This week at ILE is Spiritual Emphasis Week, what this means is every day we will have two chapel services and the teachers are not allowed to give us any homework. The morning chapel is trilingual (Spanish, English, and Korean). The afternoon service is in English and we break into small groups. I love the speakers and the worship team we have this week from the U.S.A., they are all so good and super nice.
This afternoon in the women's group we focused on 1 Peter 4:7-11.
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." (NIV)
There is urgency in this passage along with a lot of responsibility. How much would your mindset and attitude change when you are serving or speaking if every time you did these things you did them as if God was right there besides you? If when you spoke, you spoke as one speaking the words of God and served as with the strength of God. That is pretty amazing to think about, what a difference there would be not only in us but also in the lives around us.
What a difference there would be if we all loved each other deeply. I love that the word deeply is included there because to me that shows intimacy. Are you willing to put your heart out there and love others just as God has loved you? Because as Scripture says, "Love covers a multitude of sins". Just think of God's love for you and how He gave His one and only Son, Jesus to die for you and for your sins.
When you choose to love someone deeply, you also choose to forgive them and their sins. You don't hang onto their sin and use it against them, you forgive and move forward, because you love them deeply.
We do all of these things "so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:11.
June 27, 2011
June 26, 2011
Sunday
Today was a good day when it came to knowing Spanish until I went to see Cars 2, I didn't understand 90% of it. Although, it was an alright movie. If I had been more interested and actually paid attention I might have understood more. I started falling asleep during the middle of the show. =D Today has been a busy day but I had a lot of fun.
I would write more than just that, but I am really tired so I am going to bed. Although, before I leave here is my prayer...
Lord of Lords and King of Kings thank you for showing your presence to me today in church. It is really hard for me to pay attention sometimes because I have a hard time following, but thank you for allowing me to understand more today.
God may your presence be known in Valle del Sol. I know you care for the children there more than I do, so may they come know your love and your amazing grace.
Lord I pray also for all of the health and lives of my family and friends. I love them deeply and it hurts me sometimes to be away from them. God please be specifically with my grandparents, in their times of weakness may they lean on your strength. Please continue to bless them with a new day.
God I know there are many things on my heart and many prayer requests I want to share, but God may you search my heart and answer them according to your will. You are good and holy. Please hear my prayers, amen.
I would write more than just that, but I am really tired so I am going to bed. Although, before I leave here is my prayer...
Lord of Lords and King of Kings thank you for showing your presence to me today in church. It is really hard for me to pay attention sometimes because I have a hard time following, but thank you for allowing me to understand more today.
God may your presence be known in Valle del Sol. I know you care for the children there more than I do, so may they come know your love and your amazing grace.
Lord I pray also for all of the health and lives of my family and friends. I love them deeply and it hurts me sometimes to be away from them. God please be specifically with my grandparents, in their times of weakness may they lean on your strength. Please continue to bless them with a new day.
God I know there are many things on my heart and many prayer requests I want to share, but God may you search my heart and answer them according to your will. You are good and holy. Please hear my prayers, amen.
June 25, 2011
Spiritual Warfare
Where there is good being done Satan is near waiting for an opportunity to break you down.
There are so many in's and out's in ministry and missions that it breaks my heart when people lose sight of the Lord and start battling one another, instead of working together. Satan will stick his thoughts and ideas into anyone's mind, who is willing to listen. That is why the Lord tells us repeatedly in scripture to guard our hearts and our minds, and what does He say about Satan? That he is like a lion crouching at your door.
Spiritual warfare is all around us, we just have to open our eyes to see it. There is a constant battle between good and evil, but as Christians we know that good has and will overcome evil. We just need to keep focusing on the Lord and clinging to what is good.
When I think of clinging, I think of a little child hiding behind their parent's legs clinging to them. You know when you meet a shy child for the first time and they run behind mom or dad and cling to their legs, while slowly sticking their head around to see you. This is the image that comes into my head. Just like little children God wants us to cling onto him.
It broke my heart today to see the spiritual warfare not only in the ministry at Valle del Sol, but also in the lives of the children. I met a boy named Es today, and in his eyes I saw his innocence being lost and the effects of the world starting to take place. I could tell by the way he acted and talked that he has been exposed to some very bad behavior and experiences and it broke my heart. He is only 10 and is already acting like a gangster and trying to pick fights. I want so badly to turn back time and shield his eyes from what he has already seen, but the only thing I can do now is build a relationship with him and show him God's love, and pray for him.
Today, I got to witness more of the violence and crime that takes place in the barrio, along with all of the children. As we began to play outside a fight almost broke out. Then later, I witnessed a guy adjusting a gun in his pocket and another guy carrying around a huge knife like he was proud of it. What could I do except stay out there with the children, some of whom didn't even react or show any emotion to the things going on around them. We just played games and tried to have fun. This is life as they know it and for an hour each week I get to enter into their life and world, in order to share God's love and build relationships, and show them how to have fun and laugh in a healthy way. I love those kids.
There are so many in's and out's in ministry and missions that it breaks my heart when people lose sight of the Lord and start battling one another, instead of working together. Satan will stick his thoughts and ideas into anyone's mind, who is willing to listen. That is why the Lord tells us repeatedly in scripture to guard our hearts and our minds, and what does He say about Satan? That he is like a lion crouching at your door.
Spiritual warfare is all around us, we just have to open our eyes to see it. There is a constant battle between good and evil, but as Christians we know that good has and will overcome evil. We just need to keep focusing on the Lord and clinging to what is good.
When I think of clinging, I think of a little child hiding behind their parent's legs clinging to them. You know when you meet a shy child for the first time and they run behind mom or dad and cling to their legs, while slowly sticking their head around to see you. This is the image that comes into my head. Just like little children God wants us to cling onto him.
It broke my heart today to see the spiritual warfare not only in the ministry at Valle del Sol, but also in the lives of the children. I met a boy named Es today, and in his eyes I saw his innocence being lost and the effects of the world starting to take place. I could tell by the way he acted and talked that he has been exposed to some very bad behavior and experiences and it broke my heart. He is only 10 and is already acting like a gangster and trying to pick fights. I want so badly to turn back time and shield his eyes from what he has already seen, but the only thing I can do now is build a relationship with him and show him God's love, and pray for him.
Today, I got to witness more of the violence and crime that takes place in the barrio, along with all of the children. As we began to play outside a fight almost broke out. Then later, I witnessed a guy adjusting a gun in his pocket and another guy carrying around a huge knife like he was proud of it. What could I do except stay out there with the children, some of whom didn't even react or show any emotion to the things going on around them. We just played games and tried to have fun. This is life as they know it and for an hour each week I get to enter into their life and world, in order to share God's love and build relationships, and show them how to have fun and laugh in a healthy way. I love those kids.
June 24, 2011
Our Focus...
¨Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.¨ Colossians 3:1-3
I love this passage in Scripture and this past week I have needed to be reminded of this truth. Yesterday, as I was working in the computer lab checking e-mail, printing out homework, and writing my blog, I found this notecard with this verse written on it. I know that someone did not purposely leave that there for me, but maybe God did. As I read that verse and thought about all of the things that my mind has been focusing on this week, I began to feel this sense of peace. This is exactly what I needed to hear.
As I have said many times before, I tend to worry a lot even though I know there is nothing to worry about. Over the years, I have been able to correct my way of thinking and eliminate many of the things that I use to worry about, but I still have a few things that enter my mind every now and then that bring me stress and cause me to worry. This why I need to be reminded daily to set my mind on the things above and not on earthly things. My heart needs to be focused on God. I can´t spend my time worrying about the future or about other things.
If I truly believe that my life is hidden in Christ then I have nothing to worry about and nothing to fear, for God cares deeply for all of His children and takes care of all of their needs. Let's us all be reminded that our time on this earth is limited and that we need to focus our minds and hearts on the Lord.
I love this passage in Scripture and this past week I have needed to be reminded of this truth. Yesterday, as I was working in the computer lab checking e-mail, printing out homework, and writing my blog, I found this notecard with this verse written on it. I know that someone did not purposely leave that there for me, but maybe God did. As I read that verse and thought about all of the things that my mind has been focusing on this week, I began to feel this sense of peace. This is exactly what I needed to hear.
As I have said many times before, I tend to worry a lot even though I know there is nothing to worry about. Over the years, I have been able to correct my way of thinking and eliminate many of the things that I use to worry about, but I still have a few things that enter my mind every now and then that bring me stress and cause me to worry. This why I need to be reminded daily to set my mind on the things above and not on earthly things. My heart needs to be focused on God. I can´t spend my time worrying about the future or about other things.
If I truly believe that my life is hidden in Christ then I have nothing to worry about and nothing to fear, for God cares deeply for all of His children and takes care of all of their needs. Let's us all be reminded that our time on this earth is limited and that we need to focus our minds and hearts on the Lord.
June 23, 2011
God is Good
Today in chapel, we were praying over Spiritual Emphasis week, which is taking place next week, and we were praying for one another and praising God. Then I had one of those I am not sure what to say God so I am just going to sit here and worship you and cry. God has made me so emotional over the past 6 years and He continues to break my heart for those who are in pain and suffering. Today, as I listened to the struggles of some of my fellow students I just wept for them. I also sat in silence and cried over my own personal prayers.
There are many things that I do not understand about God and our world, but there is one thing that I hold to be true is God is good. No matter what takes place in my life or in the life of others I cling to that. It can be hard to see the good in suffering and pain, but even through those trials I cling to God. I have learned over the years that the best thing you can do for someone in mourning is to just mourn with them and pray in silence. There has been times in my life when I felt like giving up and just walking away because of the suffering and pain that I see in the world and in the lives of others, but there is something deep inside me that won´t let go of the Lord. My heart does and will always say God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
There are many things that I do not understand about God and our world, but there is one thing that I hold to be true is God is good. No matter what takes place in my life or in the life of others I cling to that. It can be hard to see the good in suffering and pain, but even through those trials I cling to God. I have learned over the years that the best thing you can do for someone in mourning is to just mourn with them and pray in silence. There has been times in my life when I felt like giving up and just walking away because of the suffering and pain that I see in the world and in the lives of others, but there is something deep inside me that won´t let go of the Lord. My heart does and will always say God is good all the time, all the time God is good.
June 22, 2011
Time to Move Forward
After my relaxing weekend, I have been working on catching up on homework, emails, cleaning, and some other things that I have been putting off. Believe it or not I actually did some sewing to fix a few of my favorite pieces of clothing. I am not very good at sewing but I am getting better.
Yesterday, a friend and I went to the national theatre to see a show. (This week they have a production taking place at noon every day for only $2.) The theatre is beautiful! I will return some day and take pictures so that you can see it. The paintings on the cieling are breath taking. I didn't have any expectations when going to see the show but the actual production really surprised me. It was a interpretive modern dance production with music in English. I really love dance so the choreography was great but overall the actual production was just okay.
Today, I went downtown with some friends and walked around and went to the artisan market. Two of my friends are leaving tomorrow for Peru so we had a girls day out in order to say our goodbyes. I am going to miss those girls but I know God has a reason for everything so it was just their time to go. I am not looking forward to this meeting everyone and then saying goodbye. I know the longer I stay here and the more I get to know people the harder it will be to say goodbye.
P.S. If you could please pray for me I would appreciate it. I have been feeling sick for almost 3 weeks now. It has not been bad so I have been avoiding the doctor but I would really like it if my body would get back to normal. I am not sure if because I had a cold a week ago that my voice is starting to mess up, but I would really like my voice to be normal so that I can speak Spanish properly.
Yesterday, a friend and I went to the national theatre to see a show. (This week they have a production taking place at noon every day for only $2.) The theatre is beautiful! I will return some day and take pictures so that you can see it. The paintings on the cieling are breath taking. I didn't have any expectations when going to see the show but the actual production really surprised me. It was a interpretive modern dance production with music in English. I really love dance so the choreography was great but overall the actual production was just okay.
Today, I went downtown with some friends and walked around and went to the artisan market. Two of my friends are leaving tomorrow for Peru so we had a girls day out in order to say our goodbyes. I am going to miss those girls but I know God has a reason for everything so it was just their time to go. I am not looking forward to this meeting everyone and then saying goodbye. I know the longer I stay here and the more I get to know people the harder it will be to say goodbye.
P.S. If you could please pray for me I would appreciate it. I have been feeling sick for almost 3 weeks now. It has not been bad so I have been avoiding the doctor but I would really like it if my body would get back to normal. I am not sure if because I had a cold a week ago that my voice is starting to mess up, but I would really like my voice to be normal so that I can speak Spanish properly.
June 21, 2011
Complaining
This is a topic I want to write about today because I think as people we complain alot! If we don't get our way we complain. If we feel entitled to something and don't get it we complain. If things don't go as planned we complain. You might be thinking oh I don't complain that much...if you are thinking that chances are you do. Stop and think about the things this past week that you complained about or wanted to.
This past weekend was wonderful and I absolutely loved Nicaragua, but I was shocked and even embarrassed by how much some of the missionaries complained. If someone claims to be a missionary or a Christian I hold them to a higher standard than most people because they know the Lord or at least I hope they do. We, as Christians, should not complain constantly. If you find yourself complaining constantly, that is something that you need to work on. By constantly, I mean that you complain at least 3 times a day.
I know we can all find things to complain about: the children that won't stop crying, being late for an appointment, someone is not returning your e-mails or calls, that rude person at the grocery store, bad traffic, etc. My thought I want to share with you is this....is it really worth it. Who is your complaining going to help besides yourself? If you can't think of anyone besides yourself or family than don't do it. Whose day is going to be made better because you complained? I have never met anyone that has ever said, "Wow I am so glad that I got hear that person complain for the past hour. My day just got so much better".
I know there are things that you might want to bring to someone's attention but before you complain think about what is you are complaining about and if it is really worth the time and energy. If you are angry don't complain right away take a moment think about it and about the other person (or even the other people you are with) then approach someone if needed.
Christians and Missionaries I would expect to be more flexible, more compassionate, and kinder than most people so seriously try to complain less. You might find that you might become a happier person and so might the people around you. Learn to go with the flow and take on situations as they appear and determine how that situation is going to affect you 24 hours from now. If it won't, don't complain. If it will affect you in 24 hours, be compassionate and understanding.
I would love to challenge everyone even myself to complain a little less each day, and become more flexible with "our" time and money, more understanding, and more compassionate.
This past weekend was wonderful and I absolutely loved Nicaragua, but I was shocked and even embarrassed by how much some of the missionaries complained. If someone claims to be a missionary or a Christian I hold them to a higher standard than most people because they know the Lord or at least I hope they do. We, as Christians, should not complain constantly. If you find yourself complaining constantly, that is something that you need to work on. By constantly, I mean that you complain at least 3 times a day.
I know we can all find things to complain about: the children that won't stop crying, being late for an appointment, someone is not returning your e-mails or calls, that rude person at the grocery store, bad traffic, etc. My thought I want to share with you is this....is it really worth it. Who is your complaining going to help besides yourself? If you can't think of anyone besides yourself or family than don't do it. Whose day is going to be made better because you complained? I have never met anyone that has ever said, "Wow I am so glad that I got hear that person complain for the past hour. My day just got so much better".
I know there are things that you might want to bring to someone's attention but before you complain think about what is you are complaining about and if it is really worth the time and energy. If you are angry don't complain right away take a moment think about it and about the other person (or even the other people you are with) then approach someone if needed.
Christians and Missionaries I would expect to be more flexible, more compassionate, and kinder than most people so seriously try to complain less. You might find that you might become a happier person and so might the people around you. Learn to go with the flow and take on situations as they appear and determine how that situation is going to affect you 24 hours from now. If it won't, don't complain. If it will affect you in 24 hours, be compassionate and understanding.
I would love to challenge everyone even myself to complain a little less each day, and become more flexible with "our" time and money, more understanding, and more compassionate.
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