24/7

Wrap up Blog

2009-05-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

247 Florida just arrived home a few days ago from thier month long mission trip to Colombia, South America. Below are journal entries written from different team members, that somewhat "pick the brains" of each person. This trip was absolutely incredible. Unlike my experience in Mexico, where i couldn't feel God anywhere, I was consumed and overflowing with the presence of an almighty God. I felt so aware of his love and presence the entire trip, starting in Armania where i was in awe of the beautiful mountains. The team was able to worship on a few nights and really connect with the Spirit. I enjoyed riding the busses through the towns enjoying the scenery and listening to worship, just really listening to God and taking in all he had planned for us to do. I knew in my heart that he was preparing me for the battle in Choco that was ahead. Choco broke our hearts, and i believe a piece of our hearts still remains there. The spiritual atmosphere was heavy and we were able to share the love of Christ with several students, most of which seemed to have a breakthrough with God. We had the chance to lead a girl through a salvation prayer, visit a village who had never heard of Jesus, pray for another girl who felt as if she didn't fit in, and the boys had thier fair share of praying for chicos too. The team had fun trying their best to learn spanish and when words weren't necessary justin and spencer played basketball and soccer with them. I pray that the kids saw just a glimpse of the love of jesus through us.
This trip taught me so much. My God provides, He strengthens, he heals, and he is still a God of miracles. He laughs with us, he cries with us, he walks before us and is our rear guard. He is our best friend, and even though we repeated those exact words a million times to the kids, its still so real inside my heart!
I can't believe my first year of 247 is coming to an end! This team has totally changed my life! I will miss Whitney and Ron, for they have taught me so much. I know i have friends til the end when i look at them.
I look forward to next year and all the incredible things that God has in store for us. Although my eyes have been opened so much more this year, i know i have so much more to learn as a cadre.
If i could say i have learned one thing this year, it would be Trust! In God always, in the spiritual authority he has placed over you, and in your friends who want nothing more than to see you succeed. If you just trust that you are in the hands of the Almighty, you will never fall. Let him be your everything, your guide, your father, your all. Thank you God for an incredible year! I love you!
247 has been a true adventure!

Journal Entries from Colombia

2009-05-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

Day 1-
2:20 pm Filling out Customs forms and boarding flight AV35 to Cartegena, Colombia from Miami International Airport
4:58 pm- Arrive in Cartegena-South America
7:23-Depart Cartegena to Pereira
7:59pm- Arrive in Pereira
All in all a long day of traveling but the Avianca Airlines Rocked! We had our own tv, watched movies, were given hot towles, blankets, pillows, coffee, and even a meal! Once we landed in Periera we met out contacts and headed for dinner at Waffles and Crepes! Delicious dinner! We then hopped a bus, traveled through some mountains and arrived safely at compound
Day 2-
Started the day off with a little bit of worship and then took the afternoon to learn our dramas in spanish. Quickly learned that the portions of food are enormous! We learned a little about the culture and the spiritual battles here in Colombia. Sounds like the Lord has got some work for us to do!
Day 3-
First day of skits and testimonies! Really proud of the team for doing such a great job working with our amazing interpretor, Fernando. We attended church tonight and had a great time dancing around! The congregation was very welcoming and even prayed over our team before we left.
Day 4-
We heard Fernando's be-boxing skills today! This guy is a riot! I think God knew we needed someone funny on this trip to keep our spirits high:)Church was fun today as we performed the "Everything" drama and the stage started falling apart. Afterwards we took pics of the amazing town and had lunch on the Pastor! Armania is amazing!
Day 5-
First offical full day of ministy: Started @ 5:00 am with bkfst on the go. Hopped a bus to town and traveled to the schools to begin what was about to be a very long trip of performances! The team did a great job and we even had a little coffee break around 10:00am. Btw the coffee is awesome here in colombia! The afternoon consisted of more dramas, more testimonies, more transistions, and more of handing out the Book of Hope! Students seem to be very receptive! God is awesome!
Day 6-
Day of recharge! Got to sleep in a bit today, do some laundry and shave our legs! 2:30 pm we went into town to a local coffee shop, played some paper football, and visited a park where our friends Jazel and Pablo had their first date. Getting to know our contacts is a lot of fun. Angela keeps us very busy and is very organized. She is always one step ahead of the game. Fernando keeps us laughing, Derleese always has a smile on her face, and Jazel is the sweeter than sugar. She's been an amazing spanish teacher as we've been teaching her english.
Day 7-
Circassa, Colombia: 11 performances and 4800 books! busy day! The all girl schools sure are loving Spencer :)
Day 8-
Teams split up today, ours had to fill an hour of ministry time and did a great job! Justin played the police officer and ballerina in our hilarious upon the stage performance. He also had a fun time playing b-ball with the ninos! We watched the Godman video again today and we happen to love it! We ended the night with some awesome worship and definilty connected with the Spirit! God has been filling us up preparing us for Choco!
Day 9-
DAY OFF!! Today we went to the Juan Valdez Coffee park and walked through the trails, learning how they make coffee! Its so much fun! The team got to ride go carts today and Justin totally crashed into me knocking me off course! Too funny! We also rode some other rides, got some coffee, had a good lunch, and got a lot of sun! We all tasted a premature coffee bean and they're actually pretty sweet! Fernando says its a deceiving process! Spencer used the womans bathroom by mistake today:)
Day 10-Church was cancelled this morning, so we chilled til lunch! This afternoon we hit up a nearby park and Whit dressed up as a clown! The kids loved it. We showed Godman again today and then had a fun wrestling match with the mattresses back at compound. This trip has been a blast so far. My favorite part is riding the busses and checking out God's beautiful creations. I listen to my worship music and soak in the presence of our Holy God!
Day 11-
Preparing ourselves mentally to perhaps eat a little rat while in Choco! One of the pastors showed us pics of Choco and sure enough rats the size of coons for dinner! hmmm love how 247 prepares you for the worst. We're thankful for all the things we learned at MT because they seem to be playing out:) The team did 8 performances today, and the crowds were a bit rough. Some seem to think "Everything" is funny, but others catch on right away. Just praying that God intercedes.
Day 12-
Last Day in Armania and what a way to end it! The last school was a lot of fun and the ninos were very responsive! I did a great intro, and lindy nailed it with her crying fit in our drama worthless! One Hope is doing such a fantastic job on their end and lindy and i enjoyed some time with fernando in the kitchen learning a funny drama. His broken english is hilarious! We said goodbye to Armania with some icecream and standing up in the back of the jeep as we drove through town back to compound.
Day 13-
12:45pm-boarding our first plane to Medellin-only a 37 passenger!
1:10pm-landed-20 minute layover
2:05pm-loading for Quibdo
2:35-landing in Quibdo,Choco
4:15pm-Orientation-strong spiritual climate-women seem to feel worthless here and Black magic and witchcraft are a big thing. Praying hardcore for this city
Our first meal was salty cheese that we washed down with delicious juice! All for Jesus, right!?
Day 14-
First full day in Choco-ministry went well and for lunch was some fish eyeballs! Spencer did an amazing job taking those fisheyes out! Super hot today, this sun is no joke! we did some dramas for a more violent school, and left in good spirits. our hearts were touched today as we saw how some of the chiconians lived, a little naked boy cheered us up today.
Day 15-
One of my most memorable moments today! We split up into teams, and in the pouring down rain wearing our ponchos we screamed "NINOS!" at the top of our lungs in order to rally some kids to preach the gospel to them. It reminded me of the movie Garden State. Stefanie got on the mic today and sang la fiesta for a while, and the kids weren't too repsonsive to our dramas, but we had fun nonetheless! Stef got sick today off the food, but she seems to be coming back around
Day 16&17-Morning off! 2:45 youth service where we performed...yes...more dramas!! The team is having fun quoting movies, it seems to be keeping the spirits high, whatever works at this point! Spencer did a great job with his 15 minute sermon today talking about Gods breaking heart. Afterwards we had a huge dance party with the youth and the girls even put on a dance for us in brightly colored skirts. 247 girls tried but failed miserably, had fun trying! We ended the night at the river trying to catch a nice breeze to cool off! have we mentioned its hot here? Oreo cookies seem to be our vice and we're hoping it rains because shower water is running out!
Day 18-Teams split up again, and our team sat around a school for over an hour before performing today, a bit frustrating but its a part of it. Drama seems to be taking place on the team, but hoping God will help us work through it. Attitudes need to change quickly! Fish soup for lunch today has us all squirming, but teamwork makes the dreamwork at the dinner table!Spencer hit it off nicely with a kid named jeison and they played soccer for hours. Emily taught english to his mother and had a great time. We celebrated Em's 18th b-day tonight with some cake and oreos! Last night in Quibdo!
Day 19-
left 4:30 am on a bumpy two hour drive through the Jungles to Itsmeal. 7 productions today. Its pouring rain and our stage today was like 20 feet in the air! awesome! Its rough here, and hotter than Quibdo! we're staying at a pastors whos house is sweltering hot! Justin and Spence fought off about 10 or more cockroaches last night and i dont think anyone got really good sleep bc its so hot here! we're trying hard to finish strong, no doubt we will!
Day 20-9 schools today-staying busy-trying to stay cool-Whits keeping us laughing because she says such random things! So thankful i have a team to keep me laughing because its getting pretty rough
Day 21-
Almost done! Today was our story day, traveling to villages by boat, one which has never heard of Jesus, how cool is that! God chose us to plant some pretty important seeds today. We had coconut milk for lunch today and then went into the jungles to perform twice at one school and then off in a boat to check out a waterfall. Our boat gets stuck in the mud so our captain, along with Derlesse and Justin get out of the boat to lighten the load. Our boat starts to float off without them in it, but eventually we all catch up with each other. Walk to the enormous 75 foot falls and have a ball!! Bathe in the water and climb up an enormous ladder! Got some great foottage today, one pic of justin covered in mud. AFterwards in the boat with our ponchos on due to rain, the captian hits a strong current and we come close to almost capsizing our boat! pulled over, scoooped out the foot of water and went to our new compound, this time our room had a window and two fans!! hooray! Got my finger stuck in the blade of one, but oh well!
Day 22-
Last day! 44,000 books of hope distributed! Lindy made spencer a moustache, and the last few dramas we performed we had a blast with, making each other laugh, i think we're at wits end! This team rocks!
Day 23-
8:30am-bus ride back to Quibdo
11:20am-arrive in Quibdo, pack up and eat some lunch-watch a ONE HOPE Choco video.
1:30pm- taxi ride to airport
2:53pm-board plane to Medellin
3:19pm-Land in Medellin
3:53pm-Boarding to Pereira
4:34pm-landed in Pereira
5:30pm-check into hotel rooms
6:30pm- dinner at the waffles and crepes-exchanged stories, hugs, and gifts with our contacts and back to the hotel for a baby powder fight with the girls.
Day 24-
Said our final farewells..what a sad day, but amazing trip! looking forward to home and a nice hot shower!

24 7 finishing strong!!

2009-04-25T07:46:00.001-07:00

we're down to our final months together as the eleutheros (and i still dont know how to spell that the correct way) and as bittersweet as it is, we have an amazing schedule before us and incredible memories behind us.
Last week at Fluid was pretty awesome. Its not anything we do too often, but Pastor Charles let the Holy Spirit take over and by the end of the service, students gave thier lives to Christ, and 25 of them were baptized in the pond out back. Gotta love our unpredictable God!
This will be our last regular weekend at Bayside, i just cant belive how fast time goes by! The team will be leaving for North Carolina tonight to attend the ARC conference and hopefully have the chance to hear some "meat" as we like to call it! we have a funny skit to perform as a recap of the year of 247 florida and im hoping to catch it on camera, should be a good time.
The team will be coming back wednesday and we will have a short 24 hours to pack until we head off to Colombia, South America. I'm trying to embrace the butterflies! the time for the trip seemed to sneak up on me, even though ive known about it for months!
The team has gotten all thier shots for the trip and i the rest is in God's hands! i cant wait to see all the amazing things he has planned for us.
We were sent off last night with a lasagna dinner at the Robinsons and Pastor Charles covered us in prayer. Afterwards i said goodbye to some amazing EPIC girls who changed my life these past couple of years. Just grateful that i will be back for a couple weeks until i fly home for the summer!
What a cool year! cant wait to blog about our mission trip!!

FUNDRAISING!

2009-04-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

spent ALL DAY cooking spaghetti with the team for this weekends mission fundraisers! the team is selling 247 t-shirts along with spaghetti lunches! praying that God gives us favor this weekend and not only blesses us with a successful fundraiser, but that he does "exceedingly abundantly more than all we can ask or imagine!" i'll hold him to that promise:)
Getting really excited about South America, this is going to be one incredible journey with absolutely incredible people! How did i ever become so blessed as to live a life like this? This year is going to go out with a bang! All glory to God!

walking through the valleys

2009-04-09T17:33:00.000-07:00

247 has been on a muddy hike through a low valley, facing difficult issues and personal attacks. I've never been so close to others as to feel the dark clouds of their problems smothering me as well. Paul was right when he said that we are each a part of the body, and when one part hurts, we all suffer, but the cool thing is watching God come out on top regardless of the heavy downpour. We have made a unanimous decision that we will finish this year strong and that's exactly what the eleutheros intend to do. We will praise him in this storm!

when the lights go out.....

2009-04-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

nothing is better then when God throws a little mix up into our plans and the power goes out before a sunday morning church service! No power= acoustic worship! my favorite!! we joined the kids of Bayside under the pavilion in the rain to dance around and praise God, because despite the power outage, we were going to give God the glory he deserves! what an awesome time to connect! Thank you God for the much needed rain and the kids that expressed an unveiled kind of worship!

more pics from eco

2009-03-29T13:50:00.001-07:00

2009 ECO-CHALLENGE!!

2009-03-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

ON MARCH 18TH AT APROX. 5 AM, 247 FLORIDA TRAVELED YET AGAIN TO THE BEAUTIFUL STATE OF ALABAMA, ONLY THIS TIME FOR THE 2009 ECO-CHALLENGE. OUR ELEUTHROS HAVE BEEN TRAINING FOR THIS EVENT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR THROUGH HARDCORE WORKOUTS, STUDYING OUR SCRIPTURE, AND SOMETIMES EVEN BOTH AT THE SAME TIME!

THE FIRST DAY WE ARRIVED WE WERE ABLE TO ATTEND THE YOUTH AND 20 SOMETHING SERVICES, (SWITCH AND ONE) AT CHURCH OF THE HIGHLANDS, AND HANG OUT WITH OUR FAMILY MEMBERS OF 247 BAMA. THURSDAY MORNING WE HAD A FUN GAME OF VOLLEYBALL AND WE WERE BLESSED WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR SOME OF THEIR FIRST YEARS PREACH SERMONS, ALL DID AN INCREDIBLE JOB!

THAT NIGHT WE SET OUT TO THE TALADAGA CAMPGROUNDS IN ORDER TO GET UP EARLY THE NEXT MORNING TO GET GOING ON THE RACE! FRIDAY MORNING-(SPENCERS 21ST BIRTHDAY) WE WOKE UP, ATE SOME BREAKFAST, PACKED OUR LUNCHES, AND SET OUT TO DO SOME REPELLING OFF A 75 FT MOUNTAIN WALL. THE VIEW FROM THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS WAS ABSOLUTELY BREATH TAKING, ONE I WON'T SOON FORGET. IT WAS AN AWESOME EXPERIENCE BEING UP THERE WITH THE WHOLE 247 CREW, JUST ENJOYING THE VIEW AND EACH OTHERS COMPANY.

STARTING MY DESCENT DOWN FROM THE ROCK WAS A LITTLE SCARY, BUT ONCE I TOOK MY SECOND FOOT OFF THE ROCK, GOD BLESSED ME WITH AN OVERWHELMING SENSE OF PEACE AND COURAGE. I WAS ABLE TO ENJOY THE VIEW FROM A UNIQUE ANGLE, AND THEN CLIMBED MY WAY BACK UP THE MOUNTAIN. AFTER EVERYONE WAS FINISHED REPELLING, WE ALL HOPPED BACK INTO THE VANS AND HEADED TOWARD THE STARTING LINE.

AFTER A CHANT FROM PASTOR JUSTIN TO GET US PSYCHED UP, THE FIRST YEARS WERE SENT TO THE STARTING LINE AS CADRE, MUCH TO OUR SURPRISE, WALKED TOWARDS US WITH A TEN FOOT WOODEN CROSS ON THEIR SHOULDERS. WE WERE TO CARRY THIS CROSS THE WHOLE 20 MILE HIKE WITHOUT LETTING IT TOUCH THE GROUND, OR WE WOULD HAVE AN HOUR PENALTY TIME. WE WERE ALSO TOLD TO PICK UP AS MUCH TRASH AS WE FOUND ALONG THE WAY. THE RACE BEGAN AND 247 FLORIDA SPRINTED IN FRONT OF THE TWO ALABAMA TEAMS, TO TAKE THE LEAD EARLY. OUR FIRST SET BACK WAS THE COMPASS STATION, WHERE WE HAD TO FOLLOW DIRECT COORDINATES TO INGREDIENTS TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICHES, NOT KNOWING HOW TO READ A COMPASS, OUR TEAM WAS GETTING FRUSTRATED. BUT THANKFULLY RON PULLED THROUGH!

ONLY A COUPLE MINUTES BEHIND, WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE OTHER TEAMS AND TOOK THE LEAD AGAIN. ABOUT 30 SECONDS LATER WE FACED OUR SECOND SET BACK AFTER I SPRAINED MY RIGHT ANKLE. WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD AND SOME PRAYER FROM MY TEAMMATE LINDY, I WAS ABLE TO FINISH THE 20 MILE HIKE ON IT, CROSSING RIVERS, JUMPING ROCKS, AND CARRYING THAT CROSS TO THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN. (LATER LINDY HAD SAID THAT IT REMINDED HER OF HOW MUCH PAIN JESUS WAS IN WHEN HE HAD TO CARRY THE CROSS) HOURS LATER AND DEHYDRATED WE REACHED THE TOP 26 MINUTES AHEAD OF ALABAMA. WHEN THEY ARRIVED, THE GIRLS WERE AWESOME AND SHOWED THE LOVE OF JESUS BY PRAYING OVER MY ANKLE AND THE GUYS FILLED UP MY WATER BOTTLE. WE DESCENDED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN HAND IN HAND, HAPPY THAT THE FIRST DAYS OF ECO WAS COMPLETE.

WE HEADED BACK TO THE CAMPGROUNDS FOR SOME CHILI AND REST. WE WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING AROUND 6 30 AND GOT READY FOR DAY 2. MY ANKLE TOO SWOLLEN TO COMPETE, BUT INSTEAD WORKED BEHIND THE SCENES, WHERE MUCH TO MY SURPRISE THE ADRENALINE RUSH WAS JUST AS INTENSE! I CHEERED MY TEAM ON AS THEY BIKED 20 MILES ON THE ROAD AND KAYAKED A COUPLE OF MILES ON THE LAKE AND WE ALL CROSSED THE FINISH LINE HAND IN HAND. THIS TEAMS STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE BLOWS ME AWAY!

WE ENDED THE DAY COOKING OUT AND SHARING STORIES. AFTERWARDS, ELEUTHROS DID WHAT WE DO BEST, AND WE CELEBRATED WITH SOME FOOD! SUNDAY WE ATTENDED CHURCH AND THEN HEADED BACK TO FLORIDA!

ELEUTHROS I LOVE YA'LL!~!

THE CUTTING EDGE

2009-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

The Elutherios enjoyed a little team time on the ice this past week as we traveled to Ellenton to get a bit of ice skatin on! it isn't too often you get to wear ice skates in Florida, so we took advantage and cut up the ice the best way we knew how...with a few falls, a few twists, and a little "flying v" ha! We even danced to a little bit of meatloaf and a spanish rendition of total eclipse of the heart. Good times!

saving souls and winning championships

2009-02-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

247 is all about saving souls...AND WINNING CHAMPIONSHIPS!! The Florida boys along with other Pastors of Bayside, won the annual mudbowl this year, ok they slaughtered every team, but hey we're not boasting...we just keep the trophy in the office and mini trophies around Rons rearview mirror! WAY TO GO BAYSIDE!!

Also the Spider Monkeys (me, Lindy, Ron, and Spencer) are the official champions of sports day Thursdays beating the OC (Justin, Stef, Whit, and Em) for the last time in some flag football!!OOOOOHHHHHH CEEEEE YA! 247 Elutherios definitly have a spirt of competitiveness!! Beach Volleyball anyone??

Does your belly button smell??

2009-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

247 loves online globe classes...we talk about bellybutton lint and take random pictures and sometimes we even put things up our noses...WHITNEY...."Ok guys we have to be serious!"

EPIC AT THE BEACH

2009-02-28T08:56:00.000-08:00

EPIC (and baby charley) enjoyed their monday off from school at Holmes Beach! Despite the windy weather we still had a blast playing volleyball, cooking out, and throwing Jason into the freezing cold water!! Speedos were even modeld, but thankfully i have no pictures to share.....:) EPIC ROCKS!!

2 min catch up on 247

2009-02-28T08:44:00.001-08:00

247 Florida enjoyed a bonfire/campout out at Spencers homesponsors. We shared ridiculous and embarrassing stories, I finally wrestled Stefanie (a long awaited match in which i dominated of course) Lindy and I actually made her puke...oh Stef when will you learn?:) We roasted marshmellows, told jokes, and took stef's advice on how to stay warm inside our sleeping bags:) The next day we helped the Upton's paint a fence, we made a video, and even got to shoot his shotgun. As much as i fear guns, i shot it a couple times. We had awesome chili for lunch and made some memories! Cant wait to do it again!

LOVE IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD....

2009-02-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Who needs a significant other when you have two amazing brothers?? This year's Valentines was the most memorable one ever thanks to the boys of 24/7! Being the single ladies that God has called us to be this year, God chose to show us in a very unique way, just how much we are loved and appreciated. Little did we know that for months, Spencer and Ron were planning a very special night.... just for us.......

The night began with a goregous table for four on the lanai of the Robinson's house, complete with an abundance of roses and pedals, candlelight, special gifts & treats, as well as background music including songs hand chosen by the guys.

The meal started off with a nice salad, followed by an amazing entree of pork tenderloin, steamed vegtables, and a side of garlic mashed potatoes...served (by Ron and Spencer) to perfection!! For dessert we had warm german chocolate cake with melted chocolate chips in the center topped with whipped cream and a strawberry! Totally to die for!!!

The highlight of the night was a song written by Ron and Spencer, a.k.a. Spon offkey, that they performed on their guitars and sang for us. The lyrics consisted of memories we had made throughout the year, good ones and bad. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it made me realize just how blessed I am to have such caring people in my life!

And if that wasn't enough, after dinner we headed to a friends house where we enjoyed virgin pina coladas, popcorn, and a movie! I can honestly say this was THE BEST VALENTINES DAY EVER!! THANK YOU SPENCER AND RON, YOU BOTH ARE AMAZING...(and you totally set the bar for our future husbands!)

let the GOD times roll

2009-02-09T14:45:00.000-08:00

So like i mentioned in my last blog, God has been upto some pretty AMAZING things lately. Last Friday night was the night of the Revolve Tour!! The ladies of 24/7 were able to get away to Orlando for a night with some of our girlfriends in Epic. We got the chance to listen to some pretty amazing speakers, inspirational dramas, and even watched awesome performances by Hawk Nelson, Natalie Grant, and my personal favorite, One Group Crew! It was an incredible time to hang out with our youth, and sit back as we watched God change the lives of this generation.

Sunday night at Epic, love and passion drenched the room as 24/7 performed the "everything" lifehouse skit and our very own Stefanie Daily shared a personal testimony and brought the WORD!!! Students lives were touched that night as some of them approaced the crosses we had standing out, and nailed to them, problems and struggles they were facing. Watching them hang thier burdens on the cross where they belong was absolutely incredible. Living a life for Christ is a life worth living! (check out the drama we performed... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyheJ480LYA)

let the good times roll (part 2)

2009-02-09T14:30:00.001-08:00

Superbowl Sunday was probably one of the most craziest times at Epic. Rather than our normal night of worship we turned the church into a monster chuggin, volleyball slammin, halftime brawlin playground!! check out the video and you'll see what im sayin...who says church has to be boring??

let the good times roll

2009-02-09T14:26:00.000-08:00

God has been upto some pretty AMAZING things latley, but before i get to that let me first share the HILARIOUS things that 24/7 Florida has been upto latley. Last week was the first Team Time in a long time, where all 8 of us were able to just reconnect and really appreciate one another...ok not really..we actually all went to the mall and made each other put on the most ridiculous outfits we could find in 15 minutes....pictures speak louder than words...check em out

JuSt LeT gO!!!!!

2009-01-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

It's amazing all the cool creations that exist right in front of our own eyes, sometimes all we have to do is open them. i took a walk through a nearby park today and found a great "thinking spot" located on a high rock in the shade that overlooked a large pond. In order to get there, i had to cross over a rather large and steep ditch; so i did what any normal person would do, i slid down one side and hiked up the other. As i sat at my "thinking spot" i turned off my headphones and sat quietly. It was nice to be able to be alone and spend some time with God. As i began to leave i spotted a rope down the way which hung over the ditch i had previously crossed and i thought to myself, "why not?" So i hiked a little farther down and grabbed ahold of this warn out knotted up rope that was tied to a tree branch extremely high above my head. I was pretty convinced it would hold me if i jumped and swung myself to the other side. I figured i would entertain the tomboy in me for a bit. But the longer i stood there, with the rope in hand, the more room i gave for doubt to play it's game. The rocks underneath me were a little bigger and sharper than when i had first crossed, and i realized that i would be suspended at least 20 feet off the ground mid-swing. What if i fell? What if i hurt myself? I mean i was alone there, noone would have known! What if this rope busted half way through...i can't afford a broken leg! Realizing i was being ridiculous i kept telling myself, just let go! just jump! How many times do we play this game with God? How many times are we disobediant to his calling, simply because we're afraid to fall? We say we trust him, but are our actions proving that? Are we letting doubt get the best of us? Sometimes the vision he has for us calls us to let go of some things in our lives, he is telling us to just jump! Our God doesn't care about our comfort, he cares about our character! So there i was on the edge of this ditch, rope in hand, and i jump! The momentum of the swing takes me across to the other side and then back again. As i try to regain my balance, my foot slips and i scratch my right leg on a jagged tree stump. God never promises it's going to be easy or that you'll come out pain free. Determined to do it again, i re-wrap my hands around the knots and jump again! This time on my swing back, my hands lose thier grip, slip down the rope, suffering minor rope burns, and i crash amongst the rocks! Lesson number 2, make sure God is with you before you choose to jump, the choices that we make are rarely the ones that God is calling us to make. We have to learn to lay down our fleshly desires. An agreement in any fight is needed in both realms. We pray for God's will to be done, not our own, that's where the confidence to jump comes from in the first place!

HUNGRY 09

2009-01-14T13:49:00.001-08:00

~HUNGRY 09~
Day 4 of the 21 day fast: I'll have to admit, yesterday was a lot easier! My stomach was growling out of control in class today, and i feel weaker and more tired than ever. Although harder than day three, much easier than day two. I feel like even my mind is exhausted, finding it hard to focus on homework and intellecutal tasks. The meaning behind the fasting however is all about God and my intimacy with him. My worship toward him has been nothing less than incredible. I seem to connect with him instantly without any distractions whatsoever.
I was listening to a song titled, "Heaven come down" by Daniel Bashta, and as i was singing along, i began to beg God for him to bring Heaven down to us and invade the earth. His answer to me was, "I would, but there is no room for me." My eyes were opened. This world is so full of junk and irrelavent nothings. They clog up all available space leaving no room for the one who created it all. This put fasting into perspective for me. By eliminating food, (junk) from our bodies, we create room for the Lord in our spirit. If only everyone would create a little more room for our savior, this world would be awakend! Tonight i am going to watch the sunset on the beach, and worship quietly to the God who deserves everything we have.

~Hungry 09~

Day 6

Isaiah 40:29-"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." God i pray that though my flesh cries out, you strengthen my inner spirit! Remind me Lord, that in my weakness, you are glorified!

Day 7

Nehemiah 8:10-...for the joy of the LORD is your strength!" Today i was once again filled up while worshiping. The Lord always pulls through at my weakest moments. Leaves me to question myself..."What am I hungry for? Is it food? Or am I hungry for God, for more of his word? That's the real bread of life!!

RoCkIn ArOuNd ThE cHrIsTmAs TrEe!!

2009-01-05T18:55:00.000-08:00

Christmas break just ended so here is a little re-cap of how we do it in 24/7:

*watching the Elf at Eds, having wedgie wars and making ridiculous videos is a good way to start off the holiday season!
*A formal Christmas party wouldn't be complete without a nice little pedicure during girl team time!!
*Secret Santa gift exchange took place at the Daily residence at 6:30pm. We all got awesome gifts along with our 247 HOODIES!!! HOLLA!!!!
*All dressed up and off to the Melting Pot for some killer fondu!! Being pampered was nice for a change :) Have to admit that the dessert was the best part!!
*On the way home we were all eager to get back to see Rons face as his girlfriend Jenny paid him a little suprise visit!! awwww...i think he cried :)
*all tuckered out we went home and got some rest before doing the finishing touches for Epic Twisted Christmas
*Painting, decorating, and cleaning before the students arrived!!
*Asian Twisted Christmas was a huge hit with the dancing dragon not to mention the sweet light shows and the amazing food from Bangkok Rest!!
*Clean up time and 24/7 split up to Michigan, Alabama, Pennsylvania, and Arkansas to celebrate Christmas with our families!
we all look forward to an amazing new year!! we cant wait to see what God will do!!

8 IS GREAT!

2008-12-09T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Eleutherio team is now down to 8 members, but a small number doesn't necessarily mean small outcomes. Eight is actually the number of people God saved during the time of the flood, it's also the number of gold medals Michael Phelps won in the olympics this year, so if you ask me, the number eight is destined for greatness! (and besides that it's my favorite number!) There has however, been a lot of growth physically and mentally as well as in our relationships with God and with one another. This team is more than a team, its a family, a unit, a group of people where if one falls, the others are there to catch, where words of encouragement have become a part of our daily vocabulary, and where love and laughter is so evident, you notice it a mile away. This is my life...i get to wake up every morning and praise God for so many things, i get to physically train because i am blessed to have legs and healthy lungs to do so, i get to dig into the bible with other adults whose passion is to pour into ME! I get to hang out with some of the most passionate people i've ever met, this is my life and i thank God for it everyday.
Today was fun during team time! We all headed to Chucky Cheese's for some pizza and arcade games. Spencer and i found a deal or no deal game that quickly took all of our money, but for a few minutes we actually felt like we were on the game show. Our team took pictures on the blue screen and danced for the television cameras, one of our all time favorite things to do! Our "corner office" is now decorated for the holidays and picture frames are filling up fast! Manna time was fun today as we've been working through the book of Matthew, but Ron never lets me read as much as i would like to. Kristin brought in some amazing homeade christmas cookies so an afternoon of coffee and cookies put a smile on all of our faces!
Movie day tomorrow and our Christmas party is right around the corner!!

Back to the bubble

2008-12-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

WELL TWENTYFOURSEVEN JUST GOT BACK FROM THIER FIRST OFFICIAL BREAK FROM ONE ANOTHER, AND COMING BACK INTO THE BUBBLE WAS A LITTLE MORE DIFFICULT THEN EXPECTED. I THINK WE ALL MISSED OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY A LOT MORE THEN WHAT WE THOUGHT, AND TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, OUR DEAR FRIEND JOHN FROM COLORADO LEFT US TO RETURN BACK HOME. HOWEVER, I THINK OF IT LIKE THIS, WHEN A LARGE GROUP OF PEOPLE ARE ALL IN A CIRCLE WITH THIER ARMS AROUND EACH OTHER AND A FEW PEOPLE LEAVE THE CIRCLE, WHAT HAPPENS? THOSE LEFT IN THE CIRCLE GET CLOSER, THE CIRLCE BECOMES TIGHTER, AND THATS EXACTLY WHAT GOD WILL HAVE HAPPEN WITH US. HE CAN MAKE GREAT THINGS HAPPEN OUT OF THE TOUGHEST SITUATIONS...I KNOW FROM PAST EXPERIENCES. THERE ARE ONLY A COUPLE MORE WEEKS BEFORE OUR CHRISTMAS BREAK, I CAN ONLY PRAY THAT HE GIVES US THE STRENGTH TO STICK WITH THIS PROGRAM. THIS YEAR HAS BEEN AMAZING, SO EYE OPENING, AND FULL OF GODLY MOMENTS! I COULDNT IMAGINE DOING ANYTHING ELSE!! I LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT THE REST OF THIS YEAR HOLDS!! GOD IS SO BIG!!

A NoTe~

2008-11-20T19:02:00.000-08:00

Psalm 139:14 says "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" but how many of us truly belive that? How many times do we find ourselves saying, "I cant" "I am not good enough" I am not strong enough" "That's not for me" "It's too hard" without ever really trying, let alone diving right in? It is so easy for us as humans to look in the mirror and without hesitation, see directly into our faults, our weaknesses and our shortcomings. We bypass all the amazing features and characteristics that belong solely to us, created by the hand of our Almighty God. 2 Timothy 1:7 states "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." We are creatures hand carved by the one true and perfect God, why would he leave anything out? The truth is, he didn't! He equips us with everything we need for every challenge we face throughout our lives including courage, power, wisdom, strength, and endurance. The problem is us. We allow our eyes to lead us because we depend on the things we can see and grasp, instead of letting our hearts lead us by faith and trust in the Lord. God is patiently waiting on us. Waiting on us to simply belive; to belive that within us lies more than enough. More than enough strength to fight our battles; more than enough courage to stand up for what we believe; more than enough power to fight our temptations; more than enough wisdom to make the right choices; and more than enough endurance to finish our race! He never gives us more than we can handle, and when we hit the point where we can't take it anymore, he shows us the way out. Thats the kind of God we belong to! One who's love is so deep, we can drown in it! He will never leave us and that gives us every reason to embrace the butterflies and dive in!

FLABAMA IN TEXICO

2008-11-18T14:09:00.001-08:00

Just returned home after a long and exhausting 2 week mission trip! 24/7 Florida teamed up with 24/7 Alabama and became the 2008 Flabama Mission Team! We had a good time our first week in Texas staying at an Indian Reservation where we worked together cleaning up a beautiful Indian Campground. We gathered scattered logs, random branches, and even chainsawed our own 40 ft pine tree down!! We created several burn piles where flames reached to the tree tops, don't worry we were careful ;) Watching an enormous blaze created by a single spark, reminded me of how we can be in Gods kingdom. Sometimes the smallest spark, a prayer or a good deed, can spread and catch an entire community on fire for Christ. Although we didn't get a lot of one on one time with the locals, we were able to communicate the love of Jesus through our actions. "Preach the gospel always, and when necessary, use words." All eyes on Flabama when we attended church Wednesday night and were asked to sing hymnals in front of the entire congregation!~ It didn't take too long to realize that singing was not our forte!

Friday was awesome as we got to celebrate my b-day!! After an early morning of crazy surprises, a long afternoon of intense dramas, lunch performance by Chad, Chelsea and the gang, and learning fun Indian dances, we got the opportunity to play some volleyball into the late night hours!! Afterwards, we celebrated some more with ice cream and cake! Turning 26 was a day i will never forget!!

Off to Victoria Mexico on Monday! After 17 hours of driving and 3 hours at customs we arrived!! Most mornings started off at 5 am for prayer and worship. Afternoons we were able to spend time with our mission teams, explore the surrounding area, hike to the river and swim, play card games, converse, and read, and spend some good old quality time with God! Afterwards, we would walk to the orphanage and play with the children! What an amazing time! We were so blessed to have such incredible contacts and meet some incredible people! The Flabama team even got the chance to redeem ourselves as we sang a few songs for the bible students one morning, a few they even knew in Spanish!

This trip was definitely one to be remembered! I learned that when it feels like God isn't speaking to you, sometimes you just may be missing the small things. His promise is that he never leaves us or forsakes us, and just like with Elijah, he won't be found in the wind, the fire, or the earthquake, but rather in a still small whisper.

MISSION TRAINING!!

2008-10-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

24/7 first years from florida and alabama united this weekend as we adventured into something that when at the end of it, would change us for a lifetime! This week was the week of mission training! For three days straight, our teams were challenged more spiritually, physically, and mentally then i ever thought was possible. Our Team endured meals of duck embrios, cow stomach, oatmeal and crickets, duck feet, pigs feet, and even goat meat...(poor cusko), little sleep in freezing cold weather, and times spent alone that left us falling on our faces...literally! With God, through prayer, and the constant encouragement from one another, we all finished the race with our helds held high...that was until we fell to our knees with tears thankful that it was over. twentyfourseven is an amazing program, and through this training my relationship with God has become even more intimate! He is amazing, so big and so powerful with so much love you can find yourself drowning in it! I've learned that he equips his children with the strength and courage to face any challenge that may come thier way, and even though it seems God is distant, he's not...he is always near. This event has caused the rope that has been tied around our team to be pulled even tighter, we will not fall if we all stand together. In the midst of every challenge when it seemed that it couldn't get much worse, knowing my team was right there with me made it possible! i love these people, and i am thankful that the good lord placed them in my life!! I have a feeling our three weeks in Mexico is going to be AWESOME!! i cant wait!

lessons along the way

2008-10-20T18:43:00.001-07:00

Although 24/7 has been jam packed with a lot of laughs, it definitely hasn't been all fun and games. There are hard lessons to be learned in this program and they come at the most unexpected times. This program, this team, this season in my life, has led God to do some incredible reconstruction and transformation inside of me. He has exposed wounds i never knew i had, softened my heart, and has led me to fall to my knees out of complete humility. I have learned that no matter how legit you think your excuse is, it's never good enough, it's still just an excuse! He has used others to point out my blind spots and changing because of it, rather than becoming upset with it, has been challenging to say the least, but i remain grateful. Grateful because God has created an environment for my team where we can all fail safely, without being scarred or bruised. We all fall short of the glory of God, and i am incredibly thankful for the support, encouragement, and love that pours out of every single one of my teammates! God is so awesome and there is nothing that he can't do! He continues to ROCK MY WORLD!

Vision

2008-10-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

these past couple of weeks have been so great! It seems the more i go after God and the more passionate i become about knowing his heart, the more he speaks to me. i feel he is speaking to me more clearly then he ever has before. Its made me realize, how often i got caught up in daily routines before 24/7..just kind of talking to God when i found the time. But since this program started, i've been freed from all of that and ive been able to seek him without distraction and hes blowing me away!!

our team went to the beach for worship the other day and i really just started thanking God for all the tiny details he had been taking care of in my life. It seemed like the small prayers i was sending up to him were being answerd, so then i began praying about bigger things. i specifically asked him about the vision he had for me, my purpose in life. and only moments later he answered me. I cant reveal what it was, but its a day i will never forget. All i can say is that when God calls you to do something, whether it be praying for another individual, speaking out or standing up, BE OBEDIANT...IT CHANGES LIVES!!! IT CHANGES THE WORLD!! God looks for those who are going to be obediant to his calling, and if you don't do it, he will find someone who will. take a chance and be a blessing to someone else. be brave. be bold. and be couragous. he will never let you fall!

ScAvEnGeR hUnT!~*

2008-10-07T19:04:00.000-07:00

Team juice box (Spencer, Courtney and I) dominated in our first 24/7 scavenger hunt...in a matter of 45 minutes we raced (OK only 10 mph over the speed limit) across town to ask an elderly couple to make out before Spencer dropped to one knee in order to propose to the nice lady ;) just to hop back in the car and hit up walmart where i dressed like a thug (black bandanna, baggy pants and all) while Spencer rode a tricycle, and Courtney desperately searched for the "lost list!" (hmmm....what do you know q-tips for 2.47! ha!!) Looking for a roll of toilet paper, i sprinted to the women's bathroom, where much to my surprise, there on the garbage can was an old roll just waiting for me to snatch it up! After only a few minutes in wally world we drove onto Cortez (hit every green light...i think God was on our side) to find a McDonald's with a play place, snap a picture and head over to Whitney's where we gathered for team time! i love you Eluetheros...never a dull moment here in 24/7! ya'll make me laugh!!

BACK FROM TEXAS

2008-10-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Just returned home after a long and exhausting week and 1/2 in Texas City, Texas. For those of you who don't watch the news, Hurricane Ike swept through Texas a little under three weeks ago, leaving it a complete disaster. Our 24/7 team arrived at Fellowship Church last Wednesday and got right to work preparing hot meals for citizens in the surrounding cities who were still without power. We tore it up doing what we love to do...making Jesus famous!! Throughout the week our team split up into groups and traveled to several different homes and buisnesses helping the owners clean up and clear out. It's heavy on the heart watching people take everything they have ever worked for, and tossing it to the curb. Block after block was nothing but piles of warped and molded trash, although one mans trash is another mans treasure as our own Ron found a nice cowboy hat laying along side the road:) Along the way we met an amazing couple, Elijah and Kori, who although lost everything they had, still remained hopeful with their eyes locked upon the Lord. It was an amazing oppportunity to help them out, encourage them, and pray for them as well.Whitney and I were blessed with the opportunity to pray for several families as they lined up at the church for a hot meal and a bag of groceries. Its such a moving experience realizing that some people just needed a simple prayer in order to restore lost hope. I love when God works through us in life changing ways! Although we worked until our fingers bled, we didnt let that stop us from having a little fun. We ended most nights with an enormous game of hide and seek, a movie on the big screen, and even some putt putt golf! To end the trip Pastor Justin and Stefanie took us to Houston to attend Joel Olsteens church! It was pretty amazing!! I am so proud of our team! Through this trip we were stretched some, we grew some, we laughed some and we cried some but all in all we got to see the hands and feet of God at work, and nothing can beat that!!

week 2 comes to a close

2008-09-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Another rockin week of 24/7!!! God has really been speaking volumes into my life latlely and one thing that he's brought to my attention, is just a fresh reminder of how absolutley, unfathombly big He really is. Our team sat on the beach last week in silence, and just listened to Gods voice. Sitting there in awe of the beauty that surrounded me i was reminded of how God tells us in Psalms 46:10 to "Be still and know that I am God." No matter how hard i try, no matter which words i use, i cannot accuratly explain just how enormous our God is. The one who made heaven and earth, and yet loves me and provides for me...how can one not be in awe?? He's just so beautiful!!
Our team will be traveling to Texas on Tuesday for hurricane relief! I am really excited as this will be our first road trip together. Pray that God works in us and through us during this trip!
God Bless!!

24/7 ropes course

2008-09-15T14:47:00.000-07:00

Team 24/7 ROCKED THE HIZ-OUSE today as we battled our way through our first day of ropes course!! Each course called for specific strategies that stretched us physically as well as mentally. We managed to maneuver our way on top of a slippery log, crawling and stepping over one anothers heads in order to line our team up in the order of our birthdays...without falling off or saying one word to each other. We also teamed up to conquer a 30 foot plus ladder suspended by two cables where each step became farther and farther apart. With the help of our teammates on the other side holding our suspension cables we were able to climb, push, pull, straddle, balance and brace ourselves up the entire wall! I'll admit that after 45 minutes of trial and error i was ready to give up, but because of the encouragement of my amazing teammates i was able to push through the pain of a pulled muscle and complete the obstacle course! and why? BECAUSE 24/7 NEVER QUITS!! The day ended with a balancing act as we teeter-tottered back and forth on top of a large platform moving our teammates from one end of the dock to the other without letting the platform touch the ground. Although these courses seemed to take an eternity, the fact of the matter is, we finished and we finished strong! We were all able to walk away today with something to add to our spiritual journey and see one another in a whole new light. I am really proud of this team...this family! IF GOD IS FOR US, WHO CAN BE AGAINST US! GO ELEUTHEROS!!! i love ya'll!

2008-09-13T10:46:00.000-07:00

24/7 is EXHAUSTING!!! today is saturday and im more than happy to have a little break in between workout and church! we got to play a little flag football today, but instead of having fun i did situps the whole time due to a pulled muscle!! ouch!! on a brighter note, God showed up today during worship and let me just say, HE IS AWESOME!!! i am in awe of how huge he really is!!!

24/7 week one

2008-09-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Genesis, also known for "New Beginnnings" this would be the two words to best describe this amazing new season in my life. I have recently begun a new and refreshing journey toward God, toward a new way of life and i have never been more satisfied, and yet hungrier then ever!!

For those of you reading this who arent aware, i have recently begun a leadership academy through Bayside Community Church called 24/7. This program is designed to enrich students and prepare them for a life in ministry. God first, others before self, character, humility, camaradare, discipline, and excellence in everything we do are our top focuses! Through prayer, intense workouts, biblical studies, and mission trips our team is going all out to form a closer relationship with our amazing heavenly Father! Our team, also known as Euletheros (Greek for Freedom/Liberation) has been hand picked by God himself and is made up of 6 first year students, 2 cadres (second year students) and 3 amazing leaders whos hearts are focused on nothing but Gods' will for our lives. Although we are only in our first week, i can honestly say that our team is already family and my faith has been strengthened and stretched beyond measure. Jeremiah 29:11 states, "I know the plans i have for you" declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future." I believe God has a plan and purpose for each one of us, and i believe that through this program, mine will be revealed.