Living the Journey

Even though I was raised in a Christian household and grew up learning about God, I didn’t actually know God until my first Journey to the Heart in November 2007.

God was guiding my path even before I embarked on my Journey. In August/September of 2007, a group from California prepared to attend a Journey together. I signed up for this event, but was soon told that there wasn’t enough room; I will have to attend the next Journey in November. I was pretty upset, but little did I know God was working to place in the team that will help me grow the most.

One of the biggest issues in my life was dealing with other guys. Because my interests differed so much from others and I enjoyed activities like writing compared to athletics, I was often excluded from their activities. Most of the time I was picked on or made fun of, and sadly sometimes the fathers of these boys would insult me without intentionally trying to hurt me—such as commenting negatively in my inability to play sports well. As a result, I refrained from associating with other guys as much as I could and resorted to solo activities.

When I first arrived at HQ, I was given a “perfect greeting” by all the staff that talked to me. I instantly felt welcome. But it was my group that caught my attention. I was the youngest, so I didn’t feel like I fit in with these older guys. But they did something I did not expect. They accepted me for who I was. They respected my interests, and told me a quiet spirit is something to be appreciated. I was never insulted or rejected, which surprised me especially during recreation. I’m pretty bad at athletics, but they let me play with them and even helped me learn. I didn’t need to put on a facade or act like someone else; I could be myself and they will respect me as I am.

This act of love did not pass me by unnoticed. In fact, I now believe it is what turned my heart towards God. I not only learned about Him, but I came to know Him. The love that my teammates showed me caused me to turn to God, the source of true love that fills our deepest void. I began to see Him as the faithful shepherd seeking His lost sheep, reaching out His arms, ready to take me into His arms and nurture me.

One special event occurred on the plane back home. continue reading…

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Have you waded through streams in summer with tripod in hand? Have you biked trails in winter till your camera just quit working, it was so cold? Have you slipped on yellow-leaf-littered asphalt on a rainy day in autumn? Though I have never trekked the Michigan wilderness in spring, there is no doubt that Northwoods is a photographers bliss year round. Every season, it is completely different.

And herein lies the secret to it’s beauty.

Every photographer knows that one place can become a "completely different place" if it is just given some time. Add to the seasons some other natural elements: sunrises shed light from a different direction than sunsets do; sun, moon, stars, and artificial light all play a role in reconstructing a vista; storm clouds, cumulus clouds, altostratus clouds. . . no clouds! each component makes the biggest difference in any single composition. It makes one dizzy to think of the possibilities! No doubt, it is these irregularity that makes the Northwoods so beautiful.

Is this not strangely similar to our walk with the Lord? Does He not lead me to mountaintops and through valleys, into forest glades and across desert tracts? The scenery of life changes constantly. Sometimes He feels close and I feel encouraged. Sometimes He seems distant, and I grow discouraged. Changes in my surroundings are what makes life exciting because it allows me to  see God work in different ways. Hardships on my journey is what makes me grow, for when through temptation, failure, grace and victory a summit is reached, I am able to see more clearly the next ridge I am to scale!

God is composing a beautiful picture. It’s the irregularities in the journey that make it spectacular!

Text and photography courtesy of Lenspiration.

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The Lord did a transforming work in Hannah’s heart two year’s ago while on a Journey. Returning home, she was fearful that she would fall back into her old habits. However, Madison shared several truths that have helped her to continue passionately pursuing after God.

Last week, both she and Madison returned to the Northwoods on another Journey. In this podcast, she joins Madison in sharing several important aspects of continuing to “live the Journey” at home.

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Download Podcast MP3: Living the Journey at Home
(8 min. 12MB)

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View the Photo Gallery

Do you have more pictures from the Journey? Please send them to us!

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The Journey to the Heart team has just announced a full 10-day Journey for mothers, for the very first time!

Last fall, many mothers were blessed and refreshed during a shortened Journey for moms. This year, God has made it possible for there to be a full length Journey to the Heart for mothers. We are excited for this opportunity for mothers to experience a time of refreshment with the Lord and fellowship with each other.

Dates:

Wednesday, September 22 – Saturday, October 2, 2010

Overview:

The Journey begins on Wednesday, September 22nd, with each attendee having a personal interview with Mr. Gothard at some point during the day. The first official session will start at 7:00PM Wednesday evening.

Thursday will be a time of completing personal interviews, getting to know team members, and teaching sessions on various topics such as Overcoming the Lies We Believe, How to Hear the Voice of God, and how to Prepare your Heart to Seek the Lord.

Friday all Journey attendees will travel up to the Northwoods of Michigan where the real Journey begins. For the next five days, (Saturday through Wednesday) there will be much individual time to seek the Lord, interspersed with group prayer and discussion as the teams work through the Journey to the Heart binder. In the evenings there may be speaking sessions or various DVD messages or testimonies.

Monday will be a day of delighting in the Lord through fasting and seeking Him.

Thursday morning the teams will leave the Northwoods and return to Headquarters in time for an evening meeting.

Friday will be follow up training and practical counsel to consider before returning home.

Saturday everyone will return to their homes and families.

Cost:

Total cost covers orientation and training, travel to the Northwoods, housing and meals, and all materials needed.

• $80 per day ($800 total)
• Discount for ATI moms! $50 per day ($500 total)

We are REALLY excited about this, and we hope that you will all be in prayer that God would use it to completely renew the mothers that go to seek Him. One of the only problems is that we can only fit 80 ladies so please pray that God works out just who He wants to go.

If any of you know of mothers in your church who would be blessed by this opportunity then let them know, and if you want brochures to pass out give us a call or write us an e-mail. We’ll be making one up and will have it available soon.

Also think about your own mom, and even maybe chipping in as siblings to help her in being able to go. It could be an incredible investment in your whole family!

For travel information and how to pack, and further details, visit the Journey website on IBLP.org.

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith;
that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

~ Ephesians 3:17-19

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Check it out! A group of nearly eighty young people who have embarked upon a Journey to experience God in a way they have never thought possible. Please pray for all the young ladies who are up on a Journey to the Heart this week. God promises that those who seek Him will find Him if they search for him with all their heart. Pray that each one would be able to surrender any uncommitted area to Him quickly so they can go deep in their walk with God.

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