"Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, i will be exalted in all the earth." Psalm 46:10. Over the past month or so, this scripture has really been tugging at my heart. The story below is from the Christmas time, but I really feel that it is relevant to my life now, and for life in general. Take a step back from the madness.

So, this past Christmas, I went to Kaua'i to help out with The Salvation Army kettle program, and other various projects. I stayed with Envoy's Larry and Joy, at the Hanapepe Corps. Now, this is old Hawaii, small towns, one road in and out. I was blessed with the opportunity to drive and do pick-ups, play the ukulele at the different kettle sights, count money, and help with Angel Tree.

There were only five kettle sights for the corps, but they were so spread out on the island; some taking thirty minutes to drive to. Well, I began to feel worn out after two and a half weeks, playing music driving, counting, and other projects. I had been told the importance of taking a step back and refocusing, and just let God fill me up. And so i decided that I would do just that. What better place to be?

So, I would stop near the beach and walk out to the water and just listen to God in His beauty. I learned a valuable lesson in the importance of stopping and breathing some fresh air.

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men" This past weekend, God allowed me to see this verse come to life. You see, on Saturdays, we go out into different neighborhoods and visit with people in their homes, asking how things are, seeing if they want prayer. As a part of the Revolution Hawaii team, this is one of the ministries I get involved in throughout the week.

What was special about this particular Saturday, was a guy by the name of "D". He lives in a low-income housing project, here in Honolulu. As I talked with him, I found out that he was what they call a "street pharmacist", aka a drug dealer. The more we talked, the more I learned about him. In fact, I he told me that he was originally from Portland, Oregon which is where I am from. That right there was a window of opportunity to get to know this guy and build a strong relationship.

He wants to get out of the drug business. At age twenty, I told him that he has such an awesome future; if he sets his mind to it. Later that day, I ran into him again, and talked with him some more. He said, "what you do is what I call the good life; I want that." It was truly a God thing. The streets are rugged and fast-paced. It is so easy to get caught up. But in what may would consider a "saltless" envirnment, I saw the salt.

See, somebody had told him who Christ was at an early age in his life. Now, there has been some more exposure to what following Christ is all about. "'For I know the plans I have for you' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11. This is a promise to all people, I believe, especially for "D".