Do you see God's blessing each day? Can you feel his presence? Do you see God in your every day life?
I believe it is extremely important to see God every day in your life. This doesn't mean you need to look for extradinary things or miracles, but if you open yours eyes you might see more of those things. It is important to see God in your life. He was the one that created you and this world so you don't have to look too far to see Him. Take the sunrise and sunset as an obvious example. How can you not see God in that? Who really has that much creativity and imagination besides God.
Seeing God physically we can not do. Not even the Israelites could see Him because if they did they would die. However, we can see God in His creations. We can see God's faithfulness in our lives. There are many things that you can see if you open your eyes.
This is why me and unbelievers have such a hard time seeing eye to eye because I can't see anything but God's handprints in my life and they have a hard time seeing Him at all. I think this where the "I once was blind but now I can see" phrase comes into play. Before we were followers of Christ we were blind for God only allowed us to see what we wanted to see but once our hearts changed and we became one with Him, He opened our eyes so that we could see. Sometimes I believe we need help to see and this is where some followers who are farther along in their faith come into play. They came help us see beyond what we already can see on our own.
My prayer for everyone is that their eyes may be opened so that they may see the one true God, who pursues them daily. If you cannot see God pray that He would reveal Himself to you.
June 14, 2011
June 13, 2011
Monday
If you could pray that I would be healed from this cold. I would appreciate. Thank you all so much for your prayers and support! I give thanks every time I think of you. You all mean so much to me and I am so grateful to have all of you in my life.
June 12, 2011
There is no one like our God...
As I have had time to reflect on God and my life, it is amazing to see God's faithfulness and love. Even during my lows God still lifted me up when I cried out to Him. He is so wonderful. He is the reason I rise each morning and rest each night. Each day is full of His love.
I get so confused sometimes when I see or hear of people who don't believe in God. Because to me it is like how can you not? I just can't imagine life without Him. This is why I work so hard and go to the places that I go to. When you have found something so right and good you want to share it with the world. I don't do this work for me I do it for all of people I met who are lost and feel hopeless. I do this work because I am a servant of Lord.
I love how I was reading a message today by my friend Eric Elder and he talked about being a servant of the Lord. But the way servant was used originally in the Bible meant being a slave to. You were a slave to the Lord. Now I know this doesn't sound appealing but Eric made a good point, who else or what else would you want to be a slave to? (money, your job, alcohol, etc.) I am perfectly fine being a slave to the Lord. I know He is always faithful and is all loving. Also, I actually like that He punishes those who do wrong because I know He is merciful and just. I wouldn't want to be a slave to anyone or anything else.
When I look at the faces of the people I work with and in the faces of children I see hope. I see God's children. I see love. Everyone is looking for a little more love in their life but you don't have to look much farther than God. If His love isn't enough than I don't know what is. He will never leave or forsake you. He already died on the cross for you and promises you eternal life. Sounds like a pretty great God to me. He will and will always be enough for me. He knew my name before I was born and I love Him with all my heart. It is easy to serve a God you love. I will continue to be a slave to the one and only true God.
I get so confused sometimes when I see or hear of people who don't believe in God. Because to me it is like how can you not? I just can't imagine life without Him. This is why I work so hard and go to the places that I go to. When you have found something so right and good you want to share it with the world. I don't do this work for me I do it for all of people I met who are lost and feel hopeless. I do this work because I am a servant of Lord.
I love how I was reading a message today by my friend Eric Elder and he talked about being a servant of the Lord. But the way servant was used originally in the Bible meant being a slave to. You were a slave to the Lord. Now I know this doesn't sound appealing but Eric made a good point, who else or what else would you want to be a slave to? (money, your job, alcohol, etc.) I am perfectly fine being a slave to the Lord. I know He is always faithful and is all loving. Also, I actually like that He punishes those who do wrong because I know He is merciful and just. I wouldn't want to be a slave to anyone or anything else.
When I look at the faces of the people I work with and in the faces of children I see hope. I see God's children. I see love. Everyone is looking for a little more love in their life but you don't have to look much farther than God. If His love isn't enough than I don't know what is. He will never leave or forsake you. He already died on the cross for you and promises you eternal life. Sounds like a pretty great God to me. He will and will always be enough for me. He knew my name before I was born and I love Him with all my heart. It is easy to serve a God you love. I will continue to be a slave to the one and only true God.
June 11, 2011
Todo es bien....All is well
This past week for the most part has been good, despite my rocky start. This week I have been able to practice more of my Spanish and I have enjoyed getting to know some more people from school.
I spent some time this week really trying to focus on God and His heart for His children. It amazes me how this week God new exactly what I needed and when I needed it. I know He knows my desires and my heart so I shouldn't be so surprised when He continues to meet my needs, but I am. His love just overwhelmes me.
This week I have made a really good friend, named Elaine. I think God has placed her in my life at this time because He knew I needed someone who I could relate to and open up to. He knew I needed another friend, and she is a pretty good one.
To celebrate the weekend yesterday we went to the movies and then had dinner. On Fridays, after I get done having a test. I need to do something to relax. Going out to a movie or dinner or just doing something by myself like buying popcorn and a coke is a great way to start the weekend and relax from the week. Movies here are super cheap too, which is really nice, they only cost 3.50 American dollars. Rio so far has been my favorite movie in Spanish. It was so funny. I have only gone to the movies 3 times but I really enjoy watching movies. Tomorrow I am going to see a Ballet which I know doesn't sound exciting to some, but I love it. I love getting dressed up and going to the theatre. The group is an international Christian ballet called Ballet Magnificat.
Today, I was able to go work again at Valle del Sol. I had a lot of fun. I was in charge this week of coming up with a craft and leading a small group of elementary children in a discussion on lesson they just heard. Well since I couldn't really discuss with them the story, which was on the Birth of Christ. My Spanish is not at the point were I can say everything I want so I improvised. We just read the story together again in Spanish. I had each child read a portion from Mark until we finished it. Then we made our craft which was a recreation of the nativity scene. The children drew Mary, Joseph, and Jesus then we glued popsicle sticks around the picture to make the manger. The kids really enjoyed it. It was nice to see them get so focused on making something and really enjoy it. I also did get to practice alot of my Spanish since the older kids really love to talk. I also got to led the worship songs which made me really nervous. Even though, all I had to do was stand in front follow the words on the posterboard and sing along with a cd. Singing I am learning is a great way to practice Spanish.
I am getting better at being able to sing and pronounce words. Vowels in Spanish are so important. It doesn't matter how long it takes you but you will pronounce every vowel in every word. I am becoming a fan of long words because I think they are more fun to say. You would be surprised if you study the English language and see how we butcher our vowels. I am learning so much about English when I am studying Spanish, because I compare the two languages. I also have to focus alot on the pronunciation of each word and how I move my mouth and tongue, somethings that were so natural for me in English are now harder. But I love it.
I spent some time this week really trying to focus on God and His heart for His children. It amazes me how this week God new exactly what I needed and when I needed it. I know He knows my desires and my heart so I shouldn't be so surprised when He continues to meet my needs, but I am. His love just overwhelmes me.
This week I have made a really good friend, named Elaine. I think God has placed her in my life at this time because He knew I needed someone who I could relate to and open up to. He knew I needed another friend, and she is a pretty good one.
To celebrate the weekend yesterday we went to the movies and then had dinner. On Fridays, after I get done having a test. I need to do something to relax. Going out to a movie or dinner or just doing something by myself like buying popcorn and a coke is a great way to start the weekend and relax from the week. Movies here are super cheap too, which is really nice, they only cost 3.50 American dollars. Rio so far has been my favorite movie in Spanish. It was so funny. I have only gone to the movies 3 times but I really enjoy watching movies. Tomorrow I am going to see a Ballet which I know doesn't sound exciting to some, but I love it. I love getting dressed up and going to the theatre. The group is an international Christian ballet called Ballet Magnificat.
Today, I was able to go work again at Valle del Sol. I had a lot of fun. I was in charge this week of coming up with a craft and leading a small group of elementary children in a discussion on lesson they just heard. Well since I couldn't really discuss with them the story, which was on the Birth of Christ. My Spanish is not at the point were I can say everything I want so I improvised. We just read the story together again in Spanish. I had each child read a portion from Mark until we finished it. Then we made our craft which was a recreation of the nativity scene. The children drew Mary, Joseph, and Jesus then we glued popsicle sticks around the picture to make the manger. The kids really enjoyed it. It was nice to see them get so focused on making something and really enjoy it. I also did get to practice alot of my Spanish since the older kids really love to talk. I also got to led the worship songs which made me really nervous. Even though, all I had to do was stand in front follow the words on the posterboard and sing along with a cd. Singing I am learning is a great way to practice Spanish.
I am getting better at being able to sing and pronounce words. Vowels in Spanish are so important. It doesn't matter how long it takes you but you will pronounce every vowel in every word. I am becoming a fan of long words because I think they are more fun to say. You would be surprised if you study the English language and see how we butcher our vowels. I am learning so much about English when I am studying Spanish, because I compare the two languages. I also have to focus alot on the pronunciation of each word and how I move my mouth and tongue, somethings that were so natural for me in English are now harder. But I love it.
June 09, 2011
Español/English, Mi casa en Costa Rica,My house in Costa Rica
En mi casa en Costa Rica hay una sala. La sala es blanca y grande. En la sala hay un sofá y dos sillónes son muy cómodos. La sala está al lado del comedor. En el comedor hay una mesa con un centro de mesa. La lámpara del techo en el comedor es bonita y antigua. La cocina está enfrente del comedor. La cocina es pequeña. Me gusta la cocina. En la cocina hay una refrigerdora y un gabinete muy espacioso. También en la cocina hay un trastero para los platos y las tazos. En la pared hay unos girsoles.
Mi dormitorio está atrás del patio y el cuarto de pilas. Kelly tiene el dormitorio cerca de mi dormitorio. En el patio hay unas plantas y una mesa para estudiar. También hay una televisión. El patio es bonito. No hay techo en el patio. Mi casa es muy bonita en Costa Rica. La familia dentro de la casa is bella.
In my house in Costa Rica there is a living room. The living room is white and big. In the living room there is a sofa and two chairs, which are very comfortable. The living room is next to the dining room. In the dining room there is a table with a centerpiece. The cieling lamp is a beautiful antique. The kitchen is in front of the dining room. The kitchen is small. I like the kitchen. In the kitchen there is a refrigerator and counters with alot of space. There is also a china cabinet for the plates and cups. On the walls there are sunflowers.
My bedroom is behind the patio and the laundry room. Kelly's room is near my room. On the patio there are plants and a table for studying. Also there is a television. The patio is pretty. There is no roof on the patio. My house in Costa Rica is very nice. The family inside the house is beautiful both inside and out.
( That was my homework for this morning. I realized when I started to translate it and write it that I sound like a child, but this is where I am at when it comes to the Spanish language. I speak like a child but little by little, poco un poco, I am improving. Yo estoy complacida con mi tarea. I am pleased with my homework. I am seeing improvements every day.)
Mi dormitorio está atrás del patio y el cuarto de pilas. Kelly tiene el dormitorio cerca de mi dormitorio. En el patio hay unas plantas y una mesa para estudiar. También hay una televisión. El patio es bonito. No hay techo en el patio. Mi casa es muy bonita en Costa Rica. La familia dentro de la casa is bella.
In my house in Costa Rica there is a living room. The living room is white and big. In the living room there is a sofa and two chairs, which are very comfortable. The living room is next to the dining room. In the dining room there is a table with a centerpiece. The cieling lamp is a beautiful antique. The kitchen is in front of the dining room. The kitchen is small. I like the kitchen. In the kitchen there is a refrigerator and counters with alot of space. There is also a china cabinet for the plates and cups. On the walls there are sunflowers.
My bedroom is behind the patio and the laundry room. Kelly's room is near my room. On the patio there are plants and a table for studying. Also there is a television. The patio is pretty. There is no roof on the patio. My house in Costa Rica is very nice. The family inside the house is beautiful both inside and out.
( That was my homework for this morning. I realized when I started to translate it and write it that I sound like a child, but this is where I am at when it comes to the Spanish language. I speak like a child but little by little, poco un poco, I am improving. Yo estoy complacida con mi tarea. I am pleased with my homework. I am seeing improvements every day.)
June 08, 2011
Hot Hot Hot...
When I say, "Hot, Hot, Hot". I am not referring to the food, but the weather. Today has been hot, hot, hot as the guy on the One Caribbean weather channel would say. I can't wait for it to rain again and cool off.
Above is a picture of my lunch from today. Some people have been asking for pictures of my meals so here you are. Don't ask me what the thing on the left is because I don't know. It some type of potatoe like wrap with meat inside. On the right, there is rice with eggs, potatoes, and some meat. My motto when it comes to eating here is no matter what is set in front of you just eat it. As a famous traveler and chef once said, "anytime you travel and go into someone else's house you eat like you are at grandma's. You don't know how long they have been preparing that meal. You wouldn't say no to grandma so you shut up and eat whatever is on that plate and act like it is the best thing you ever ate". The idea is to just eat whatever is placed in front of you. This act shows respect to the cook and the family. Plus, as I have learned over the years if you are a guest in a house in a poor country chances are they are giving you the best and most expensive things they have. You are getting the best cuts of meat and more food than they would normally eat themselves so since you could possibly be eating a meal that would normally feed four people, out respect just eat and show appreciation.
Also, today has been a great day. I am just focusing on the Lord and trying to make the most out of every opportunity. God is good, unfailing, faithful, merciful, and mighty.
June 07, 2011
El martes, yo estoy alegre.
On Tuesday, I am happy. Today has been a good day. I spent a lot of time in the word yesterday and woke up today feeling refreshed and ready to go. I still am working through my issues but God is in control and I put trust in the Lord.
Today, like most Tuesdays I played volleyball and did zumba, a workout dance class. My classes today went fairly well. Although, I am nerviosa (nervous) about my exams next week but everything will be fine. I am preparing this week so everything will be okay.
I wanted to share with you today my favorite Psalm. I had a friend ask me about my favorite Bible verse but it is hard for me to pick one. Chances are if you ask me that question it will be different every time because God uses different verses and stories to speak into my life at certain times. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 143. This Psalm has spoken to my soul in times of hardships or trials. I have read this Psalm numerous times through out the years and I have cried over this Psalm. Right now, I am memorizing a portion of this Psalm in Spanish, verse 8, but, because this Psalm means so much to me I am going to share the whole thing. I would recommend reading this slowly and letting the words speak from your heart, say the Psalm like it was written as a prayer.
"O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life, in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence me enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant."
Amen.
Today, like most Tuesdays I played volleyball and did zumba, a workout dance class. My classes today went fairly well. Although, I am nerviosa (nervous) about my exams next week but everything will be fine. I am preparing this week so everything will be okay.
I wanted to share with you today my favorite Psalm. I had a friend ask me about my favorite Bible verse but it is hard for me to pick one. Chances are if you ask me that question it will be different every time because God uses different verses and stories to speak into my life at certain times. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 143. This Psalm has spoken to my soul in times of hardships or trials. I have read this Psalm numerous times through out the years and I have cried over this Psalm. Right now, I am memorizing a portion of this Psalm in Spanish, verse 8, but, because this Psalm means so much to me I am going to share the whole thing. I would recommend reading this slowly and letting the words speak from your heart, say the Psalm like it was written as a prayer.
"O LORD, hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgment for no one living is righteous before you. The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed. I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done. I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land. Answer me quickly, O LORD; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies, O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good spirit lead me on level ground. For your name's sake, O LORD, preserve my life, in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble. In your unfailing love, silence me enemies; destroy all my foes, for I am your servant."
Amen.
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