was amazing!!! Street ministry every night! Loving and ministering to people at the venue! Amazing! I met a lot of drunk people. There was one instance when a drunk guy in his early to mid-twenties was sitting on the bus across from one of our staff members, Stephan Cheateams. The drunk guy leaned over an bumped Cheats and said, "you're stupid. You're so stupid!" A little later he said, "you're beautiful." We got to a stop and Te lights came on and the drunk guy realized Cheats was a man so he pointed to the door and said, "get off!" then we started going again and he pulled out his phone and shined the light on Cheats, put it away, then leaned over and threw up in his own hood. At this point I had to turn away and continued praying for this guy's safety. If he thought Cheats was a girl, he could easily get into some bad situations. I also met a completely sober guy who actually saw Jesus Freaks last year, which is a video/documentary of the Boarders DTS that took place in 2007! It was cool finding people all weekend that knew who we were. Pretty awesome! We did a lot of really great evangelism all weekend! We also got to experience the X-Games! I witnessed the first snowmobile front flip on competition history! And I saw Shaun White score a perfect 100 on his VICTORY lap after he knew he had already won. Pretty insane. I also smacked him in he ribs as he walked by. All kinds of fun in Aspen! Now we're back at Eagle Rock and in about 36 minutes we're driving down to Arvada to get our laundry cleaned, then when we get back, I get to shower and sleep!!! So excited!

I don't apologize for slacking on here... Sorry.

Ha! Paradox. Anyways! Yesterday we went down to the Arvada base for worship, intercession and class. Our speaker this week is Greg DeVries, teaching on evangelism! STOKED! We are weeks worth of class in three days so we can be better prepared for our X-Games outreach! It's going to be amazing! I am expecting such great things for our time there. Sleeping on the floor of a church is going to be wonderful. I love living with less when I know it is for the Glory of my God! Anyways!!! After class, we did our laundry, I always have fun at laundry mats, I discovered. I like them and I think they're nifty and great for pictures! Then we went to the mall to get supplies for the X-Games, but I didn't need anything so I bought gauges. Yep. For my ears. Then we came home and slept.

Today! We had class taught by Greg on walking in the Spirit while we're evangelizing (which should be always) and being sensitive to where the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit wants to do through our willingness to serve. I cannot wait to hear the Spirit clearly while I'm going about my life and act on it, then see radicals things happen because of it. Ahh! SO EXCITED! After class and lunch, then class, we had work duties, during which, Alecia and I went to the Murphy's cabin to help Bethany clean and watch the children. They're a joyful bunch! I love them all so much! Then dinner, then we had the option to watch "Jesus Freaks," an hour long documentary on the Boarders DTS of 2007. It was awesome! And afterwards, the joyful, community centered atmosphere and the general friendliness of our group tripled. Nothing like an awesome video to boost moral. Then a couple of students and staff and I gathered for a Bible study in the dining hall to study the book of Joshua! We plan on meeting every Tuesday night to dive into what we believe to be our generation's calling to be Joshua leaders.

I'm exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to be doing, and it feels amazing.

Hello!

Sorry to all two of you who read my blog, (I love you, mom!) for I have not kept up very well! But! I have an excuse! First of all, the Internet has been down. Pretty good excuse, I'd say! Second, we have been busy! Two days ago, we had class taught by Jeff Pratt on the Father Heart of God. It was amazing. We also had practical application during which we were freed from many things (bricks) that created a wall around our hearts. Wonderful!!! That night, I got to take care of the Murphy kids and make adventure maps in their house with them! Then later, all the girls got to spend a night on the town and get dessert from a sweet restaurant to celebrate Jen's birthday. Tons of fun!

Yesterday, we had worship (superb) and class, and continued with testimonies. We only have five or six left! So close! We are becoming quite the family! And I love it! Last night, I was the student of many as their tried to teach me how to play ping pong. Didn't go so well, but it was fun!

Today, we went snowboarding! On the way, one of the vans broke down so we frolicked on the side of the road and it was so much fun. So funnn! Got a great video. I'll post it. When we finally got the van fixed, we decided to go to Keystone instead of Vail and it was awesome! And now, I am so exhausted!!! So... Goodnight!

Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDuZW1K35Xs&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Oh! And also...

One of the staff members from the other DTS thought I was homeless because I was carrying a bunch of people's things and I threw my jacket under the bench he was sitting on and then walked away. He turned to Kyle and said, "is that girl homeless?" hahaha Kyle said, "no. She's one of our boarders." But all the way back people were telling me that I couldn't come along. Only DTS students and staff can stay at Eagle Rock and they just don't have room for a homeless girl, like me. Super funny! Good joke for the entire ride home.

This is Really Awesome

Today was our second official day of class, taught by Jeff Pratt, on the Father Heart of God. Amazing. We are learning about how we build walls around our hearts with bricks like guilt, rejection, fear a man, etc. and these things keep us from fully experiencing the freedom and joy of Jesus. We dug into our past to find out why we do the things we do and why we have grown numb in areas. Real heart work is going on here! It's going to be so liberating tomorrow during practical application. Tonight there was an optional outreach called Kingdom Night. Only one can full of us chose to go, but we met up with more YWAM-ers once we got down the mountain. When we got to our destination on 16th Street Mall, we started worshipping God for His wonderful character and His amazing love. Instantly, people were drawn, that's where the fun happened! We branched out, invited people in, gave out free hot chocolate, and made friends. All kinds of people came to see what we were up to! I talked to and prayed for and with many people who were walking down the street. It's amazing how many people will put aside their agenda to feed curiosity. I'm just so glad we caused something worth being curious about! I met a very wide spectrum of people; homeless, drunk, businessmen, students, children, teens, drug addicts. You name it. And I got to pray with them! Do you realize that when you minister to one person in a particular people group, that whole group can be touched. So why not minister to one person from every people group?! It was great! So great that we ran way late and actually just got home about 20 minutes ago. That's 50 minutes after we were supposed to be getting ready for bed. Any complaints? Definitely not! Tomorrow might be different, though, when we have breakfast at 7:30. Posh! We'll be fine! Haha goodnight.

First Night of Outreach! And First Day of Lecture!

Yesterday, we got up, breakfast, then loaded the buses to head down to the Arvada base. We got there and began worship with the other two schools that are staying down there. Worship was great! We then spilt up into assigned groups that are our intercession groups with whom we meet every Monday! I am the only girl in my group and there are four guys from BDTS and three from the other two schools. We began praying, asking God to lead us to a country that He wants us to pray and interceed for every Monday from now until the end of the lecture phase. We prayed for quite some time, getting random verses, images, songs, phrases, etc. All of them pointing to the same three locations. Those being Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Next week we're going to pray again, asking for one specific country! I'm excited! Then we got together to prepare for our evening outreach! There were tons of different groups and I was in the group that was going to the skatepark, but it was freezing AND snowing (which was lovely) so we decided not to go the skatepark because it'd be us and the concrete. So we improvised. We gathered up the money from our pockets and bought two big jugs of Starbucks coffee and thirty cups and lids. Then, as we drove to downtown Denver, we prayed, invited the Holy Spirit to work through us and bless people, and sang worship songs. It was awesome! We got to our destination, split into two teams, and made our way to God's peolpe! We got on the bus and basically went in circles talking to people, praying for and with people, handing out free coffee! It was a good time! I believe God planted some great seeds and did some great work through our willingness to serve Him and just love on His people! One particular man that I spoke with was riding the bus simply because he didn't know what else to do. He was homeless, very drunk, and had no idea where he was going. He said his name was Michael. I offered him coffee and he looked at me with his wide, dialated eyes in disbelief. "Now why do you think you're doing that? Why exactly are you here giving me coffee right now? Why me?" He asked. I could tell in his eyes that he was thinking, 'I am so trashed, I am so unworthy. I don't even deserve a cup of free coffee.' I answered by telling him that I was out with a group of God's children, with the mission to love more of His children. So essentially, this coffee is for him, from God. I didn't think Michael's eyes could get wider, but somehow, they managed to. "Did you... honestly? Really? Did you really just say that to me?" He felt God's unconditional love. "I am covered, I mean, I am so covered in beer right now. I'm trying to hide this beer on my lap from you. And for you to come up and give me a cup of coffee... I mean..." Yes, he was drunk, but I believe he felt loved. But a kind of love that he wasn't aware existed. He couldn't believe it existed. Here he was, riding the free public transportation, no direction, no self worth, beating himself up for past occurences and the Father God of the universe bends down and hands him a cup of coffee. Michael then opened up and told on of my roommates all about he hurt, his struggles, and how he got to this point. I was called over by the guys on my team because I was holding the coffee. I left Michael and Kathleen in the back of the bus and served more coffee. I talked to a man about my God given joy. We rode the bus around town, then when we had run out of coffee and it was time to go, we got off the bus at our stop and Michael got off with us, because he wasn't finished learning about this amazing love displayed to him earlier. At this point, he was talking to three of the guys on my team and I went over to join them, and tell them that we had to get moving. As I was waiting for the chance to speak, Michael told us that this cup of coffee and this display of love was so impacting that he is going to start praying again. A renewal of faith through a cup of coffee. God moves in every way you could imagine, you just have to invite Him into it. He has amazing plans!! All of that was last night, and now it's the end of today. Today was our first official day of the lecture phase. Our speaker for this week is Jeff Pratt. He has ana amazing story, and worth while things to say about the Father Heart of God. He told many stories of demonstrations by earthly fathers that help us better understand the love of our Heavenly father. At the end of his teaching, he had us stand and ask God to have mercy on us for things we have done. It was a freeing moment! This group of people amazes me more and more each moment we're together! We also began work duties today! Me, along with Alecia get to watch John and Bethany Murphy's kids at least two days out of each week! Their kids are amazing! And Alecia is amazing! So our work duty time is going to be a lot more like play time! It's going to be so fun! And now it's finally free time and I should be reading my book! So I'm going to get on that!

Good Day!!!

I anticipate many of these in my future! Woke up a little late, my hair is OUT of CONTROL! No big deal. Breakfast, packed a lunch, which I ate two hours later, on the bus. Headed to Breck! Great riding, the snow was a little sketchy and there was quite a bit of ice, but I stayed upright all day long! Success! We all got bags of cookies to hand out to the liftees and the ski patrol guys! They love us now! Every sunday we do Sercive on The Hill, which is basically church service on the hill! We all met up at one for lovely, simple worship, a message by John and Katie and fellowship, then we did a community ride down, meaning we all (about 40 of us) ride down the same slope together, trying no to run over or get run over. Quite fun! So much fun! I somehow got stuck with all the skiers. I was the only boarder, so naturally conflict arose, all in the name of love. Haha it was a good time! Bus ride back was fun. Everyone sharing music and talking about how to pronounce certain words. Like Hammock! And the Packers lost. Bummer. And no one understand where I'm from, because I was born in to a Wisconsin family, but I was born in Mexico, and I lived in Morocco and France, but I'm from Colorado. I'm an American and Mexican citizen, so no one knows where I'm from. Hahah Ahh the humor. Anyways, time for homework and sleep! We get to do laundry and have class at the Arvada base tomorrow! Yay!

Day of Riding and Fellowshipping

Because I'm exhausted! We got up early, breakfast, drove to Keystone, rode long and hard all day, I rode with a bunch of people for the first half, then I took a turn and my friends went a different direction so I lost them and waited at the bottom for about twenty minutes, then rode the lift to the top and waited there a while. Finally I found Ashley, Alecia, Mike, Jannelle, Simon and Victor. I rode with then until we lost Alecia and Mike, but the remaining five of us stuck together for the rest of the day, picking up Michael every now and then. We got to tell all kinds of people about our school and why so many of us from so many different places are all in one place, and such great, loving friends! Planted lots of seeds today! And then we made dinner and ate t while watching the Broncos play terribly, then say in the Big House and fellowshipped. This is a wonderful place.

First Day of Riding!

Today rocked. First of all, we had an early breakfast at 6:45, then we packed all of our snowboarding (and some skiing) gear into the trailer, loaded ourselves into the van and headed down to the Arvada base! We arrived during the other two schools' quiet time so most of us went to Safeway. I bought gorilla glue so I could attempt to glue the back padding into my bindings. Then we had an AMAZING time in worship with all three schools and all the staff, and then a great teaching by Peter Warren on the way to Holy Spirit moves and works in us. Great word! It's wonderful how much we engage in corporate prayer here! In not even a week, we have become a family. Encouraging words are as numerous as the trees on the Rocky Mountains! Plus more! We then met with only Boarders DTS and went over logistics of the trip ahead. Another quick trip to Safeway for snacks and such and he headed up the mountain towards Keystone around 12:30. The bus ride up was great! I always dreaded bus rides because I'd always sit alone, or with someone who didn't want to talk to me, but these people are different. We have become such a family, growing and residing in God. It truly defies today's view on our generation! I LOVE it! Riding was amazing. I don't think I have ever gone so fast! I went very fast. And I started jumping more and did much better than I ever have, and much better than I expected to! Especially on my first real day of riding in quite some time! I, surprisingly, saw very few other YWAMers in passing on the mountain and stuck with the same general four or five people. One of my fellow riders got hurt from a fall and three of us began to pray for his healing. Seconds after we said, "amen." other BDTS students and staff began showing up out of nowhere! As a family, we all gathered around and prayed for him more. Prayer never goes unheard, and never unanswered, as far as I'm concerned. Though he was not healed instantly, the pain lessened and he was able to ride down the mountain by himself. I was disappointed, of course, that he wasn't healed on the spot, but me, always looking for the light, thought about how awesome it was to go without seeing the other riders from BDTS all day, then suddenly, the community was needed and we gathered in a flash to pray for our brother! God is lovely, and He is loving. Though I don't always understand Him, I trust Him with everything He has given me. I know it is all in the greatest of hands!

Relinquish

Breakfast was lovely. I love these people! During quiet time, I began reading "Making Jesus Lord" by Loren Cunningham with Janice Rogers. The first two or three chapters (because that's all I've read thus far) are all about giving up all your rights to God. Since everything I have is originally from Him, it should still belong to Him. He gave me these gifts so that I may give them back to Him to show Him my love!!! Thank you SO MUCH, GOD! I am so blessed that you gave me the means to do my best to show Him how much I really, really love Him!!! I, not too long ago, gave Him my right to choosing my spouse, that is, of course, if I get married at all. And after that, I felt amazingly free! So free. I don't have to pick and choose throught the plethora of men in this world. I know that God will pick the best when I let Him choose for me. And if the best is to not get married, so be it! I love God none the less! More, actually. I love Him. And this is amazing! I relinquish it all to Him, because it's better in His hands anyway!

Today has been Spectacular!!! And here's why...

Woke up to a snowglobe kind of snowfall! Beautiful outside! Maybe a foot of powder by now! SICK! Breakfast was lovely! Made more friends, deeper friends. There are amazing people here! We had quiet time for an hour after breakfast where God knit together a couple of great things that He has shared with me lately but I never got the connection. I did this morning!! Worship was awesome! Since we got dumped on with snow, the worship team wasn't able to make it up today, so one of the staff members, who has never lead worship, lead us in an awesome time of praise and worship and just crying out to God! InCREDIBLE! It's been good! We learned more about each outreach and tips from Sinque on fundraising for our missions trip! I'm so stoked for everything God has for us here! We had lunch and I did clean up which was quite like being back at Jamba and Camp Elim combined. Pretty neat! Then we went to the Big House and all of us crammed into a semi-large room and the staff began sharing their testimonies. Incredible people of God from all kinds of pasts are leading my DTS! And I am so blessed to have them! Then the students started and I learned a lot about these great people! We only got through a few people before we started running into our dinner time. So we'll finish up later. Which is good, because I should probably at least make an outline for mine. Otherwise, I know I'll be all over the place. Haha! So yes. SO! I sat and fellowshipped with Mike, Joab, Katie, Stephan, Michael, Aaron, and Victor for dinner and it was great! Love these people! Right now, people are shredding it up on a box, rail, and a makeshift wallride and it's amazing! Some of these guys are INSANE! Already seen a couple of flips today! Ridiculous! I didn't hit out little park today because I want to be alive for our riding this weekend! YAY! God loves you and you are His beautiful creation!"Beautiful Things" by Gungor.

Day 2

Rocked. Breakfast, worship, service, manual review, filled out season pass info, lunch, more service, dinner, party time. Awesome! This is going to be fantastic! According to most of the people here, my age ranges from 12 to 21. Funny stuff! I'm doing fantastically on names! And we played Never Have I Ever, and I did great. Minus that one chair I broke, and I shoved Victor under a table. Nice!

My Name Is Hannah...

...And this is my blog. Nice. I'm starting a Youth With A Mission Discipleship Training School today! A snowboarding one. And so far, it rocks! I am one of 9 girls here, while the school consits of 39 students. So yes. 30 of the students are boys. And I get to race them all on my snowboard! I'm in a room with 4 other girls and they rock. Good times to be had! Dinner and a welcome service tonight. This is going to be sick. Snowboarding on Friday! Night riding at Keystone. I love this place. =D The end. God loves you so much! And I can tell right now he loves me too. Shahbang.