A Hill to Die Upon

Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow.
-Dwight D. Eisenhower

We are all in a battle. Of the worst kind. We cannot always see the action swirling around us. The hits come and the devastation is made worse because we never saw the danger coming. We rarely employ strategy but instead rely on a half-hearted attempt to defend ourselves with the worst of weaponry. Bombs are going off around us and our system becomes numb. Pain is no longer shocking--and we can't make out the horizon because the cloud of smoke is choking us. We hear Satan's mocking voice as he gloats in our seeming defeat. In a last gasp, we hear an odd sound. A war cry the likes of which sends shivers down a weathered general's back. Christ blazes in with a state-of-the-art tank called the Holy Spirit and the authority of God Almighty. No longer does the heart accept defeat, no longer does Satan have a hold. Christ saves the day with his bloody sacrifice and we are set free from any and all bondage.

The battle will rage tomorrow and the result will always be the same. Christ conquered death. He won.

But what really, are we fighting for?

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We are fighting for our lives. We are fighting for our children's lives. We are fighting for our friendships and our marriages. We are fighting for incomparable joy and our livelihoods. We are fighting for our futures.

And we have to decide, is there a hill upon which we must die? Is this battle worth our lives? Is it worth the time, the money, the energy, the loss of reputation, the painful stretching one endures during transformation?

Is the battle for our spiritual lives important enough that we'd risk everything for? Where you get your next breath from matters. Who have you given your allegiance to? What are you holding back? What is keeping you from rallying the spirit within, and charging hell or high water up the hill?

Because on top of the hill, is a cross, upon which Jesus decided you were worth dying for.

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I appreciate watching World War II documentaries. Do I love watching them? No. I do not love learning about war. But I appreciate the stories and truths that can be learned from those who have fought or are fighting. I have watched all of Band of Brothers, and now The Pacific (I realize I'm not HBO's usual demographic!). In a sort of weird way, I would much rather watch an episode of one of those miniseries than any current modern day television show. Where does a gracious heart grow from?

From realizing all that has been given to you. All that you have been entrusted with. All the sacrifices made on your behalf. So many members of my generation take our carefree lives for granted. I am one of those, for sure. That's one of the reasons why I'd rather watch one of those documentaries than anything on Bravo. I was watching an episode of The Pacific with a few guy friends this past weekend and reflected upon this upcoming Veterans Day. I have so much to be thankful for. So many good men who laid down there lives for mine.

So today, I thank any soldier who has ever died to save my physical life, and I thank Jesus Christ for dying to save my eternal soul. I owe all to soldiers and Jesus. Soldiers for charging up hills to meet the enemy in every earthly war, and Christ for signing up to die for my sins on Calvary's Hill.

For the glory of Him alone,

Kaley Dawn

The Tree Who Helped Save the World

This is a children's story I recently wrote on my way to class and finished up this past weekend.

Its sort of along the lines of the Giving Tree...but a little bit different ;)

Enjoy.

                 The Tree Who Helped Save the World.

This is the story of a tree who helped save the world. It wasn't the
tallest or strongest tree. It did not have the longest branches or the best leaves. But this tree knew it's purpose. This tree was going to someday help save the world. It was planted by a simple farmer for a simple purpose; to help save the world.

When this tree was just a seed, God told this tree it's purpose. This tree was going to help save the world.

From the very beginning of time God had a plan for this very special
tree. He whispered into the tree's heart; "You are my tree. I have
made you and I have created you. I have a plan for you. Plans to
prosper you and show you the deepest depths of my love. You are the
tree who will help save the world."

"Life will not be easy, life will not be safe. But this life I am
giving you will be good. Because you are my very special tree who will someday help save the world."

So this little tree grew and grew and grew. The days became longer and then the days became shorter. Autumn came, and so did a long cold winter. God kept whispering to the little tree, "You are my very special tree. I love you, don't you ever forget. Keep growing strong. I will be here for you Until the very day you help save the world. And every day after, I will be here for you."

Spring came and the sun came out. Summer followed. All the while the
tree grew and grew. Many autumns came and the tree endured many long,very cold winters. Spring always came and summer always followed. God explained to the little tree that he had designed seasons of life. Seasons to grow, seasons to rest. Seasons where the sun shines, and seasons where we only see clouds.

A few more autumns came and a few more winters passed. The tree
just kept growing and growing.

One day God whispered to the tree, "You are ready my very special
tree. I have prepared you for just a time as this. Now my little
special tree, it is time to help save the world."

The tree smiled big, the way we smile when we know we are doing
something right. Then the tree said to the Lord, "Much has been given to me, and much I must give back. Now, now I will help save the world."

So this very special tree laid down the only thing he had--his life,
for the whole world. The simple farmer cut down the tree and made the tree into the most beautiful cross.

And on this very special cross made from the very special tree, a man named Jesus laid down HIS life so that all the people ever made could be free from sin and know how much God loved them.

This was God's very special plan all along. He planted a seed which
grew into a very special tree that became the Cross. And on this Cross died Jesus, the man who saved the world.

Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like

Yep. Its happened. I've copied the famous book and website. Only I've spun it Pullman-style. Enjoy. Or don't, you are the one who clicked the link though.... ;)

If you are offended by any of this satire, I recommend '

a) not being my friend on Fbook &

b) not reading anything I ever write, ever, ever again. Perfect.

**Note: If you are born after the year 1990, some of these references might be over your head. Sorry about that.

Stuff [Pullman] Christians Like:

1) Running.

Alone. Or with a partner. Marathons, half marathons or the recreational 5k. It doesn't matter, you are running it. You've ran on that path that parallels Grand, and its been awesome. Or not. And then you run around Pullman and you run the hills. And you kind of want to die on Stadium. But you keep running because its good for you and there are SO many comparisons to the Christian life that go along with running. You fill that ipod up with worship music and go. Or, like me, you fill your 'pod with pop hits from about a year ago and go like crazy. Soon you start sub-conciously guilt tripping your non-running friends by nonchalantly mentioning how often/how much you ran this week. You feel closer to God as you pump those arms and charge up that hill. Good job you health nuts, wave at your lazy friends at the Rec and get that oh-so-spiritual-runner's high.

2) Pumpkin Spice Latte's @ Starbucks.

I don't like coffee so this one's a little foreign to me but evrrrahbody I know who drinks that poison drink loves this Pumpkiny nonsense. So cheers to fall and everything autumn. And thanks Starbucks for inventing one more addiction, like we needed it.

3) Mark Driscoll and/or Rob Bell.

I find that like Twilight, there are kind of two teams. Only there are no "Team Driscoll" T-shirts. 'Cause that's idolizing and we don't do that stuff 'round here. There's the Mars Hill Junkies who admire everything that comes from this holy hipster factory in Seattle. I admit, I'm one of those.

And then there's the other side who admire/love Rob Bell 'cause he writes cool stuff and has fancy books with awesome pictures in them.

Sometimes there are people who like both. These individuals also have trouble deciding which hair products to buy because everything looks great. Anyway...

4) Shopko.

Okay, no one actually LIKES Shopko but until super obnoxious Wallyworld opens October 27th across from Safeway, its all we got. But admit it, you buy a lot of your ish at Shopko and you therefore appreciate it. Barely. The alternative is driving all the way to the "Palouse Mall" in Moscow. Another real classy place.

5) Palouse Treasures.

Speaking of classy places. This place has it all--cheap furniture, outstanding Halloween costumes, Christmas decor, and the occasional random item that will make your life complete for 29 cents. Customer service isn't bad, just ring the bell. Or stand there awkwardly until someone comes to help you. Your choice.

6) Coffee Shops.

Starbucks.

Daily Grind.

One World in Moscow. *Cough*amyloncon*

Cafe Moro.

Zoe's Underground.

And so many more. You've hit them all up. Study time, yea right. You enjoy the free wireless and cool coffee shop vibe. Plus, God gives out bonus points to anyone who reads their Bible in public at a coffee shop. Or so I've been told. Guys, you've met a girl there for "coffee"...need I say more? :)

Daily Grind and Starbucks are my two favs. I sit in Sbux for approximately 12.7 seconds before someone I know walks through the door. Its great. I go to Daily Grind when I actually need to study. I hole myself up in that very back room with the couch and hide from the world for hours at a time. I've had some pretty spectacular Qiuet times at DG. Don't even get me started about PEANUT BUTTER FROSTS. Peanut Butter Frosts > just about anything else.

7) Judging all the Pagans at Football and Basketball Games.

You count the number of times the guy behind you says the F word. And then you roll your eyes at your very ethical friend next to you. 'Cause this guy is just *such* a sinner. FACT: We're all sinners and he's a Coug. Doesn't make him any less obnoxious but Jesus died for the guy who only speaks in expletives too. I'm the worst at this, trust me.

8) Dance Parties.

Right now a Lady Gaga song just started playing in your mind. Perfect. You have had the most fun at dance parties, and to be honest, at one point during Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" you really just let go and belted it. I think part of this can be attributed to Matt Ogurkow. His love for Backstreet Boys and N*Sync was infamous. In the best way possible of course.

Basically, you've let loose to Chris Brown's "Forever" way before that YouTube video came out and then the Office redid it. You've also worn something absolutely ridiculous to a dance party. My worst/best was a pair of little boy's tie-dye chonies. Worn on the OUTSIDE of my jeans, thank you very much.

9) Camp Sanders. Wooten too, but mostly Sanders.

I've made all my major life decisions at a Campus Crusade retreat or conference. No joke. I think Camp Sanders is my personal fav. though because there is always this excited anticipation for the school year that is just starting. Dino nuggets are the best. Hands down. Nutritionally pointless however. Giant, outrageous, face melting camp fires. Everybody-Cries-Their-Eyes-Out Saturday nights. Busting out your flannel (for those of you who don't wear it all the time like yours truely) or just busting out your crew neck sweatshirt over and over again all weekend. Super cold showers. No matter how early you get up. Man time. Whatever THAT entails. That half an hour where you get real with the Lord and He gets real with you. Jackpot.

10) The Doughnuts at Real Life.

'nuff said.

11) Wearing a Completely Non-Sexual Halloween Costume.

Because Pullman turns into Victoria's Secret on Halloween, we Christians try to counter-act all the sensualness by wearing a funny costume that is completely unattractive. This one actually might just be me...yea, I think this one is just me but whatevs, I'm the one writing this. I can say whatever the heck I want.

12) "Meeting" People at the Cub.

Its centrally located. And you can be obscure enough if your friend that you are supposedly meeting doesn't show up 10 minutes early like you. You like to people watch too, while you are waiting. Turn in any direction and someone is having a super intense convo. And hey, didn't that guy walk by two times already? Dude, find a place and wait it out, you look ridiculous wandering around making awkward eye contact with every single person in this joint.

13) Tyrone Wells.

He's from Spokane. He's legit, and getting more famous. He's got that super cool vibe that you can study too or picture yourself in a movie with his soundtrack playing. Okay, that last part is definitely just me.

14) The Karate Kids at the halftime of Cougar Basketball Games.

I'm signing up my future children for Karate for sure. These kids kick butt, literally. When the little girl punches the bigger boy in the you-know-where, its just about the best thing you've ever witnessed.

15) Experiencing all of God's wonderful weather, in ONE day.

It snowed in the morning. Hailed a little too if we are honest. Then it rained, and then the sun came out. And now its almost 80 and your eighteen layers of clothes are clinging to your sweaty back because you are trudging back home to change out of your snow boots. The girl with the UGG boots and shorty shorts walks by with her Homecoming sweatshirt on, and you are suddenly regretting wearing your long underwear when a tankini would have been ideal.

16) Swing Dancing.

Its wholesome. Like a cold glass of 2% milk. Its a good, clean (somewhat sweaty) fun time that only costs 5 bucks. Driving to Moscow and back with your friends is half the fun. Learning to dance is tough at first but once you're good--you're golden. Cowboy boots, jeans with the buckle. Meeting all the U of I students. Watching other people make fools of themselves, what's not to love? Nothing. Everything about swing dancing is awesome. Join the fun.

All It Took

I was recently discussing with a good friend my singleness. I talked about how surprisingly happy I am, how I love the ways God is currently stretching and molding my heart and how I love learning to be a teacher. We laughed at some funny stories of dates gone wrong, bad set-ups, and how awkward I can be when I don't know where I stand with someone.

This friend asked me, "Kaley, what would it take to win your heart?"

My mind sobered up. Such a loaded question. I had no idea really.... a long list of character traits, qualities and things I am attracted to entered my mind. But the Holy Spirit whispered into my heart. And my heart sighed that happy, soul-deep, freely shown sigh of utter content.

And in a quiet voice I replied, "All it took was a couple of nails and a wooden cross."

And you, who were dead in your trespass and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgive us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.

-Col. 2:13

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. -Matt. 6:21

20 Things I Learned on the First Day of First Grade

1) "Jimmy" doesn't know how to zip his jeans.

2) The copy machine is my worst enemy. We have a hate/hate relationship where I am ultimately always the loser.

3) Watch out for the single dads.

4) A hug can be the difference maker that changes everything.

5) The laughter of little boys in the bathroom is a mystery..."WHAT is going on in there and why is it so funny??"

6) Sometimes the parents need the reassuring smile more than the child does. "Yea, I've got this. Go, get your grocery list checked off. Your child already loves me...I can tell by the way she is hugging the back of my legs, k? Everything is fine..and by everything, I mean you."

7) By the end of the day my feet are killing me but my heart is full.

8) Every little girl has something sparkly on the first day. Shoes, shirts, backpacks, keychains, hair clips, shoe laces, pencils, earrings, glitter tattoos...but mostly, their eyes light up and sparkle when you notice the sparkly thing that they have secretly been wanting you to notice since they walked in the classroom.

9) Document cameras are the ish and the kids are mesmerized by them. Jackpot baby.

10) I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me.

11) My organizational skills are being honed and perfected.

12) I crave something warm and caffeinated around 2:15. Or just some sort of adrenaline rush.

13) 6 and 7 years olds think I smell great. Viva la Juicy.

14) We all win with recess.

15 I have this irrational fear that my class will be the ones to set fire to the room, 'cause a whole school mutiny or stab each other with the freshly sharpened pencils their parents bought.

16) Teaching is the letting loose of my pent up loving/nurturing/helping side. I get to provide a safe and homey place for people (well, little people)... and my heart thrives on that.

17) Clorox wipes are money.

18) Um, they can't remember the flag salute.

19) There are kids who fart and get embarrassed. And then there are the repeat offenders, who the cafeteria staff know: "are not allowed to participate in 'Taco Tuesday' or 'Burritos & Beans' on Fridays."

20) The fact that I own a skateboard makes me the coolest teacher, like, ever.

Haha & Amen,

Miss Adams

Water and this Post Siena Life

So, I've been back from my big Italian adventure for over a month now. Much has happened since my return to American soil, and much hasn't changed at all. I'm switching things up a little now-- this is now just going to be a regular old blog about the thoughts I have that I decide to type up and share.

The quick and dirty update on my current life: About to start my "Advanced Practicum" @ Wiley Elementary in West Richland. Working as a nanny right now. Single. Learning a lot about the multiple facets of grace: its cost and worthwhile blessings included.

Water.

I like to run my hands under warm water when I'm stressed. Something about it soothes me and calms my frenzied mind in a gentle way. My relationship with Jesus is the same way. I come to Him, my heart beating at a frantic pace as the imagined crisis at hand is seemingly taking over my life. And Christ looks deep into my eyes through this fractured heart of mine and quiets the turmoil within. I turn my tear filled eyes to the safest place I know; the feet of Jesus. The truth and the grace that I have so desperately been craving but never thought to ask for is shown and given.

And my life is centered once again on what it should have been centered on all along. Sometimes I look in the mirror when the warm water is running over my hands. Depending upon the day or situation I see something altogether different in the reflection looking back at me. A proud woman who is putting on a brave face. A little girl with big dreams. A sinner. A saint. Someone dangerous for the kingdom of Heaven. Someone who dances to pop hits from 2008. Me. Who I want to be. Someone I've always been. Princess. Prostitute. Loyal to a fault. Miserable because of my affections. Strong. Tired.

You name it, I've seen it staring back at me in the mirror. Who do all those reflections need?

They, I, need Jesus. So I turn the water to 'warm' and reflect on how Christ walked on water. The water from the rock. God parted the Red Sea. Noah built the ark and then the rains came. Jonah and that whale. Water to wine. Becoming fishers of men. The woman at the well. Something about water reminds me of Jesus. And my world is centered. My focus is shifted from me to Christ. Problems pale in comparison to the riches that are found in a life with Christ. I blink and in the mirror I see myself a little more like how God sees me. Beautiful. Redeemed. Worth it. Learning. His. Kaley Dawn.

God is Faithful

Hi Friends!

First off, I apologize for my serious lack of blogging while I have been here in Siena. I thought I would have way more free time with a computer to do all sorts of in-the-moment updates. The reality is and was, the free time I do have is usually spent bonding with my team, or taking desperately needed rests with the Lord. Taking time to recharge my batteries after long days on campus quickly became a necessity.

However, I have a free morning today and would love to share with you what has happened in Siena while we have been here thus far. We (my team and I) have become friends with dozens of Italian students. Every day we go onto campus, in pairs, and strike up conversations with random groups of students who are taking smoke breaks, eating lunch or just talking. Yes, smoke breaks. Sad to say, but almost ALL Italian college students smoke. Every day my hair smells like cigarette smoke. Once we have opened up a conversation with a student or group of students, we tell them who we are and why we are in Italy. Most are very curious because a) we aren't on vacation and b) we aren't study abroad students. After that, we usually do one of two things:

One route we take is using Soularium. Soularium is an evangelistic tool that uses about 50 4X6 pictures of various things. The pictures are all random things--a picture of a girl dancing in the rain, a picture of a telephone booth, a picture of an ocean sunrise, etc. We show the students we are talking with the pictures, and then ask them to choose 3 images to describe your life RIGHT now. They choose the pictures, then we ask them to explain why they chose those pictures or what the pictures mean to them. Next we ask them to choose 3 more images out of the stack to describe how they WANT/WISH their life to be. They explain after why they chose those images. Finally, to get into "spiritual conversations" we ask them a third question. We ask something to the effect of, "Can you pick three images to describe God?" or "3 images that represent God or your beliefs about Him?"

Once students have answered these questions we have a clear picture of who they are, who they want to be (aka what they are missing in their life) and their views about God. From there we share what we believe about God, and the Gospel story. This technique allows us to get into conversation and then steer the conversation quickly to spiritual things without it being akward. Most students answer the questions very honestly and go much deeper into their lives than people in America.

I have heard more stories about hard break-ups, depression, difficult times, fears and deep-rooted longings in the first five minutes with some of these Italians than I have ever heard from some of my close friends. It is astounding how relational the Italian culture is. I am a human, they are a human and Italians believe that is enough connection to discuss anything and everything with. Its refreshing, eye opening and has taught me so much about how complete honesty creates a friendship that crosses all language barriers, time restraints and culture differences.

Of course, we have had conversations where student outright call the Gospel story foolishness (because of the corruption of the Catholic church here in Italy most students do not trust organized religion in any form, at all). I have learned so much about how to answer questions, what Bible verses are strategic for answering said questions, and how to explain what I believe in a way anyone can understand.

Besides using Soularium, the other way we get into spiritual conversations is to just share our life stories. It sounds so funny to say that we just sit down on park benches and share our lives with complete strangers but that it exactly what we do. In sharing our stories (usually in 5 minutes or less!) the Gospel is always the end result we come to and center upon. But again, Italian students don't mind doing this and are very good listeners. Most often I only can do this with Italian students who speak English proficiently. Otherwise using Soularium is a better way to get points across, go deep etc.

We are sharing the Gospel as fast and as widespread as we can here as this is possibly the last Siena Summer Project for a while we recently found out. To date, our staff leaders Steve and Megan Yen have told us that they are so proud of our team because they believe that never before on a summer project has the Gospel been shared in its entirety, as much as on this trip. I know for myself I have shared my life story and/or the Gospel with at least 2 dozen students who I now have friendships with. How many have accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, we cannot know, but God does.

How many times have students thanked me for sharing the Gospel with them? Almost every single one. They always thank us for sharing our life stories and our views about the Gospel. Even the girl this last Tuesday who told me outright during Soularium that God does not exist, thanked me for sharing the story of WHY Jesus died on the Cross and told me the next day that she had thought about what I had said that night while she tried to fall asleep. We only have about a week and a half left here in Siena before we leave for our project debriefing in Florence for a few days. I will try to update again.

We have an outreach next Wednesday night. We are doing an "American Night" where we have invited all the Italian students we have talked to, to come hang out with us. We will be cooking "American food"--think hamburgers, french fries, corn dogs, lemonade and Coca-Cola, playing American music, and playing American games. It should be a good time with a lot of friendships strengthened and the solidification in the students minds that we are missionaries, but moreover, Evangelical Christians who can have fun and not be legalistic.

Hope this update finds you all well, I am healthy, happy and so thankful for all of your support and encouragement!

For His Glory,

Kaley Dawn Adams