The Sailors Family

On Labor Day, Kryssy and I were on our way to meet our friends Ben and Julie from Ohio. They were in NC looking at the possibility of moving to Raleigh/jobs etc… We had a wonderful visit with them. On the way to see them I got a quick call from Walter, one of NWA’s board members and a good friend. He asked me to pray for the family, that they were taking Kieran (his grandson) to the hospital. He had some kind of injury to his leg after being taken out of his car seat. We had no clue what would ensue. Take a look at the video here!

So, that initial prayer for Kieran’s health and healing turned into a prayer about restoration and justice for him and his sister Aubrie. NWA went to bat. You went to bat for this family. Praying against the enemy’s work of division, deceit, lies and intimidation. Pray for health, life and liberty. All of this is occurring right before and while I was in Texas. A lot happened during this time. Both kids were taken into foster care, the Arnold’s got a great lawyer and God began to really bring an awesome team together to get these kids back and to clear them of the trumped up abuse charge that was ridiculous. So many inconsistencies for sure.

So, just prior to going into court, Walter Arnold showed us this scripture from Romans that God had led him to that morning:

Even if everyone else is a liar, God is true. As the Scriptures say about him, “You will be proved right in what you say, and you will win your case in court.”

Tuesday the 22 of Sept, Barry Strickland and I went to the court hearing in Dallas TX. We went to pray in the room and over the family. There were several other people there as well praying and all of you. Click here to see the video below for that report!

Praise God.. Justice prevailed. Scripture is good because God is good!

The family was resolute that God was going to come through in this case. Their faith was awesome!

This was a very tough situation and there are still some things that have to be resolved, but it is awesome to see how God came through for this family and to see the power of prayer.

Here in NC, and around the US, we all know how tough a job the CPS (child protective services) worker has. It seems it is feast or famine with them. In NC we have a 2 year old who was killed because it seemed they didn’t do enough. And now, as we see with our friends in Lancaster TX, they go overboard. Too much. It’s a tough job and line to walk. Would you join me in praying for the Arnold family as this continues and against abuse of any type and praying for healing, socially, emotionally, spiritually, mentally, and physically for those children and for anyone around you that God prompts you to pray for. Pray also that this event in TX is a catalyst for everyone involved to see the love and provision of God in their lives. It certainly has effected me greatly and made me look inwardly at God’s care and protection and prompted me to be more mindful of my own children and their wellbeing!

Tags: Abuse, Care, Family, Fox 4 News Dallas, Justice, Richard Ray

OK, So I have to admit.  I love Krispy Kreme.  It is a weakness.  Those doughnuts just melt in your mouth.

I believe that it is one of God’s finer things accomplished through man.   Amazing.

So as many of you know, we sold our house and are currently living with my mother until we can find another house.  She lives in Gastonia, which is a bit closer to an actual Krispy Kreme Doughnut shop than Shelby.  This morning, I wake up with Krispy Kreme on my mind, almost able to taste them.  I have to have one.  It has been months at this point since I have had one.  Far too long. 

KK is not on my way back to Shelby.  It is actually well out of the way toward Charlotte.  I weighed the options then made the fateful decision.  I’ve got to go to Krispy Kreme.  I arrived and the Hot and Now sign was one.  YES.  Victory… They (oh yes, more than one) would be mine soon.

I ordered 4 (I know… I hope Kryssy does not read this ;-)) and I looked to my left and there was a guy sitting at one of the tables.  He had a dozen in front of him.  All Original Glazed as I got.  He was studying them and drinking his coffee.  He looked terribly lonely.  I was in a hurry (I’m opposite of Shelby by 10 miles) but felt really prompted to ask him if I could sit down.

He said no but thanked me profusely for the offer of companionship.  I asked him if there was anything I could pray for him about and he said no but as I walked away he stopped me and said “Sir, I hope you have a great day, thank you again for saying hello!”

I want to always be available for God.  As Andy Stanley once said at a conference I was at, “know the truth and have the courage to say and do what is right even if it is hard.”  I want to follow and walk with God.  If I feel prompted to do something, I want to do it.  There have been many times throughout my life that I have not done it.  That I did not turn around and help the person with a flat tire or sat down to have a conversation.

I want to encourage you all, to follow the prompting of God.  Use His wisdom and do whatever it is He is asking you to do. Many of you  might be thinking, “I can’t do that or I can’t speak well etc…” God will help you there too.  Believe me He will.  You will feel awesome and encouraged as and after you do it.

Tags: Acts of Service, Krispy Kreme

John Eldredge says in Wild at Heart: “If a man is ever to find out who he is and what he is here for, he has got to take that journey for himself. He has got to get his heart back.”

NWA’s 2009 French Broad Summer Adventure was for some a place on the journey of life for respite, sanctuary and encouragement, for others it was the beginning of the journey of the heart! For all, it was a lot of fun and great adventure.

This year we delved into honor, courage and strength. We took some time out to talk through the good heart and what that is. We were able to have some awesome times of the heart, walking closely together in environments while paddling down the river, fishing and fire circle time. I hope the guys that went will share some of their thoughts and stories about the trip!

Tags: Canoeing, Fishing, Kayaking, Summer Adventure

For 30 years I have wondered about my birth family. Well, I finally got to meet most of them. It was a blessing. We took a trip to Wisconsin to meet the rest of my birth family, after meeting my birth mom in January, (Here to read that story). It was truly a grand adventure from the Lord. A journey of the heart!

Birth Father Rodney, Me and Birth Mother Mary

Mary, Her Brother David and Sister in-Law Cheryl, Me and Jackson and Grandma Olsen

Grandma and Grandpa Udelhoven, 2 Half Sisters (Kelly with husband Dan and Carie with children Cole and Haley) Me and Jackson and BD Rodney

This was a little overwhelming, but a lot of fun, and really good for my heart overall. I am excited to see what God is going to do in these relationships in the future. As I said in our June Newsletter, God has used this time to teach me more about Him. Who He is and what HE wants for me. Most of all, He has taught me that I am loved, worthy, and accepted. Even though I knew these things, He has used this time to make it more deep and true in my heart. I trust that God is also using this time of healing in my heart to minister to others and prepare me in new ways to help lead others to more freedom in CHRIST! I pray that you too deeply know how God feels about you and that you seek Him at all cost!

I am, once again, so very thankful for my parents who have raised me and supported and loved me over the years, and will always be mom and dad and part of my life.

Tags: Adoption, Birth Family, Journey

2009 found us expanding our 3rd annual Tuckaseegee Fishing Adventure.

This year we stayed the weekend and tackled the question of, “Will I come through as a man?” and “Will God come through?” These 8 men came through, not only by moving through the weekend catching over 300 fish (God coming through there too of course), some trout over 2lbs but also by opening their hearts and allowing God to disrupt their lives in a good way. They were very transparent and God came through mightily by answers their questions and letting them know that He would come through even to the point of selling everything and going on the road with the family for a year.

We felt God’s pleasure in this trip, the enemy’s voice rendered mute and the blessings of the Lord as men! Thank you all the supported and prayed for us while on this trip. It really was a model trip.

Enjoy the slide show here:

And a video made with a cell phone while on the river Sunday morning:

Tags: Fly Fishing, NWA, Tuckaseegee, Will God Come Through?

“My heart misses her” I told Greg several weeks ago, I needed to meet her soon. So after weeks of talking with Mary, my birthmother, on the phone, we took a trip to Nashville, TN, a neutral meeting place, to meet her after 30 years of separation. We didn’t want to bring Jackson because I needed to just be a daughter, not a mom too, and she needed to just be a mom, not a grandmother too. We had a great time getting to know each other, sharing TONS of pictures, and reuniting. Now, my heart is satisfied. I feel connected again, and like the missing piece is found. The Lord only knows what is in store in this relationship, but we are both excited to follow Him into it. I am so thankful for this opportunity. I am also forever grateful to my parents who raised me and loved me, always encouraging me to find her if I wanted to.

Tags: Adoption, Birthmother, Nashville

Kryssy’s Mom and Dad live in Jensen Beach Florida.  While down there we really enjoy going to the Fort Pierce Farmers Market, visit www.ftpiercefarmersmarket.com.  You all know how much I love to cook and this farmer’s market is awesome for cooks.  Fresh veggies, fresh seafood and cooks from all different influence sharing their culinary traditions right on the sidewalk.  It’s a lot of fun and very tasty.

My favorite find though, was the Lucky Onion.  Go to: www.lucky-onion.com for more information and to order their wonderful products.

Their website reports, “As avid home cooks, we found it difficult to find easy and delicious spice mixes with all-natural ingredients. So, our goal was simply to bring new, exciting and easy dips, mixes, and rubs to our local farmers’ market for our friends and neighbors to enjoy.”

2009 is going to be a great year.  New Wilderness Adventures’ mission has never been more relevant and current.  My friends, I see families in crisis, fathers and mothers are struggling, and marriages are collapsing.  I see this in the church, in our families and in society.  It’s everywhere and it is a universal issue.  Not just here in America.    We have seen this first hand in Nicaragua and many of our allies doing work in other countries have reported the same.  The enemy’s work against the family and the hearts of men and women are strong.

We will not throw in the towel in 2009.  We will continue to disciple the thirsty, preach the gospel to the lost and be there for our neighbor.

Matthew 5:13-16 says:

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? … You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

So may you be well seasoned in 2009.  I pray that your life is a savory and pleasing sacrifice to Christ and that you will trust and walk with Him in 2009 and forevermore.

Tags: Happy New Year, Spice Rubs

To wrap up, Barry Strickland, at the Managua International, talks about our time and mission in Nicaragua. This will be our last transmission for now on the September 08 mission adventure. Thank you all so much for your love, prayers, support and aid on this trip. We will be going back really soon. If you’d like to give to our work in Nicaragua. Please make checks out to:

New Wilderness Adventures memo: Nicaragua and send to 1050 Sam Lattimore Rd. Shelby, NC 28152. Remember, all gifts are tax-deductible.

Thanks to Barry for working on this video!

Tags: Mission, Nicaragua, NWA