Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.
to him who divided the Red Sea asunder
His love endures forever.
and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.
to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.
to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.
He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.
September 13, 2011
September 12, 2011
Today was an exceptionally hard day, probably the hardest day that I have had since I have been in Costa Rica.
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" Hebrews 4:13. In this truth, I find comfort. God sees me for who I am and my life is not hidden from Him. He has seen this day coming for a long time and He knows my every step. Even when my knees are weak and I feel like I can not stand I know the Lord lifts me up, because my hope is in Him. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:30-31.
My hardships and struggles are not new to me, but for the first time in my life I am not running from them and that is not easy. However, I am not alone. "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:23-26.
No matter what happens in life, I will never stop running in the race that is marked out before me. "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:1b-3.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33b. These hardships and struggles don't last forever, my trust is in the Lord. Christ has already overcome the world. Satan has already lost. Christ is my victory. "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4-5.
"Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account" Hebrews 4:13. In this truth, I find comfort. God sees me for who I am and my life is not hidden from Him. He has seen this day coming for a long time and He knows my every step. Even when my knees are weak and I feel like I can not stand I know the Lord lifts me up, because my hope is in Him. "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" Isaiah 40:30-31.
My hardships and struggles are not new to me, but for the first time in my life I am not running from them and that is not easy. However, I am not alone. "Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" Psalm 73:23-26.
No matter what happens in life, I will never stop running in the race that is marked out before me. "And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" Hebrews 12:1b-3.
"In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" John 16:33b. These hardships and struggles don't last forever, my trust is in the Lord. Christ has already overcome the world. Satan has already lost. Christ is my victory. "For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" 1 John 5:4-5.
September 11, 2011
....
Well today was a strange day. I woke up this morning full of energy and ready to go, but my mind was elsewhere. I didn't feel like going to church today or being around people, so I separated myself from all English speakers for most of the day. Instead of going to the church I normally go to I went to a Catholic church and attended mass. I went downtown to a church called Catedral Metropolitana.
Every time I go to mass, I automatically think of my grandparents. While growing up, every now and then I would attend mass with one of my grandparents. I like attending mass, but of course my beliefs don't match up with that of the Catholic church. I attended mass this morning in order to gain more of a cultural insight into Costa Rica. When I walked into the church I was speechless. I have never seen that many people in one church building (and I have been to a few of the mega churches in the USA). The Catedral Metropolitana is huge and has over six services. However, this morning there were still thousands of people in that church at 12pm. I had to stand along the back wall along with the others who showed up on time. There was just no room for people to sit so as the service went on others would come and stand along the walls or in the doorways.
I stood there in amazement and in sadness looking around at the people and I tried following the service the best that I could. I recited along with the rest of the people the things that I believe and would stop when we got to something that I didn't. I stayed for most of the service, but I left before communion. Once I left I started walking around and doing a prayer walk.
I also started to people watch and I tried to observe some of the cultural things that I learned in my language class about the woman's role in the culture. I wanted to see if I could see any single women walking around by themselves and I also tried to see if there were any groups of women, who were not related, in a group without a man. The single women that I did see were either coming from church with their mother or another family member, going to work (they were dressed in a uniform) or coming from work, and the others were on their way home. I hardly saw any women walking around by themselves without a man or their mother. I then thought wow I must stick out more than I thought because I walk around all the time by myself. I also eat by myself in restaurants, which I know is culturally not acceptable. I have seen two women eating by themselves at different places, but one was on break from work (she worked at the restaurant) and the other one was married (and I think she was also a student at a university because she was studying textbooks and doing what looked like homework). You see, if you are a single woman in Costa Rica then you stay at home unless you are out with a guy, going to or coming home from work, or going to church. It is not common to see women out walking around by themselves, especially if they are older women.
After, I finished having lunch. I continued walking around and people watching. I tried to find my favorite street artists, but I didn't see any of them out today so I headed home to do homework. Afterwards, I went and had dinner with a group of students which was a lot of fun. It felt nice to be around people after being by myself all day. I love laughing and talking with friends.
Yesterday, I was also able to have dinner with a good friend, which was really nice. During the day, I was able to go to Valle del Sol and see the kiddos. Kate and Audrey, two girls from the school, joined me. It was wonderful as always. I love seeing those kids every week. I am really going to miss seeing them this weekend when I am in Panama. This weekend they are having a party, which I know is going to be a lot of fun.
Every time I go to mass, I automatically think of my grandparents. While growing up, every now and then I would attend mass with one of my grandparents. I like attending mass, but of course my beliefs don't match up with that of the Catholic church. I attended mass this morning in order to gain more of a cultural insight into Costa Rica. When I walked into the church I was speechless. I have never seen that many people in one church building (and I have been to a few of the mega churches in the USA). The Catedral Metropolitana is huge and has over six services. However, this morning there were still thousands of people in that church at 12pm. I had to stand along the back wall along with the others who showed up on time. There was just no room for people to sit so as the service went on others would come and stand along the walls or in the doorways.
I stood there in amazement and in sadness looking around at the people and I tried following the service the best that I could. I recited along with the rest of the people the things that I believe and would stop when we got to something that I didn't. I stayed for most of the service, but I left before communion. Once I left I started walking around and doing a prayer walk.
I also started to people watch and I tried to observe some of the cultural things that I learned in my language class about the woman's role in the culture. I wanted to see if I could see any single women walking around by themselves and I also tried to see if there were any groups of women, who were not related, in a group without a man. The single women that I did see were either coming from church with their mother or another family member, going to work (they were dressed in a uniform) or coming from work, and the others were on their way home. I hardly saw any women walking around by themselves without a man or their mother. I then thought wow I must stick out more than I thought because I walk around all the time by myself. I also eat by myself in restaurants, which I know is culturally not acceptable. I have seen two women eating by themselves at different places, but one was on break from work (she worked at the restaurant) and the other one was married (and I think she was also a student at a university because she was studying textbooks and doing what looked like homework). You see, if you are a single woman in Costa Rica then you stay at home unless you are out with a guy, going to or coming home from work, or going to church. It is not common to see women out walking around by themselves, especially if they are older women.
After, I finished having lunch. I continued walking around and people watching. I tried to find my favorite street artists, but I didn't see any of them out today so I headed home to do homework. Afterwards, I went and had dinner with a group of students which was a lot of fun. It felt nice to be around people after being by myself all day. I love laughing and talking with friends.
Yesterday, I was also able to have dinner with a good friend, which was really nice. During the day, I was able to go to Valle del Sol and see the kiddos. Kate and Audrey, two girls from the school, joined me. It was wonderful as always. I love seeing those kids every week. I am really going to miss seeing them this weekend when I am in Panama. This weekend they are having a party, which I know is going to be a lot of fun.
Only Love Remains - JJ Heller
Scenes of you come rushing through
You are breaking me down
So break me into pieces
That will grow in the ground
I know that I deserve to die
For the murder in my heart
So be gentle with me Jesus
As you tear me apart
Please kill the liar
Kill the thief in me
You know that I am tired of their cruelty
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains
You burn away the ropes that bind
And hold me to the earth
The fire only leaves behind whatever is of worth
I begin to see reality
For the first time in my life
I know that I’m a shadow
But I’m dancing in your light
Teach me to be humble
Call me from the grave
Show me how to walk with you upon the waves
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains
You are breaking me down
So break me into pieces
That will grow in the ground
I know that I deserve to die
For the murder in my heart
So be gentle with me Jesus
As you tear me apart
Please kill the liar
Kill the thief in me
You know that I am tired of their cruelty
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains
You burn away the ropes that bind
And hold me to the earth
The fire only leaves behind whatever is of worth
I begin to see reality
For the first time in my life
I know that I’m a shadow
But I’m dancing in your light
Teach me to be humble
Call me from the grave
Show me how to walk with you upon the waves
Breathe into my spirit
Breathe into my veins
Until only love remains
September 09, 2011
Grammar Test...Done!
This morning, I had my first test of the tri-mester in Grammar. I think I did good, but I will find out on Monday. In class today, I made my teacher laugh because I was so excited to be moving on to the second part of book that said, "Second Tri-mester". I am so looking forward to this tri. It has started out great and I have no doubts that it will end great.
Tonight, I organized a movie night for some of the single students and couples at the school. Having a night to relax and be with friends, is a great way to relax. The movie is yet to be decided because students are voting on the movie as they arrive.
A week from today, I will be heading off to Panama with a group of students. Please pray for us as we travel out of the country.
Oh and I made some progress today with my anxiety. This morning I felt myself getting stressed out and I tried to put into practice the things I have been learning. I stopped and thought, "Why are you getting worked up? What is the worse that can happen if all your fears and worries were to become a reality?". I thought about God and His Word, and instantly my stress and anxiety went away. Thank you Lord.
Tonight, I organized a movie night for some of the single students and couples at the school. Having a night to relax and be with friends, is a great way to relax. The movie is yet to be decided because students are voting on the movie as they arrive.
A week from today, I will be heading off to Panama with a group of students. Please pray for us as we travel out of the country.
Oh and I made some progress today with my anxiety. This morning I felt myself getting stressed out and I tried to put into practice the things I have been learning. I stopped and thought, "Why are you getting worked up? What is the worse that can happen if all your fears and worries were to become a reality?". I thought about God and His Word, and instantly my stress and anxiety went away. Thank you Lord.
September 08, 2011
Fear
Today was one of those days where I needed to be alone with God. I had started doing a Bible study late last night for homework (we had to pick out 4 verses in the Bible and explain in Spanish what they meant to us), but I never got to dive really deep into the study like I wanted to. Then this morning in class I had to share my verses, John 14:1-4, and explain what they meant to me. That was kind of difficult.
John 14:1-4
1Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.
After class, my heart was not content and I knew I needed to go back through those verses and finish my study. I needed to take my time reading through those verses and reading through the Bible study sheet that I have been given on those verses and really dwell on God's truth. My heart was restless today, but in the best possible way. Last night I got a small glimpse into what God was trying to say to me and today I just wanted to know more. I came home from school and took my time through this study. I even had to stop and take a nap during my study because I knew my mind needed to rest before it took in more Truth.
At this time, I can't really articulate everything that I am learning so I am going to give you just a glimpse into what I am learning:
John 14:1-4
1Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.
After class, my heart was not content and I knew I needed to go back through those verses and finish my study. I needed to take my time reading through those verses and reading through the Bible study sheet that I have been given on those verses and really dwell on God's truth. My heart was restless today, but in the best possible way. Last night I got a small glimpse into what God was trying to say to me and today I just wanted to know more. I came home from school and took my time through this study. I even had to stop and take a nap during my study because I knew my mind needed to rest before it took in more Truth.
At this time, I can't really articulate everything that I am learning so I am going to give you just a glimpse into what I am learning:
- It is okay to feel sad or distressed, but how you react to those difficult situations is what matters. What are you allowing to control you? Your emotions or God?
- When you are faced with a difficult situation stop and think. Don't let fear control you, you must refuse to panic. Choosing to not panic may not be a natural response, but it is possible.
- The reason that you do become panicked and overwhelmed is because you are not exercising your faith, by trusting in God and His character. Put your faith in Him and rely on Him.
- Your difficulties are not hidden from God. He knows the situation you are in and He knows the temptations you face.
- In times of difficulties and struggles, remember Heaven. Think about eternity and know that life is not going to be difficult forever. God is preparing a place for those who love Him.
- Everything has a purpose, that purpose is not always clear to us but rest in Him.
- God desires to be with His people. He desires to be with you.
- When times are hard and you feel like you have no where to go and you just want to freak out. Refuse to panic and know that you are not lost. You will not be in that situation forever, and you know the way, Jesus. Remember His promises.
- Fear is a matter of obedience.
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