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