“People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are.

I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world

are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want,

and if they can’t find them, they make them."  –George Bernard Shaw                  

  The last week has been a wonderful whirlwind.  During spring break last week I lead a team of students

to the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.  We helped people rebuild and clean their homes that had been

damaged by Hurricane Katrina.  We did everything from clearing debris to building homes.  I discovered

that I am pretty good at painting homes, removing aluminum siding, and putting up insulation under the

siding—not exactly a spiritual gift, but it could develop into a new hobby. 

          The two weeks before leaving for the trip I was a little worried about the team dynamics.  Five

students, all extremely different, and I didn’t know any of them very well.  We started off with some challenges,

but they were soon resolved.  God allowed an overflowing joy to flow through my team.  Throughout the week

I was able to bond with each of them and truly enjoyed their company.  We worked as a team by day,

studied the Word as a team at night, and tried to make the most of every opportunity that God sent

our way. We developed some amazing relationships as a team and with members from another team. 

We were able to serve and bless people who were in need and we indeed were blessed in return. 

It is incredible how much need there is a year and seven months later.  The Lord taught me much about

myself, what it means to naturally feed His sheep out of love for Him, and how much He desires to reach

the “least of these”.  I was able to delight in my Lord in the hot Mississippi sun and in the beauty of His

creation as I daily looked on the beautiful and picturesque waters.  I am overwhelmed at God’s faithfulness

and His pursuit of His children.  I have been abased, challenged, refined, and fuel has been added to the

fire…I have been set ablaze for the Kingdom of God, and I will never be satisfied with a mediocre or complacent

life.  May you seek Him wholeheartedly, He will give you a fire or intensify the one within, and your life will never

be the same.  If you are lacking zeal for the Kingdom of God, I promise that you are missing out of some

of the greatest joy and blessings in this life.  Be encouraged, and remember to draw near to God, He is a Restorer and the only constant that we have in this ever-changing world.   

The Crew...Brian, Shalysses, Vance, Me, Stephen, & Kenny 

Did I mention that I like to paint?

                                                                                                                                                                         We worked on the roof of this home

Short Update...The new season is going wonderfully!  I am loving the call, the work, and the people that I work with. I am delighting in being used by Him.  There is nothing like the feeling of being excited to get out of bed because you love the work that you do.  I often lacked that excitement while I was in China.  I have experienced the truth of God's promises..."Those that sow in tears, shall reap in joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying his sheaves." (Psalm 126:5).  I am overwhelmed by His faithfulness and power.  I am learning much. Work definitely keeps me busy.  I have been able to get to know many of the girls in the dorm over the last few weeks.  I am busy working on the Mayor's campaign and being VP of the county Young Dems, so I am back in politics and making things happen.  As usual, I am anticipating great things to emerge from these opportunities.                                                                                                                                                 

"Too many people are concerned with their personal success that they become a hindrance to the success of things much greater than themselves." -Toby Huyssen

Stacey, Cassy, Me, and Brandy

The Crew...Ty, Jimmy, Brett, Andrew, Brandy, Lamar, Alexis, Cassy, Joseph, Adam, Rob, & Nate