nautical nonsense

All of my hair ties taste like the salty ocean.
My goal for the week is to get less than 7 bruises.
I dropped a hot dog in the water accidentally and a bazillion tropical fish came up. Unaware awesomeness.
I was trying to grill without the propane tanks connected the other day.
I dream about how to tie the perfect cleat knot at Molokini.
I had two, errr, two and a half, smoothies yesterday.
My hair is turning white.
Sometimes I fall asleep at 7:30 pm.
The last two make me sound like I'm eighty years old.
I'm embracing it.
I saw a pod of approximately 120 melon headed whales last week.
Nothing beats Spinner dolphins swimming next to your boat. Joyful. Speed. Brilliance.
My feet are permanently dirty. Not very feminine.
Coffee just doesn't sound appealing at 4:30am. What is happening to me?
I have an overwhelming amount of one dollar bills in my billabong wallet.
I spend more time in my swimsuit than in real clothes. Whatever real means.....

For some less nautical and more dry land news:
Monday night: Discipleship class with Pastor Craig. Challenging. Inspiring. Fellowship.
Tuesday night: Bible Study lead by Leslie "The Excellent Wife" by Martha Peace
Wednesday night: Calvary/ Modern Family. "Stellllaaaaa!!!"
Thursday night: Hang with J sauce when she isn't busy saving the world.
Friday night: Gathering. Or the occasional volleyball game.
Saturday: FREEDOM.
Sunday: YoungLife meetings. Which pump me so full of the Spirit it's hard to fall asleep after it's over. Except for tonight, I was pretty tired..... :)

In my off-time I enjoy soaking up Robin and Ross' wisdom. Reading a stack of books that is tall enough to double as my night stand. Brushing up on my waning guitar skills. Stashing my tip money away in a secret location in my room. Spending waay too much time feeling inspired on Pinterest without actually creating anything. Watching the endless Hulu Plus options of all the awesome new fall shows. Washing my uniform every three days. Whisking myself away to the luxurious couches at the Starbucks in Wailea to meet with the King of the Universe. Salted Caramel Mocha. Going for sunset walks to clear my head. Life is crazy. Crazy cool.

Aloha :)
Risa

sunscreen and seat belts

Every work morning, I roll out of bed around 4:45. One of the first things I do is get dressed. One of the perks of my job is that I get to be in a swimsuit all day. That also means I'm in the sun. So I've started this routine of lathering up in sunscreen. (My favorite is Ocean Potion because it smells like a dreamsicle--thanks Leslie!)

One morning, as I was rubbing in this glorious spf, I started to ponder some deeper meanings of sunscreen. I'm getting to the age where I'm realizing the effects of things. Food I eat, vitamins I take, not exercising, exercising too much, what causes back pains, flossing, etc. It means something to me now. I put on sunscreen every day for two reasons. 1. Let's be honest, sunburns don't look good on anyone. 2. Skin cancer prevention. I thought about the emotional decisions I make every day. They effect my future, right? I put sunscreen on as an effort to protect myself from future problems. Are the decisions I'm making now righteous decisions that will make my future easier and less painful?

I had the same realization as I put my seat belt on, while driving to work in the dark hours of dawn. Windows down. Palm trees sprinkling the horizon. Singing at the top of my lungs. Breathing in sugar cane ash. Coughing. Wheezing. Windows up. Sun peeking out from behind Haleakala. Moon slipping bashfully behind the West Maui Mountains. Hazy and subtle. I've trained myself to put my seat belt on. I even sometimes mindlessly grab for it when I sit down in normal chairs. Sigh. We know that it is something we are doing to better ourselves. It's a righteous decision.

"This is the history of the generations of Noah. Noah was a just and righteous man, blameless in his [evil] generation; Noah walked [in habitual fellowship] with God." --Genesis 6:9

-righteous [those who are upright and in right standing with God]-

Obedience is tough. Putting sunscreen on in a sleepy stupor is frustrating. It would be so much easier to not do it. Or only on some days. Seat belts are annoying and constricting. Now that I view sunscreen like the Lord's protection over me, it's more fulfilling to put it on. And if I view my seat belt like God's armor, I'm willing. That hard decision you are making now WILL make your future easier. Trusting God now, before you see the benefits is worth it. Trust. Faith. Obey. Discipline. Righteousness results. IT IS WORTH IT.

This is our promise:

^"12The [uncompromisingly] righteous shall flourish like the palm tree [be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, and fruitful]; they shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon [majestic, stable, durable, and incorruptible].

¹³Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God.

¹⁴[Growing in grace] they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap [of spiritual vitality] and [rich in the] verdure [of trust, love, and contentment].

¹⁵[They are living memorials] to show that the Lord is upright and faithful to His promises; He is my Rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him." --Psalm 92:12-15

In Him,

Risa

literary snapshots

Every day I have moments that I wish I had an iphone to whip out and snap a photo of what my life is like. Some literal, some figurative. A sunset. A smile. A snapshot of the happiness in my heart.

New things are happening.

I island hopped with Leslie and Tiffany to the north shore of Oahu for the weekend for a Young Life Leader's retreat. Camp Mokule'ia. We got off the plane and clambered on a school bus. Ukulele tunes. Sun beams through the windows.

A weekend filled with worship, Jesus, laughter, rest, prayer, adoration, and skits/games. Laughter breaks down walls. Let the truth of God sink deep into your bones. Life. Abundance.

I loved the consistent background noise of gentle waves. God reminding us: "I love you. I love you. I love you."

I love what Young Life stands for. I went to my first official Kihei Young Life leaders meeting on Sunday night. New faces. Fresh perspective. Lost kids. Sharing Jesus. Eternal mindset. Walking life together. Stokage. I don't know where God is calling me to specifically yet, but I am already seeing SO MUCH FRUIT from faithful prayer. It works. Big things are happening on the islands of Hawaii :)

I started a new job on Thursday. Pacific Whale Foundation. Each morning, we take out a boat of 100 plus passengers and snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town. There is nothing better than jumping in and wiggling my fin free toes in the Molokini blue waters. I'm learning a ton. Did you know that boy turtles have long tails and girl turtles have short tails? Or that a clove hitch knot is incredibly useful on a boat? Or that baby shampoo and water is excellent for defogging goggles? I like it a lot. And if you want to snorkel, you should definitely check this trip out :)

I am content. Satisfied. I want to be with God and let HIS grace and love wash over me. I want to write. Pen to paper. Fingers to keyboard. I want to sing. Strum guitar strings. Hum a thankful harmony to the melody God is singing over me. It's catchy.....and I like it :)

In Him,
Risa

the eighth month of the year

8 Songs that I've listened to on repeat in the past week:
1. Sunshine-Stephen Jerzak
2. You Are More-Hillsong (God Is Able Album)
3. Cosmic Love-Florence and the Machine
4. Calgary-Bon Iver
5. OK-Mutemath
6. Ehu Girl- Kolohe Kai
7. Your Love-Brandon Heath
8. I Will Exalt- Bethel Live (Ft. Amanda Falk)

8 Reasons why I love Hope Chapel:
1. I've never been welcomed into a community like my ohana at Hope Chapel
2. The internship. Now I truly know what biblical discipleship and walking together looks like. it's not always pretty, ha, but MAN I love my intern family. Big love.
3. Worship. I have grown SO much in this area and a lot of it can be attributed to the worship leaders at HC.
4. The Gathering. I love the vision that this ministry has. I hadn't ever attended church on a Friday night before, but now it seems so normal I wouldn't not want to go to church on a Friday night.
5. The courtyard. I have had so many anointed conversations in that courtyard.
6. It's transparency. Honesty and truth reign at Hope Chapel. It's not perfect, but it's a work in progress.
7. Kihei Christian Bookstore. It's one of my safe places. I feel like I can breathe easy when I'm in there.
8. Rise young adult ministry. I'm encouraged by the lives the young people around me are leading. It truly does take a certain type of person to live in Maui. Adventurous. Easy going. It's cool to walk life with these guys.

8 Reasons why I am STOKED about my next season:
1. I have no idea what it is going to be like. Number One reason. Hands down.
2. I get to work on a boat!!!!!!!!!!!
3. Craig's Discipleship Class. Jam packed with challenges and growth.
4. I will be making money :)
5. My home life is one of the biggest blessings I've ever experienced.
6. Working for an author part-time. I just love the way God works. There is so much TRUTH in God knowing the desires of our hearts. Majority of the time I don't even know my desires. But He does. Then I catch up to them. I'm excited to catch up to this dream!
7. From my lanai, I can see the sun rise over Haleakala AND the ocean/West Maui Mountains. It is idyllic.
8. There is no timeline. Everything is indefinite. I like it that way :)

8 Things I want in the next year:
1. Play my guitar mo betta.
2. Write more music.
3. Surf on a longboard....
4. .....then surf on a smaller board.
5. Do something handicraft like. Make jewelery. Crochet. Knit. Something.
6. Increase my prayer life. Praying for others is POWERFUL.
7. Refine my passions and giftings.
8. Buy a pair of Toms. Everyone else is doing it! :)

8 Words I am clinging to about God:
1. Truth
2. Faithful
3. Creative
4. Grace
5. Mysterious
6. Safe
7. Promise
8. Wonderful

staycation

Last week I had a staycation. I took some days off work and had the pleasure of living the resort life out at the Westin with my parents for a few days. Pool lounging, ono grinds, and an ample dosage of Vitamin D via the sun. I ate at my favorite restaurant (Duke's) with my favorite people. I saw a sunset that is etched permanently in my mind. Picture this: the sun hanging heavy in the sky. Tangerine orange clouds. Radiant beams penetrating through and reflecting off the ocean. A sailboat cruises by as the sun begins it's descent, disappearing beneath the horizon. Perfection. R2H (Road to Hana) on Saturday. Here are some photos!

Secret Falls Hike.



Hanging with the parental unit in the caves of Waianapanapa



Plumerias. Hamoa Beach. Blue vanilla/coconut shave ice from Ke'anae.

Change is happening in my life. But joy is in the little things. And the people around you. I cherish my ohana so much. And I have great parents! And I live on an adventurous island that I love. Life is good. And I must admit, instagram photos make everything cooler :) (thankyoumartineason!)

In Him,
Risa

more maui

This season of life is weird.

Growing up. Change. Transitions. Big dreams. Small dreams. Realistic dreams. Broke as a joke. Questions. Answers. Unknown. Excitement. Fear. Trust.

I've spent the last few months in a massive state of indecisiveness. Stay. Go. School. No school. Hawaii. Maui. Oahu. Kansas. Washington. Ministry. Car. Moped. Job. Unsure. Hesitant.

Choppy and vague. Every option has pros and cons. Each idea has something I desire. All along, I have had my eyes locked in on the King, wanting nothing more than to follow HIS path for me. I kept wondering why I didn't have a clear purpose/idea/desire as to what to do with my life next. As I'm sure many people can claim from experience, God works in mysterious ways. And on a typical Thursday night a few weeks ago, a couple from Hope Chapel that I love and admire so much invited me over for dinner. I explained all my woes and questions and dreams dwelling in my heart. They had a proposition. To live with them, and work for Robin, who is an author. Rent free. We prayed together, and I drove away, feeling completely peaceful and completely convinced the Lord hand was covering the whole thing. And really excited because it's all too good to be true!!

Blessings. Understanding. Trusting that God really does direct our paths. I am now assured that even in what I thought was darkness and confusion, God was working. Is working. Will continue working. I have no clue about what is coming tomorrow. But I LOVE what is happening right now. Dude. Allowing God to write your life is tough. But way better. WAY better. We don't even know. He does.

Maui no ka oi :)

-Risa-

summer reading

Remember elementary school summer reading? I remember trying to do my absolute best to figure out what the teacher of the grade I was heading into would expect me to know about each book. I also experienced the first inklings of resistance towards doing something I that enjoy doing when it is required. I have always loved to read, but if I have to answer questions or write a paper at the end I tend to drag my feet in a BIG way! Some of my favorites were The Phantom Tollbooth, The Cricket in Times Square, Wringer, James and the Giant Peach, The Outsiders, Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar (that one may not have been required but I LOVED IT), Tuck Everlasting, The Giver.....I could go on forever!

Since those treasured years of pre-teen awkwardness, I have tried to challenge myself to read more during the summer. In the past few years, my schedule hasn't actually changed with the summer season, but I still really enjoy setting occasionally outlandish goals to read lots of books. Last summer, I read all of the Shopaholic books, through which I decided I really enjoy British humor :) I also read Classic Christianity by Bob George--a Jason Spence suggestion. It rocked my world! This summer, I want a well-rounded list of literary gems. And I'm trying to be organic about it. I have already started and finished a handful of books, but I love suggestions!

1. I read the entire Christy Miller series. The College Years were my favorite of the series. They are meant for high schoolers, but I caught myself relating to the characters in unexpected ways! Now that I have met Robin, I enjoy reading her books with a new perspective. Actually, a lot of her books are on my summer list! Including Praying for Your Future Husband (co-written by Tricia Goyer). I am in a small group that meets to study this book further with other young adult single women. IT IS SO GOOD! Another I plan on reading is her book that released today Canary Island Song.

2. Growing in Grace is the sequel to Classic Christianity and it is really good. It's taken me awhile to read but it basically unpacks the Gospel and how we can live life full of experiencing God's grace as He lives His life through us.

3. I'm still on a Larry Crabb kick. 66 Love Letters is too good of a book to quickly read, as I tend to do. But it's on my list!

4. When Borders was having it's clearance sales, I picked up the book The Last Summer by Ann Brashares. She wrote Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants so I figured with a discounted price it was worth the read! I haven't read it yet, but it will be my book of choice to take to the beach!

5. At the same Borders clearance sale, I picked up the book Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker. I've never read any other books by her, but it looked like a good Christian novel. I'll let you know what I think :)

6. To top off my so far incomplete list, Cooper left her copy of Mansfield Park on Maui by accident, and I want to be sure to conquer that before she comes back again this summer!

If I'm reading at home, I love to have music playing. The chill soundtrack of my summer has been the new Bon Iver album. It's super chill and good for background noise too.

Now that I have an official list typed out, I have some reading to do :)

In Him,
Risa

23 things i loved about my 23rd birthday

1. Paddle boarding with Alyssa at the Fairmont. Turtles swimming gracefully beside us. Gliding on our boards just above the reef.

2. Starbucks. Coconut iced coffee. Chatting on Robin's breezy lanai. My quiet time looking out over the pacific.

3. Pirates of the Caribbean with my boss and department. DURING work hours. In 3D.

4. Singing Afterglow with Ryan after the Gathering and praising my King.

5. HIS promises echoing in my heart. All. Day. Long.

6. Floored by the Lord. Amazed by the Holy Spirit. Authentic. Honest. Obedience.

7. Waking up early to head to Lahaina Harbor and be whisked away to Lanai for the Rise Retreat. Sailing. Sights. Secret Surf Spots.

8. Taking a nap on the beach of Manele Bay. My favorite beach ever.

9. Camping in a tent under the bright night stars. Lisa's mom used to tell her when she was a little girl that stars were little poked holes that allow us to see the light shining down from heaven. And so that God and the angels can peek down on us :)

10. A morning at the Four Seasons. Free fancy coffee. My Amplified Bible. Getting rocked by the King.

11. Excitement. Dolphins in the Bay. Mandy and Alyssa. Despite jelly fish stings and the impending threat of leg cramps or exhaustion. Dolphins. Swimming all around us. So close. Jumping and spinning. Echolocation banter. My Sunday morning worship session :)

12. Letting the sun wrap it's arms around me. Wiggling my toes past the scorching layer of sand to the soft cool sand beneath. Bathing in the cool ocean waters.

13. Doing my best to balance on a sailboat without holding onto anything. Careening. Roller coaster waves. Sunset. Tired.

14. Paddle boarding with Sarah. Laying out on our boards. Tickling the water with my fingers. Unexpectant. And then......Dolphins. AGAIN! In Kihei. Right next to us. Unreal. Such joy.

15. Intern Lunch with the Gunn's. Ritzy chicken. Arnold Palmers. Robin served us on their fine china and read us a children's story she wrote many years ago about being set apart. SUCH a gift. Ross gave us timeless life advice.

16. Intern birthday dinner. Paia Flatbread. Lisa discovering a gecko in her hair. The "One Word for Risa" game. N'Sync. Singing at the top of my lungs. Windows down. Martin knowing every word to Nelly songs. Nertz.

17. Fish Market dinner. Five Love Languages. The deep and familiar smell of a new leather journal. Like a cozy arm chair. Life Guard Stand talk under a drizzling night sky.

18. Sneaking away to McDonald's for much needed Diet Coke and perhaps a good cry.

19. Cruising with the top down in Leslie's car. Blanche. Launiupoko. Late nights. Life chats.

20. Surprise Saturday. Maui Moped Madness. Traversed the Terrain of West Maui. Stunner sights. Rickety Rope Swing. Sunshine. Helmet Hair. Plumeria Plucking. Horn Honking. Lots of Laughter. Chewy, Leslie, and Alyssa. It was one of the coolest things I've done in this lifetime.

21. Lei making while watching Indiana Jones. Congraduations.

22. Hosting a boat full of basketball players and coaching for NBC Basketball Maui camp. I love mingling. Jena and I got to meet and greet lots of cool people. Windy and Wonderful.

23. The simple and delightful fact that my birthday was almost 2 weeks long and full of things I never dreamed I'd be doing in this lifetime. Thank you Lord. HE KNOWS!

jesus calling

A couple weeks ago I finally picked up a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It's the number one seller at Kihei Christian Bookstore, so I figured it must be good :) I was a little skeptical at first because each entry is what the author felt the Lord was revealing to her during her quiet time, so I wasn't quiet sure what to expect. All of the entries are written as if it is the Lord speaking. It is a year long devotional, and is turning out to be really solid and consistently infused with Scripture. I have been in awe at how timely each word is in my life.

"Thank Me in the midst of the crucible. When things seem all wrong, look for growth opportunities. Especially, look for areas where you need to let go, leaving your cares in My able hands. Do you trust Me to orchestrate your life events as I choose, or are you still trying to make things go according to your will? If you keep trying to carry out your intentions while I am leading you in another direction, you deify your desires.

Be on the lookout for what I am doing in your life. Worship Me by living close to Me, thanking Me in all circumstances."

This is EXACTLY what I needed, on Friday morning, May 13th. Here is the supplement Scripture she suggested which I LOVED in the Message:

"So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; he is most careful with you." --1 Pete 5:6-7

"Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live." --1 Thess 5:18

So on top of Jesus Calling, I've been blessed to start up another 6 week study with the group I was with a couple months ago. We are going through "He Speaks to Me" by Priscilla Shirer. I am so honored to walk through this season with the wonderful, wise women in this group, and so far the study seems really good! I loved the last one "Discerning the Voice of God" so I am definitely stoked to start this one. I highly recommend these studies! Today's word from that study was on fearing the Lord and obeying Him.

"Spiritual perception and discernment come from reverencing and honoring God. I paraphrased the verse: 'Respect for the Lord is the essence of spiritual understanding.' To hear God's voice we absolutely must be willing to recognize and appropriately respond to Him. Showing God respect opens our hearts and our spiritual ears to clearly hear from Him." --Priscilla Shirer

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In other news... :)

For Mother's Day, the worship Department spent a TON of time and effort making beautiful paper flowers. Here are a few photos:



In the last photo you can see the final product. We cut out silhouettes of mother's and put them in frames with the flowers. I'm sorry the photo is small, hopefully I'll get the final product ones on facebook soon! It came together so great! May flowers :)

-Aloha-

assurance

Assurance. Something I wish I only needed once, and then had the ability to move forward and never look back. Where do you look for it? Crack open God's life giving Word. It's jam packed with promises and affirmations that have never been broken, wrong, or misleading. And they never will be. But sometimes I want more. From the people around me. I want to know where I stand. Insecurity, doubt, and fear can dominate your brain faster than you can even begin to stretch out your hand for some real truth. It's annoying.

I am messy. Inside, and when it comes to my cramped closet and the amount of clothes I try to shove in it, I'm messy on the outside too. BUT. My family loves me. My friends love me. God loves me. Author and Perfector. I'm embracing it and blazing through it all.

"Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God."--Hebrews 12:2

It's a lesson I will always fight to learn. Ha, also, whenever I think of the word "assurance" all I can picture is Creed on The Office, when he is asked what he does at Dunder Mifflin and he doesn't even know. Later he's like, "What is wrong with this woman? She's asking about stuff that's nobody's business. 'What do I do?' What do I do, I do here. I should have written it down. 'Qua' something. Quaaa. Quarr. Quab. Quall. Qwer. Quobbity! Quobbity assurance!" :)
The past few weeks stretched me. I laughed so hard I cried. I just plain cried. Steven and I created, organized, and conducted a choir for a month. I swam in waters with whales super close by. Went on late night drives to secret beaches. Applied to college. I picked tangerines and grapefruit straight from their trees. Dreamed big on a hammock with Alyssa under the bright night stars. I took a picture of myself with nerdy glasses on :) I made signs with Leslie for Maui High boy's volleyball game. Listened to the same song on repeat 27 times in a row. Painted my toenails Maui Magic. Soaked up awesome wisdom from my wonderful mentor. I ate fish tacos at every restaurant that had it on the menu. I walked Front street with friends in Lahaina on a quest to find Rainbow slippers. Had a great coffee date with a friend. Jumped on a trampoline with Jena. The interns were blessed to be served dinner by a wonderful small group Ohana. Stumbled upon "Mauiritaville" in Ka'anapali with Alyssa. Nothing quite like witnessing a bunch of business minded mainlanders letting loose in Maui. Partook in a flamingo flocking endeavor. Rebelliously neglected shoes. I'm forever learning a life of full-time ministry.

Aloha ke Akua.

Risa

fresh. fly. free.

-H.I.M. Conference 2011-

Here is a recap of my Risa-fied note taking :)

Thursday the 24th:
Isaiah 58. The Fringe. Love your neighbor. Who is my neighbor? Obedience isn't about feelings. Challenge. Write down 4 things you want to know the will of God in:
1. Go back to School?
2. Stay in Maui?
3. Utila Coffee Ministry Opportunity
4. Major?

MASTER. Mission. Mate.

Solomon asked for 1. Wisdom 2. Knowledge. Your life is the product of the sum decisions you make. Gal 6:7- What we sow we will reap. Don't be duped.

Attitude to possess:
-Prov 9:10- Respect
-Prov 11:2- Humility
-Prov 19:20- Teachability
-Prov 8:17- Diligence

Ask God. Go to the Bible. Seek Counsel. Look at the Doors. Have an Eternal perspective. Walk by Faith.

God can direct my thoughts. He can reveal consequences of my decisions while I think about it. Good or bad. He can bring a verse to me. Name of a person. Listen. Quiet yourself. God says, "Trust. My ways. I'll talk. Just ask." For HIS glory. For my good.

Truth will always defend itself. God, I have the confidence in the fact that you are directing my steps. God can't steer a parked car. Keep moving, God has the ability to open and close doors.

Friday the 25th:
Papa God, I don't know what you are up to today............
......but I'm coming with you.

2nd Session. British Dude. Mark 14. Anything not born in prayer is born in pride. HIM is greater than me.

Koa Siu-Worship Pastor of Hope Chapel West Oahu. We don't worship the worship. We worship God through the music. Unity. Power. Worship. Living song. The new song. Collective. Fresh. Engaging. Alive. Living. Encouraging. Inductive method of choosing songs. Revelatory method of choosing songs. Use both.

Tony Campolo. There's a difference between Biblical Jesus and American Jesus.

Dave Gibbons. AWAKENING. Check out this video he showed us about Changing Education Paradigms. It made me want to teach. God, give me YOUR eyes. Full surrender. Brokenness. Desperation. Freedom. Profound love for God. Extreme. LOVE. Profound love for others. Called. Poured out. See something beautiful in every person. Apathetic is dangerous. Be radical. Be like Bruce Lee. Liquid. Flow. Essence.

What would the church look like if it wasn't confined to a piece of land?

Satan will discourage. Lies. Doom. Failure. Use your messiness to influence your generation. We all have a unique set of gifts/experiences/pain. My personal destiny. Simple. Meaningful Collaboration. Jesus is the center of my mess. Great pain= Great Leadership. Go where you grow. Help people find their destiny. See people for who they are. Affirm their special destiny. John 5-Only do what you see the Father doing.

There are three types of people:
1. Designers
2. Developers
3. Stablizers

Saturday the 26th:
Worship is about seeing God. Holy. Set apart. No equal. Mighty. Holy. Here I am Lord. Send me.

I confess. He resolves.

British Dude again. Creative Prayer. The Gospel is more about questions than answers. Christ didn't die to make us Christian. He died to make us human. Sin= Anything that makes you less like Christ.

The Gospel doesn't change. The clothes it wears does.

Don't imitate. Innovate.
New language. New landscape.
Creator God. First thing we know.
No agenda. Creative being.
No limits. More than words.

Exodus 31: Oholiab & Bezalel- 1st person in Bible to be annointed by the Holy Spirit is a humble artisan. Called by name.

Submerged sunrise of wonder. Dig for it.
Surprise. Depth and mystery.
Jesus lived it. Created intrigue.
What is Prayer?
A relationship with God.
Communion. Interaction. Communication.
An expression of worship.
Prayer and worship. Different sides of the same coin.
Sword. Battling for the people you love.
Contemplation. Meditation. Confession.
Exploration. Celebration.

1. We have to reach a changing culture. They don't respond to cliche.
2. We have to renew the church.
3. Reflect our individuality.
I learned a lot this weekend. Other than the conference, Oahu was a great get-away. We walked the busy streets of Waikiki. I ate Mahi. Drank a dark chocolate latte from Coffee Bean. Rocked out at the David Crowder concert. Jumped a fence. Then found the gate to walk out of it. Got lost in a parking garage. It's not our fault all the levels look the same!! Checked out Pipeline. Saw MAYBE ankle biter waves. Compared to the 50 foot sets it's known for. North Shore. Matsumoto's legendary shave ice. Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. WiNdY. Banana Melona bar. 3 story Forever 21. Cheesecake Factory. UHmazing. Kaneohe. Jason's Hawaii Baptist High School. Saw where Chris and Craig lived back in the day and the Pizza hut Chris managed. Aloha Stadium looks like it's barely holding it together ha :) Oahu Target. It's all about the Target experience. Soaked up the awesomeness that is the Mauck family. I prayed that the Lord would give me peace about the future. I'm actually more confused about the future now. I know He'll show me what's up in His time.

Aloha :)
Risa

maui march madness

1. Shamrock Shakes (or lack thereof)
It's March. Which means the Shamrock Shake is a staple at McDonalds. My roommate, Lisa, loves them, and I have had positive experiences with them in the past, so we concluded that it was a matter of importance to try one in honor of Maui March Madness. The first time we went to get one, they were out of the mix. Popular. The next time we went, I called in to check, and they were ready for Shamrock Shake business. A mere few hours later, we ordered and paid, only to drive to the next window and find out they were sold out! Now, with much anticipation, and high expectations, I look forward to actually experiencing a Maui Shamrock Shake.

2. Roommate Birthdays
For Jena's birthday, we all piled into our trusty 15 passenger van and headed to the West side to Lahaina Pizza Co on a Sunday afternoon. It was an idyllic and relaxing afternoon. Bbq chicken pizza with ranch was consumed. [Ranch goes great with EVERYTHING!]. Limitless Diet Coke. Reasons why we love Jena. Her excitement and passion for her ministry is contagious. She is always fun to be around. She's just cool. After a late lunch, we wandered around Lahaina and window shopped like tourists :)

For Lisa's birthday, the following Sunday, we all met up at Kalama park and had cake and ice cream. It was super chill, hanging out under the shady trees. The boys threw around a frisbee while the girls chatted. We all gathered along the beach to watch the sunset. It was stunner. I love Lisa. She embraces life and brings joy into all situations. She just knows. Also, I've always wanted to be close friends with a Lisa, so we could be "Lisa and Risa." :)

3. Tsunami Day 2011
I came home from worship practice on Thursday night to an empty house but a phone loaded with messages. Earthquake. Japan. 8.9. Tsunami created. Destruction. I turn on the news to be bombarded by insane images of buildings/cars/homes being completely dominated by water. Hawaii news informs me that this will DEFINITELY send a tsunami our way. At 3:23 to be exact. The waiting game begins. I remember our tsunami scare last year, and immediately get out a map to see how far away Hawaii is from Japan. It's MUCH closer than Chile is to Hawaii. The lesson I learned from my last tsunami experience is to NOT PANIC. Our condo is out of the evacuation zone. So if we were to get hit, our home would be up far enough from danger. That fact isn't comforting enough though. Jena and I (the other two girls were with friends safe and sound) filled up our tubs with water and semi-jokingly ran around trying to decide what to pack in case we needed to leave. Important papers. Expensive things. Journals. Comfy clothes. Done.

The boys came over and we decided to spend the night at our High School Pastor's place in Waikapu, which is nestled right in the midsection of Maui. The drive there was eerie. Roads close to the ocean were closed off. Police everywhere. Sirens going off. Deep breaths. We get to the Smith's and they have snacks and coffee. We kept up with the news. Decided to make a bonfire outside. It was actually a great night, sitting around the fire, sipping good coffee, talking story. Once the first wave hit with minor damage, I was able to fall asleep. Early morning fellowship. Then right back to work as usual. Madness. I am so thankful that Maui came out virtually unscathed. I love this island so much. Wow. So much. It's home. God sits on the throne.

4. Maui Garage Sales

In order to raise more money for our trip to Oahu for the HIM Conference, the Mauck's (my boss and his family) had a garage sale. We're pretty stoked about the exciting trip to Oahu! Maui garage sales are different in many ways from Kansas garage sales, but the exact same in others. Some of the items you might find at a Maui garage sale would be things left by vacationers from condos, lots of swimsuits, board shorts, and body boards. But there will always be the same feelings of satisfaction when you find a good deal on something you want. That, in my opinion, is a universal feeling tied to garage sales.

This month really has been madness. I feel like I can never really catch my breath. It's one thing after another. But I feel like these will be my favorite times to look back on. God is in the details.

Aloha,
Risa

baptism and intern retreat

A couple weeks ago we had our President's Day Baptism. Hope Chapel baptisms are one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE events on Maui. The church body gathers together to baptize brothers and sisters in Christ and then we eat food and play volleyball :) For an intern, the morning starts before the sun rises, and we meet John John at the church to load up all the food, tents, sound system, and tables to take down to the beach. The baptism in February is my favorite out of the three we have because whales can be spotted during the set up process. Pastors Craig, Jake, and Ben all settle down in the shade to share testimonies and explain what baptism really looks like/means in the Bible. It's so incredible to hear the testimonies of everyone. The work of the Lord will NEVER cease to amaze me.

After the testimony time is over, the sounds of conch shells and drum beats beckon everyone down the water to sing and worship the Lord through song and hula. Last year, as the small group intern, my job was to keep the group of people organized and walk each person out into the water. This year, as the worship intern, I am in charge of the music. This year, we had the Men of Integrity ministry do all of the music so I was able to help Lisa and be right in the action. That's my favorite part! Two of the interns, Lisa and Blake, have been believers for many years, but had not been baptized, so they took the plunge! That was pretty cool to be a part of. The Lord blessed me with some really cool conversations that day. Also, the volleyball net was a little shorter than the men's height I'm used to so I had a TON of fun with that :)

After a hectic week of work, the interns all piled into the 15 passenger van with Pastor Craig and Pastor Jake and headed out on our yearly intern retreat. Part of the tradition is to eat at Charley's in Paia, which is where Willie Nelson plays. (Above photo). We clambered through bamboo forests. Swam towards majestic waterfalls. Hiked over teetering rocks. Jumped off of anything under 30 feet tall into frigid waters :) It was great to spend time with Craig and Jake and all the interns. By this time in the internship, we are all starting to feel a little bit burned out. Craig is an excellent cook and made us some quality meals. We played games, sang worship, talked about Isaiah 40 with Jake, and of course, Telephone Pictionary. Love these guys.

I'm pretty AMPED that it is already March. My next post will be about Maui March Madness. Get excited :)

Risa

favorite february fads

THE WHALES
I spotted my first one back in December, but it seems like lately they are jumping outta the water EVERYWHERE! The drive to Lahaina is full to the brim with whale sightings. At the beach today, we saw one in the distance breaching. When you go underwater, you can hear them talking to each other! I got to go on a whale watch and the ocean was bustling with whale activity. Check out the back drop behind this whale, it's no wonder they love coming to warm Maui this time of year :)

MORNING JOE COFFEE
On a whim, and in dire need of coffee for my impending morning, I grabbed this bag of coffee from Safeway. Drank it via french press, with vanilla creamer and it is AMAZING!! You can get a free tall drink at Starbucks with the bag :) Word on the street is that it is just a trial run, so it needs to be popular to stick around. This is my first choice to be my companion in the morning during my 24 day bible challenge. Alyssa says, "Ohh, a good cup of coffee draws me closer to the Lord when I'm reading my Bible in the morning!" A definite February favorite!!


MEN'S VOLLEYBALL
This past weekend, I attended my first ever men's college volleyball match. University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors traveled to Maui to play the California Baptist University Lancers. War Memorial's open air gym was packed out. I got to enjoy the game with other volleyball lovers. I have always loved volleyball and appreciated what an epic sport it is, but I was really reminded of my die hard love for it. I really hope that my future involves either coaching or playing volleyball. The past two times I thought I was giving up volleyball for good, God totally brought it back into my life. Also, men can seriously dominate at this game. Love it.



DISCERNING THE VOICE OF GOD STUDY
This study is solid. It is convicting, truthful, and exactly what I need right now. I am blessed to be in a bible study with wonderful women in all walks of life. I'm the youngest in the group, so I've been soaking up all sorts of wisdom from the women in the group. I'm used to Beth Moore studies, and this is similar, but I love Priscilla! I have so many questions for God during this season. This study encourages me to press into God's Word, but also gives practical tips to better hear God's voice. And when God speaks, I want nothing more than to hear Him!

24 day challenge

Whales. Sunshine. House sitting a wonderful home. Playing the guitar. French press coffee every morning. Windows open at night. Eating tako (octopus fresh from the ocean). Stand up paddle surfing for the first time. Salty skin. Observing my favorite worship leaders to soak up their skills. Closing my eyes and reciting God's promises over and over. Starry night. Convertible top down. Launiupoko drive. Long talks with wonderful women that I admire and love so much. Getting stretched to lead worship by myself. Leadership Summit at Kumalani on the West Side. McDonalds brought back the $1 drinks!!! Movie nights at the boy's place. Helping Jake cut the cable of his own moped lock. Eating leftover dinner for breakfast. Always on call for ministry opportunities. Never knowing what the next day holds.

I think if we were to make a reality tv show about this internship, it would win awards.

Something I have grown a lot in over the past 4 years is having a quiet time each morning. I grind up my coffee, I crack open the window, I put on some mellow tunes and I meet with the Lord. I usually pick a passage of scripture to go through and write it out, pray it, and then pick out what I want to dwell on the rest of the day.

A couple weeks ago, 12 days to be exact, I felt a tug to read the whole Bible. I have done year plans before and loved it. But I want the bigger picture. And I want it soon. I looked up a chronological plan, because I had never done that before--did you know that the story of Job happens after Genesis 11? I split the chronological year plan up into 24 days.

It's a lot. I'm in the Word a ton every day. So far I'm on Day 12, and I feel like God is shaking my heart up. I'm having to give things up to spend time with Him. Besides sleep, I haven't usually had to give anything up for time with Him. I'm so blessed with a few friends who embarked on this journey with me. We are each getting something different from it, which makes me ULTRA aware of how God's Word is alive and active. I could probably fill 32847 blog entries with scripture that has been rocking my world. It's amazing.
Risa

be excellent

In the past two weeks I have....

...huddled around a tiny table at a crowded Kihei Starbucks with my girlfriends, drinking our various forms of legal caffeinated addictions. We prayed and asked God for BIG things.
......laid in bed listening to the gentle rain tip tap on our tin carport outside our condo.
....sat in a moist car seat due to the windows accidentally being left down.
.......eaten spiral mac and cheese.
...bought 3 bottles of high spf sunscreen.
....admitted my biggest and best dream out loud to a friend.
......had a condo alone to myself for a weekend.
...deep cleaned a silverware drawer.
....hung out with new people.
........lived freely, animated and motivated by God's Spirit. Galatians 5:16
...written out all of the questions I want answered right now. 22 of them.
......did yoga.
....cut and prepared 49 roses in vases for Sanctity of Life Sunday.
...blow dried my hair in front of our air conditioner.
....learned that "concussed" is actually a word!
.....ate a cake ball. And quickly ate another one :)
...ditched Kihei and got slurpees with Lisa.
.....learned what it looks like to be bold in Christ.
...conquered a fear.
......gave a friend a gift that meant something.
....dabbled in the ocean.
.....played sand volleyball.
...watched a sunset at Bigs while bagpipes played in the distance.
........sat in a jacuzzi and looked up at the stars.
"That clinches it- help's coming,
an answer's on the way,
everything's going to work out....

....Make the king a winner, GOD;
the day we call, give us your answer."

--Psalm 20:6, 9

dreaming big

There is something nostalgic about flying. It gives you time to process where you are going and where you are coming from. Being above everything makes me feel like I can think more clearly.

I learned a few things, while I was high up in the air.

Home is more than just a feeling. Kansas, whether it's my first pick or not, is my home. It makes up who I am. I climbed off the plane in Wichita and braced myself for a winter I hadn't experienced in over a year. Bits of hay gathered in the corners of the staircase I climbed to walk past the fifteen gates that make up the tiny ICT airport. Yep. This is home :)

Cooper and I stayed up late and talked. We giggled under the 4 blankets I insisted on sleeping with in order to feel warm enough. I love having a younger sister. I met my best friends' babies for the first time. Overjoyed to see so much love. Visiting with friends. Playing guitar and singing with my talented friend Adam. Best Chinese food of your life. North face. Puzzles with Papa. Chipotle. Super Target. Music. Visiting the grandparents and aunt and uncle. Driving in my jeep. New Years Eve Day with family. Movies. Showing Rendall around my Wichita life. Double Lattes. Hanging with my broski and Collins. My office ladies. More friends. Laughter. Kissing the parents goodnight every night.

Memories.

Short. Adjustments. Transition. Suddenly I'm already back on a plane, headed back to Maui. Maui. Warm Maui. It's a completely different life. A life that I love so much. Both places are familiar and homey. I can have more than one home, right?

"God is bedrock under my feet,
the castle in which I live,
my rescuing knight.
My God-the high crag
where I run for dear life,
hiding behind the boulders
safe in the granite hideout;
My mountaintop refuge...."
--2nd Sammy 22:1-4

Already in the new year, I have started dreaming BIG dreams. Impossible dreams. I've been a witness to so many things I knew, absolutely knew, were impossible, and seen God turn them into possibilities. Excitement.

Risa