http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org Natalie Montgomery - All Other Ground is Sinking Sand en-us Thu, 28 Aug 2008 02:43:47 GMT 30 http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=C85087231A5C4C139D6489E38BB0B6 http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=C85087231A5C4C139D6489E38BB0B6                          The following passage was written by a man named Robert Shelton before he passed away roughly two years ago.  He seems to have been the type of man that lived a selfless life, giving praise and thanksgiving as they were due.  His son recalls a man that approached him after his father (Bob's) funeral.  This acquaintance shared that he had seen Bob, by chance, months before at a burger joint in their small town.  Bob had pulled up a chair next to him and over the course of their meal Bob took a great interest in his well being. He even asked questions about the man's sick brother.  Until Bob's death this man had never heard of his illness. Bob never mentioned his advanced cancer once throughout the conversation. Selfless.    What I take from Bob's stories is that he recognized God as his Creator, Sustain Sat, 23 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=isnt-that-enough http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=isnt-that-enough If you try to hang onto your life you will lose it, but if you will give up your life for my sake  you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but you yourself are lost or destroyed. -Luke 9:25-26 I am here Lord.  Isn't that enough? I thought this year was about me pouring into others and surprisingly God is pouring into me.  I thought that growing up was a phrase, but I am right back at the beginning. I am having to drop all of my preconceived notions about life and love, trust and faith and replace them with His truths.  As I open up to a new chapter in my life, I am changing my mind about what it looks like to give it all. You don't need to find yourself, you need to lose yourself.- Theodore Dalrymple I am growing a little weary of an internal fight. My flesh and my spirit are waring.  I fight giving up my life in it's entirety.  I am being called to get over myself so He can save me from myself.  Selfishly, Sat, 16 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-live-under-an-active-volcano http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=i-live-under-an-active-volcano   I am in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar faces. I am surrounded by an unknown language Physically, I am tired. Emotionally, I am just trying to catch up with how I feel in the next moment. I am uncomfortable. I miss what is easy and all I want to do is run home. Welcome to the island of Ometepe. I could not let my emotions rule me for long or I would get tangled in them. The moment I released these feelings to the Lord He changed my attitude and my perspective.  He started to introduce this place and His people to me through his eyes.  "This world was so completely different than the one I had known previously. Where I had known excess. I now saw only need. In my heart I sensed attitudes of entitlement being replaced by thankfulness. My understanding of the world was being transformed and so was I."-  Under the Overpass       I wasn't long before I was humbled by the children and staff at Cicrin orphanage. I began to reali Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=week-in-pictures-ii http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=week-in-pictures-ii Granada     Maria...best tortilla maker in Granada. took us an hour and 5 locals to find her home where she works. She has, "known the Lord for 25 years." Amen     Church in Granada   Poverty in the Square: Granada   I love Pueblas: Granada Bird cage? animales de Granada   the Secret Garden Cicrin by night   Ali and Hazel (14) in a hammock in the Rancho (Pavillion) Sunset at Cicrin in the Rancho Sara, viewing our new home on Ometepe from the ferry   Church in Granada Charco Verde beach on ometepe Sat, 9 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=week-in-pictures http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=week-in-pictures  Cast your vote!     children from a village outside of Palenque, Jerusalen Streets of Antigua Catholic Church Ruins in Antigua   Corn fields in Antigua   Guatemalan bambinos Antigua streetscape   view from our room in Antigua Volcano shot from the city street Jerusalen   journey to Guatemala horse at sunset   trip to Guatemala out the window of the combi Sun, 27 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=0C7B18EEED6E4220810EBA9747C118 http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=0C7B18EEED6E4220810EBA9747C118  When we arrived in Palenque, I had no idea what our ministry would look like.  Each morning I tried to wake with the mindset of a student asking for God to teach me.  I was brought back to this verse many times. Isaiah 50:4 The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.  He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught. He taught me more than I bargained for.  Right away, He broke me and pushed right through my naivety.  I was exposed to pain and poverty.  I recognized that poverty is not just limited to physical objects but also poverty of the soul.  When you face poverty of the soul you recognize the need for grieving. To grieve is to allow our losses to tear apart feelings of security and safety and lead us to the painful truth of our brokenness.- Henri Neuwen In grieving, the Lord can fill places of loss.  I experienced healing through Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=his-beginning http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=his-beginning     7/19/08  Mario was straight tonight, clean, and all together, different.   I couldn't have asked for a more closure.  We sat at the back of the church and made small talk.  From the first day he approached the church he has moved from a drunken seat on the curb, to standing outside the entry, to a seat in the back row.  I know he can feel the Lord.  He knows that it would be a lie to run away from what the Lord is speaking into him.   After the service, I gave him a Spanish/ English Bible with a letter inside that my squad-mate Dre translated into Spanish.  You would have thought that he had never received a gift in his life, which might be the case.  He wept.  Steph asked him if they were happy tears and out of his tears he looked up and nodded, yes.  Then he gave me a deep hug. The smile he had as he drove away was true, almost like it wasn't of him.  Maybe it wasn't. I hope, that what i Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=may-the-best-team-win http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=may-the-best-team-win Hola,    We race to Guatemala tomorrow. So please keep my squad in your prayers for a safe trip.  We will debrief in Antigua for three days then off to Ometepe, Nicaragua.  Our team will work with the orphanage on the island for 4-5 week. For more about our destination visit this site:    http://lynettelee.theworldrace.org/index.asp?nMonth=2&nYear=2007  Dios le Bendiga   cinco vive at the river, in the rain Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=church-mexican-style http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=church-mexican-style Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=his-story http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=his-story I am coming to find that everyone has a story.I wish I didnt know what I know now. Mario was once again at the church. He was drunk when we got there but as he sobered up I wanted to talk to him.Stephanie agreed to talk to him with me/ translate for me.I wanted to know his story so I started with his tattoos.When people display something permanently on their body there is usually an explanation unless they had a case of bad judgment on a drunken night.I was curious about the tear drop on his face.When she asked him he started to choke on hiswords.While sobbing he said,Homicide. Mario killed a three year old girl, three years ago. He lives with his brothers that are also a part of this gang.One has killed three and the other, one. From his smile you would never know that he lives in a world of hurt.He probably drinks to temporarily numb his memory.He said he thinks of her often. We just werent made to carry those burdens.But we can accredit that to The Fall. The Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-alter-call http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-alter-call Sunday 7/13/08 Throughout the day, snapshots of Marios face kept flashing through my head. I could see him in a dim light which is where we had our last encounter; On the streets that front the church. I asked that you pray for his return to Iglesia Salim last Thursday, and he did. I joined him on the curb to find that he was drunk and strung out. I asked a squad mate Katie to join me. Katie stuck her neck out and asked him a simple question. Do you know the Lord? Considering that we know very little Spanish simple questions come often. I did not think that he would remember this meeting so I expected no response. Out of the corner of his eye one tear came, and two, then three. Since then all I can envision are his blood shot eyes staring blankly while slurring his words. In my daily prayers, I began to petition Lord to reveal himself to Mario in a way that His calling could not be dismissed. I knew that God was bigger than Marios addiction. I knew that God was bigger t Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=quick-checkin http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=quick-checkin Hola' como estan' We are in Palenque for nine more days! These churches and villages are amazing. Please pray for good health. I haven't gotten sick yet. A big Amen to that one. However, I did find black worms in my loofa sponge, after I "cleaned" myself two nights ago. We have youth service at church tonight. It should be good we are going to act out our dramas. They are very interesting, I guess I am an actress now. Please pray for Mario. He is hard on my heart. He is dependent on drugs and alcohol in a major way. I have been having long talks with him, but sometimes he is too intoxicated to converse. Not to mention...the language barrier doesn't help. Pray that he will continue to come to the church for the next week and a half so that we can get him more support through the church. We just got back from a village called "the Star of Bethlehem". The village is quite small, about 2,000 people. We held a children's service which usually brings all of the parents to Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=657E2DB29FB24BAE8A10C03578EEB9 http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=657E2DB29FB24BAE8A10C03578EEB9        "Hallelujahs" and "Glorias a Dios" resonate through the back streets of Palenque. An old worn shack that doubles as a Church and home is where these praises drown out the sounds of the children that play near by. Upon approaching our first ministry site God checked me into reality.    Roads are lined with temporary shelters that are permanent homes.  A person that lives in a home such as this may be a women, at the age of 60, that sweeps the gutters for a mere 20 pesos a day. Her name is Maria, we know her.  To put money in American terms, 20 pesos is two dollars, the price of the frozen Frapuchinno I purchased today.   I am convinced that the Spirit of the Lord thrives in the most broken places.  The initial reaction is a wide eyed, Oh my Lord, is this really the church, I thought it was condemned. I was mistaken.  After experiencing the abundance of love and the gracious hospitality I couldnt be more wrong. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=terry-the-tarantula http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=terry-the-tarantula Yes, this is what we do in our free time...along with visits to the local doctor to diagnose a plague of mosquito bites on my face and arms. Maybe I won't sleep on a mosquito nest next time!     Tue, 8 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=hidden-beauty http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=hidden-beauty I feel as though God is taking me back to the basics, and I am finding that they are not so basic at all. He is reminding me of his enormity through his creation, and not just physical creation but spiritual as well. The Lord started to show himself through the scenery around me. I am so blessed to receive his beauty every day. The role in my life and how grand He truly is, is something I might will never fully grasp. Dios a Bendiga Psalm 145: 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 4One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. 5They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. 6They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds. 7They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8The LORD is gr Sun, 6 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=FB9FB541228A440A977E5F4DEF8E15 http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=FB9FB541228A440A977E5F4DEF8E15 Wow...what an adventure. Palenque is beautiful...a sight well worth the three entire days it took to get here. We currently stay at a Bible school by the name of Shekinah. The view of the mountains is breathtaking and we are only two miles from the ancient Mayan ruins. God is already starting to do great things within our squad and the city. The language barrier is a small obstacle but it does not prohibit us from growing special, loving relationships with those whos hearts have been prepared by God to receive his word. I loaded a video so that I could share a bit of our first travel experience with you. Please bear with me, the quality is not 100% due to lack of sleep and training from 7am to 9 pm. Which, by the way, is amazing because our coaches are spectacular. We will miss them a great deal.   Fri, 4 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=for-miles-to-come http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=for-miles-to-come Oh sigh...As I sit waiting at gate C29 I realize that this flight has been a long time coming. And the tears come, (for you mom). Im remembering the memories that make me who I am. Im lost in the imagery of all the people and places left behind. Its hard to bring separation to these points of connection. You can kiss your family goodbye and put miles between you. But at the same time you carry them with you in your mind, heart and stomach because you dont just live in the world but a world lives in you -Frederick Buechner Tears of relief-- I know in my heart that God has sent me down this path. Tears because I know my life will never be the same. While it is a relief to board the plane, I realize that I am stepping into the unknown. It seems crazy that I have a complete peace about the future. From the moment I pressed send on my computer, to apply for the Race, Ive have had not one hindering tho Sat, 28 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-numbers-are-in http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-numbers-are-in  Hey Rockstar supporters!!! I cannot thank you enough for making the benefit concert a huge success.  The Lord has blessed me with such amazing friends and family! I knew when I asked the Lord if I should host a benefit show that he would respond...and he did.  He provided such an awesome band and venue. A BIG thanks goes out to Scott, manager of the Barley House!  He didnt hesitate to  let us use the house for the show. A GIANT thank you goes out to the band-- Southern Drive From left to right:  Taylor McCreary, Joel McCreary, Donnie Rex Martin, Russell Wilson, and Kevin Garinger (band member Jarrod Frasquez not pictured)       For more information about Southern Drive please visit their site: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=58156123     Your contributions raised over $$600$$ dollars in support. This includes proce Tue, 17 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=may-updatepostcard http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=may-updatepostcard   FRONTBACK Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=benefit-concert http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=benefit-concert Hey everyone, just wanted to take the time to invite everyone out for a night to support Natalie as she heads out for her mission trip around the world. All the details, links and info about the concert and her trip are below. We'll be accepting donations to help fund Natalie's mission and we hope you can come out and enjoy some great music with us. Visit Southern Drive on their Myspace page- http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=58156123                www.theworldrace.orgwww.nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org\World Race News ReleaseFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 2008 Twenty-somethings Embark on Journey of Self-Discovery and ServiceGainesville, GA - Hundreds of twenty-somethings, compelled by issues ofsocial justice and simple living, are leaving the comfort of theirhomes and possessions for a year to travel the world and serve others.They're Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-art-of-falling http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-art-of-falling "The great loss of life was the loss of God's Spirit. The loss of God's Spirit created a spiritual vacuum, but not for long. Your flesh became master over you, and has been dragging you by your heart ever since. Your flesh is actually a good thing. God made it and called it "good" (Genesis 1:28). But everything about humanity became corrupt and our reality is now out of sorts. So, your flesh was put on the throne of your heart and has been controlling you ever since." - Kevin McGillI came alive on this day as I was filled with the Holy Spirit. All of my shame and subdued suffering was released. I am dead to sin and Alive in Christ. I no longer carry around the dead weight on my back. Our human flesh spawns a vicious cycle. But, if I can continue to come alive in Him...I don't mind the fall. Thus...the art of falling Fri, 18 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=declaration http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=declaration I declare that I will live for the Lord each and every day.I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. - Galatians 2:20 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=freedom http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=freedom I have never seen the Lord work in ways that I have this week. Nor would I have ever imagined the ways in which he has used me. The Holy Spirit is in this place and His presence is abundant. There is brokenness all around me. As I see people lay their burdens at the cross, their walls begin to fall. We are facing our demons and receiving grace. In this place, it has been proclaimed that there is freedom from bondage. Vulnerable souls are uncovering deep wounds only to find that their fear of exposure was the hardest part. We are set free because of grace. I feel the purest cleansing of my soul. No other forgiveness can make me feel this way. There is no direction to escape from truth here. It is locked in our hearts and has become part of our being. This truth is what makes us alive. In the midst of this relief, love wins, my heart is still and I recognize peace. The Spirit has been instilled in me. In this place, I am connecting with the true faces of my teammates.   From th Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-tomb-is-empty http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=the-tomb-is-empty                     I know Easter was a week and a half ago but it left a lingering impression, as it should. Over in my mind I hear the pastor saying, "The tomb is empty!"--a statement so simple yet so powerful.  Maybe those four words are so great that we will never fully reach the depth of the story and the life behind them.  I have tried to reflect on this and conjure up what it means to me. There is no rhyme or reason to my thoughts in the last week.       The Tomb is empty. There is hope by faith in the resurrection of Christ.  He is no longer in the tomb.  We are forgiven.  Without deliverance the sin of man might have forever hung on our hearts.  Imagine what it would be like to carry the burden of your sin.   I have received plenty reassurance in the simple things, but most of the time they go unnoticed.  These small g Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=let-the-games-begin http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=let-the-games-begin   The route for World Race Team 2008!!!   July - Central America - Mexico (Palenque) August - Central America - Guatemala/Nicaragua   September - South East Asia - Thailand October - South East Asia - Cambodia November - South East Asia - Vietnam     December - Southern Africa - South Africa January - Southern Africa - Swaziland/Mozambique February - Southern Africa - Swaziland/ Mozambique   March - Eastern Europe - Romania April - Eastern Europe - Moldova May - Eastern Europe - Ukraine   Wed, 2 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=he-once-was-lost-but-now http://nataliemontgomery.theworldrace.org/?filename=he-once-was-lost-but-now My friend, lets call him Preston, has always tried to fall outside the norm. For as long as I can remember he has been a rebel, always swimming against the current. One thing I can say for him is that he has always been steadfast in his beliefs and ideals, whatever they might be at the time. Ninety-eight percent of the time he has already made up his mind. He has a unique style and he is what the kids might call- "the creator of cool". Preston has a passionate dedication for anything and everything he loves. He always has great ideas and punctual follow through. He is most definitely a friend anyone would want to have because he would die for you. Growing up with Preston was similar to a soap opera. Each episode was loaded with a meaty story line. Even the mundane seemed interesting if he had a hand in the affair. The supporting characters in his story would come and go but the main characters would remain the same. Sometimes his life was thick with drama and other times he would b Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT