what should I do?

In this wonderful, cold season we are often prompted with a lot of questions that determine our life choices: what college should I attend after High School? Who should I hang out with? Should I date this person I like? How am I supposed to get along with this person I don’t like? What am I supposed to do with my life? I don’t know about you, but I could use some wisdom in my life. Let’s see if James (Jesus’ brother) can offer us some advice on how to renew our minds:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” [ James 1:5 ]

It’s just that simple- get on your knees, get in God’s Word and ask for wisdom! I asked God for wisdom at 16 and started off reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. I am not Buddha, Gandhi, or King Solomon; I have, however, had God blow my mind with his wisdom because He is so good. Ask, and you shall receive!

You may be wondering what it looks like to have God’s wisdom. James, our expert on wisdom, tells us:

“The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace –loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” [ James 4:17 ]

There you have it! Surrender yourself to God and ask him to help you renew your mind and He will make you into the kind, wise person you were created to be!

BONUS challenge: Commit to reading a chapter of Proverbs a day. A proverb a day keeps the enemy’s lies away!

Peace and grace to you,

James

|Author >> James| ^^ |Photography >> Cassi|

Along the Trail with James | VLog No. 01

Welcome to the Trail's first vlog from our 2014 contributors! Do yourself a favor and take a few minutes to be encouraged through this bearded friend! James, in his heart of gold fashion, challenges us to consider, no matter who we are, to spend the faith we have.

 

 
[click here to view on youtube]

Friends, even in the impossible, we can trust God!

about that following God thing

"You must ruthlessly eliminate hurry from your life." – Dallas Willard

There is a desperate need for stillness in life. One thing I have noticed is that I am a much better person when not in a rush. It is easier to follow God when you hear from him, and much easier to hear from him when you stop and listen.

Let's look at two ways to "be still" as our Father intends us to (Psalm 46:10)!

1. Spend More Time With God, More Consistently.

You may or may not have just rolled your eyes. "Duh! I already get up 30 minutes early to pray…" Or maybe you thought, "I don't have time for that right now." Let me encourage you with this thought: you don't have enough time not to spend more time with God! Theologian Martin Luther understood this very well, saying, "I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer." We are too busy to waste time, but no time with God is wasted. Don't spend any time in the morning praying or reading the bible? Good- start tomorrow! Don't spend more than a few minutes? Good- your Heavenly Father is always looking to spend more time with you!

2. Make the Most of Your Time With God.

I have been so guilty of rushing through morning devotion: get up, read a few verses, say a prayer or two, leave. I say from experience that it is so easy to miss what God has for you this way. Perhaps you don't spend much time with God because you get bored sitting still. That's OK! If you find yourself going through the motions, change up your routine. Go for a walk, or listen to some worship music. Read a book that moves you; do whatever you need to do to get into God's presence where your strivings cease.

Recently, I have started reading "Soul Keeping" by John Ortberg; I realized that my time with Jesus is much better when I read a book that gets me to think carefully about my spiritual life. What gets you into God's presence best may be different from what gets me there. So take your time, experiment, and see what he has in store for you!

|Author >> James| ^^ |Photography >> Charley| ^^ |Graphics >> Vrsly , get the app!|

Awesomeness Takes the [2013] Stage >>> James

Next up on our awesomeness takes the stage is James! We met James (then called Jimmy!) several years ago when he came up as a camper on a mission work trip to Whisper Mountain! A typical goofball but one of the nicest guys you'd ever meet…he remains the same today!

James is a guy who's been through some stuff, but you'd never know from the joy on his face. He quite simply loves Jesus! We lovingly tease him for his quirky ways and constant pacing around the back during service, but James has a heart for people and building them up!

He can play him some gee-tar too! I love listening to him practice or pluck out some amazing tunes with Kyle keeping rhythm on the drums.

His quieter nature makes it easy for him to serve on the sly, which only adds to the beauty of his humility! I'm thankful he has chosen to spend his summer investing in others at WM! I'm challenged by his simple and fervent love for Jesus and blessed by his unassuming wisdom! James is pretty awesome!

If you'd like a peek into his world, follow him on instagram @greenja4. If you know him, feel free to leave a little love in the comments!

Thanks for checking out the awesomeness in our neck of the woods! More to come later in the week!

success was caught while fishing

Most of the Whisper Mountain Staff enjoyed a quick weekend in Florida for an annual fundraiser put on by some board members. The Casting For Kids Fishing Tournament turned out to be quite a success, in large part due to the spearheading by this guy.

James, with the help of many wonderful people, led the event with integrity and finesse! (Though they may not have felt the finesse part!) Those of us spectating or participating felt it!

Anglers had hours on the water to catch their big fish before weigh in.

With boats tied down at the Port Sanibel Marina, anglers enjoyed Lighthouse Restaurant's a/c and good food throughout the rest of the evening's silent auction, raffles, and announcement of the winners.

As with anything, the people are what make things great!

(tons of people not pictured!)

Lots of work, fun and connecting…a team pulled together to support the work of Whisper Mountain. We are grateful to all who touched this event in some way. We praise God for the success He provided to keep us working away for Him! May He be proclaimed!

The Propps

From granddads to their great-grandsons, the steps of each man impacts the next. 

Pictured above are some of my favorite people!  They are huge-hearted, hilarious and well, just plain ole likeable! Their stories (these Propp boys can tell a story!) intrigue me, but what captures me more is the way that God's unexplainable goodness has hovered over them until they have desired Him! When we least deserve it, God is wooing us to the place of His love, to His peaceful streams of life! 

Each of them is at a different place on their journey in life and with God, but each takes steps daily to follow Him. Each is impacting others in the most ordinary and life-changing ways!

May you find yourself walking toward God today! You never know who's following your footprints!