Blog

Explore My News,
Thoughts & Inspiration

Unwelcomed Water.

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’” 

Mark 4:37-38

 

     Hi friends!! I have been in Gainesville, GA for a little over three weeks and it has been challenging in the best of ways. During the weekdays, breakfast starts at 8am and we don’t end the scheduled day until around 8:30pm. Our day includes meal times, squad times, team time, teachings, games, fundraising, debrief, and so much more. (I will run you through the day-to-day at the bottom of this blog!) Getting ready for the race and living in GA means tent life. Yes- I have been staying in a tent since arriving on AIM (Adventures In Missions) campus. It’s what you do when the Lord calls you to a life of abandonment. If you know anything about the weather here in Georgia, it rains a good bit. Don’t get me wrong, I love the rain, but when I am living in a tent with all my belongings in the woods I had to ask the Lord for a better perspective on things.

 

     One morning I woke up and started to walk to our outdoor squad meeting point, the back patio, for breakfast. As I was walking, the rain started to pour. My heart sank. I immediately had memories of this past summer when my previous tent flooded on the last night of boot camp. I did not want that to happen again. Through this situation, the Lord taught me a different way of prayer. I stepped into a closer community with Him as I learned to “pray continuously.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) He taught me to go to Him with how I am feeling in every moment. The morning I watched the rain start to come down I was reminded of the disciples. Looking back on Mark 4:35-41, the disciples did not know a storm was brewing. They simply obeyed what Jesus said, and they headed towards the other side of the water. While in the boat with Jesus, the storm came and filled the disciples with fear. Jesus knew that they were fearful, but that did not stop the disciples from going to Him. 

 

     Also in Matthew 14:22-36, the disciples were once more in a boat. This night they were straining at the oars because the wind was against them. Then “shortly before dawn he [Jesus] went out to them, walking on the lake… they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified.” Jesus’ next words are so comforting. He says, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (What happens after this is mind boggling.) Peter, one of the disciples, calls out to Jesus! Peter says, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” Then Jesus’ response was simply, “come.” 

 

     In the first account, Jesus immediately quiets the storm. In the second account, He comforts the disciples and then the storm calms as He steps in the boat. Oh to know that Jesus was literally in the same boat as the disciples, and He invites us to do life with Him. 

 

     Rain, for me now, has been a reminder that Jesus is near. Sometimes He will quiet the storms in life and other times He will comfort me, but I know He will never waste a storm in my life. As I am writing this I hear each raindrop pound on my tent. I see the small puddle building in the back corner of my tent. I am content. I am confident that this is where the Lord has called me for the time being. I am reminded that He is near. Something I am currently walking through is that just because the Lord calls you to it does not mean it will be easy. 

 

    There have been good moments in the past few weeks. There have been hard moments in the past few weeks. Nevertheless, Jesus is in my boat. He remains true. He remains faithful. My prayer is that when unwelcomed water appears in life that I would hold tight to the promises of the one true God. That my life would be interruptible, and my ways would mold to His ways. That I would not act out in fear or anxiety, but that I would call on His name through it all. I pray I keep my focus on Him, and Him alone. 

 

God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good.

 

Much love from GA,

KJ

 

Current prayer requests for H squad:

  • To continually pursue the voice of the Lord

  • For us to be where our feet are

  • To act on the prompting of the Lord

  • And for Christlike comm(unity)

 Current Praise:

  • I am FULLY FUNDED!! Thank you a thousand to everyone who chose to support me financially! It really means the world!

 

D A Y – T O – D A Y

Weekdays:

Breakfast is at 8!

Each team has assigned days that they get to serve the rest of the squad meals, and a separate day to clean the dishes and tables after the meal.

A prayer request of mine is that I get back into the groove I had going at home. I used to wake up early, workout, and do my devotion. This morning routine helped me feel prepared and ready for the day. I would love to get up early and have extra devotional time before breakfast. 

Devotional time from 9-10

This hour is so needed each day. On Mondays the squad does a deep dive through Colossians, but other than that this time can look different for each person. I typically read my New Morning Mercies devotional, read scripture, pray, sing, journal, and process. 

Session 1 from 10-12

We have different speakers come in and share Biblical lessons/messages. Many are alumni racers. These teachings not only prepare us for the Race, but also life after the Race.

Cleaning from 12:30

We keep the campus squeaky clean. I love cleaning time. Each team gets a cleaning task and does it together before Lunch.

Lunch is at 12:30

Lunch is a time to be intentional. It is a time to sit next to someone and get to know them well. It is a time to build community.

Free time until 3

I do a physical, mental, and spiritual check to figure out what would be most beneficial for me. I typically take time alone or with a small group of people. I process, journal, shower, chat, play games… whatever feels needed for the day.

Squad time from 3-4

The squad time looks different each day. Move ya body Monday, fundraising Tuesday and Thursday, story time Wednesday, fun Friday. 🙂

Session 2 from 4-5 

This looks different week to week. Last week we had teachings on truth, and this week we are learning about grief and trauma. 

Dinner is at 5.

Another time to serve each other and be intentional.

Team Time from 6-7

This time also differentiates throughout the week. We do Bible studies, feedback, gratitude, and debrief. Team time is some of my favorite times of the week. My team is Ahava-Selah. (I love them so much!)

Night Activities

After team time on Tuesdays and Thursdays we have more free time. On Monday nights we have women’s night. (The men have men’s time.) On Wednesdays we have all squad worship. On Fridays we watch a movie. (so far we have seen “The Social Dilemma,” “Just Mercy”, and “Free Burma Rangers.”)

Weekends:

Saturday and Sundays are our Sabbath.

On these days there is no schedule other than meals and squad church on Sundays. We spend intentional time with the Lord, and it is so awesome to just be still. Sabbath is definitely something I want to continue after the Race.

🙂 Thanks for taking the time to read! I can’t wait to continue to keep you updated throughout this nine month journey! 

 

14 Comments

  1. I promise you that I am praying for you daily Katelyn. I know that God has great adventures and appointments set for you in the days ahead. I have been studying lately about Jehovah Shammah which means God is there from Ezekiel 48:35. He is with you everywhere at all times and He will meet every need you have as you seek Him first (Matthew 6:33). I love you and I am proud of you.

  2. Thank you, Mr. Ricky!
    This comment means so much. I will go read in Ezekiel and Matthew this morning for devo time. I appreciate your prayers muchly. I love you, too.

  3. Hey Katelyn!
    I am so happy to get this update! I’ve been thinking about you and wondering what all you have been learning and doing. I AM praying for you and commit to continue for the long haul girl through every rainy day! Be encouraged that when you are in the other side of this experience, God will show you a part of Him that would otherwise be a mystery. He loves you and walks right beside you! Love you girl!

    Julie ??????

  4. Hey Julie!
    I appreciate your prayers. It is so encouraging knowing I have people back home praying. I have been able to use the oils you gave me; they have already been handy. I love that you said “God will show [me] a part of Him that would otherwise be a mystery.” Such a great perspective. I can’t wait.
    I love you, and am thankful for you.
    Katelyn Powell

  5. It is the thought that counts!! I am not sure why it does that! This program is somewhat dated. lol!

  6. This was so beautiful and I just wanted you to know that I’ll be praying these things with you. I’m so glad that you’re on the same team with Mary Grace.

  7. Thank you so much for the update. When we pray for you we know now a bit more how to pray! Our prayer is that the Lord keep you safe and that he will grow you closer to him while serving him and studying more of His heart. Praying for all of those around you. May the lord prepare the hearts of all you will come in contact with. Phil 1:3…I do thank my God for You! Great Is thy Faithfulness…morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed thy hand hath provided…Great is thy Faithfulness, Lord unto me! We love you!!!! ????????????

  8. My heart emojis too turned in ?????…there is for sure that our love is without question! 🙂

  9. Mrs. Carla! MG is SUCH a blessing-really and truly. Getting to be on her team has been awesome; She brings so much to the table. She continues to choose in and is such an encouragement. I am looking forward to getting to know her more and more. Thank you a thousand for your prayers and encouraging words. It means the world. And thank you for sharing you girl with us! 🙂

  10. Love you big Mindy!! I miss you and your precious family! Thank you for the encouragement! I LOVE that hymn. So sweet. so true. All I have needed, He has provided. Such a great reminder. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  11. to see the gentle hand of the Lord push you into deeper communion through abandonment is only to be described as beautiful. pain is not wasted in His kingdom!!!!! and i see you humbly displaying your hardships for His glory!!!! you, friend, make me proud

  12. Katelyn,
    Asking the Lord to make me interruptible has been a regular prayer of mine for several years. How many days in our lives really end up going as we had them planned? Walking in the Spirit and allowing God to show me His agenda and not my own has helped to foster a perpetual grateful heart and a continual seeking of Him throughout my days. You are wise to learn these lessons young and make the most of the challenging circumstances (rain, rain, and MORE rain). Keeping all of Squad H in prayer and SO thankful for your sunshine today!
    (Katherine’s Mama)

Comments are closed.