Monday, April 30, 2012



From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

"Revive Me"

I wrote those 2 words on my left hand as the pastor preached his Sunday sermon. Later at the grocery, my mama saw the 2 words and asked if I was planning to choke . . . I had NO CLUE as to what she meant! Haha!

She explained that it looked like a good way to let someone know they have permission to do CPR on you if necessary! She said, "Just hold up your hand and let them read those words!"

She's so cute . . . and wise.

The reason I wrote the 2 words on my hand to begin with is because I've gotten kind of tired, worn out, and spread a little thin recently. My heart is to serve the Lord in as many ways as I am able to on an every single day missional scale. It is rare that I say no to an opportunity to give . . .often it's giving my time and attention and now . . .well, honestly, I'm tired :)
 
My weekends are booked (Non WR events and WR events alike!) and I will just concentrate on breathing for the next 2 months, I suppose! Ha!

Sunday morning, as I wrote those 2 words, I might as well have been doing exactly what my mother suggested. The only difference being that the One I needed to revive me was a heavenly being.

I really was asking God to do CPR on my weary mind, heart, spirit. I lifted up my left hand to Him yesterday and asked Him to "Revive Me."

I do not take my World Race opportunity for granted and I strive at fundraising and telling my WR story as well as I am able! I can hardly go an hour without sharing about it to someone! This is my current passion and as many of you know and for others of you, let me tell you . . . I am a passionate being! Haha! I love people, I love being on mission, and I just love to share God's truthful message of life, love, and liberty!

Now you know the truth, I needed revival. 

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

This weekend was the (in)RL conference through #(in)courage, a community of women online who desired to bring that community into Real Life. I chose to do the opposite of what others did and instead of getting a group of women together and building my local community (Which is my normal idea of ministry), I needed community with God and chose instead a 2 person gathering, me and Him. It was beautiful! I watched the videos, knowing He was right there with me, championing me on to revival of spirit! Blessed to have apersonal God. The conference was amazing and the stories glorious. The writers spoke to my heart and caused a great revival of my mission. I was also connected with a young woman through the conference in Kenya who I will meet on month 3 of my World Race at the #Mercy House she directs. Blessed, yes blessed.

Now I look to the finish line.
19 days until my WR Training Camp

60 days until I "go" on my World Race


- Pray with me for God's deliverance of souls, His provision for the hungry & needy, His liberty for those enslaved, and His healing for the sick in body and spirit. 

-Pray for me as I go? I could ask nothing more of you, my friend.


I am nearing the finish line of my preparations and yet only the starting line for my race. The Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy and said, "...I give you this charge, preach the Word. Be prepared in season and out of season - correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. . .do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry . . .I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

My race will begin by meeting the physical needs of the people God places me in contact with. This is one of the main reasons I chose the World Race, we will focus on the physical needs of the people (as demonstrated by Christ) and then upon physical victory, I will openly share the hope I have in Christ and the eternal life He has to offer through the love sacrifice for the sins of the world on Calvary. I could not be more humbled then to deliver this message to 11 countries of the world. 
And so I go.

TANAZANIA
 is my focus country this week:
From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

John Stephen Akhwari was a man from Tanzania who ran an Olympic marathon, many years ago. He did not win the race, or even earn a medal at all . . .in fact, he came in last place. However, John Stephen Akhwari finished the race. When asked why he was determined to complete his race, having already lost any chance of medaling, he said . . .


"My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race. They sent me 5,000 miles to finish it."


My beloved WR supporters . . .my "Go LO Go" team . . . my family . . .my friends . . .
God is using you to send me on this race . . .and although I hit a weary spot on the track this weekend, God has revived me and I am ready to finish the preparation well . . .to start my World Race. 

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

PS I have $3,900 towards my next goal of $6,500 . . .what can you give right now that will push my race forward towards the goal? A 1 time gift? A monthly offering? Do what you can, God will use every penny :)










Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Mid-week Mission: It's TIME for T-SHIRTS!


The 1st order of "Go LO GO" T-shirts is set for May 1st! ONLY 5 days left! I will need a LOT of orders to come in from you all for my goal of 45 T-shirts to be met!(45 shirts ordered = Cheaper T-shirt cost = More support earned) 

T-shirt ideas:

*Buy 1 for you and gift someone you love with 1 as well!

*Pledge T-shirts for your whole family and then set out a jar for your kids and spouse to toss change into to pay yourself back . . . or donate that too, of course ;)

*Decide as a youth group, dorm, or SS class to all buy and wear your "Go LO Go" shirts the same day as one more way of spreading the word about my race and God's mission!


I am thrilled to know that you will all be wearing your T-shirts, spreading awareness of my mission and remembering to pray for me for the 11 months I'll spend in 11 different countries!! 

My team ROCKS and are going to look super awesome in your T-shirts!!! 


Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.



From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+


"And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]." 2 Corinthians 9:10

Monday, April 23, 2012

Moving Forward: For my Russian readers!


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

As told to me by my blogger statistics (From my personal blog "my story, His story" . . . I apparently have a broad readership in Russia! This of course I find fascinating! Why Russia? I have no idea! But I figured that whatever the reason, these faithful readers deserve a post dedicated to them!

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

Therefore, as tribute to my faithful readers in Russia AND because Russia happens to be 1 of my 11 countries with the World Race, this week's Moving Forward post is all about . . .

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org


RUSSIA!!!!!

Russia is the country of vast landscapes, vibrant life, beautiful contrasts, and interesting people. Taking an immense space of 9000 kilometers from west to east and 5000 from north to south, being home to people of so many different nationalities and traditions, Russia is often called a "bridge" between Europe and Asia, both culturally and geographically.

Since the ancient times Russia has been transforming and re-shaping itself, its boundaries, its culture. In the ancient times, the Slavs, Finn tribes, Tatars, had made their way through Russia, and this mix of many different nations and their traditions has defined the unique Russian character and culture.


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

Now that you know a little bit about the country and its' people, I want to share something personal about Russia with you . . .

In Spring of 2008, my roommate and I were supposed to travel to Russia and were not able to go in a sudden turn of events. We were both quite bitter over it, to be honest! We both really felt led to go on this trip and were unable to, bottom line. We were both blessed, not even 3 months later, to travel with a wonderful group to Peru! We spent 3 weeks in the mountains and cities of Peru, sharing Christ and overcoming some amazing obstacles along the way. God had/has a plan. 2 years ago, I was unable to find the peace I needed from the Lord to travel to Russia with another group of my friends who were traveling there on mission. I stayed home and picked them up from the airport when they returned. My time in Russia has been delayed over and over again. I PRAY that the Lord's will is what I have been confident in and that is that I will indeed finally arrive in Russia for month 3 of my World Race . . .I am beyond thrilled! 

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org



My missionary friends have spoken of a darkness there, a need for joy. God has been filling me with joy for 5 months and I can't WAIT to get there and spread a little around! Many of the countries I am set to travel to have a burden on my heart because of the ways in which I know God will use me to serve there . . . Russia is different in my spirit. Holds a different emotion/knowledge.

I will be changed in Russia. God wants to change my heart . . . something about me and He plans to use Russia . . . and Russians to do it. 

Sigh. 

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

The pics you have seen in this post are from a few of my friend's journeys to this country that our GREAT God surely loves. Russians, friends, family, know that you are LOVED. and that you have a great purpose. Blessings!


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

PS Will you join me in my mission? Here are a few ways:


1. Click here to donate online (1 time or monthly gift!)

2. Send check to Adventures In Missions at:


Adventures In Missions
PO Box 534470
Atlanta, GA 30353-4470


*Be sure to indicate the purpose of your gift on your check: Lauren Clement (The World Race)


3. Buy a "Go LO Go" T-shirt for $20 (Post your desire to buy in a comment below)!

4. Inquire about my coming to speak about my trip to your favorite group of people by commenting below!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

More of Him

Tonight . . . I just feel like writing.




Ephesians 4

"To Be Mature" (I do not use this paraphrase often or ever but The Message speaks this passage so well)

1-3 "In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences."



My heart can only be expressed some nights in the written form. I believe this to be because I talk so darn much that the impact of my feelings are often lost on even me, much less my listener. Haha! So tonight I take a break from my World Race driven posts to open up a bit . . .to delve into my soul for just a moment.

I do not wish to say that the World Race is away from the center of my current universe but mostly to say that it is an extension of who I am meant to be at this moment in God's time and can not define who I am outside of my current purpose on this earth. I am meant to go and yes, you are right in thinking that it is what I have exuded most the last little while while doing life here in this place. I have tried to live broadly but my verbal release is most often secluded within the realms of this grace driven journey around the world. I had to clarify about my continued love for the mission, while presently requesting to step outside of the confinement of its' much needed expression to lean into what God has been doing in my soul otherwise.

He's been doing a lot . . . and others have noticed. I must tell you.

To begin may I say that this weekend alone left me feeling enormously blessed to be still residing stateside for such a time as the EWomen's conference. What a blessing . . . and a reminder of a burden. My favorite speaker/author/woman of bravery of all time is Angela Thomas (If you have to say, "Who is she?" you must immediately google her name or click the link to the right of this post following the close of reading this to find out for yourself! Not only did I hear her speak for the 3rd time in person (Will never grow dull to me, nor could she to anyone) but we also served at tables backing up to one another, preaching our own mission . . .which are so very much the same at the heart: a woman breaking free from the bondage of sin and/or heartache and living a life of joy in Jesus Christ's glorious victory! She really is my unknown mentor as she serves to many women across the world. I pray for many, many blessings over her life, family, and ministry en-devours.

Angela gave me one word of advice when I spoke with her during one of our sessions breaks . . . finish your education. God has already spoken to my heart on this matter . . .really for years now so this was no shocking word and I completely intend to do just that when I return from my 11 months away. She gave hearty approval to the World Race and took my support card with her as she left Pensacola. I asked her to pray for me and I truly believe she will. Thankful am I for even a few minutes with her. She is a sinner saved by grace, just like you and I. I know this and I take joy in the fact that someone like us can accomplish so much with Christ at the helm . . .she is living her potential and that, to me, is most inspirational.

There were other speakers who spoke words that stood out to me at the EWomen's Conference. One of which was Lysa Terkeurst! Lysa serves as the president of the Proverbs 31 Ministry and I have heard her voice-overs on K-Love for years! To see her in person and to hear stories from her "normal" life were really fun and extremely helpful for my souls' requested answers.

Let me explain by telling you that I am known by those closest to me for some pretty radical "Freak Outs" as they have so sweetly been labeled! Haha! These outbursts are for real (I know, you're all shocked! Haha!) and they come usually associated with fear. Fear of loss, lack of control . . . something along those lines. I know we all have our "thing" that God has to chisel out of us and these Freak Outs are the area He has hammered hard on for a while. A pretty deep issue to be honest. A product of the past and a current crutch that I had not been willing to let go of. I needed to let go though . . .while they often make me feel better (Kind of like going for a run after an argument), they mostly left someone in the wake of my outburst feeling degraded and used. NOT at ALL my intention, however true story.

The last few months, really since about mid January, God has been breaking me of this bad habit. He told me clearly to let it go and it has been a painful process. Learning to be quiet when I want to speak and learning to move forward when I want to stay and fight . . .these are the things that He has been challenging me with and it was time to hear a word of inspiration on it and to formulate a solid plan for escape from this chain in my life. Now that I have laid that out there for the world to see and know, Lysa's words will make SO MUCH more sense to you and you will know immediately the relief I found in having a PLAN for the next time I come across the moment of decision before I decide to move forward in verbal assault!

Lysa told a story about her family's recent underwater adventure. They decided to all be certified as divers so they could share in this activity as a family. Upon certification, they went on a family dive. Quickly after reaching the bottom, a sea creature began to repeatedly attack one of her daughters, slamming itself into her head over and over! Her daughter panicked and then chaos ensued as Lysa herself began to panic for the safety of her children. Mamas, from what I understand, will do just about anything to protect their children. After an overly quickly swim to the top of the water, the diving "Master" as he was called sat the entire family down side by side (Including the parents) and spoke directly to them with these words, "When faced with the decision to "Freak Out" . . . look to the Master and see if He is freaking out. If the Master is not freaking out, you have no reason to either."

Yes, you see where this is going.

 I ask you to pray for Lysa, each of you reading this post, she is suffering from internal damage to her ears and has a constant ringing in her left ear after surgery to both of them. Her hearing loss is significant at this time all because of her quick assent to the top of the water. Apparently you must ascend gradually for your ears to adjust to the pressure properly. She did not take the time to do this and she is now suffering for that panic quite specifically. As a public speaker, you can imagine why this news brought her to soft tears as she told us this weekend. Her surgeries were only last week and this news of possible permanent major hearing loss is new to her heart. I thank you for your prayers, God is her healer :)

Her Dive Master's words wrung in my ears as if they were meant specifically for me. Not to be selfish but I needed to hear that if no one else in the room did!

. . . look to the Master and see if He is freaking out. If the Master is not freaking out, you have no reason to either.

My Master NEVER freaks out. So there ya go.





Philippians 3:13-16

"Focused on the Goal"

 12-14I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. 15-16So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it.



Now, I am human and will make mistakes but now I have a plan. I've asked God to give me the forethought to pause and seek Him about His response to my circumstances or the words that have been spoken to me. To take the few seconds that could be the determining factor of whether or not someone gets hurt. I've committed to this. You know there's not much in listening to great words if you leave and never apply what you've learned and had pressed upon your spirit. Mine was this.

Amen to that word, Lysa!

Beyond this weekend, I will say that my joy has been full. I've written about this earlier in the year but I have quite decided that we are what we read. Since my devo focus this year so far has greatly surrounded the word "Joy" and all its' implications and applications, I have found that my personal outlook has greatly shifted  into this joyful direction as well! Jesus, the reason I exist, the very Person that my soul should accommodate, has made this sinner glad. I myself can do nothing, He, in me, can make change for joy! Jesus is the source. My disposition has been happier in general and my step has been that much more springy! People have noticed . . . and commented, as people do :)

I appreciate the comments, it's confirmation that the Lord is working and that I am allowing Him to mold my broken vessel into something beautiful and useful in His daily workings and what have you! The chiseled spirit is the contented spirit and the endurance brought from testing fires, is the brilliance in the end that brings forth  life-change and great living in desert or oasis!

I'm ready to change. I have to continue to change to be more like Christ. Part of this change is preemptive to my coming race but partly, it is what will happen after I leave. Change is happening and I know when and where. As to the how . . .well, "Only God knows and He ain't telling" (Only time I will ever use the word "aint" in my blogging, haha!). I used to be afraid of change but I've noticed recently that God brings beautiful things from natural change. Beautiful relationships, experiences . . .many things that would never have been noticed had change not occurred. Change is often difficult but what good thing isn't!

I'm smiling as I type mainly because I have opened up just a little. It feels good to tell you about the inner workings of my soul. I plan to do this a bit more, now that I am in a rhythmic posting system for WR. my story, His story will host a few more posts about God's current movements in my soul. He lives there and does a lot, as I'm sure He does in yours as well! He deserves to be talked about, really more than anything else for all eternity. May I walk what I talk and therefore talk about Jesus more and more.

Speaking of that, would you be willing to post a response below? Include your thoughts on this post, what has been addressed, and definitely anything God is doing in your life personally.



Friday, April 20, 2012

PRAISE the LORD, oh my SOUL!

I am a little off this week on my 3 posts a week goal! And now I continue this wacky week of postings with this incredible update taken from my FB status . . .

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org
Miracle Day #98! Hahah! Opened my mail tonight to find $2,050 given towards my World Race!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BLESS THE LORD, OH MY SOUL!

. . . I'm going. 

May 5th financial deadline ($3,500): Check. 

Total raised since Jan 10th, 2012 (including packing list, immunizations, & travel insurance): $5,600

$3,950 currently raised towards the $15,500 that covers the entire 11 month mission.

Next goal: $6,500 by mid June 

God has confirmed in my spirit that I will leave the states with $10,000 raised. This will leave $5,500 to raise while I am traveling the 11 countries (via my blog and word of mouth).

Praise the Lord, praise Him as I watch Him send me out and through your giving. I am forever grateful, humbled, and ecstatic!

"so I go"

laurenclement.theworldrace.org

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Friday Hi-5: 2 wks 2 go 4 T's


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

As I sip my Iced Caramel Macchiato and look back on this day, I can only sigh with complete joy and satisfaction at the goodness of my God! He is awesome!

Started this morning with prayer over the incredible fulfillment of my dear friend and award winning recording artist, Priscilla Sapp's, dream . . . we ministered this afternoon as a team to 700 kids at Warrington Middle school! What an opportunity to shine and bring about lifechange!

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

Priscilla spoke and sang after we presented a skit (I played a character in this) and then a little bit of dancing closed out the assembly. We addressed rampant topics like drugs, alcohol, teen pregnancy/abstinence, bullying, etc . . . they listened, they responded, and I walked away completely moved by God's use of His people to speak into the lives of our youth, some down and out!

One little 12 year old girl walked up to us and said, "I'm pregnant . . . thank you for coming . . . I wish you came a couple of months ago but I still say thank you." Mm. What do you say to that? 

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

I ran back to the house (We all know that I don't mean literally! ha!) where Iscarfed down a bowl of pasta with butter, salt, and garlic powder sprinkled on top! There was no time for even a little sauce! Haha

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

Next I zoomed off to a dance choreography session with my 6 other Gull Point Center instructors (What an event it was to teach Ballet/Pointe instructors to "pop" isolation techniques . . . I was lovin' every minute, you know I was!!Haha!

From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

Lastly, I received a call asking me to run to Pace, FL to speak on "Purity" for teens and their moms. Not knowing the group of females at all, I just prayed for God's wisdom and for Biblical insight and WENT FOR IT! The blessing of my heart was that my mama was there to hear me speak for the very first time! AMEN to that! What a moment of victory :)

After such a long and yet glorious day, I am compelled to write not only about your opportunity to give to my World Race (78 days and counting!!) for which I am ever so grateful but also about the multiple opportunities to serve your purpose on this earth that open up when you allow yourself the freedom to serve WHEREVER God places you in this life. I did not ask for 1 thing I was a part of today . . . unless you count this prayer, "God, use me! Wherever, whenever, however. Amen" 

I encourage you to GET OUT THERE . . . TOMORROW and serve a Holy and powerful God because He is alive and He wants to use YOU to change other's lives! He will use YOUR strengths because they came from Him anyway :) He knows you, He sees you, He loves you . . . To borrow a well known company's slogan . . . JUST DO IT!

Many blessings "as you go." 


From laurenclement.theworldrace.org
(T-shirt option 1: $20)

From laurenclement.theworldrace.orgFrom laurenclement.theworldrace.org
(T-shirt option 2: $20)

5 ways to help my World Race:


1. Buy a T-shirt
2. Buy more than 1 T-shirt (Hah!)
3. Share with your friends on FB, Twitter, and by word of mouth about my 2 T-shirt designs for sale!
4. Wear your shirt EVERY DAY once it arrives (Just kidding! But seriously!)
5. Pray for the sales of my T-shirts and the up and coming financial deadline: May 5th - $3,500



From laurenclement.theworldrace.org

LOVED.,
Lauren!<><+

"A man’s harvest in life will depend entirely on what he sows. If he sows for his own lower nature his harvest will be the decay and death of his own nature. But if he sows for the Spirit he will reap the harvest of everlasting life by the Spirit."(Galatians 6:7-8, Phillips)