CA-GAT 09


I've been sitting here for awhile trying to come up with something witty, or trying to compress all the lessons and memories we all shared into one short note. It was then that I realized that I shouldn't be writing something like a summary, not only because it's almost impossible to put into words how incredibly unforgettable GAT was, but because our great adventure never truly ends. Even though this was stated numerous times throughout those short but sweet 15 days, it only hit me now that our individual great adventures REALLY still have yet to begin.

Just a short 8 months ago I'd say I hit rock bottom; the skies were dark, no birds chirping, and no sun to brighten up my day. I can officially say that GAT was exactly what I needed to understand why God let me get that far down. Everything happens for a reason. I experienced every worship for a reason, sat through every session and workshop for a reason, just like how I met every single one of *you for a reason. I can happily say that the skies are back to beautiful blues and the sun is shining brighter than ever...and the birds are chirping to the tune of One Desire, haha.

I think my "word of the year" is Hope. Be prepared to be tested, be prepared to act with courage, be prepared to be uncomfortable, and be prepared to accept failure...but throughout it all, never give up hope.

Rather than trying to inspire you with a note, I pray that I can both give and receive inspiration from you all in the coming weeks, months, and years while serving our God. GAT was something else...something special, something meaningful...something that can really only be called a miracle. So Thank You 'CAGAT'ers...for being perfect pieces to my puzzle...a part of my God given miracle.

Kudos to each and every one of you

And with that, MGBP!

I’m not by any means an avid reader, but I do very much enjoy a good inspirational book. Last night I started the book Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge as suggested by a good friend (Love you ev!). Only two chapters in and I’m already hooked.

Women basically have three core desires:
1) To be romanced
2) To play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure
3) To unveil beauty

Chapter 1: The Heart of a Woman
“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life,” [Prov. 4:23]

“Every woman I’ve ever met feels it – something deeper than just the sense of failing at what she does. An underlying, gut feeling of failing at who she is. I am not enough, and, I am too much at the same time. Not pretty enough, not thin enough, not kind enough, not gracious enough, not disciplined enough. But too emotional, too needy, too sensitive, too strong, too opinionated, too messy”

“We desire to possess a beauty that is worth pursuing, worth fighting for, a beauty that is core to who we truly are. We want beauty that can be seen; beauty that can be felt; beauty that affects others; a beauty all our own to unveil”

Chapter 2: What Eve Alone Can Tell
Eve is the crescendo, the final, astonishing work of God. Woman is God’s finishing touch, his piece de resistance! There is a reason why we all yearn for the same thing, why tales as old as time exist… of a princess and her prince charming, like in Cinderella, Pretty Woman, etc. We should not be ashamed as women to yearn and desire these things because it is how we were designed.

“Rather than asking, what should a woman do- what is her role? It would be far more helpful to ask, what IS a woman- what is her design? And why did God place Woman in our midst?”

Beauty invites: Women, just like a piece of beautiful music, is captivating. It invites you in, commands your attention, and makes you want to look deeper.
Beauty nourishes: Our bodies are sacred and our bodies nourish the soul and nourish our children. The flesh is not a ‘bad’ thing.
Beauty comforts: A simple smile or an act of love comforts us when we need it most. In our darkest times, find the beauty in every little thing for comfort.
Beauty inspires: When you are in the presence of a great woman, it inspires you to better yourself. As said in As Good As It Gets, “You make me want to be a better man”…beauty inspires.
Beauty is transcendent: It is our most immediate experience of eternal. It reminds us that “there is a glory calling to you”.

“One of the deepest ways a woman bears the image of God is in her mystery”. Mystery as in, something to be explored. “You cannot simply have me. You must seek me, pursue me. I won’t let you in unless I know you love me”. Just like God, we yearn to be known. And just like God, we yearn to be sought after. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart,” [Jer. 29:13]. A woman is not something to be solved, but a vast wonder to be enjoyed.

“Beauty is an essence that is given to every woman at her creation”

It's only been about an hour and I'm already having crazy withdrawal symptoms.
I miss the trio
I miss the loverboys
I miss BBG (big boned gay aka figglypoo aka FIGGATRON)
I miss the FT-dubz
I just miss everyone

These past two weeks have been indescribable.
It's one of those experiences where pictures and words wouldn't even come close to doing it justice.

God truly is great