Pitching Our Tent

January for many we know is the month for ski trips and layered clothing or resigning themselves to indoor sports.  For us in the UAE, this is the time to get out...check out the parks, have picnics, go for a walk, etc.

I don't claim to be one that likes the "great outdoors".  I am not the hiker, mountain climber, roughing it type.  As a general rule I fall into the sunscreen/mosquito spray wearing must have a fan and a soft bed type.  However, I will admit that some of my best memories over the years have been made "in the woods" with dear friends and time alone with my Savior!   

While we were still in the States, our friends the Fishers first exposed us to the fun of camping.  For several years in a row we accompanied them over Memorial weekend to out -of-the-way spots in Texas and Oklahoma where we set up camp and enjoyed the wiles of the outdoors.  They were excellent teachers with instructions on what to pack, cooking over an open fire, and most importantly how and where to pitch our tent.  The first year they arrived before us, carefully clearing our spot and helping with our tent.  The next year we worked together to find a spot, clear the twigs and debris, and erect the tents.  Then it was time for us to arrive early and make the preparations the following year. 

Who would have thought that these lessons would have been something that we would carry with us overseas?  However, we discovered that one of the things that the Believers of East Turkey like to do each year is take a week to get away together and camp somewhere.  The first year we went, we were so grateful that we could at least pitch a tent.  Our language skills were limited and having our "dwelling" up was essential for shade in 100+ degree weather.  The next year we were able to help "newbies" more and begin the process of passing on our "wisdom of the woods". 

Now we find ourselves in a new situation:  camping without the forest.  Dessert camping is bringing a whole different learning curve and skill set into our lives.  Pitching our tent is more about finding a sand dune that will provide shade and wind protection rather than clearing the ground from twigs and watching out for tree roots.

However the process of learning, training, and discipling is going much the same. 

In Genesis 12 we read of Abraham stopping to pitch the family tent.  If you remember the Lord had just called him out on his journey of faith.  "And he removed from there to a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he built an altar to the LORD, and called on the name of the LORD." Genesis 12:8

The situation of Abram’s tent between Bethel and Ai must have commanded a view of the valley of the Jordan and of the Dead Sea, with the mountains of Moab.  Abram made open profession of his faith, and worshipped with his household at an altar dedicated to Jehovah. 

When I "get over my girlie self" and head out to camp in God's beautiful creation, the thing I LOVE is having a time of worship.  There is just something so special about a camp fire, the night sky, and songs of praise!  How truly grateful I am for family and friends that come alongside us and help us  experience new things and see God in a whole new way.  What a blessing it is to be able to break away from the routine of life, head out to a new place, pitch our tent, and praise God.

Where will we pitch our tents this year?  Yes, finding that spot to physically pitch a tent is fun and memories in the making.  However, WHO am I pitching tents with this year is a more important question.  Do I have people in my life that I am working to share with, teach, and train?  Let us all work together to show someone (disciple someone) in learning more about the Father.  What if we all just invested in one person for 2015; what would the world look like? 

AT 

Awakening of the Heart - Let 2015 Begin!

The new year is always a time of reflection and resolutions.  While our family has several for 2015, our focus remains the same = Be Broken For The Lost!

This time last year our world was being turned upside down with the news that our adoption facilitator had betrayed us and ultimately the result of that would be the loss of our daughter Hope.  At the beginning of the Spring our family had to move to Ethiopia to make sure that we were able to complete the adoption of Micah and Joy.  However, in an effort to try and straighten things out upon the first realization of deceit, I dropped everything and flew into country. 

I remember my first night in my room alone after a very difficult day of confrontation with our facilitator and the orphan home administrator.  I tossed and turned and cried out to God for my babies.  "Lord, we want these babies."  "Lord, save these children."  "Lord, please let them join our family." 

Yes, the Father cares for the broken hearted, and believe me I was broken!  He gave me great comfort in my hour of need.  However, He is also a Father who knows what is best for ALL His children.  What I needed most at that time was a good slap of truth and perspective!  His ways and purposes are above mine.  As I physically cried and shook from complete sorrow, I heard the Lord ask me, "Matt, why are you not this passionate in prayer over all of those that are not in my family? Why do you not cry out to Me for all those around you that do not yet know ME as Father?" 

WOW, talk about a reality check!  How often am I living for this world; living for the things that seem important in the here and now.  Yes, God the Father cares for the orphans.  Yes, HE was leading us to open our home and expand our earthly family.  However, His plan and desires are much bigger and include many more than my humble family!

So just as in 2014, 2015 is going to be the year that the Travis family says, "Yes, Lord send me."  Open my eyes Father to those around me.  Give me a great love and burning desire to share You and the awesome privilege it is to be called your son. 

Who do you know that is going to be welcomed to the family of God this year? 

MT