- JMak
- May 24, 2021
This weekend I got a chance to talk with Xavier and a few of the other guys that I was working with in Lima. My brother-in-law and best friend Jason Armstrong, was there to help me—he speaks much better Spanish than I do so I always appreciate when he and I can be together talking to the people in Lima.
Xavier gave us an update on the bakery. He started using the oven this week and practicing his recipes! This is incredible! Only four weeks ago when I was getting on a plane to come back to Atlanta, Xavier was just beginning to build out his space for the bakery. Things are moving quickly—in his life and in mine!
Xavier's life is a testimony of what God can do. One year ago he was suffering from a heart condition brought on by stress. He and his wife had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive a baby for 6 years. Today they have a sweet baby girl and Xavier is so much healthier—inside and out! Plus his longtime dream of opening a bakery is coming true!
I felt not only spiritually uplifted as I talked with Xavier but physically strengthened as well. I am asking God to give me the audacity to believe that His spirit can do more than anything natural, more than any medication or procedure!
This is what Xavier is experiencing too. God restored his health and gave him a baby girl. Now God is providing the connections and resources Xavier needs to open this bakery. Xavier told me that he wants this bakery to provide jobs and opportunity for people like him that need a chance. He is already giving back and paying it forward! I love that!
People often ask me how they can help. One way you can help me is by helping Xavier! One of my dreams has been to see him living his dream! Here is a link you can use if you would like to help him bring his dream to reality.
- JMak
- May 22, 2021
There is a simplicity and richness to life at the beach that reminds me of God's spirit. It can be felt in the pounding of the surf or the gentle breeze against the skin. It can be seen where the ocean meets the sky and colors of green change to turquoise and then to sky blue. The taste of the salt in the air. It can be felt in the sand between the toes as the waves roll lightly over the feet. There is a depth to experiencing these things that can easily be missed.
Going through life without God’s Spirit makes everything mundane and common. Going through life with God’s spirit brings vibrancy and abundance. The only difference is the spirit!
- JMak
- May 21, 2021
The mornings can be a challenge for me. That’s why I start the day fighting! And I have some great friends that have committed to fight alongside me. Today AJ Page joined me to start the day right.
It was humbling. I could see how much strength I have lost in just 4 weeks. My physical body is weaker but I feel my inner man gaining strength. These natural trials are making me exercise my mind of faith each day—that’s a good thing! AJ kicked my butt this morning and I am so thankful for it. I need to keep getting stronger for this battle that is in front of me—mentally, spiritually and physically.
After our workout, we were walking down the street and I saw these flowers. Purple. The color for pancreatic cancer. Just a little reminder this morning that this fight is beautiful. And it is changing me. And I am getting to know God better. I am experiencing Him deeper. I am feeling Him closer. And I have never lived life in the way I am right now. I am so grateful.
I would love to hear what you are thankful for today. It does so much for me to hear from you all and connect with people that I haven’t heard from in a long time. I am thankful that this diagnosis has given me a reason to reconnect with so many people. And to speak boldly and share openly and live fully.
