Keep On Keepin' On

Greetings To All:
Hello from Oregon. We made it back safe and sound. Seemingly, whichever state we happen to be in, we miss the worst weather in the state we just came from. When we left OR for IN, the worst snow/ice storm in forty years hit OR. Sure, we had a couple of icy days in IN, but nothing like what happened here. Now that we're back in OR, it sounds like the people in IN are getting pummeled with snow. But, we don't escape the storms entirely. There are still a lot of branches down here on the YWAM Salem base. Those people here on base over the holidays started cleaning up the debris, but didn't get near finished. They also lost power on base for six days. So, most of my (Carson) time so far has been helping to clear branches and trees. We've been blessed with good weather for the clean up.
So, how are you? Now that the busy holiday season has passed by, are you relaxing? We were blessed by all friends and family we saw while we were in IN. Thank you to all for fitting us into your plans and gettogethers. Reconnecting with you did wonders for our hope in the plans we are making for the future. One thought that came to mind for me addressed the issue of faith.
Living in faith and trusting God to provide for needs takes different forms for different people. There is not one universal way to live in faith. Sure, boiled down, faith is trusting in God. But, do we all live it the same way? I don't think so. Two different ways to walk in faith have been on my mind. Neither of them is better than the other - just different. One way is to step out into the unknown. Obeying the call of God and moving in that direction without knowing specifically HOW He will "come through", but knowing that He WILL. Another way is to step into a situation against known adverse conditions. Fighting against circumstances that will only be overcome by an act of God. There probably are other ways to live in faith, but these two have been on my mind recently. The common factor between the two is a loving, caring, trustworthy, and all-powerful God who wants us to succeed. HE wants us to overcome obstacles, fear, and circumstances. By trusting in Him, we will not only survive, but we will live a life marked by His handprints and blessings. When we experience His provision once, it may suggest that each successive trial will be easier. Not entirely true.
One does not become better at math by repeating 2+2=4 for the rest of one's life. We need challenges and new things to learn in order for our knowledge and skills to improve and sharpen. Since the three of us have begun this journey, we have asked God for things that only He could give us. From selling a truck to finding a team to join in Beijing, God has answered our prayers in a way that we could not have satisfied by our own means. Glory to Him! We press onward not knowing how the next step will be placed under our feet, but knowing that our feet have landed on steps in the past. Amazing, isn't it? If any of you reading this happen to be adrenaline junkies, this is a rush like none other.
We thank you all for the support you've shown us. To say the least, we couldn't be doing what we're doing without you. Please know that He WILL provide all that you need, we need, and all of his children and servants around the world need. HE has no limits. Isn't it mind-boggling to ponder how He uses each one of us to somehow meet the needs of some one else. Watch out! Some one with whom you come into contact today may have a prayer answered through you. Relax, He knows what He's doing.
Have A Blessed Day,
Carson, Kathy, Dakota

p.s. Sorry, no pics this time.