l.blake.photography

Rainy Day Fun

2011-12-23T17:46:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time there was a rain storm [with thunder] in Kona, Hawaii.

The thunder aspect was unusual for this big island in the Pacific.

So four friends decided to be adventurous and chase the eye.

They found an epic space with great light and decided to take photos.

The end.

It's A Girl!

2011-12-23T01:02:00.001-06:00

In India, China and many other parts of the world today, girls are killed, aborted and abandoned simply because they are girls. The United Nations estimates as many as 200 million girls⁽¹⁾ are missing in the world today because of this so-called “gendercide”.

Girls who survive infancy are often subject to neglect, and many grow up to face extreme violence and even death at the hands of their own husbands or other family members.

The war against girls is rooted in centuries-old tradition and sustained by deeply ingrained cultural dynamics which, in combination with government policies, accelerate the elimination of girls.

Check it out HERE.

Happiest December Update

2011-12-19T11:09:00.000-06:00

Check out my good looking glory team!

The Week Countdown

My team leaves for Africa this Friday! While I’m extremely excited, the incredible weight of leading a team of 7 people with one co-leader humbles me every day. I understand – more – what it means to fear the Lord.

I’m so excited that the Lord would put me in this place, at this time, to lead and disciple young people further into knowing Him and then taking them out to share His love with this nation.

As staff, it is our responsibility to plan our outreaches. This includes housing, food, transportation, ministries, etc. The details are coming together and after hundreds of emails [true story!] we have our first month “figured out”. We will partner with YWAM and Iris ministries, as well as run a youth camp.

During the second half of our time, there is a possibility of splitting up and a few from our group traveling north to build sanitation facilities and water catchment tanks through Justice Water. About 1.8 million people die every year due to preventable diarrheal diseases; most of them are children under the age of 5. Please pray the details for this trip to work out. It would be an amazing opportunity to bless the YWAM base.

**Please note: Internet access will be limited, therefore I will not send many [if any] updates while away. BUT DON’T WORRY! I will journal and take photos and tell you my stories when I’m back in Hawaii! We will return to Kona, Hawaii on March 12 where we will debrief as a school. This is a beautiful time of sharing stories from all nine outreach locations.

Students leave March 16 and we as staff will debrief as a family. I am sure there will be many lessons learned as we share the good and difficult times. I have friends visiting me in Hawaii for a week before I staff the 2012 Let Justice Roll Down Seminar May 18-June 8. Speakers include: Shane Claiborne, Ched Myers, Elaine Enns, Tim Nafziger & Sylvia Morrison.

We staff performed a flash mob dance for our students at our end of lecture phase Love Feast.

It was epic.

Finances

My goal in raising monthly support is to avoid last minute email alerts asking for thousands of dollars in a week. However, I am dependent on the Lord and others to help make this possible. A lifestyle of support is not easy, but it a foundational value YWAM believes in!

PRACTICE DEPENDENCE ON GOD FOR FINANCES

YWAM is called to practice a life of dependence upon God for financial provision. For individuals and YWAM corporately this comes primarily through His people. As God and others have been generous towards us, so we desire to be generous. YWAMers give themselves, their time and talents to God through the mission with no expectations of remuneration.

All that to say, ALL $2,970.38 of my funds came in! A BIG “thank you” to everyone that’s given financially!

If you would like to jump on board and partner with me monthly you can through http://thestorehousemovement.com/. (Please do not designate funds in my name on the Paypal site, but send an email to Kristin [kristin@thestorehousemovement.com] designating your gift for “Lindsay.”)

You can also send checks to: “The Storehouse” at PO Box 540782, Omaha, NE 68154-0782. Please do not write my name on the memo line of your check, simply include a note designating “Lindsay.”

If you would like to look at my monthly budget I emailed out before, please ask.

Melodie is one of my students going with me to Africa.

She is from Texas and one of the funniest people I know.

Travel Schedule: We leave on the evening of December 23 and arrive in London, England on Christmas day. We have 24 hours in this great city and because of the generosity of a dear friend and her family, all nine of us will have a free place to stay, a home cooked meal, shower and beds one last time before we head on to South Sudan. We will continue our journey early on the 26th and land in our African country on December 27th where we will take a 2 hour bus ride south to our accommodations.

Esther is my amazing British co-leader.

She is a deeply God fearing woman.

Please Pray:

- Co-leading a team is challenging in many ways. Please pray for wisdom as we lead seven fiery lovers of Jesus in to this nation. Pray that we would lay the unknowns at the feet of Jesus and trust Him to lead and guide.

- Our living conditions will be rough. No electricity or running water + sleeping in tents and “out door” restrooms. Pray there’d be no complaining in the camp.

- Faith! I am learning –more – what it means to be faithful in the small. Pray for an increased portion of faith in my life for God to do the possible and the impossible.

- Health. Please pray no sickness or worms would have their way in our group in the Name of Jesus!

- Safety. Please pray our group would be safe everywhere we set our foot. Not just safe, but untouched and not noticed when need be.

It’s the holiday season, which means holiday shopping. If you are looking for a unique personal gift, consider my product store: 16x20 canvas photos, Act Here. Love Now. books, and bracelets.

If you are interested,

contact me!

• • •

My team had a 2-hour team building session where we leaned about communication, trust, conflict, commitment, accountability and trust.

Unspoken Instant

2011-12-16T02:14:00.000-06:00

This photo was taken back in 2009, when Elisa was a wee one and I had short hair.

I love kids.
And I have a few on the island that melt my heart.

One being Elisa.

Nothing says, "I Love You" like a 3-year-old girl running into your arms.
And cutting the circulation off around your neck.

"Spin me, Lindsay!"
"Again!"

On a day when tears flowed freely, God gave me the special gift of Elisa.

It's sweet moments like this, when God whispers into my ear, "I remember your heart dear one."

Joural Entries - Encounters With the Living God

2011-12-14T21:37:00.000-06:00

Friday, December 2, 2011
"Sitting/worshiping/looking at your face in the prayer room and I'm overwhelmed by your love for me. I'm brought to tears because you are so captured by me. You never need time away from me. In fact you are desperate for my affections. You long for me to notice you. You are persistent with your pursuit, yet gentle. I am so overcome with your presence. I want to rest here, in your courts."

Monday, December 5, 2011
"In your presence I find clarity. When my eyes are fixed on you, and my spirit engaged - literally everything else fades away. Sometimes I wonder why I leave this place. I want this place of us looking and locking eyes to go with me everywhere. If I know anything it is this: I am a presence junky and I want nothing more than being in your courts. I love you God. Like LOVE. Like more than I even understand or could explain."

Christmas Gift Ideas

2011-12-14T03:06:00.000-06:00

For those of you who are still Christmas shopping, still scratching your head for ideas, EMAIL ME. I still have about 25 copies of our acclaimed work, “Act Here. Love Now.” for sale and they can be yours in a snap.

See You Later Alligator

2011-12-13T01:13:00.001-06:00

Remember Naomi?

My Kiwi friend from back in the day.

I'm talking April of 2009.

I was her first American friend in YWAM.

We were roommates in DTS.

We travelled the world together.

For 2.5 years.

We've seen the best and worst in each other.

She is leaving.

Again.

For the second time.

Dumb.

She is like my little sister.

Annoying.

Loud.

But dearly loved.

I've had some of my best YWAM times with this wee one.

Some of my greatest laughing sessions.

And some of my greatest crying sessions.

She is a world changer.

Passionate.

Tender.

Crazy.

She is beautiful.

Joy filled.

Lover of the creative.

And will be dearly missed.

But I don't think I'll cry like a little school girl this time.

Because if Naomi has taught me anything,

it's that this world is small.

And that an island on the very opposite side of the globe really isn't that far.

Indeed.

Love you fart face.

Sweet Video

2011-12-02T16:09:00.000-06:00

our first christmas tree from jen + chris ((we are photographe on Vimeo.

H.A.P.P.Y. T.H.A.N.K.S.G.I.V.I.N.G.

2011-11-24T12:08:00.001-06:00

Judy Collins sang, “To every thing, turn, turn, turn. There is a season, turn, turn, turn.”

Seasons are beautiful. We experience a piece of God in every season. And when we don’t change seasons, we potentially miss out on a facet of God.

Like seasons, people change in our life. Not that we forget them, but a person might be more present in one season and less in another. But we need each person to see the fullness of God.

I’m grateful for everyone in my life, but as tradition stands

Here

List

For

This

Season:

My mom - The woman who gave me life; my personal assistant; my friend. Thank you, despite your sometimes over the top antics, for caring so deeply for me. You are ALWAYS on my side and ALWAYS my biggest fan. Thank you for loving me regardless, believing in me when I doubt and helping me live out my crazy life. I love you.

My dad - The man who believes I am worth more than the universe. Your gentle reminders speak life, value and love into my heart. I love our sports talks - near and far. Thank you for the tears you cry on my behalf when you talk to God. The love you speak to me is undeniable. I love you.

Kevin – My boo. You have taught me what “genuine” truly means, and because of you, I’m learning selflessness. Thank you for challenging me, believing the best in me and liking me for me. Your patience, as I process, it priceless. I love to laugh and popcorn with you. You are a gift. I look ahead with an open hand and heart with a big smile.

J & J – My glory nectar leaders. My comic relief. My friends. Thank you for trusting the Jesus in me. For believing in my abilities and pushing me into my destiny even when it hurts. Your faith inspires me, your generosity motivates me, and your happy dances bring me great joy. Your faith is contagious. I’m happy to go “there” with you. I love you.

Steve & Di – The peacemakers. Artists. Community seekers. I feel as if our friendship has taken a turn for the deeper in the last few months, and I pray we can do life together for many years. Thank you for the encouragement you have shown me as you call out my strengths. You unwavering desire to see His Kingdom come on this earth is breathtaking. Never give up. Your daughter is a gift of joy to her aunt Lindsay. I love you.

Cambria – My little sister. My friend. My teacher. I have watched you grow into the most beautiful woman of God. Thank you for allowing me to walk hand in hand with you these last 2.5 years. I stand back, like a proud big sister, as I see you transition into the woman of God you were created to be. I learn from you daily. Thank you for you deep committed love to Jesus. It’s evident to all, and it stirs the fire within me. I love you.

Anne & Layne – My friends and staffing mentors. Thank you for your friendships, faces and laughter. Thank you for all the grace you showed me these last 2.5 years. As I step into your staffing shoes, I constantly seek your forgiveness. Your commitment to our eclectic family blows my mind. Thank you for your long distance friendship. I love “sharing” life with you. I love you both.

Comm Trans Community – Near and far. You have taken me in your arms with Love. Thank you for your commitment to community and bringing the simple gospel with great Love. Thank you for your loyalty to your family. And your friendship. Your loving hearts are evident; don’t ever doubt that. Thank you for allowing me to stand by your side. I love you.

Supporters - From years back to the most recent. Thank you for your continued Love and encouragement through the ups and downs of life. Your prayers, emails, contacts and gifts speak more to me than you will ever know. Thank you for believing in me. Always. You are loved.

Blog Friends/Readers - To the ones who read my writing and have taken interest in the journey of my life. Your input and words do not go unnoticed. I look forward to reading and sharing our different seasons. Celebrating and crying together. You are loved.

...and to God, my Kurious Isious, who has for now blessed me with these.

Happy Thanksgiving Week!

2011-11-20T21:27:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving week!

I LOVE Thanksgiving!

For the amazing food.

And for the opportunity to slow down and thank the Lord for the many blessings in my life.

Including YOU!

My family.

My friends.

My faithful prayer warriors.

My generous financial supporters.

I am truly blessed.

I just got back from Washington DC! I met with some officials from the Embassy. I was able to share with the officials what our team would like to do, including speaking/praying encouragement, destiny and purpose into their nation. They were very encouraged and want to help set up appointments with government officials when we arrive in the country.

As you know, I am co-leading a team of seven students to a nation in Africa December 20, for three months. We will partner with JusticeWater, an organization with the aim to empower developing communities with multipliable and sustainable water technologies, using resources that are available, affordable and acceptable to cultures and a region. We hope to also set up hygiene education classes with communities.

We will work with street children/orphans, as well as prison ministries and possibly a leper colony.

I have such a deep desire to see this nation touched, even if in a small way, by the power and Love of Jesus. God loves this nation so much and I am getting a small piece of His heart for the people.

As YWAM missionaries, we raise all our own support.

As a team, we need around $12,000 by Wednesday, November 23 to make this trip possible.

I, personally, need $2,000.

Please ask yourself whether you can partner with us during this time.

Only together can we see restoration and wholeness come to this nation!

If you have any questions or would like to connect over the phone and/or Skype please contact me.

You can financially give by going to The Storehouse Movement and clicking on the "Donate Now" button. (Please do not designate funds in my name on the paypal site, but send an email to Kristin [kristin@thestorehousemovement.com] designating your gift for “Lindsay.”)

You can also send checks to: “The Storehouse” at PO Box 540782, Omaha, NE 68154-0782. Please do not write my name on the memo line of your check. Simply include a note designating “Lindsay.”

[All donations through “The Storehouse” are tax deductible]

You can also give directly to me through my Web site.

I am selling 16"x24" canvas photo prints, "Act Here. Love Now." books and bracelets to raise support as well. You can check out my product story here.

We are also looking to bring jump ropes, coloring books, crayons, balls, Frisbees, nail polish and anything else kid related. A church in Texas is donating daily vacation Bible school materials [bracelets & a few singing books]. Praise the Lord!

You can mail kid supplies to:

Lindsay

75-5851 Kuakini Hwy. #21

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

You can follow our journey by visiting our blog: www.africatransformations.blogspot.com

I will send one more update before heading out.

Thank you all for your love and support. I am truly grateful for your encouragement through prayers, financial giving and encouraging emails/mail.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May He cause His face to shine upon you.

May the Lord bless you in return for everything you have given away.

And meet your every need!

You can also watch our team video HERE to get to know us!

Love,
Lindsay

Team Fundrasing for Outreach!

2011-11-15T22:23:00.000-06:00

We are a group of 9 radical followers of Jesus that met in Kona, Hawaii through Youth With A Mission.

It is our heart to see the simple gospel of Jesus bring restoration and wholeness to communities around the world.

Starting in December, we have the great privilege to spend three months in one of the poorest and war torn nations in Africa.

We will have many opportunities to be the hands and feet of Jesus including:
- Helping the nationals develop safe and sustainable water sources for homes and communities through water filtration systems
- Meeting with and speaking to high level government officials
- Prison ministries
- Visiting and loving on a leper colony
- and speaking destiny and hope into many street children.

We believe we CAN and WILL make a difference in this nation!

BUT WE NEED YOUR HELP!

As a team, we need around $12,000 to make this trip possible.
Would you consider partnering with us?
Only together can we see restoration and wholeness come to this African nation!

You can financially give by going to http://thestorehousemovement.com/ and clicking on the "Donate Now" button. (Please do not designate funds in my name on the paypal site, but send an email to Kristin [kristin@thestorehousemovement.com] designating your gift for “Lindsay.”)

You can also send checks to: “The Storehouse” at PO Box 540782, Omaha, NE 68154-0782. Please do not write my name on the memo line of your check, simply include a note designating “Lindsay.”

(All donations are tax deductible)

We are also needing fun supplies to bring for the children.

Think:
- jump ropes
- coloring books
- crayons
- balls
- Frisbees
- Nail polish

You can mail supplies to:
Lindsay Carstensen
75-5851 Kuakini Hwy. #21
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Thank you for all your prayers, practical donations and financial support!
We could not do any of this without YOU!

His Kingdom Come
His will be done
On earth
As it is in heaven

AMEN!

Visit our blog www.africatransformations.blogspot.com
Please contact us with any questions at africatransformations@gmail.coma

It's Time

2011-11-12T16:51:00.000-06:00

About two weeks ago I felt that it was "about that time."

But I made myself wait.

And I can wait no longer.

It's time for Christmas music!

Currently I am listening to Justin Bieber's new Christmas album, Under the Mistletoe on Spotify.

Love is Here.

2011-11-11T14:23:00.000-06:00

United Pursuit came to Kona for a week in October.

I had the chance to meet, Brittany Fray, the wife of drummer, Nathan Fray.
She is a photographer and our love for the art made us instant friends.

Right after they got married, they started documenting about LOVE.

Check out the trailer HERE.
Check out their Web site HERE and webisodes HERE.

You won't be disappointed.

Wedding Week[ish] Morning Of

2011-11-04T16:33:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, the day of the wedding, all of Layne's girlfriends went out for a photo shoot.

It was a fun time of being together one last time before Layne said goodbye to singlehood.

Wedding Week[ish] + Decorating

2011-11-04T16:26:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning, the crew bought their Blue Dog coffee and drove to the Glen Morris Hall to decorate for the wedding reception.

We spent all morning transforming this very "country" hall into a beautiful creation.

The place literally transformed thanks to Catherine and Layne's vision.

We have now planned three weddings in three different countries [Panama, South Africa, & Canada].

Wedding Week[ish] + Bachelorette

2011-10-31T00:23:00.003-05:00

We hosted a bachelorette party for Layne on Friday night.

While it wasn't the usual crazy celebration; it was intimate and fun with lots of laughter and great treats.

The only man allowed was Mr. Stud.

...oh and an elephant.

More Wedding Week[ish]

2011-10-30T14:57:00.002-05:00

So I forget which day it happened, but we finally - after many attempts - surprised Layne!

Because of a few generous people, Naomi [our New Zealand friend] was able to fly up for the wedding! Everyone had not seen Naomi since she flew away from our arms the day the earthquake hit her hometown in Christchurch, New Zealand.

It was a great reunion, and Layne was totally surprised!

She had no idea!

It was also Mel's birthday, which we of course celebrated with presents and brownies!

More fun times sitting around just being friends.

$5 Campaign

2011-10-28T13:29:00.000-05:00

Hi!

After reading my October update, many of you know I am leading a team to "Africa". We need to purchase tickets now, and I am still in need of $500.

If each one of you gave $5, I would have more than enough to purchase my ticket and visa and pay for the second half due on November 23.

I understand that I could not do what I do without the financial commitment of my faithful friends and family who want to see the Kingdom extended through this ministry. I am so blessed by the generosity of you all. Thank you for your commitment to seeing young lives changed as they know God and make Him known throughout the world.

To give, please click on the link below. It will take you to my blog page, where you can give directly to me. Depending on the way you process through Paypal, a small deduction might be taken from the amount you are giving to me.

http://lindsayblake.blogspot.com/p/support-lindsay.html

I have also copied the content from my October Update in here for those that may not have received or read it.

Thank you!
Lindsay

Comm Trans
The DTS started and it has been an amazing two weeks of people meeting Jesus for the first time and students radically giving every area of their life to God.

Before the 82 students arrived, we as a staff were praying they would come hungry to know God… well, they didn’t come hungry… they came STARVING, and it is a privilege to be able to walk with them on this journey of discovering freedom, purpose and identity in Christ.

I, personally, have been rocked as I’ve listened to the gospel story again in class. The transforming power of God’s love for me has literally brought me to my knees!

As a class, we are weekly reading through the gospel of John and my heart is light up! “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’”

Apart from Jesus there is NO Life, but with Jesus there IS Life! This deeper revelation is literally bringing me Life!

I’ve started one on ones with girls and it’s such a blessing to be able to listen to each one process through all that God is revealing to them and to see the burning love change their lives.

Outreach Location Revealed
I am happy to announce that in December I will lead a team of 7 students to "Africa"! Along with my amazing co-leader, Esther, we will spend three months being the hands and feet of Jesus.

There is currently another DTS outreach team there, but we are definitely paving a way for many more outreaches to go and minister in this country. We are still trying to make connections with contacts and figuring out the logistics, but our hearts are to subdue this nation with God’s love and perfect peace.

We asked our students to pray about the kind of culture we want to create in our team and it was amazing to listen how students got the same words and insight. It’s a beautiful thing to watch their faith increase as they listen to the Lord and hear from Him!

Our team verse is, Romans 15:5-7, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Let Justice Roll Down Seminar
I recently committed to staff the 2012 Let Justice Roll Down Seminar taking place May 18th – June 8th at the University of the Nations YWAM Kona. This seminar is open to YWAMers ($840) and Non-YWAMers ($995) alike.

How do we work with Jesus to undo oppression? How do we live the gospel within a violent context or war-zone? How do we build just communities of faith that really are good news to the poor? How do we challenge the status quo and reconcile communities?

The Let Justice Roll Down Seminar is a response to the ever-growing awareness of young people entering the mission field who are overwhelmed with the realities of Human Trafficking, Poverty, Violence and War.

The Let Justice Roll Down Seminar will connect young radicals with veteran faith-based activists and peacemakers in order to transfuse a vision of practical peacemaking and works of justice modeled after Jesus! Through a three week intensive workshop and seminar series, participants will find themselves rooted within the vast history of faith-based activism and peacemaking, learn a biblical vision of justice, craft a practical tool-belt for engagement, and return home ready to bring holy mischief within their communities, nations or missions field.

For more information check out: http://flavors.me/LJRDseminar

*There are significant financial discounts available for participants applying from developing nations as well as for YWAM Kona Staff.
**Seminar fees cover room and board for all three weeks in Kona, HI.

Speakers include: Shane Claiborne, Ched Myers, Elaine Enns, and more!

Finances
I could not do what I do without the financial commitment of my faithful friends and family who want to see the Kingdom extended through this ministry.

While I am still in need of monthly support, I also need an additional $500 by October 27 as a down payment on my airplane ticket.

To give: You can make one-time donations or become a monthly supporter through the Paypal link below, as well as through The Storehouse Movement. (Please do not designate funds in my name on the Paypal site, but send an email to Kristin [kristin@thestorehousemovement.com] designating your gift for “Lindsay.”)

You can also send checks to: “The Storehouse” at PO Box 540782, Omaha, NE 68154-0782. Please do not write my name on the memo line of your check, simply include a note designating “Lindsay.”

(All donations are tax deductible)

Please Pray…
- For wisdom as Esther and I prepare for the "Africa" outreach. Pray for connections with good contacts there.
- For the team... that as we get to know each other, we would be unified, even before we leave for outreach.
-For the students in the DTS... that they would continue to hunger to know God in a deeper way, and keep discovering His great love for them and others.
- That I would not get bogged down by tasks, but would be refreshed and able to gracefully take on each responsibility.

Day 2 of Wedding Week[ish]

2011-10-23T11:37:00.000-05:00

I'm a little behind on Wedding Week[ish] posts.

Give me grace, I've been embracing my dear friends every chance I get.

Plus working on wedding decorations.

More will come.

Promise.

On The Weekends

2011-10-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

Kona weeks are a blur at times with the schedule we find ourselves in.

But there are some weekends where relaxing is the cure.

Wedding Week[ish]

2011-10-19T16:27:00.003-05:00

I left sunny Kona on Tuesday afternoon and arrived in rainy Toronto Wednesday morning.

Needless to say, I'm still up and super tired.

Why you might ask?

Because United Airlines has a great miles program and I got a free ticket to my friends, Layne and Jonathan's wedding week[ish].

Back in April of 2009, Jonathan and Layne met during my DTS.

She staff, he student.

Illegal.

But love has no bounds and nearly 2.5 years later, they are getting hitched.

My time here is sweet.

Moments I will cherish with friends I've shared a great part of my life with.

I am blessed beyond words.

Day 1 consisted of lounging around the apartment + a stop at Blue Dog to Skype and email.

Soft Reeds

2011-10-16T21:22:00.000-05:00

This guy I know and kind of like, his brother is famous - or so I like to tell myself and others.

His name is Ben and he is the lead singer/songwriter and guitar dude for Soft Reeds. This is the music video for their song "The Affair." While the title is a bit scandalous, the video is rad.

Buy their cd on iTunes.

Enjoy the cool awkwardness of this stellar video!

This is Discipleship

2011-10-15T17:27:00.000-05:00

From the youtube page: "I must note that although programs and events are useful they can easily create an inwardly focused atmosphere to where the body is sustained just enough to survive but not enough to multiply... The five-fold ministry's position is not to be up high orating to an audience below, but to be the settled foundation upon which the saints are equipped to the work of the ministry of the Gospel of the Kingdom of God... We come to go..."

Laugher + Family Bounding = Nector Glory

2011-10-11T12:27:00.000-05:00

Before the students arrived, we had a "staff retreat" up at Makapala, a retreat center on the north side of the Big Island.

It was:

beautiful

relaxing

epic

adventure filled

glory filled

testimony madness

friendship building

family centered

I love my Comm Trans Family.

Screaming Mules and Such

2011-10-11T00:24:00.001-05:00

My youth pastor of old, mentor, and dear friend Ty Schenzel recently wrote a book, "A Thousand Screaming Mules."

The unexpected story of an ordinary man with an extraordinary vision of hope

As a father, Pastor Ty Schenzel believed that if he loved his kids deeply, crazily, and unconditionally, they would see life, God, and their futures with hope and expectation. His children grew up knowing that “a thousand screaming mules” could not keep their dad from being there when they needed him. He showed his children that they were his priority – more than anything else.

Outside of his world and particularly in the inner city, Ty grieved when he saw other children not feeling loved in the same way. He has always felt a father’s love for those kids, and has devoted his dreams to breaking their cycle of hopelessness through faith, education, employment, and collaboration – all leading to the creation of the Hope Center for Kids.

Ty began by building a foundation of trust in the North Omaha community. He worked to help youth from across the city understand each others’ cultures better, and the Lord began to draw the groups together in a mighty way. In 1998, the former Gene Eppley Boys Club in North Omaha became home to the Hope Center, and Ty’s incredible vision became a reality.

You can buy the Kindle edition HERE!

Mine is currently in the mail!!!!!!

My amazing friend, Sarah Seaton, made this video!

The Hope Center for Kids strives to break the cycle of hopelessness and provide tangible hope to Omaha's inner city youth and children through faith, education, employment and collaboration. Youth learn essential job, life and social skills in order to become active participants in our communities.

Smoothies + Special Song + Words of Encouragement = Giant Happy Hearts

2011-10-04T19:28:00.000-05:00

Before the DTS students arrived, the Comm Trans men honored the ladies by hosting a smoothie bar [we were fasting], speaking words of encouragement over each one of us and performing this song you are about to watch. One of the sweetest things I've ever been a part of.

Words prayed over me:

Proverbs 31:20, "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

Song of Songs 1:15, "Your eyes are doves" The special quality about doves is that they can only look in one direction. Jesus loves how your eyes are fixed on Him! You're beautiful.

You are compassionate, strong, creativity that inspires.

Thank you men of Comm Trans for honoring your women. We were truly blessed.

Meet the Staff: Jason

2011-09-22T13:25:00.002-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Jason Szolomayer from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Steph

2011-09-19T19:46:00.002-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Steph Schulz from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Steve + Di + Baby Margot

2011-09-18T12:13:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Steve, Diane, and Margot Schallert from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Steven

2011-09-17T02:14:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Steven Conant from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

The Product Store + Portfolio

2011-09-16T21:46:00.000-05:00

I just created two new pages for this blog!

The Product Store and Portfolio.

While I am a volunteer through YWAM, it's my hope to raise some support through my photography.

Please take a peak!

Meet the Staff: John & Jenni

2011-09-15T22:36:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

John and Jenni are the school leaders and my leadership. They are amazing and I count it an honor to serve under them!

Meet the Staff: John and Jenni Gillespie from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Matt

2011-09-13T22:56:00.002-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Matt Byrd from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

DIY Project #2

2011-09-12T22:43:00.001-05:00

My friend Diane, gave birth to Margot Day on September 6th. Baby girl waited until I returned to the rock to come out. Di and I had this long standing/ever-changing bet where if I win she must eat a brownie.

The deal currently stood that if I was in Kona when baby was born, Di would eat a brownie. I got back two days before baby came, so I win. But I guess she won too! [It's a long story as to why she doesn't eat brownies in which I'll let her explain sometime. Let me just say, NEVER SAY NEVER! Can I get a shout out from all you Beliebers out there?!]

All that to say, my DIY art project #2 is for baby. I saw this idea on etsy here, and instead of buying it I thought, "I can totally make that." This idea of being able to make everything yourself seems easy in the beginning, but days later you wonder if this too shall pass.

First I bought a package of three 6-9 month onesies.

Then I found a camera template online, printed, traced and cut the shape out of the onesie.
Next I placed a fabric behind, and sewed along the edge.

I had to make the details of the camera from the remaining onesie material from the cut out camera shape, and then sewed a chain stitch for the straps to the camera.

Last, I printed the font I wanted for the letters, traced and sewed them.

While I am totally in love with the finished product, I don't think I would make this particular design an, "oh, you're having a baby?!! Let me make you something amazing!" It is very time consuming and detailed... Which I guess is most DIY projects... hmmmm.... Maybe I need to regroup and realize "Rome wasn't built in a day!"

Meet the Staff: Esther

2011-09-07T18:12:00.002-05:00

Meet the Staff: Esther Rich from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Game Day

2011-09-06T23:58:00.001-05:00

Saturday marked the official start to Husker football.

Huskers from around the world joined together in wearing their Husker gear.

You can take the Husker out of the corn but you can't take the corn out of the Husker.

[I'm really trying to make that saying work, I'm just not sure it does.]

Once a Husker, always a Husker.

Hadassah is wearing a very red Husker onsie all the way in Pakland!

EdgeWater, my aunt and uncle's floating home, is ready for Husker season!

Krista is living in Illinois, but still bleeding Husker red!

Laura, originally from Fremont and currently living in Washington DC, has converted D into a Husker fan!

My first cousin once removed, Maila, in San Diego is sporting her Husker onesie my parents brought her a few weeks ago.

Go Big Red from Thailand!

Meet the Staff: Clint

2011-09-05T22:00:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Clint Gooch from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

September Update

2011-09-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

WOW... It’s hard to believe that we are 26 days from the start of the 2011 Community Transformations DTS. The artistic feel of this community is a breath of fresh air. Our Comm Trans staff includes six former photogenX members, five former School of Photography students, three musicians, a male model, and many other talented artists. Before disbanding for two weeks, we met together on a regular basis to share meals, worship and simply listen to the Lord for His vision for this DTS.

As of this week, we have 67 (that’s right, 67) incredible soon-to-be-missionaries accepted from all walks of life. They are coming from ten different nations - China, Finland, Norway, Ghana, Canada, Philippines, USA, Japan, Colombia and the Netherlands. We are praying that another 30 more students join us for this school! If you would like more information about the school, or if you or someone you know would like to come and participate, visit the Web site or contact us!

I am currently discipling and walking with four girls that will be Comm Trans students in our school. While our school does not start until September 29, we believe now is the prime time for us to walk with them, helping them get their hearts fully prepared, so that they can start running immediately! My girls are from Columbia, Norway, Canada and Pennsylvania. Please pray for deep connections, open hearts and prophetic words.

I arrived in Kona with the rest of our staff on Sept. 4. In the weeks leading up to the start of the school, we will grow as a crew through leadership training and meetings as well as praying for outreach locations.

- PRAY WITH US -

+ Join us in prayer that each and every student the Lord is calling to participate will make it. Lord, let no financial or visa need hinder anyone from coming!

+ Join us in prayer as we discern outreach locations for the formation of our teams. May we go where the Lord leads us with a spirit of hope!

+ Join us in prayer for our students. Lord, may all of them have deep encounters with You so that new vocations are planted, costs are counted and lives are given over to the co-creation of your Kingdom.

SUPPORT

I am looking for people to financially partner with me, who believe in me and how God wants to use me in this season of leadership. I have three verbal commitments/recommitments and am looking for more. If you would like to make a financial contribution and/or become a monthly financial supporter, please let me know.

You can go to http://thestorehousemovement.com/, click on the "Donate Now" button and give through Paypal. Please do not designate funds in my name on the Paypal site, but send an email to Kristin [kristin@thestorehousemovement.com] designating your gift for “Lindsay.”

You can also send checks to: “The Storehouse” at PO Box 540782, Omaha, NE 68154-0782. Please do not write my name on the memo line of your check, simply include a note designating “Lindsay.”

STUDENTS + STAFF

Our students come from all walks of life – and I have the privilege of walking alongside them as they pursue a deeper relationship with their Creator. I am humbled that the Lord would entrust these lives to our staff. We will be stretched and we will serve when it won’t feel good. But we do it because He is worthy and because we want to see our students know God and to make Him known.

As staff, we are incredibly excited for our students to stumble through the Kona airport at the end of the month, likely with that look of pure excitement, jet-lag and a bit of nervousness mixed in. We love that look! It’s the look of someone who just said...”OK Jesus, I have no clue what I’m doing...but sure I’ll go to a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and expect to meet you there.” And they will...

While we will be in paradise for three months, please know it takes a great amount of faith to drop what you are doing, leave everyone and everything that is familiar and live life with a bunch of strangers for six months – talk about stepping out of your comfort zone! Thankfully, we will go from strangers with nothing in common but Jesus to a close knit family that authentically loves one another.

Monthly Goal: $1,645

Pledged: $400

Needed: $1,245

Youth With A Mission is an international movement of Christians from many denominations dedicated to serving Jesus throughout the world. Our passion is to know God and to make Him known. Our many ministries fit into three main categories: evangelism, training and mercy ministry. We’re currently operating in more than 1,000 locations in over 149 countries, with almost 20,000 full time missionaries on staff. We are a mixture of people and age groups, from 149 countries. In many of our locations, people from a wide variety of nations serve side by side. We come from numerous different Christian denominations and speak hundreds of languages. Nearly half of our staff come from “non-western” countries, such as Brazil, Korea, Indonesia, India & Nepal.

COMM TRANS SUMMARY

On September 29th, 120 radical youth will gather together.

The goal: Go to broken cities, neighborhoods, and families to see them TRANSFORMED through the power of the Living God. Over a course of three months, our own hearts will be renewed and revived, chains will be broken off, & we will dance before the Lord with freedom. Our lives will be centered around raising up adoration to the Father in worship & walking out in radical obedience to the voice of the Lord.

Fast forward to outreach where we will be led by the Holy Spirit to see physical ailments healed, broken relationships restored, liberation from the bondage of sin, people encountered by the love of God, lives surrendered to the power of the gospel, & a glance at the Kingdom of God coming on earth.

PRODUCT STORE

16” x 24” canvas photo prints: $150 + shipping. The canvas is 100% acid free archival quality certified to last a lifetime, UV protecting varnish, water resistant and includes dust cover & hanging hardware.

Act Here. Love Now.: $10 + shipping. Soft cover. 101 pages. Full color.

Web site: lindsayblake.blogspot.com

twitter: @lindsayblake

skype: lindayblake

Meet the Staff: Kailyn

2011-09-03T07:43:00.002-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Kailyn Kennedy from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

It Only Gets Better With Age

2011-09-02T19:32:00.000-05:00

Meet my friends, Steph and Doug.

Without counting, we've known each other for about five years.

They are like family.

And I love how much they love each other.

Meet the Staff: Lindsay [a.k.a. ME]

2011-09-01T07:47:00.000-05:00

As staff, we are introducing ourselves to our students [from ten countries] through videos... This is their introduction to me. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Meet the Staff: Lindsay Blake from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

HelloRap

2011-08-31T07:51:00.000-05:00

A little "Hello" from Mika and Lindsay... from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Max

2011-08-30T07:52:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Max Melchert from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Threads of Hope

2011-08-29T19:17:00.000-05:00

I am partnering with Threads of Hope to raise funds to Staff the 2011 Community Transformation DTS. I am selling bracelets for $1 - 50% of the proceeds go to Threads of Hope and 50% go to me.

I currently have 308 bracelets.

Please leave a comment if interested in buying 1, 2, or 100!

Ideas: Parents have bought bracelets for their children's classmates to give as Christmas gifts. People also use the "bracelets" as bookmarks.

Threads of Hope assists the economically oppressed in under-developed countries to establish home enterprises that will provide an income, through the development of products that can be sold world-wide. Funds generated through sales and donations will primarily be used to help meet the physical, educational and spiritual needs of the communities where the products are made.

Meet the Staff: Jordan

2011-08-29T10:23:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Jordan Liljegren from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Instagram

2011-08-28T18:01:00.000-05:00

Whenever I introduce myself, I tell people I'm from Omaha.

"Oh! You're the first person I've met from Nebraska," is the response I get every time.

Which makes me believe not many people ever leave "the good life."

Their statement is followed closely behind with, "Did you grow up on a farm?"

To which I respond, "Nebraska is more than just corn fields and farms!"

Farming in to me as the World Series is to the Cubs.

Hello, I went to school in North Omaha.

I spent Saturday night with the Renters, Carla's parents. After we went out to eat they took me past Carla's one room school and her home growing up. Along the way, I made Bob stop so I could take instagram photos with my iPhone.

This is Carla's old house... although there was a ton of remodeling, renovating and add ons that took place. The inside is seriously out of magazine. It's the perfect blend of contemporary and old.

This is where Carla's measured herself and her friend's every year.

The hog barn.

Farm irrigation system against a beautiful Nebraska sunset.

One of Carla's favorite places in Waterloo.

Waterloo. Before annexing another small town, the population was 459.

The Cornhuskers!

Bob, Connie and I after dinner and dessert. We talked and laughed and talked some more.

For Sale

2011-08-27T16:04:00.002-05:00

Panama, Camaron Arriba. 2009.

The Ngöbe people are the largest indigenous tribe of Panama numbering around 180,000 in population. They live in the far North of Panama on the sprawling mountains of the Ngöbe Bugle. A majority of the people live deep in the mountains, with little outside influence, and are therefore considered the most closed off tribe of Panama to outsiders.

The Panamanian government has now implemented public schools for the tribal children to attend, however school is only taught in Spanish. While the Ngöbe people maintain their own language, the rising generation of Ngöbe children are now at risk of losing their cultural language. Forced to speak only Spanish in school, these children are caught between two ever-merging worlds.

For Sale:
16” x 24” canvas photo print: $135 + shipping. The canvas is 100% acid free archival quality certified to last a lifetime, UV protecting varnish, water resistant and includes dust cover, and hanging hardware.

Your purchase will help support me as I staff the YWAM Community Transformation Discipleship Training School.

If you are interested in purchasing this photo canvas please leave a comment with contact information.

Meet the Staff: Mika

2011-08-26T16:27:00.004-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Mika McClurkin from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

2011-08-26T16:25:00.000-05:00

I spent Thursday afternoon with my "twin" and her precious family of boys.

- Steph is a breath of fresh air and her home is an oasis - a place to rest my weary body whenever I visit Omaha. I spend at least one night on their pull out couch downstairs under the best blanket quilt ever made. I wake up restored and ready to take on the world once again.

- Although her two boys are teenagers, they are not afraid to hug me in public and play games with me in the living room. They have a sweetness about them that is "oh so" refreshing.

- I smile whenever I see Doug. He has a real "chillness" to him puts me at ease. He allows us girls to be crazy, yet doesn't leave the room. He wants to be a part. And I want him to be a part.

Doug bought two jet skis, telling Steph they would bring wonderful bonding times with the boys. And while Steph may or may not have agreed 100%, she allowed Doug to make the final decision and could not be happier. More often than not, you can find this family racing around town on a Thursday afternoon picking up the boys from two separate schools at 3:15 p.m., throwing on their swimsuits and "racing" to the nearest lake for an hour of jet skiing before heading back for a tea-kwan-do lesson at 5:45 p.m.

I was blessed to be a part of this fast fun-filled adventure.

The twins hanging out "on the beach" while the boys took the jet skis for a spin.

We have lake beaches in Nebraska.

The boys getting read to ride.

E explaining his ride. Can't believe this boy is in high school.

The girls got to ride. We popped wheelies [or 360's].

Next week, we are thinking about pulling C out of school early [as a late birthday time] to do some serious jet skiing. We They haven't made a final decision, but I'm sure it will happen.

DIY Project #1

2011-08-25T08:19:00.000-05:00

With my parents away enjoying their 32nd wedding anniversary in San Diego with my aunt and uncle, I've taken the liberty of turning their home into my art studio.

All week, I've started project after project. One on their dining room table, another on the coffee table, still yet another on the bar counter in the kitchen. Occasional painting and drying sessions take place outside on the back patio.

Many of these DIY ideas came from pintrest, my new online addiction, and today I finished my first project.

I've wanted to get Matt & Carolyn's kiddos a special going away gift for a while now. They moved at the beginning of July after what seemed like a long process. I knew I wanted the gift to have our "special saying" on it but I didn't know how. I looked up necklace options on etsy knowing one had to be manly being Callum is ALL boy. But nothing seemed quit right. Until I found this idea. With a few tweeks to make it my own, I finished this DIY project today.

I bought two, 16 x 20 canvases, green + blue + white acrylic paint, three really crappy/not recommended/goat hair brushes and two packages of letters.

While people thought I painted on my parents living room carpet [are you nuts?!] I actually took the canvases into the backyard, spread out newspaper and painted on the porch.

I then spent two too many hours painting each letter white, and because I'm a perfectionist I painted two coats on each letter making sure I covered the outside edges.

The finished project drying outside in the afternoon sun.

I am definitely happy with the finished product and cannot wait to mail this out in the next few days. This will then free up the dining room table, leaving a few loose projects to finish before my parents come home. Shh....

Helicopter Ride

2011-08-24T07:46:00.000-05:00

While in Kona for three weeks I was able to cross off #19 on my dream list.

My friend, Jannlle, hooked me up with a helicopter ride through Paradise Helicopters.

Thank you Rob for the opportunity.

It was magical.

Happy Birthday Burkie Boy

2011-08-23T09:08:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, I celebrated Burke's 2nd birthday with Sarah and the family. It was the first birthday of the kiddos that I was around to celebrate. It was intimate, relaxing and beautiful. I was so happy to be apart. I love you little man. You are incredible.

Note: It is Burke's birthday... Not Londyn's [Just a helpful big sister]

Burke enjoying his new gift from baba...

And because baba is so amazing, Londyn got a princess one too!

Big sister helping little brother with a basket.

Mama and Londyn are at least excited about Burke's new golf clubs.

Little break from our sugar high.

Burke did love hitting the golf balls around the back yard.

Beautiful family and friends.

Meet the Staff: Amanda

2011-08-22T22:16:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Amanda Stangland from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Lexi

2011-08-21T21:28:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Lexi Stevens from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

What if Jesus Meant All That Stuff?

2011-08-19T10:04:00.000-05:00

You can find this article at Red Letter Christians.

To all my nonbelieving, sort-of-believing, and used-to-be-believing friends: I feel like I should begin with a confession. I am sorry that so often the biggest obstacle to God has been Christians. Christians who have had so much to say with our mouths and so little to show with our lives. I am sorry that so often we have forgotten the Christ of our Christianity.

Forgive us. Forgive us for the embarrassing things we have done in the name of God.

The other night I headed into downtown Philly for a stroll with some friends from out of town. We walked down to Penn’s Landing along the river, where there are street performers, artists, musicians. We passed a great magician who did some pretty sweet tricks like pour change out of his iPhone, and then there was a preacher. He wasn’t quite as captivating as the magician. He stood on a box, yelling into a microphone, and beside him was a coffin with a fake dead body inside. He talked about how we are all going to die and go to hell if we don’t know Jesus.

Some folks snickered. Some told him to shut the hell up. A couple of teenagers tried to steal the dead body in the coffin. All I could do was think to myself, I want to jump up on a box beside him and yell at the top of my lungs, “God is not a monster.” Maybe next time I will.

The more I have read the Bible and studied the life of Jesus, the more I have become convinced that Christianity spreads best not through force but through fascination. But over the past few decades our Christianity, at least here in the United States, has become less and less fascinating. We have given the atheists less and less to disbelieve. And the sort of Christianity many of us have seen on TV and heard on the radio looks less and less like Jesus.

At one point Gandhi was asked if he was a Christian, and he said, essentially, “I sure love Jesus, but the Christians seem so unlike their Christ.” A recent study showed that the top three perceptions of Christians in the U. S. among young non-Christians are that Christians are 1) antigay, 2) judgmental, and 3) hypocritical. So what we have here is a bit of an image crisis, and much of that reputation is well deserved. That’s the ugly stuff. And that’s why I begin by saying that I’m sorry.

Now for the good news.

I want to invite you to consider that maybe the televangelists and street preachers are wrong — and that God really is love. Maybe the fruits of the Spirit really are beautiful things like peace, patience, kindness, joy, love, goodness, and not the ugly things that have come to characterize religion, or politics, for that matter. (If there is anything I have learned from liberals and conservatives, it’s that you can have great answers and still be mean… and that just as important as being right is being nice.)

(Shane Claiborne: Jesus, Bombs, and Ice Cream)
The Bible that I read says that God did not send Jesus to condemn the world but to save it… it was because “God so loved the world.” That is the God I know, and I long for others to know. I did not choose to devote my life to Jesus because I was scared to death of hell or because I wanted crowns in heaven… but because he is good. For those of you who are on a sincere spiritual journey, I hope that you do not reject Christ because of Christians. We have always been a messed-up bunch, and somehow God has survived the embarrassing things we do in His name. At the core of our “Gospel” is the message that Jesus came “not [for] the healthy… but the sick.” And if you choose Jesus, may it not be simply because of a fear of hell or hope for mansions in heaven.

Don’t get me wrong, I still believe in the afterlife, but too often all the church has done is promise the world that there is life after death and use it as a ticket to ignore the hells around us. I am convinced that the Christian Gospel has as much to do with this life as the next, and that the message of that Gospel is not just about going up when we die but about bringing God’s Kingdom down. It was Jesus who taught us to pray that God’s will be done “on earth as it is in heaven.” On earth.

One of Jesus’ most scandalous stories is the story of the Good Samaritan. As sentimental as we may have made it, the original story was about a man who gets beat up and left on the side of the road. A priest passes by. A Levite, the quintessential religious guy, also passes by on the other side (perhaps late for a meeting at church). And then comes the Samaritan… you can almost imagine a snicker in the Jewish crowd. Jews did not talk to Samaritans, or even walk through Samaria. But the Samaritan stops and takes care of the guy in the ditch and is lifted up as the hero of the story. I’m sure some of the listeners were ticked. According to the religious elite, Samaritans did not keep the right rules, and they did not have sound doctrine… but Jesus shows that true faith has to work itself out in a way that is Good News to the most bruised and broken person lying in the ditch.

It is so simple, but the pious forget this lesson constantly. God may indeed be evident in a priest, but God is just as likely to be at work through a Samaritan or a prostitute. In fact the Scripture is brimful of God using folks like a lying prostitute named Rahab, an adulterous king named David… at one point God even speaks to a guy named Balaam through his donkey. Some say God spoke to Balaam through his ass and has been speaking through asses ever since. So if God should choose to use us, then we should be grateful but not think too highly of ourselves. And if upon meeting someone we think God could never use, we should think again.

After all, Jesus says to the religious elite who looked down on everybody else: “The tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the Kingdom ahead of you.” And we wonder what got him killed?

I have a friend in the UK who talks about “dirty theology” — that we have a God who is always using dirt to bring life and healing and redemption, a God who shows up in the most unlikely and scandalous ways. After all, the whole story begins with God reaching down from heaven, picking up some dirt, and breathing life into it. At one point, Jesus takes some mud, spits in it, and wipes it on a blind man’s eyes to heal him. (The priests and producers of anointing oil were not happy that day.)

In fact, the entire story of Jesus is about a God who did not just want to stay “out there” but who moves into the neighborhood, a neighborhood where folks said, “Nothing good could come.” It is this Jesus who was accused of being a glutton and drunkard and rabble-rouser for hanging out with all of society’s rejects, and who died on the imperial cross of Rome reserved for bandits and failed messiahs. This is why the triumph over the cross was a triumph over everything ugly we do to ourselves and to others. It is the final promise that love wins.

It is this Jesus who was born in a stank manger in the middle of a genocide. That is the God that we are just as likely to find in the streets as in the sanctuary, who can redeem revolutionaries and tax collectors, the oppressed and the oppressors… a God who is saving some of us from the ghettos of poverty, and some of us from the ghettos of wealth.

In closing, to those who have closed the door on religion — I was recently asked by a non-Christian friend if I thought he was going to hell. I said, “I hope not. It will be hard to enjoy heaven without you.” If those of us who believe in God do not believe God’s grace is big enough to save the whole world… well, we should at least pray that it is.

Your brother,
Shane

Meet the Staff: Breno

2011-08-18T09:25:00.000-05:00

Meet the Staff: Breno Duarte from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Miriam

2011-08-16T11:54:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Miriam

Meet the Staff: Miriam Steiner from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

2011-08-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!

Meet the Staff: Jase

Meet the Staff: Jase Beard from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff: Kristina

2011-08-14T16:39:00.000-05:00

Community Transformations is a world wide ragtag community of Jesus followers who are dedicated to trying to walk out the simple gospel-to love God and love others. This fall I have the privilege of being part of the Community Transformations DTS as staff. So many of my friends are staffing this school with me and there really is nothing better than working alongside people that you love so much!
Meet the Staff: Kristina

Meet the Staff: Kristina Villalba from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

Meet the Staff

2011-08-13T12:59:00.001-05:00

Meet Cambria - my very dear friend and fellow photogenX trackers.

Meet the Staff: Cambria Finzel from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

May I Introduce You To Our Staff

2011-08-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Community Transformation is a world wide - ragtag community of Jesus followers dedicated to community, generosity, solidarity, intimacy, obedience and faith while trying to walk out the simple gospel to love God and love others.

You can start meet our amazing staff [& my friends] on vimeo. More videos are to come.

Meet my two leaders that will oversea this school!

FROM JOHN + JENNI (June 16th, 2011) from Community Transformations on Vimeo.

For Sale

2011-08-12T03:04:00.002-05:00

Capricorn Township, Muizenberg, South Africa. 2009 - Lindsay Blake.

Capricorn Township is a community of 20,000 people, primarily Afrikaans-speaking coloureds. There is also a mix of South African tribal groups and a variety of immigrants from Malawi, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and the Congo. HIV/AIDS infection is at 37% and unemployment is at 85%. Drug and alcohol abuse abounds and poverty characterizes the community.

However, there is a generation rising up that long to see change come to their community. This group of youth desires to bring restoration to their community through peace, compassion and love.

For Sale:

16” x 24” canvas photo print: $135 + shipping. The canvas is 100% acid free archival quality certified to last a lifetime, UV protecting varnish, water resistant and includes dust cover, and hanging hardware.

Your purchase will help support me as I staff the YWAM Community Transformation Discipleship Training School.

If you are interested in purchasing this photo canvas please leave a comment with contact information.

For Sale

2011-08-11T18:08:00.000-05:00

Muizenberg, South Africa. 2009 – Lindsay Blake

Muizenberg is a beachside suburb of Cape Town, South Africa and is considered the birthplace of surfing in the country. The beach runs over 12 miles along the Indian Ocean and is known for its population of White Sharks. With its boldly-colored Victorian bathing huts, Muizenberg Beach was once a thriving holiday destination.

For Sale:

Just A Thought.

2011-08-10T23:21:00.000-05:00

Read of the Day: Radical - Taking Back Your Faith From The American Dream by David Platt

I've been reading this book for a bit now and wrote this revelation in the page a few months ago:

"So often we say 'If only [insert famous name] loved God, imagine all they could do with their influence and platform!' But really, God could and maybe would say to that person, 'Get rid of it all and serve.' Could you imagine how the rest of the world would see that? Completely nuts I bet. But wouldn't that be closer to what God calls His followers to? Wouldn't that have more impact? I think so."

Just a thought.

Baby Shower Magic

2011-08-09T04:33:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, a few of us got together and threw Diane a baby shower. She is scheduled to have a baby girl in just a few weeks.

We decorated and baked all morning and afternoon. It looked as if it would rain, but the sun came out just as the guests arrived.

It was a beautiful time of celebrating new life!

The photos below were taken by Jannelle.

This is known as "extreme bunting" in England.

My dear friend, Cambria, made this baby shower invite.

Praying the prophetic over baby and mommy!

Meet Jenni, she is my leader for the Community Transformation DTS I will staff beginning in September.

The Kiwi and I with mommy and baby [small photogenX reunion].

Di is a natural mommy, and I am a natural auntie!

We decorated onesies with words of encouragement and prophetic words we may have received for baby. Or just the word "nectar" because Jenni likes it.

Meet some of my friends.
Top Left: Jannelle, my amazing photographer friend whom I stayed with the first 1.5 weeks here.
Bottom Left: Jo, my wonderful English friend whom I'm staying with for the last 1.5 weeks here. She planned this fabulous shower.
Bottom Right: Melanie, my beautiful French friend. You could not have a more French accent than her.

Community Transformation Discipleship Training School

2011-08-08T03:51:00.000-05:00

Consider joining the YWAM Community Transformation DTS! This 6-month Discipleship Training School is designed to equip and unleash a generation upon the world who are fueled by radical prayer and deep love, willing to change the world and disciple nations! There is a 3-month lecture phase in Kona, Hawaii to engage with the Lord's heart for the nations, followed by a 3-month outreach.

Student fees for the 12-week lecture phase of the school are $3,950 (room, board and tuition). There are significant fee discounts for students from developing nations. Fees for the 12-week field assignment include airfares, housing and food, and they are estimated to be $5,000-$6,000.

If you are interested and have questions about joining the Community Transformation DTS, visit our Web site or Facebook page. You can also contact me and I’d be happy to answer any questions. If you know someone who would be interested in this school, please pass on this information.

You can apply for the 2011 Community Transformation DTS online HERE.

You can start meeting the staff HERE.

You can follow us on twitter @commtransdts.

Apricot - A Short Film by Ben Briand

2011-08-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

APRICOT — A Short Film by Ben Briand from Moonwalk Films on Vimeo.

Winner :: Community Choice Award
Voted Best Narrative on Vimeo by it's users
======================================================================

Do you remember your first love? ... Do you remember your first kiss? ... Do you remember? ...

Like it on Facebook : tinyurl.com/apricot-fb

Written & Directed by Ben Briand
benbriand.com
twitter.com/ben_briand

Produced by Matt Dooley, Michele Bennett, Alexis Bensa, Gaspard Chevance
moonwalk-films.com cherubpictures.com.au

Cast
Ewen Leslie, Laura Gordon, Alice Zahalka, Joshua Rozzi

Cinematography
adamarkapaw.com

Music
basilhogios.com.au

Move + Eat + Learn

2011-08-07T04:21:00.000-05:00

3 guys, 44 days, 11 countries, 18 flights, 38 thousand miles, an exploding volcano, 2 cameras and almost a terabyte of footage... all to turn 3 ambitious linear concepts based on movement, learning and food ....into 3 beautiful and hopefully compelling short films.....

= a trip of a lifetime.

move, eat, learn

MOVE from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

LEARN from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

EAT from Rick Mereki on Vimeo.

Photo Shoot + Action Fun

2011-08-02T03:30:00.001-05:00

My friend Jannelle is an amazing photographer with a very distinct style. Being from a very photojournalist background, I never really played around with Photoshop actions.

But wanting to expand my photography skill, and have a few tricks up my sleeve when it comes to portraits, I asked Jannelle if I could follow her on a few photo shoots around the island to practice.

Today, we took photos of our friend Mika. I'm not sure I really found "my portrait style", but I had a lot of fun playing around!

Sex + Money: A Seartch For Human Worth Nebraska Viewing

2011-08-01T18:39:00.000-05:00

Isaac Gill - Sun Is Still Shining by Commuter Recordings

‎Isaac Gill is an amazing musician and activists! Check out his song that plays at the end credits of the Sex+Money film.

The Sex + Money 50 state tour will be showing their film on Friday, September 30 from 7:00pm - 9:30pm in the City Union Building at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. This is just one of the 100 screenings taking place during the tour. Come out for the evening to see the film and learn more about how you can engage in fighting against child sex trafficking.

You can plan to attend here.

Please note: This documentary is rated R, mostly because the topic is something families should discuss before viewing the film. But it is a topic all children should be aware of and something YOU should check out!

The Poor Will NOT Always Be With You

2011-07-28T20:15:00.000-05:00

58: is a Christ-centered global initiative to end extreme poverty. 58: answers Isaiah’s challenge to “shout it aloud and do not hold back” through astonishing communications. And 58: honors the True Fast of Isaiah by engagement in poverty-eradicating action. 58: is built for you to create, shape and join communities of passionate, like-minded Christians who will work together to end extreme poverty in our lifetime.

This is no call to slacktivism. We are impatient, committed Christ-followers with revolutionary intentions. We will work with perseverance and resolve for the lifting of the extremely poor, all 1.4 billion of them, and we will not be satisfied until that new reality has come.

58: is lead by world-class, time-tested Christian organizations that hold a deep commitment to integrity and results. In partnership with Accord, these organizations define and advance excellence in anti-poverty work. Through these organizations, 58: provides your strategic connection to global impact.

Visit their Web site and choose your fast!

Splitscreen: A Love Story

2011-07-27T12:49:00.000-05:00

Splitscreen: A Love Story from JW Griffiths on Vimeo.

Birthday Gift

2011-07-21T10:05:00.001-05:00

Receiving Gifts is my top love language.
"Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures."

It's true. I love giving and getting thoughtful gifts [think Operation: Surprise Visit and Wicked Weekend Surprise.] For me it's the thoughtfulness of not just any gift, but the perfect gift. It doesn't need to be BIG, just thought out. The gift you know that will bless someone the most, because you really know them. Because you really listen to them. Because you really care for them.

I love the artist and writer, Makoto Fujimura. He wrote "Refractions: A Journey of Faith, Art & Culture", my favorite book on art. A while back, I posted about Fujimura's recent The Four Gospels project, created in celebration of the 400th anniversary of the King James Version Bible.

My friend, Marc, is a great listener and knows I respect Makoto Fujimura work. So I am not sure why I was surprised the other day when I opened my birthday gift.

"Given to Lindsay on 7/19/11 in celebration of her life. All 30 years of it.

Your Friend, Marc"

It is beautiful! I wish you all could see it, touch it, and read it.

A true masterpiece.

Thank you, Marc, for this brilliant birthday gift.

I LOVE it!

So thoughtful.

Midwest Flood

2011-07-21T08:35:00.000-05:00

While I've been gone, a flood took over Eastern Nebraska, Western Iowa and the Dakotas.

My hometown, Omaha, is right on the Missouri River, the cause of said flood.

Interstate 29, over into Iowa is closed indefinitely, or at least until you can see the concrete again.

They say this a 500 year flood. 2011 must have been year 500.

My parents took me around to get a bigger idea of how much flooding is happening.

As of now, the airport is still functioning, but if it floods anymore the runways will be flooded too.

Oh did I mention it's raining outside today, a tiny break from the unbelievable heat [112 degrees heat index].

I leave for Hawaii tomorrow for 3.5 weeks.

Hopefully the airport will still be open when I need to return... or wait a minute?!

You can see Interstate 29 covered in water.

Note the sign in the distance that tells us the bridge is 9 ft. 4 inches.

The water is about 1 ft. from the top.

I LOVE bears!

2011-07-19T15:26:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if the world knows, but I LOVE bears. My favorite stuffed animal from my childhood is Ling Sing, a very large panda bear.

So when I saw a bear on the side of the road while driving down the California, I HAD to pull over and take photos.

I was about 50 yards away and it took everything in me not to run and hug him.

Wedding Preparations

2011-07-19T15:05:00.000-05:00

My dear friend, Layne, is marrying my Canadian friend, Jonathan, in October. I said I would help with details.

My duties include:
- ~~note tags~~ [I've made 99... maybe need to make a total of 125]
- Sew 1.5 to 2 foot GRIME letters
- ~~Make photo booth décor~~ [glasses, lips, mustaches]
- Buy guest book stamp pad [Fall colors]
- Make photo strips from square “wedding photos”
- Make triangles out of Grime material

On Sunday, I spent 9 hours cutting 99 note tags for guest to write on.

Each tag requires two shapes, a big one and a small one.

Then the two shapes must be glued together, hole punched and tied with a string.

On Monday, I spent about 6 hours cutting photo booth décor. Two of each shape.

The plan is to tape a stick/branch to each one so guests can hold them up to their face.

With a glue stick, I glued the smaller, white shapes to the larger shapes.

Next, I punched holes into the large shapes.

Last I cut string and tied them into the hole to hang from tree branches on the reception tables.

On Tuesday, I finally finished the note tags!

Epic Family Photos

2011-07-17T12:47:00.000-05:00

I took photos of my dear friends, Jen and Gary, and their two boys.

This photo shoot was epically high energy and fun.

I love this family.

The Happiest Place on Earth?

2011-07-15T14:08:00.000-05:00

While in Southern California I went to Disneyland with some friends. I went when I was 5, but remember nothing. Twenty-five years later, I LOVED my time! Who knew?!

Before entering the park, we stopped at Megan's favorite sunglasses shop and bought some cheap sunglasses!

Waiting in line for our first ride, Space Mountain [my favorite!]

Did you know the movie Pirates of the Carribean was made because of the Pirates ride?

It's true.

I forget what these are called, but the girls said they are a must at Disneyland and I must agree!

Mikey ears! Mine was pirate-esk and I had to buy them!

Took this photo for Callum!

This is someone's high horse :)

The fireworks were amazing!!!!

Had to ride the tea cups!

I wasn't afraid of the drop, but more or less getting wet at 11 p.m. at night.

It was cold!

Endorsements

2011-07-14T00:59:00.000-05:00

Before we sent our book, Act Here. Love Now., to the printer we contacted a few people we respected for endorsements.

Just yesterday I received the below email from Shane Claiborne:

Lindsay - Thanks for your book, and all the kind notes. Please send my love to all. It is an honor to endorse your project.

"This book makes your heart jump. It makes your imagination whirl. It makes you smile and cry. It's a book you want to put on the coffee table because you know folks will pick it up and not be the same again. It is a beautiful thing to see 11 folks as talented as these come together and plot goodness, and travel the planet to create this masterpiece... and now they offer it to you. It is an invitation to re-imagine the world."

Shane Claiborne
author, activist, and recovering sinner
www.thesimpleway.org

It is an honor to have Shane Claiborne endorse our book. This will go into our second edition [...someday...]
If you have not had a chance to read any of his books, I recommend "Irresistible Revolution" and "Jesus for President". Both changed my perspective on what it means to be live like Jesus.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Act Here. Love Now., email me at l.blake.photography@gmail.com.

More Doors

2011-07-10T12:31:00.000-05:00

I few weeks ago, I posted a video of all the doors we stood in front of on this west coast tour. Megan also made photos of those doors. Take a look.

Picnics and Such

2011-07-08T00:34:00.000-05:00

The Fourth

2011-07-05T20:33:00.000-05:00

I spent the fourth of July in Bozeman, Montana. Sarah, one of the girls from "the track", lives here. Every year her family runs a fireworks stand. This year was no exception and Anne and Layne worked it. Like got paid to sell people fireworks. BOOM.

That evening we had a bbq with Sarah's family and a marionette doll.

Creepy.

This is the money shot and going in my portfolio.

It was my first time lighting fireworks.

Thanks Bozeman for showing me a great time.

Sex + Money Movie Rating

2011-07-02T10:47:00.000-05:00

Check out their Web site for tour dates and locations.

I have some friends working hard on this project.

They recently submitted the film to the MPAA to get it rated.

Please pray with us for a PG-13 rating not R.

They need to reach as many people as possible and for that they need PG-13!

Agree together with us in your comments below.

We will find out Monday.

Canada Day!

2011-07-02T10:29:00.000-05:00

I celebrated Canada Day in Calgary!

We started off by eating a beautiful meal and watching the Nadal vs. Murray Wimbledon semi finals.

Perfect start to a brilliant day.

I LOVE TENNIS!

We then went to a park where I am sure the rest of the Calgary population was at.

Later we stayed in a row house right in downtown Calgary. So stinkin' nice.

Crazy Canadians

2011-06-30T21:36:00.000-05:00

Megan, Jaylene and I drove from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho [where I left some new friends] to Calgary, Canada.

It was long and the landscape went from beautiful mountains to flat lands that remind me of the Midwest. I nearly drove off the road from boredom at the end.

Canada is proud of their large trucks apparently because there was a sign that read, "largest truck in the world."

So of course we pulled over to take a photo with it.

This photo is rather creepy and no Jaylene, and I have no clue who the little girl in the middle actually is.

Doors & Such

2011-06-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Throughout the tour, Megan had us take photos in front of the doors of the homes we stayed in.
Genius.
And to everyone who opened their home to 11 random girls, thank you.
We felt loved and cared for.

Personal Showers & Sushi

2011-06-29T00:28:00.000-05:00

Six of us track girls drove to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Home to Layne’s very dear and best friends Matt, Aimee and Kindle.

It has been fun for me, Lindsay, to experience a bit of Layne’s world here.

Aimee and a few others decided to throw Layne a personal shower.

We decided to eat sushi.

Aimee thought it appropriate to open personal gifts at the rotary sushi restaurant.

Please note the moving sushi in a few of the photos.

C.L.A.S.S.I.C.

The End of An Era

2011-06-26T00:31:00.000-05:00

It’s been 844 days [that’s two years & three months] since I began this crazy adventure. Starting off in the volcanic island of Kona, Hawaii, I’ve circled the world TRACKing to 16 countries and sleeping in 75 different beds. Filled with many HIGHS and LOWS [and everything in between] we’ve learned that you do not need to take an epic trip to change the world. All it takes are simple acts of genuine love to bring His Kingdom come.

After Portland, our groups met back together in Vancouver, Canada. In the midst of our speaking engagements we “enjoyed” the Stanley Cup finals in the great city of the Canucks. It was wild, crazy and maybe a little scary!

As we finish our West Coast Book Tour in Seattle, we are ending our 2.5-year journey together. This random group of 11 girls turned into a beautiful eclectic family, and saying goodbye is sad, to say the least.

While the tour officially ends on Sunday, June 26, a few of us will continue into Idaho, Montana and Calgary, AB. We will host a few open houses, a college talk and an art exhibit. I will also help drive my teammate Megan’s parents’ car back down to San Diego.

To purchase your very own Act Here. Love Now. book please email me at: lindsayblake@gmail.com

Next Season & Chapter

I fly back to Omaha on July 13 and will take a few months to rest, regroup and really figure out what is next. I want to pray into and pursue this art center, but I am praying for specific answers. I need the Lord to bring someone who understands non-profits to come alongside me and help with the business side of things. I also need to know in which city this art center should be located. Please pray with me as I seek the Lord for my next step.

We are entering Act Here. Love Now. into the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. We feel we have a chance to gain recognition for the great work we put together.

Surprise Visits. Our leader, Paul, surprised the group by flying to Seattle. He took us out to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and we spent the next day talking, laughing and reminiscing.

Friends along the way. I had the immense blessing to meet up with friends along the west coast - L.A., Sacramento, Redding, Portland and Seattle. I am so very blessed with great friends all over the world.

Stanley Cup. We watched game 5 with 100,000 Canucks fans. Cambria & I did not like the violence of the game and left before the end. Hockey fans can be a bit aggressive. [Please see news reports of riots and cars set on fire.]

Prayer Time

Words spoken and prayed over me:

· Gift of influence—you will walk with kings.

· Commitment to see things through even when its tough.

· There is never a dull moment with you. Your laughter and joy is contagious.

· You are a William Wilberforce in our generation.

· “You will write the things others don’t want to tell.”

· Prophetic: Call out the things you see in others-the unseen—you are the biggest fan of each person.

· You work with excellence, do things well.

· Passion: Work well towards making your passions come alive.

· Commitment: You put yourself into what you believe and stand for.

· Loyal: You love your friends well.

Thank you for all your love and support these last 2.5 years

Quotes along the way:

“Incredible testimonies, incredible hearts, incredible ministry.” – William from Kirkland, Washington.

“I am now in possession of 7 of the most extraordinary publications I have seen in a very long time. You young women have torn my heart wide open... Not sure if it can be repaired unless I start to act here and love now.” – Tony from Omaha, Nebraska

“I met these folks in Portland and was very impressed. They put themselves out on the front lines where life is harder than most Americans realize is possible to survive. They are courageous and inspirational. I hope the experiences of their journeys open a fuller perspective of life on this planet for women, men, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, rich, poor… whomever. I hope the Creator guides them and gives them the strength to continue to effect the world in a positive way and that they remain strong and steadfast in their morals and principals. True, we fall short of the glory of God and none of us is above sin, but to show kindness and remembrance to and of others who have less than us, the vulnerable and angry, this is a way God Almighty provides for us to scrub the smudges from our souls. God bless and keep up the good work.” – Ran from Portland, Oregon

“I picked Act Here. Love Now. up and I could not put it down. I'm amazed by every story, picture, admonishment, piece of truth, and reality which I encountered. Admiring you and your friends, loving Jesus more, and stirred for something yet to be determined.” – Sheryl from Dallas

West Coast Numbers [2 months]

Speaking engagements 68

Books sold 1,844

T-shirts sold 112

Photos sold 37

Track Numbers [2.5 years]

Girls 11

Countries 16

Beds 75

Flights 59

Days together 844

Memories 1,587,945

Kind Words from A Canadian Pastor

2011-06-25T02:46:00.000-05:00

Dear Christian Friends,

Something happened last Sunday (12th) that moved me deeply, so much so that I wish we could have last Sunday over again. It happened first when Jaylene was briefly interviewed by pastor Joel. (Jaylene is Sheila’s granddaughter.) Jaylene told how she was part of an eleven member group of young women who traveled to 36 different countries – confronting the injustices they witnessed. I was so impressed that young people would take such a courageous stand in regard to injustice. Then I read their book Act Here. Love Now. Wow!! If I was a millionaire I would purchase a copy for everyone in the church. It’s not just a book of magnificent photographs – it’s a book with many moving and powerful descriptions of pain and poverty experienced by millions in our world. It goes even further for it has very practical suggestions as to what any Christian person could do in their ‘neighbourhood’, in their ‘city’ and in their ‘world’. That young people would be willing to confront poverty, apartheid, human trafficking, exploitation and other injustices - moved me. They did it all with an overwhelming spirit of love. I felt as if I was reading Mother Teresa all over again. Praise God for young people.
Your friend and pastor,
John

Make Your Choice

2011-06-12T12:41:00.000-05:00

I've been rummaging through my photos to put together a portfolio and came across this one.

I just like it.

Which do you like better?

Black and White

Color

ladies of purple and mountains, oh my.

2011-06-09T22:19:00.000-05:00

from my other blog:

first, you need to know that we LOVE vancouver.

second, (which perhaps should have been first), you need to know that we love grandma. (she used to be jaylene’s grandma, but now she is ours too. she’s the really smiley one in the photo below.)
third, we need to tell you that grandma takes us on random adventures around the city. like last night–we came back from speaking at a church and grandma decided we needed to drive to the top of a hill to see the sunset (it sets Really Late here, like after 9:30.) we got there just in time to see it slip below the horizon.

grandma is full of surprises.

fourth, grandma loves purple. as does jaylene. as does amanda–jaylene’s mom and grandma’s daughter. amanda, aka mom (i’m sure photos will come soon) joined us today.
my oh my, we are a happy family.

oh, and fifth–sometimes grandma’s random adventures are COLD and she lets us wear her HOT purple accouterments. see photos below.

Over the Border.... Up North

2011-06-08T13:31:00.000-05:00

The whole group is back together in Vancouver, BC [minus our Texas Blonde] and we couldn't be happier. We spent our first night back together sitting around the dinner table eating cake, drinking wine and catching up on a weeks worth of stories. For TWO FULL HOURS!

We stopped in Seattle for lunch and met up with our friends Alexander and Katelyn.

Our first night back together we went for a walk by a beautiful lake.

The Vancouver air is very life giving!

We had a free day on Tuesday, so we decided to take advantage and check out the city.

I found Vancouver stunningly beautiful and eclectic. Just my cup of tea.

Put.A.Bird.On.It.

2011-06-07T00:56:00.000-05:00

I can't help it, I just LOVE this.

Portland Hospitality

2011-06-06T00:33:00.000-05:00

Meet our Portland host family.

I met Tasha throw my friend Carolyn. Tasha is probably one of the most ridiculously generous, hospitable and kind person I have ever met. Her children follow closely in her foot steps.

Emi gave up her room to Cambria and I for a whole week. Not only that, but Tasha cleared our drawers for us to use. Something that may not seem BIG to everyone else, was HUGE to us. We didn't live out of a suitcase for a full 7 days!

Every meal was provided when we were around. Tasha shared her Vita-Mix with me one morning and allowed us to make lattes on her husband's espresso machine. Her washer and dryer were always available and all their belongings were ours for the week.

The family took Cambria and I out to dinner at Sweet Tomatoes, an all you can eat type restaurant and multiple trips to Trader Joe's to make sure we had enough yogurt for morning breakfast.

She even called me one day to make sure I knew the Oregon police had their radars out along the highway to their home.

She allowed her kids extra time on the Wii so we could play Mario Kart.
Please note: Kenji and I beat Cambria and Emi.

This was the first host family with kids that we stayed at along this tour. I can't tell you how refreshing it was for me. Kids remind me of my friends back home, and having them around brightens my day. I was so blessed by the talks and stories Kenji and Emi daily shared.

Dear[est] Tasha and family,
Thank you for opening your home and arms to five random girls. We felt deeply loved for seven days straight. Your generosity and kindness overwhelmed me at times.

Thank you for all the work you put in to allowing us to speak at your home school groups. You filled our schedule to the max! Thank you for caring about each one of us enough to sit down and get to know us, even if it was ever so brief.

The easy you bring to your surroundings is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. I was telling Cambria today how you, Tasha, have this peace about you. This calming presence that puts me [a more tightly wound human being] at ease. I so enjoyed sitting, laughing and talking on our blanket at the bbq.

I am so honored to call you my friend now.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May He cause His face to shine upon you.
May your family experience a new depth a laughter and love.
And may He bring dreams that might have been barred to life once again.

Your family is beautiful and I am forever changed because of you all.
I love you.

Love,
Me.
Lindsay.

Saturday in Portland

2011-06-05T21:04:00.000-05:00

I've wanted to visit Portland for a long time now. Before all the hype from Portlandia and before everyone else wanted to visit.

So when I was given the chance to plan our week in Portland I was stoked.

On Saturday, after our home school book sale, we drove to downtown Portland to meet up with my friend Dave for a cup of Stumptown Coffee.

After great conversation we headed to the Saturday market where we proceeded to walk along the waterfront and found our way to Backspace, the cafe we spoke at on Wednesday.

"When I get divorced I'll call you," said the man selling me my gyro off the street.

My HUGE lamb gyro. I didn't go vegetarian that day.

Multnomah Falls

2011-06-05T00:34:00.000-05:00

Oregon may or may not be my vision of heaven. It's breathtakingly beautiful. Green, lush, mountains, rivers, waterfalls, forest, ocean... It doesn't get much better than this.

Wikipedia: Multnomah Falls is a waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The falls drops in two major steps, split into an upper falls of 542 feet and a lower falls of 69 feet, with a gradual 9 foot drop in elevation between the two, so the total height of the waterfall is conventionally given as 620 feet. Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in the State of Oregon. It is credited by a sign at the site of the falls as the second tallest year-round waterfall in the United States.

While there is a a moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain, we took a more difficult 5.4-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Note Sarah's shoes. She ended up not going the full distance because her shoes split in half.

Tree hugger

A slow shutter speed make this shot beautiful.

My favorite photo from this hike.

I decided to climb this high tree over a rushing waterfall.

I have bruises to prove I did it.

Multnomah Falls