"Get up and Go". Four words that I heard so clearly when my heart was first stirred by the idea of thousands of youth and young adults taking a stand for our Nation.

So how did I get to be on the other side of the Country anyways? Well, two months ago I heard Faytene Kryskow, director of 4 My Canada, speak of a vision she has to see God's dominion established in our Nation. Although at the time it seemed financially impossible, I set my heart on going and through God working some pretty amazing miracles on my behalf, this morning I boarded a plane that took me to Toronto, where I caught a connecting flight to Ottawa.

And now here I am, sitting in my hotel. I am tired, curious, anxious and thankful. Today has been interesting. I have met some unique individuals, as one does when traveling, especially on airplanes. Speaking of which, I also was quickly reminded that flying is my least favorite way to travel. I mean, I never get car sick. Never. I don't get queasy on trains or sea sick while sailing. But there is something about the unpredictable bumping of turbulence on a plane at 25,000 feet that makes me quite nautious. In conjunction with that 'airplane smell' that isn't quite good or bad, after spending ten hours in airplanes (or running from one airplane to another through a massive airport) I was quite relieved to be able to jump in a cab and finally get to my hotel.

During my travels today, however, I have had the time to reflect on a few things. Firstly, to question whether I really do believe a Nation can be changed. I mean, is this really a nation-shaking heaven-rending event, or merely a good excuse for a nice vacation? Secondly, am I willing to fight for this thing? Like actually sacrifice something and lay down my wants and desires to see the Kingdom of God enforced by my generation? And thirdly, do I trust God enough to follow Him wherever He leads? Like Abraham, who picked up everything and headed out - no map, no hotel reservations. Just a promise from the Almighty God; "Get up and go to the land I will show you." And so I have spent the last two hours unpacking, praying, pondering and wrestling with myself. But after day one of my "I Heart Canada Tour" I have come to these conclusions:


I do believe a Nation can be changed. I believe God is sovereign and I believe that He has great plans for this mighty Country. I believe that Canada has a unique and special destiny that is being called forth. I believe that because I believe that Canada is under the jurisdiction of the Lord of Heaven, and I see this picture of our Nation as a prodigal child, finally coming home, and I am filled with hope and excitement. Like Gideon was, we are small(er) and sometimes considered less powerful than other Nations, but though Him all things are possible. (Side-note: I especially think of the upcoming G8 Summit and am often reminded to pray for Stephen Harper, specifically that God would strengthen his voice and give him wisdom). God has shown me the importance of believing in the vision and passion that He is calls us to, because if we aren't completely sold out, we will never be able to fight for it, which leads me to my next point.



I AM willing to fight for it. It's not a matter of can I afford to stand behind something this important, this massive, this costly, but it has become clear to me that it's more of a question of can I afford not to? We a re talking about the lives of my children to come and their children. This is one of the most important times in the history of our Nation! And I know that it matters, because I feel all the usual opposition from the enemy - confusion, distraction, frustration, unreasonable fear - that one does when stepping into your destiny. My life has sucked lately for many reasons, but mostly I believe that Satan does not want me, or any of us, to stand up and fight. He tries to wear us out before we even go to battle, and for that reason alone I am willing to fight. because I would rather suffer for something I believe in then give up and live comfortable for nothing.


And once I figured out that I do believe in the Nation-changing power of God, and determined that I was willing to fight for it, I began to think about what that looks like in real life. This is so much bigger then just a one day event. This is just the beginning of it; it does not stop here. So then God asked me of I could trust Him enough to follow Him. "Of course," I thought, and it sounded like a silly question. But then it became clear to me that God is going to change Canada through people who trust Him implicitly - with everything. It's easy to say I trust God, but I mean trust as in do I trust that HE ALONE can provide for my needs? That His grace will sustain me? Because when we, as the body of Christ, begin living that belief out corporately . . . Well, that will definitely shake the nations.

Jesus Christ IS sufficient. He is trutworthy, but we (and by that I mean me) have to live it out in the small things first. Our jobs. Our relationships. Our churches. Our finances. If he's not Lord of our lives, he will never be Lord of our Country, regardless of how many conferences and prayer rallies we do. We need to become a nomadic people, spiritually speaking. We need to let go of our comfort zones, our structures of religion and the things that give us a false sense of security. And we need to trust that He can change the nations. We need to believe it enough that we are wiling to fight for it. And we need to go when he says go - unafraid, not looking back or to the side. Just get up and go. . .

Shout Outs:

To all the amazing people (Mom & Dad, the Bakers, the Johnsons, John from CLN, and any others I may be forgetting off the top of my head) who came out of nowhere and supported me financially: I specifically did NOT ask for monetary support because I wanted the asking to be done by God, not me. Thank you for listening - I pray you will be richly blessed for your obedience.

To my friends and family who have put up with me being a stress-case for the last month and a half. I love you so much and am humbled to call you my inner circle.

To Steve Osmond - Pastor of Tehillah Monday: Your vision for the first Cry laid the foundation for what we are doing here this weekend. May God bless you for your endless building of His Kingdom. I am blessed to be a part of your congregation.

To the baggage handlers: nothing in my bag exploded - not even my hair spray! That's a first for me and I was very happy :)

And to the nice Air Canada lady in Toronto: I was stressed and lost and my flight was late. Thanks for making me laugh and making sure I made the connector flight!

** Please note that all pictures were taken from the 4 My Canada Website archives. They were taken at the CRY event that took place in 2002. I will have pictures of this year's events posted early next week. The Air Canada one is just there for morale . . . I got it off google. Three cheers for the internet!!!

last night i drove out to the airports and watched the planes landing and taking off again.

i wondered about each person on each plane,
and wondered if any of them wondered about me.

i felt so small. and i kinda liked it.

"keep your eyes on the prize" i hear you say.
"build my kingdom. seek after me."

"but where am i supposed to live?" i ask you.
i can't just live off of my hopes and dreams.

but through my tears i decide that i trust you.
you will find a way for me.

Nothing left to Lose

something’s in the air tonight
the sky's alive with a burning light
you can mark my words something's about to break

and i found myself in a bitter fight
while i've held your hand through the darkest night
don't know where your coming from but your coming soon

to a kid from oregon by way of california
all of this is more than i've ever known or seen

come on and we'll sing, like we were free
push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us
come on and we'll try, one last time
i'm off of the floor one more time to find you

and here we go there's nothing left to choose
and here we go there's nothing left to lose

so i packed my car and headed east
where i felt your fire and a sweet release
there's a fire in these hills thats coming down

and i don't know much but i found you here
and i can not wait another year
don't know where your coming from but you coming soon

to a kid from oregon by way of california
all of this is more than i’ve ever known or seen

come on and we'll sing, like we were free
push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us
come on and we'll try, one last time
i'm off of the floor one more time to find you

and here we go there's nothing left to choose
and here we go there's nothing left to lose

i can still hear the trains out my window
from hobart street to here in nashville
i can still smell the pomegranates grow
and i don't know how hard this wind will blow
or where we'll go

come on and we'll sing, like we were free
push the pedal down watch the world around fly by us
come on and we'll try, one last time
i'm off of the floor one more time to find you

and here we go there's nothing left to choose
and here we go there's nothing left to lose

©2005 EMI Blackwood Music/Façade Aside Music (ASCAP)

Shout Outs:

Chad - cheers to waterfights and late nights

Scott - Yes, we are related by blood. Nutcase cousins . . .

James - pants face

Grandma, Grandpa, Mom and Dad - Thanks for being my pack.

To all the foster kids I work with - you change my life on a daily basis.

So here's a little quiz I came across in a email forward I recieved last week. Now normally I HATE forwards, but it caught my attnetion. And I was bored. Or perhaps I was looking for a distratction. Whatever. It's supposedly an "annual" review that you take in June - the halfway point of the year. It's designed to help you (the quiz-ee) reflect on the past six months and then set the tone for the remainder of the year. Suprisingly, I found it quite amusing. And since I have nothing else to write about, I thought I would post my answers just for kicks. So here it is, my life - up close and personal . . .

2006 Annual Personal Review

Full name:
Cara Lynn Henry

Books you have read this year:
Memoirs of a Geisha
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Bad Girl's Guide to Getting Personal
CASH - The Johhny Cash Biography
To Own a Dragon (still reading)
Wuthering Heights (currently on hold)

Goals you have reached this year:
I have gotten my debt under control and paid a bunch of it off
I learned how to change my own oil
I started working out
I found a place to live that feels like home
I got a cat of my own

Goals you are still procrastinating / working on:
I still need to find another Gym to work out at or start walking
I still haven't unpacked all my stuff cause I need furniture

Three skills you have learned or are developing:
I am currently earning my blackbelt in shopping - without blowing my budget!
I am geting freakin' good at cooking yummy meals. No more processed food!
I am learning about gardening and plants

Last time you cried in front of someone:
Wow - I haven't cried in awhile. The last time would've been in front of Tanya, Chad, Mom or Dad, or James cause those are the only people that I'm that honest with. It was probably becasue I felt overwhelmed. I have felt like that alot this year.

Biggest accomplishment:
Taking control - I finally feel like I own my own life.

Hardest Challenges:
Choosing to deal with my issues
Learning to trust (and obey!) God
Choosing to be okay with where I'm at in my life
Overcoming my fears

Biggest Strength and how you've used it this year:
I would have to say Organizing. This year I have put together an out-of-province youth conference for a bunch of crazy teenagers, a Hawaiian birthday party for my cousin, a super classy birthday party for James (three cheers for breaking plates and drinking Hennesy), a birthday weekend roadtrip for my 25th Birthday, at least 2 other dinner parties for friends, a couple girl's nights, and a few youth events . . .

Last time & place you danced with someone:
About a month ago I danced with Jason at Tequila.

Last time you laughed really really hard:
Watching a movie wiht Tanya

Last (out of the ordinary) thing you bought:
My Puma Shoes - YAY!!

New friends you've made this year:
Zach, Andrew, Tony, Brandon, Adam, Crystal

Closest Friends:
Tanya, James, Chad and Amanda

Role Models / Mentors:
Faytene Kryskow, Nolan Clark, Steve Osmond

Three words that would describle how you want the rest of the year to be like:
Laughter
Health
Prosperity

I am a magnet for all kinds of deeper wonderment
I am a wunderkind oh
I am a pioneer naïve enough to believe this
I am a princess on the way to my throne
Destined to seek, destined to know
Destined to serve, destined to roam . . .

~ Wunderkind, by Alanis Morrisette (song for Queen Lucy of Narnia)

Girl Meets World

I am so hopelessly afraid. Afraid of change and of loss. Afraid of becoming who I think I might be. I have had an on-going conversation with God for the past 32 hours and counting. I am learning to trust. In that time period I have had many things I love vanish into thin air - a good friend, a place to live, a plan for my life - my plan.

It must be you, though, Father, because I feel such a peace. You told me things were going to change very drastically in a short period of time. You told me not to get comfortable where I am because you are leading me on and out yet again. "Get up and go to the Land I will show you". . . those words given to my ancestor Abraham now ringing in my ears.

You are not safe. You are not a tame God. But You are good. I trust you, Lord. With my life and all that it entails. I choose to view this big world through the eyes of a child who knows that her Daddy knows what's best. I will choose to be inspired. In awe. In total abandonment to my own agenda and fully embracing the things you have for me. I will meet the world head on and trust that you have plan for my life, and I will be present within myslef, even in the difficult and painful times, for you are in control and you know what's best for me.

In the stereo at the moment:

Even if your hope has burned with time,
Anything that's dead shall be re-grown
And your vicious pain,
your warning sign
You will be fine

Hey, here I am
And here we go
Life’s waiting to begin. . .

~ The Adventure, by Angels & Airwaves

"I am not my hair". - India.Arie

profound. I like it.

It is pleasing to God whenever thou rejoicest or laughest from the bottom of thy heart.
- Martin Luther

Ahhh Spring. . . The new green grass is peeking through last year's old, dry memories. The rain revives the weary earth and makes everything smell so fresh and new. The sun greets me each morning with warmth and anticipation. All creation bows and blossoms in worship - as if there could ever not be a God orchestrating this whole thing.

I love spring because for me it means new beginning. My birthday is in the first week of April and it is quite possibly the most exciting time of year - a chance to start new. My birthday this year was awesome. Aside from turning twenty-five (insert Grandma jokes here - I'm collecting them) it was probably my second best birthday ever. Myself and three of my best friends rented a really nice car (a silver Chrysler 300 M) and took off to Banff for the weekend for girls' road trip. We had a blast! James has also been down from Red Deer for the last couple weeks due to spring break-up (he can't work out on the oil fields right now till things thaw about) so it's been awesome to have him around. We are such eight year olds when we get together and we laugh and laugh and laugh - so much fun.

I also feel God releasing a new sense of peace inside of me, which is so beautiful and very relieving after the sucker punch that was 2005. When I was asking God about this coming year, I felt as though he was saying that I need to actually live it, not just survive it. Here's to friends, laughter, and new beginnings - all of which are amazing blessings from God!

It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis.
- Margaret Bonnano

Things I am Grateful for this Easter:
- The never ending grace of God
- .46 Jim Dunlop picks
- Second chances
- friends and family
- Lip Gloss
- Down filled pillows
- Pineapple
- Facial Scrubs from LUSH

Shout Outs:
Tanya - I love chillin' with you. Three cheers for shopping and girl nights!
Kev - I'm sorry I stabbed you with the turkey baster. You're alright for a bleeding Irish kid.
Chad - You rock my world! I'm so happy about the new GSXR. I love seeing you ride!
James - Your pants are ugly. But it's forgivable seeing as how you can't dress yourself.
AJ & Brea - Wow, how much fun can some girls and a duck have? Thanks for the memories!
Mom and Dad - Thanks for your love and encouragement. I owe you both everything.
Justin - It's been great to reconnect with you! We'll have to hang out soon.
Fiona - Yay for getting out of the Hospital! It can only go up from here...
Crystal, Adam, Zach, Jason & Crew - Wing night anyone? Thanks for all the fun!

Current Tunes:
We got more bounce in California - Soul Kid One
Shadow proves the Sunshine - Switchfoot
We used to be friends - The Dandy Warholes
Anything by the Trews
Nicotina - Big Sugar
Random - Lady Soverign
Anything by Patty Griffin
The way we get by - Spoon
Vindicated - Dashboard Confessionals

On the night stand:
Cash - The Johnny Cash Autobiography
My bible, specifically Romans

Recommended Cool Stuff:
The O.C. (My brother corrupted me by getting me the first season for my birthday)
Cupcake Bath Bombs from LUSH
Airsoft
Imago Dei Church (Seattle) - check itunes music store for FREE sermon podcasts!
Anna Sui Lipstick - coolest looking makeup EVER!