My dad is here visiting for a week and today was his first full day in Costa Rica. This morning I woke up excited to show him around and spend time with him. I think my favorite part of the morning would be going into his room and just lying in bed talking with him. I miss having those moments.
After we talked for a while, we started to get ready for church. My dad was excited to experience church in Costa Rica. We started walking to church at 10:18am to go to a service that "started" at 10:30am. His first words when I told him what time we would be leaving the house was, "Why are we leaving then? Won't we be late for the service"? "No, we won't be late," I assured him. Last week, I showed up to the service at exactly 10:30am and hardly anyone was there. Surely enough, we showed up at around 10:42am and people were still filtering in (this would continue until at least 11:00am). Welcome to Latin America daddy.
He loved the church service and then afterwards I had somethings I had to do so we went to one of the outlet malls for lunch. We ate at a Mexican restaurant called Antojitos. He loved it and now wants to go back before he leaves. After lunch, I had to go to a store to get a present for a friend and my dad waited outside people watching (this is one of the many things we have in common, we both love to people watch). I love that my dad is so laid-back and easygoing.
Within his first almost two days, my dad has done more than I did my first week in Costa Rica. He has been in 3 buses and 3 taxis, all of which he loved. He has been taking in every experience and trying to process everything he is seeing. I loved watching his face as we walked around downtown San Jose, I could tell he was having a great time. Today we didn't get to walk around the way I wanted to, because it is Sunday and it was raining. I wanted to show him all of my favorite things about downtown San Jose, but hopefully tomorrow. We are going to hang out there for most of the afternoon and evening so that hopefully he can see a few of my favorite people to watch (the painter and the musician) and a few of my favorite places. There is a coffee shop that I heard about last week from a friend that I would like to take him to, and of course to all the touristy places. We might try to see if we can get a tour of the national theater (my dad is a history buff). Although today, we did get to walk around quite a bit in downtown San Jose and he did go to Pops, the famous Costa Rican ice cream shop. They have really good ice cream and cappuccinos.
Today was such a great day. I wish I could slow down time. Today went by too fast and I know the days are just going to keep going by faster. My dad loves the fact that we don't have an agenda and that we can just do whatever we want, and that time feels like it moves slower here, but since his arrival I feel like it has been going by faster. Time needs to slow down just a bit. As we walked home today, my dad said, "Today was awesome"! I just smiled. I wanted to cry because I wish every day could be like this, but I am thankful for the time that I have with him. Today was a great day.
August 14, 2011
August 13, 2011
So Blessed...
It is great having my dad here! Our meeting at the airport was similar to what you would see in a movie, an anxious person waiting to meet a loved one. However, before I even saw him I was crying in anticipation and when I saw him, I did exactly what I said I would do...I attacked him! I gave him a huge hug and tons of kisses. I couldn't stop crying because I was so happy. The reality of everything finally sank in, my dad is in Costa Rica and my first tri-mester is over, wow.
I could have never have planned this life for myself and I am so grateful that I didn't. God has truly blessed my life and I am continually amazed by His goodness. Today, my dad and I really didn't do much because we were both so exhausted from the emotional anticipation of today and the traveling. We also both did not sleep much last night so we just laid in bed and talked about Costa Rica and started to catch up on each others lives. We did have a short adventure in a taxi, but that was all it was...an adventure in taxi because we got lost, and I couldn't describe our destination very well, all I could do was say the name of our destination and describe the general area. We were trying to go the ministry in Valle del Sol, but even though we were in the right area we never made it there. However, my dad did get to hear my broken spanish as we travelled, which he of course he thought was cool considering I didn't know hardly anything when I came. My dad has also been loving my mama tica's cooking. Now he knows what I am talking about when I say that she is great cook.
It is amazing to see how far I have come in such a short period of time. Today, as I walked with some new students around San Jose and as I talked to my dad about the culture and San Jose, even I was amazed. I never noticed how much I have changed until I have met new people entering the culture and I saw part of my old self in them, especially in my dad. My dad knows me and I am so excited to show him the person that God has and is creating me to be.
As my dad went to bed, I started to reflect on how blessed I am and how good God is, and how through the good and bad times God stays the same. Two years ago, Costa Rica was a thought or dream in my mind, but I never thought it would be a reality and even a year ago I still thought, "language school sounds perfect, but maybe it is just perfect for someone else and not me". God still lead me here and as my parents and I can confess this whole journey has been driven by God. He paved the way for me to go and I just had to say yes. If God allows me to stay here till April 2011 great, and if not then great. God has shown me His love and faithfulness, and I trust in Him no matter where He leads me.
As I sit in my room, I amazed at how God provides. My dad and I were talking about that at dinner tonight, about how God has continually blessed me throughout my life and I once again felt so humbled because I know I am so undeserving. God's love for me overwhelms me. In every season of my life, God has lead me to be exactly where I am at right now. He has created me to be the person I am right now, and He continues to show me the person He wants me to be and knows that I am.
"God, he isn't right so show me who is, and continue molding me to be the woman that you want me to be. The one you want me to be, the one you made me to be, and the one he needs me to be". I wrote that prayer a while back after I met someone, a guy, who I wanted to like but God said no. That happens to me a lot, but I know my prayer has and continues to be answered. I am so glad that God does not keep me were I was and have been, but instead continually transforms me and molds me.
This life is not what I had planned...it is better. God is so good. His grace is truly amazing.
I could have never have planned this life for myself and I am so grateful that I didn't. God has truly blessed my life and I am continually amazed by His goodness. Today, my dad and I really didn't do much because we were both so exhausted from the emotional anticipation of today and the traveling. We also both did not sleep much last night so we just laid in bed and talked about Costa Rica and started to catch up on each others lives. We did have a short adventure in a taxi, but that was all it was...an adventure in taxi because we got lost, and I couldn't describe our destination very well, all I could do was say the name of our destination and describe the general area. We were trying to go the ministry in Valle del Sol, but even though we were in the right area we never made it there. However, my dad did get to hear my broken spanish as we travelled, which he of course he thought was cool considering I didn't know hardly anything when I came. My dad has also been loving my mama tica's cooking. Now he knows what I am talking about when I say that she is great cook.
It is amazing to see how far I have come in such a short period of time. Today, as I walked with some new students around San Jose and as I talked to my dad about the culture and San Jose, even I was amazed. I never noticed how much I have changed until I have met new people entering the culture and I saw part of my old self in them, especially in my dad. My dad knows me and I am so excited to show him the person that God has and is creating me to be.
As my dad went to bed, I started to reflect on how blessed I am and how good God is, and how through the good and bad times God stays the same. Two years ago, Costa Rica was a thought or dream in my mind, but I never thought it would be a reality and even a year ago I still thought, "language school sounds perfect, but maybe it is just perfect for someone else and not me". God still lead me here and as my parents and I can confess this whole journey has been driven by God. He paved the way for me to go and I just had to say yes. If God allows me to stay here till April 2011 great, and if not then great. God has shown me His love and faithfulness, and I trust in Him no matter where He leads me.
As I sit in my room, I amazed at how God provides. My dad and I were talking about that at dinner tonight, about how God has continually blessed me throughout my life and I once again felt so humbled because I know I am so undeserving. God's love for me overwhelms me. In every season of my life, God has lead me to be exactly where I am at right now. He has created me to be the person I am right now, and He continues to show me the person He wants me to be and knows that I am.
"God, he isn't right so show me who is, and continue molding me to be the woman that you want me to be. The one you want me to be, the one you made me to be, and the one he needs me to be". I wrote that prayer a while back after I met someone, a guy, who I wanted to like but God said no. That happens to me a lot, but I know my prayer has and continues to be answered. I am so glad that God does not keep me were I was and have been, but instead continually transforms me and molds me.
This life is not what I had planned...it is better. God is so good. His grace is truly amazing.
August 12, 2011
A hard but good day
Today, I was really overwhelmed with everything going. I have what some may call a delayed reaction when it comes to goodbyes. I usually dont show my emotions right at the moment I am saying goodbye, but today there were moments when I couldn't fight back the tears.
Today was graduation, for some of the ILE students who will be leaving and going to their countries of work. I have some very dear friends who graduated today and will be leaving tomorrow morning. Graduation went well, considering everything that was going on at the school. My friend, Sarah did an excellent job at organizing the reception and along with some other volunteers, I was able to help her with filling the food trays and cleaning. So during graduation, we were busy running around, so much so that I didn't have time to fully process everything that was going on.
I cried a bit during graduation when I realized that Kelly is really leaving, but I tried to push it back out of my mind. That is until, another friend, Steve, who runs the ministry at Valle del Sol, showed up to say goodbye and remind me that he is leaving. In that moment, I refused to cry, but since I have been in Costa Rica, I have never had the urge here to tell someone I love them, but as I said goodbye to Steve that is one of the things that I wanted to say, but didn't (since then, as I have said goodbye to a few dear friends that is the one thing that I have wanted to say and did say. I then realized that I don't say those words nearly enough here to the people that are dear to me. I think that is why as I said goodbye, I wanted those people whom I love to know that I love them and that they have a place in my heart). He has been such a wonderful friend and is such a good Godly man doing wonderful things here, that it broke my heart thinking this might be the last time that I see him, at least on earth because I know I will see him in heaven (he is returning to the USA until the end of January). He has taken me under his wing at Valle del Sol and has been like a mentor to me. I am very grateful for him, his family, and his ministry at Valle del Sol. He has been able to not only minister to the children at Valle del Sol, but also to me.
As graduation ended, I was exhausted both emotionally and physically. I was still trying to hold all of my emotions together until I had time to think about everything. However, I did not get to go home and relax. Some friends who graduated invited me out to lunch, but I really didn't feel like I could handle any more goodbyes or even people right at that moment. One friend though kept asking me to go so I decided to go for her.
I am so glad that Heather talked me into going because lunch was wonderfully bittersweet. My friend, Sarah had the idea to go around and have all of the non-graduates say what they were thankful for about the people who were graduating. At first I was like I am not doing this, so I waited until the end to talk. I ended up crying, because each of those girls, even though some of us didn't talk that much, had made an impact on my life and I was grateful for knowing them. As we continued to share everyone, including the graduates, went around the table and said what they were thankful for in one another. We all ended up crying. God knew that we all needed that moment together. It was great to hear about what others see and notice in you, and to hear about how God works through you to impact someone else's life. It was very a good lunch date, and afterwards I got to hang out with Heather.
In the midst of all of this, I had this giddiness inside of me because my dad is coming tomorrow to Costa Rica. You can see how this whole day has just been an emotional rollercoaster. My mind officially can not take anymore, but this day has been wonderfully bittersweet. I will miss my friends dearly, but I am grateful for Skype and the internet so that no matter where they are we can keep in touch.
Tomorrow, I have to say goodbye to another dear friend, Kelly. Without her I don't know what I would have done this tri-mester. She has been such a wonderful friend. I will miss her so much. God knew that I would need her in my life during this time of transition, and I am so grateful to have her in my life. We have shared many laughs together and have had some good times. It is going to be hard for me to say goodbye to her, but I know we will talk again soon. I am so excited for her, and for all my friends, who are transitioning it their next journey in life. I know that there are many people in Venezuela who will blessed through Kelly's life and work in ministry.
Please pray for all of those who have graduated ILE today and please continue to pray for the ILE staff and administration, as they too are going through a time of transition.
Today was graduation, for some of the ILE students who will be leaving and going to their countries of work. I have some very dear friends who graduated today and will be leaving tomorrow morning. Graduation went well, considering everything that was going on at the school. My friend, Sarah did an excellent job at organizing the reception and along with some other volunteers, I was able to help her with filling the food trays and cleaning. So during graduation, we were busy running around, so much so that I didn't have time to fully process everything that was going on.
I cried a bit during graduation when I realized that Kelly is really leaving, but I tried to push it back out of my mind. That is until, another friend, Steve, who runs the ministry at Valle del Sol, showed up to say goodbye and remind me that he is leaving. In that moment, I refused to cry, but since I have been in Costa Rica, I have never had the urge here to tell someone I love them, but as I said goodbye to Steve that is one of the things that I wanted to say, but didn't (since then, as I have said goodbye to a few dear friends that is the one thing that I have wanted to say and did say. I then realized that I don't say those words nearly enough here to the people that are dear to me. I think that is why as I said goodbye, I wanted those people whom I love to know that I love them and that they have a place in my heart). He has been such a wonderful friend and is such a good Godly man doing wonderful things here, that it broke my heart thinking this might be the last time that I see him, at least on earth because I know I will see him in heaven (he is returning to the USA until the end of January). He has taken me under his wing at Valle del Sol and has been like a mentor to me. I am very grateful for him, his family, and his ministry at Valle del Sol. He has been able to not only minister to the children at Valle del Sol, but also to me.
As graduation ended, I was exhausted both emotionally and physically. I was still trying to hold all of my emotions together until I had time to think about everything. However, I did not get to go home and relax. Some friends who graduated invited me out to lunch, but I really didn't feel like I could handle any more goodbyes or even people right at that moment. One friend though kept asking me to go so I decided to go for her.
I am so glad that Heather talked me into going because lunch was wonderfully bittersweet. My friend, Sarah had the idea to go around and have all of the non-graduates say what they were thankful for about the people who were graduating. At first I was like I am not doing this, so I waited until the end to talk. I ended up crying, because each of those girls, even though some of us didn't talk that much, had made an impact on my life and I was grateful for knowing them. As we continued to share everyone, including the graduates, went around the table and said what they were thankful for in one another. We all ended up crying. God knew that we all needed that moment together. It was great to hear about what others see and notice in you, and to hear about how God works through you to impact someone else's life. It was very a good lunch date, and afterwards I got to hang out with Heather.
In the midst of all of this, I had this giddiness inside of me because my dad is coming tomorrow to Costa Rica. You can see how this whole day has just been an emotional rollercoaster. My mind officially can not take anymore, but this day has been wonderfully bittersweet. I will miss my friends dearly, but I am grateful for Skype and the internet so that no matter where they are we can keep in touch.
Tomorrow, I have to say goodbye to another dear friend, Kelly. Without her I don't know what I would have done this tri-mester. She has been such a wonderful friend. I will miss her so much. God knew that I would need her in my life during this time of transition, and I am so grateful to have her in my life. We have shared many laughs together and have had some good times. It is going to be hard for me to say goodbye to her, but I know we will talk again soon. I am so excited for her, and for all my friends, who are transitioning it their next journey in life. I know that there are many people in Venezuela who will blessed through Kelly's life and work in ministry.
Please pray for all of those who have graduated ILE today and please continue to pray for the ILE staff and administration, as they too are going through a time of transition.
August 11, 2011
Answered Prayers...
God is good. I just finished my last day of classes at ILE so I am officially done with my first tri-mester. Incredible, I can't believe how fast those first 3 months in Costa Rica have flown by. I have absolutely loved it and I am so looking forward to the next 3 months.
Tonight, as I was organizing the papers on my desk and preparing to switch rooms on Saturday, I found my prayer journal that I started back in the beginning of July. It has been a while since I have written in it so I went through and read all of the prayers that I had written. As I read those prayers, I become in awe once again of God. Every prayer that is in that journal has been answered in some way or another, and I have once again been humbled. God's faithfulness and love continues to amaze me. He is so good.
I know many of you have been praying for Valle del Sol and the ministry, and I wanted to let you know, that your prayers too have been heard. This week Carla will be returning to the ministry and will be helping me in the classroom with teaching the children. It is such a blessing to have her back and I am so thankful to be working with her again.
Thank you all for your prayers and for your continued support.
Tonight, as I was organizing the papers on my desk and preparing to switch rooms on Saturday, I found my prayer journal that I started back in the beginning of July. It has been a while since I have written in it so I went through and read all of the prayers that I had written. As I read those prayers, I become in awe once again of God. Every prayer that is in that journal has been answered in some way or another, and I have once again been humbled. God's faithfulness and love continues to amaze me. He is so good.
I know many of you have been praying for Valle del Sol and the ministry, and I wanted to let you know, that your prayers too have been heard. This week Carla will be returning to the ministry and will be helping me in the classroom with teaching the children. It is such a blessing to have her back and I am so thankful to be working with her again.
Thank you all for your prayers and for your continued support.
August 10, 2011
The end of my first tri...
This time has gone by so fast. It is hard to believe that I have been in Costa Rica for over 3 months. This past tri-mester at ILE has been incredible, glory be to God. I didn't know what to expect when I arrived here, but I can tell you for certain that this experience is no where close to anything that I could have imagined. God is so amazing. You know I wanted to wrap up with this tri with a blog about how much I have learned when it comes to language learning, but there is so much more to ILE than learning Spanish. Don't get me wrong I have learned a ton when it comes to the Spanish language and Costa Rican culture, but in my 3 months at ILE I have grown so much in my understanding and relationship with Christ. All I can do is praise God. Some of my favorite and most difficult moments from this past tri took place in the solitude of my room, just me and my God. I am not really sure how to explain everything that God has put on my heart, but let me share with you a song that God has continually been placing into my life.
In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that you are God
In the secret of your presence
I know there I am restored
When you call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
In the chaos in confusion
I know you are sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do your will
When you call I won't delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
All my delight is in you
All of my hope
All of my strength
All of my delight is in you
Forever more
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
(None but Jesus by: Hillsong United)
P.S.
Please lift up ILE, the administration, and the teachers in your prayers tonight and tomorrow. This past week/month has been hard for the teachers because the school is having to lay off some of the teachers, because of financial reasons and the declining student enrollment. Tomorrow there will be a meeting for the staff, and the administration will be announcing who will be laid off. Please lift up the school and the teachers who will be laid off tomorrow in your prayers.
In the quiet
In the stillness
I know that you are God
In the secret of your presence
I know there I am restored
When you call I won't refuse
Each new day again I'll choose
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
In the chaos in confusion
I know you are sovereign still
In the moment of my weakness
You give me grace to do your will
When you call I won't delay
This my song through all my days
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
All my delight is in you
All of my hope
All of my strength
All of my delight is in you
Forever more
There is no one else for me
None but Jesus
Crucified to set me free
Now I live to bring him praise
(None but Jesus by: Hillsong United)
P.S.
Please lift up ILE, the administration, and the teachers in your prayers tonight and tomorrow. This past week/month has been hard for the teachers because the school is having to lay off some of the teachers, because of financial reasons and the declining student enrollment. Tomorrow there will be a meeting for the staff, and the administration will be announcing who will be laid off. Please lift up the school and the teachers who will be laid off tomorrow in your prayers.
August 09, 2011
My Dad arrives in 4 days..
On Saturday, my daddy Mike is going to be visiting me in Costa Rica. I am super excited and I can't wait to see him. I also can't wait to show him around. My dad means so much to me, and to be able to share this wonderful experience in Costa Rica with him makes me so happy.
My dad is one of the best human beings I know. I am not saying that just because I am his daughter. I am saying that because I know him. If you want to meet someone who is honest, caring, kind, and genuine then look no farther than my dad. I have had the privilege of being his daughter and I am so blessed to have him in my life.
I grew up watching him and my mom serving others and dedicating their lives to helping others. If there was ever a problem I knew I could always go to my dad no matter what, and he would understand. While growing up, it didn't take me long to see that others could see this in him too. People would call him in the middle of the night with their issues or he would go out of his way to help those in need. My parents showed me what it meant to serve and love others through their actions.
I remember asking my mom when I was little, "Mom how does everyone know dad?". We couldn't go out without someone talking to him or my mom, even my friends would stop us in the store to talk to my dad. That always made me smile, I knew I had the best dad.
My dad and I have always had this special connection. He gets some of the humor that my mom just doesn't understand (she can testify to this). Some of my favorite memories are of him and I going out to a movie by ourselves or going fishing. I remember even having fun eating at McDonald's with him, I loved hanging out with my daddy.
If it hadn't been for my dad's help in elementary school, I don't think I would have made it out. He would spend hours working with me on an assignment that should have lasted 10 minutes, I have always been an excellent procrastinator. I would asks for a cup of water or something to eat to get out of doing homework, and if all else failed I remember saying, "why don't we just talk?". My dad is very patient.
He is a man that doesn't ask for anything, but gives everything. He is a simple man, it doesn't take much to make him happy or content. He has dedicated his life to not only helping others, but also to his family. While growing up, my dad and my mom included my brother and I in everything. As they would tell you, we are their lives. When I could or wanted to, I would go to work with my dad and my mom. I also remember waiting at home for my dad to get off work and hiding behind the door waiting to scare him when he walked in. I successfully scared him the majority of the time.
All of our vacations were as a family. The thought of doing something without my brother or me was a strange concept for them. We would always do things together as a family. However when it came to nature, my mom was never really a big fan so my dad and I would go fishing by ourselves (my brother was a mama's boy growing up so he would stay with her). My favorite times were my dad and I's camping trips to Yogi Bear park. We would play in the pool for hours, go fishing, catch frogs, play minature golf, and candy bar bingo. That was one of my favorite places to be. Every time I smell something cooking out on a grill or over a fire, I always think of my dad cooking our food at Yogi Bear. We had the best breakfasts. People would come over from other camp sites or cabins because they could smell our food. When it comes to a grill or an open fire my dad is a great cook.
While growing up, he has taught me about the importance of communication and working through your issues instead of around them. He has not only told me about the importance of being a hard worker, but he has showed me what it really means through his life. My dad is one of the hardest workers I know, and he does his work with excellence. He has a teachable heart and loves learning about new things. He is also a great storyteller. While growing up, I would always have him tell me stories about when he was young or I would ask him to tell me funny stories.
I could go on forever, I love my dad.
My dad is one of the best human beings I know. I am not saying that just because I am his daughter. I am saying that because I know him. If you want to meet someone who is honest, caring, kind, and genuine then look no farther than my dad. I have had the privilege of being his daughter and I am so blessed to have him in my life.
I grew up watching him and my mom serving others and dedicating their lives to helping others. If there was ever a problem I knew I could always go to my dad no matter what, and he would understand. While growing up, it didn't take me long to see that others could see this in him too. People would call him in the middle of the night with their issues or he would go out of his way to help those in need. My parents showed me what it meant to serve and love others through their actions.
I remember asking my mom when I was little, "Mom how does everyone know dad?". We couldn't go out without someone talking to him or my mom, even my friends would stop us in the store to talk to my dad. That always made me smile, I knew I had the best dad.
My dad and I have always had this special connection. He gets some of the humor that my mom just doesn't understand (she can testify to this). Some of my favorite memories are of him and I going out to a movie by ourselves or going fishing. I remember even having fun eating at McDonald's with him, I loved hanging out with my daddy.
If it hadn't been for my dad's help in elementary school, I don't think I would have made it out. He would spend hours working with me on an assignment that should have lasted 10 minutes, I have always been an excellent procrastinator. I would asks for a cup of water or something to eat to get out of doing homework, and if all else failed I remember saying, "why don't we just talk?". My dad is very patient.
He is a man that doesn't ask for anything, but gives everything. He is a simple man, it doesn't take much to make him happy or content. He has dedicated his life to not only helping others, but also to his family. While growing up, my dad and my mom included my brother and I in everything. As they would tell you, we are their lives. When I could or wanted to, I would go to work with my dad and my mom. I also remember waiting at home for my dad to get off work and hiding behind the door waiting to scare him when he walked in. I successfully scared him the majority of the time.
All of our vacations were as a family. The thought of doing something without my brother or me was a strange concept for them. We would always do things together as a family. However when it came to nature, my mom was never really a big fan so my dad and I would go fishing by ourselves (my brother was a mama's boy growing up so he would stay with her). My favorite times were my dad and I's camping trips to Yogi Bear park. We would play in the pool for hours, go fishing, catch frogs, play minature golf, and candy bar bingo. That was one of my favorite places to be. Every time I smell something cooking out on a grill or over a fire, I always think of my dad cooking our food at Yogi Bear. We had the best breakfasts. People would come over from other camp sites or cabins because they could smell our food. When it comes to a grill or an open fire my dad is a great cook.
While growing up, he has taught me about the importance of communication and working through your issues instead of around them. He has not only told me about the importance of being a hard worker, but he has showed me what it really means through his life. My dad is one of the hardest workers I know, and he does his work with excellence. He has a teachable heart and loves learning about new things. He is also a great storyteller. While growing up, I would always have him tell me stories about when he was young or I would ask him to tell me funny stories.
I could go on forever, I love my dad.
August 08, 2011
Come to me...
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand. I and the Father are one." - John 10:27-30
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."- Psalm 23:1-4
When faced with danger or stress the sheep's first response is to panic and flee, which can make the shepherd's job hard. They have a natural gregarious instint, which means they are fond of the company of others, but when faced with danger they scatter. This is where the shepherd comes in, he helps guide his sheep and keeps watch over the flock.
We, as humans, are also fearful of many things. We have as some call it "a fear of the unknown". We worry about our lives and panic when things don't go as planned. We can start to feel so overwhelmed and burdened by the things in our lives that we start can start to lose hope or become distracted. However, God tells us...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us.." - Hebrews 12:1
Just as a shepherd keeps watch over his flock, the same is true for the Lord. He keeps watch over us, guides us, and is always with us. He cares for us and wants us to rest in Him. He wants us to cast all our anxieties and worries on Him and rest in knowing that He is Lord, nothing is hidden from His sight. He sees you.
"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me besides quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."- Psalm 23:1-4
When faced with danger or stress the sheep's first response is to panic and flee, which can make the shepherd's job hard. They have a natural gregarious instint, which means they are fond of the company of others, but when faced with danger they scatter. This is where the shepherd comes in, he helps guide his sheep and keeps watch over the flock.
We, as humans, are also fearful of many things. We have as some call it "a fear of the unknown". We worry about our lives and panic when things don't go as planned. We can start to feel so overwhelmed and burdened by the things in our lives that we start can start to lose hope or become distracted. However, God tells us...
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." - Matthew 11:28
"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." - 1 Peter 5:7
"Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles us.." - Hebrews 12:1
Just as a shepherd keeps watch over his flock, the same is true for the Lord. He keeps watch over us, guides us, and is always with us. He cares for us and wants us to rest in Him. He wants us to cast all our anxieties and worries on Him and rest in knowing that He is Lord, nothing is hidden from His sight. He sees you.
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