Conviction- today, your name is Jon Acuff. (Author of Stuff Christian's Like @ http://www.jonacuff.com/blog/ Read it-you won't regret it.)

Just in case you don't feel like clicking the link (I probably wouldn't), here's what it says:

How to be a rock star.

It’s easy. Here’s all it takes.

Spend more time practicing your dream than you do promoting your dream.

That’s it.

The Internet has made it ridiculously easy to promote your dream, your craft, your passion, your whatever. As someone who writes books and throws events, that is awesome. But that ease comes with a consequence.

The temptation is to spend more time on promoting what you’re doing instead of practicing what you’re doing. Honing your skills, putting in the hours to improve, working hard while no one is watching. Promoting makes people think you’re great. Practicing actually makes you great. There’s a huge difference between those two things.

Want to stand out from the clutter of social media and be a rock star?

Spend 10 hours practicing your dream for every 1 hour you spend promoting it.

Want to be a rock star even faster? Make that ratio 100 to 1.

If I’m being honest, I haven’t yet. I fall into the promotion vs. practice trap all the time. But the times when I focus on practice, I end up doing work that is vital, not just viral, and that matters more to me and probably you too.

Question:What are some ways you “practice” your dream?

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Now, I don't want to be a famous writer, or sing on stage for millions- I want to spread the love of Jesus. I want kids who feel alone and abandoned know an unconditional love that makes them feel whole and restored. I want to connect with people and create deep, honest, transparent relationships of encouragement and accountability. I want to see addictions broken, relationships restored, and lives changed through the love of Christ.                                     So, do I practice? Do I try everyday to show the forgiveness, grace, love, and joy that has been given to me? Sadly, no. Do I get into the Word, spend time in some serious prayer? Do I live out the life-altering change I want to see in Mexico? No again.

Instead, I spend time scheduling fundraisers, telling everyone who will listen what I will be doing and how desperately I need sponsors. Have I even once truly sat down and asked God how He wants to provide money for my expenses while in Mexico? If I'm honest, nope. I've been too busy promoting. Sure, I've asked OTHERS to pray. Sure, I've shot up a, "God-PLEASE help me get some sponsors." "Lord, I trust you....but I really need to get some dinero in my account" "Please let this fundraiser go well!!" etc etc.... But God doesn't want my drive-through prayers, He wants my heart.

So....as I was casually reading all the blog posts I have piling up simply to clear the list, God gave me a little wake up call. 

"Stop promoting yourself, and start talking to me"  

God Provides :)

Every time I open this page to write a new post, I never know where to begin. :) God has done SO much since I got back from Mexico last June.

Let's do a quick (and inadequate) recap:
-I asked my parents if they would support my decision to apply to move to Mexico with Back2Back, and they said YES! (truly and act of God!)
-I applied and was accepted to come on as staff with Back2Back
-God GAVE ME A TRUCK through a Christ-led, amazing family.
-Friends and family have been SO generous through this time of fundraising.

That so does not do what God has been up to justice by any means, but at least now I've got you somewhat up to date. :)

To be honest, fundraising has been scary, exciting, terrifying, and SUCH a blessing...all at once! :) Every once in a while, it'll hit me that my WILDEST dream is in the process of becoming reality, and it is almost more than I can handle. :) It blows my mind that I will get to be a part of an AMAZING organization, working with people I admire deeply, getting to serve children who have already taught me much more than I probably will ever teach them.

Going through this fundraising process has put me through a roller-coaster of emotions. I have had to fight doubts, insecurities, and fear every step of the way. God has been SO faithful. Each time I am just beyond myself, feeling like I just want to turn around and run, God has done something BIG to remind me, "Quit stressin'- I've got this." Right when I begin to succumb to fear, God blows it out of the water.

I haven't reached my goal for sponsors just yet, but I trust God's timing is SO much better than mine (although sometimes He needs to remind me lol) and that He will provide. :) He has been SO faithful this far, and He will continue to be faithful.

I can not thank everyone who has been a part of this adventure with me enough! Your encouragement, love, and generosity have made a HUGE impact- more than you realize. :)