This past weekend (thanks to my mother) I was able to go on a retreat
to the beach. On Saturday, I headed off to Playa Jaco for one night .
This retreat came at the perfect time and was a much needed break. I
needed a weekend alone with just me and my God, and even after my
retreat I can still say that was exactly what I needed. Sometimes there
comes a time when you just need a break. Where the things in life start
hitting you all at once (school, relationships, family, etc.) and this
is where things can get complicated. You can make one decision to stay
and let the things around you get the best of you or you can choose to
try and combat the things around you on your own. However both of those
options don´t sound very pleasant to me and they both can be very
emotionally, spiritually, and physically draining, so there is yet
another option you can choose to give everything over to the Lord and
trust in Him. This is the option I choose.
I am a work
in progress and as the things in life start hitting up against me like
the waves in the ocean, I am continually looking to the Creator and
clinging to His Word. For I know that no temptation has seized me except
what is common to man. As I sat on the beach reading and praying, God
continued to open my eyes to the ways of my heart and He continued to
show me His divine sovereignty in my life. Oh how wide and deep is His
is love for us, it is deeper than deepest sea and wider than the widest
ocean. God is faithful. What seemed to be a bad week when given the
right perspective was actually a blessed week with a blessed ending,
while on this weekend retreat God was able to change my perspective and
open my eyes to some of the things that often go unseen in the daily
routine of life. God continues to amaze me and the more I learn about
Him and the more I seek Him, the more my heart is content and at rest in
Him. God is so good.
______________________________________________________________
It
is hard to believe that there are only 7 weeks left of language school.
This trimester has and continues to fly by! On April 27th, I will
be on a flight back home, this just seems so crazy! With this in mind, I do need
to make one of my prayer requests known, so far for this trimester I
have paid 1/3 of my tuition ($500) and 3/4 of my rent for my time here (
$1,125). I am still in need of $1,425 to finish paying off my ILE
tuition and my rent for April. If you would like to help answer my
prayer and give financially please click the PayPal Donate link on
the left hand side of this page or mail a check, made out to Chelsea Davis, to the
following address:
Chelsea Davis
1309 South Park St.
Streator, IL 61364
Last
but certainly not least thank you all for your continued prayers and
support! You have all been such an encouragement to me, thank you for
not only your partnership but also for your friendship and love.
March 12, 2012
February 22, 2012
Just a glimpse...
Proverbs 30:7-9
“Two things I ask of you, LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonor the name of my God.
I also wanted to let you all know that school has been going well. Grammar is getting tough, but each day I am understanding a bit more. We have learned a new rule of subjuntive and now are beginning to practice it, so with more practice I am sure I will understand it (beyond just following the sentence structure).
Ministry with the kids has also been going great! This tri-mester, we have 5 new volunteers (Jennifer, Lisamarie, Mark, Sydney, and Kayla). Thank the Lord! Also, Steve, the director, returned back from the States back in January and brought with him some new lesson books and coloring books for the kids. They have loved the new books! We have also been blessed to have a few new little faces this tri-mester. God is good! Saturday is still my favorite day of the week.
Thanks for reading, I hope you all have a blessed week.
February 07, 2012
Update on School...
I know I just posted a post last night, but I also wanted to let everyone know that school is going well. This tri-mester has been somewhat challenging but in different ways from the last two. This tri-mester I am learning to be more disciplined in my studies, because the material that we are covering is more advanced and at times can be really confusing. My vocabulary I have noticed also needs some improvements, as always, so I am trying to widen my vocabulary by talking with more people in Spanish and studying with a group of girls. Instead of passing over the words I don´t know and just getting the general idea of a news article or sermon, I am really trying to memorize new words and use them as often as I can.
This can be exhausting at times but at the same time I love it, because I can see the huge improvements that have taken place over my time here. I came knowing next to nothing and now every day in Lenguaje I have to talk for at least 20 minutes in Spanish and I am able to have conversations with people outside of school. What a blessing my time has been here, God is good. I am excited to see what He has planned for the future as I continue on this language and ministry journey.
This can be exhausting at times but at the same time I love it, because I can see the huge improvements that have taken place over my time here. I came knowing next to nothing and now every day in Lenguaje I have to talk for at least 20 minutes in Spanish and I am able to have conversations with people outside of school. What a blessing my time has been here, God is good. I am excited to see what He has planned for the future as I continue on this language and ministry journey.
February 06, 2012
Community
Yesterday, the Bible Study group at ILE finished up their study on the book of James. As we came to a close on this book, I was reminded of the importance of community and the Body of Christ. It is important for the Body of Christ to be connected and united as one. Connected in love, speech, and mind. This kind of unity does not come about by itself. This deep connection and unity requires a lot of love, faith, patience, grace, humlity, and vulnerability. It requires that we look not only to our own interest but also to the interest of others. This kind of community and connection should be found in and among believers around the world.
You know the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child". I believe the same is true for our spiritual walk. It takes a community, a village, to help someone mature and grow in their relationship with the Lord. We can encourage or help someone by living in community with one another and being obedient to God's will in our lives. We need to be open and honest with one another and always holding firm to God's Truth. Praying for one another and carrying one another's burdens.
I constantly thank the Lord for my friends and family, who have poured themselves into my life and have taken the time to connect with me. They have not only encouraged me over the years but they have also reminded me of God's Word and Truth. God has used each of them in different stages of my life to point me back to His Word, and for that I am thankful not only for them but also for God's faithfulness and grace. Through their love and obedience to God I have seen a glimpse of God's love and have drawn closer to Him.
As I sat in the Bible study group on Sunday and listened to everyone talk about the sinner and what would they would do to help that person. I felt incredibly humbled because I know that I am the sinner. It was not too long ago that I needed some encouragement in my life and was struggling and God used those around me to teach me the importance of community and being honest and open with one another about our struggles, fears, and victories in our lives.
It is a lie to think that we are alone in our struggles. If you are not willing to share your life with others then how can you expect to find help or feel whole? Yes, there are people who can be discouraging and can leave you feeling worse than you did before. Believe me I know I have met a few of those people, but if you know of someone who is grounded in God's Word and loves the Lord with all their heart (preferably someone who is older and who you respect) go to that person and be honest and you will see that we are never alone. We have all sinned and we have all fallen short.
If you are the person that is grounded in God's Word and knows someone who is struggling or has had someone come to you with a problem. Love that person and show them the same grace and kindness that God has shown you. At the same time be honest and willing to ask and answer the hard questions that may arise. Always keep God at the center of your conversations and pray together.
Live in community with one another as the Body of Christ always focusing on the Lord and being full of love and grace.
You know the saying, "it takes a village to raise a child". I believe the same is true for our spiritual walk. It takes a community, a village, to help someone mature and grow in their relationship with the Lord. We can encourage or help someone by living in community with one another and being obedient to God's will in our lives. We need to be open and honest with one another and always holding firm to God's Truth. Praying for one another and carrying one another's burdens.
I constantly thank the Lord for my friends and family, who have poured themselves into my life and have taken the time to connect with me. They have not only encouraged me over the years but they have also reminded me of God's Word and Truth. God has used each of them in different stages of my life to point me back to His Word, and for that I am thankful not only for them but also for God's faithfulness and grace. Through their love and obedience to God I have seen a glimpse of God's love and have drawn closer to Him.
As I sat in the Bible study group on Sunday and listened to everyone talk about the sinner and what would they would do to help that person. I felt incredibly humbled because I know that I am the sinner. It was not too long ago that I needed some encouragement in my life and was struggling and God used those around me to teach me the importance of community and being honest and open with one another about our struggles, fears, and victories in our lives.
It is a lie to think that we are alone in our struggles. If you are not willing to share your life with others then how can you expect to find help or feel whole? Yes, there are people who can be discouraging and can leave you feeling worse than you did before. Believe me I know I have met a few of those people, but if you know of someone who is grounded in God's Word and loves the Lord with all their heart (preferably someone who is older and who you respect) go to that person and be honest and you will see that we are never alone. We have all sinned and we have all fallen short.
If you are the person that is grounded in God's Word and knows someone who is struggling or has had someone come to you with a problem. Love that person and show them the same grace and kindness that God has shown you. At the same time be honest and willing to ask and answer the hard questions that may arise. Always keep God at the center of your conversations and pray together.
Live in community with one another as the Body of Christ always focusing on the Lord and being full of love and grace.
January 25, 2012
Blessings...
This past week I have been trying to find my new groove. Basically, I have been trying to find a new balance between homework, activities, ministry, and friends. I am not sure I have found that balance yet, but God has definitely given me the grace and energy to be able to do many things. For example, the other night I was exhausted and not in the mood to play volleyball, but I went and waited 30 minutes for people to show up. As I sat there I talked to God and then decided to leave, which of course I was happy about because then I could go home and sleep. Just then a family showed up to play, I was bummed because that meant I had to stay but God used a little boy that night to teach me a lesson about courage and strength and in the end I left not only energized but also full of joy, now that was definitely the Lord. Thanks God for the wonderful night.
On Saturday, I was able to go to Valle del Sol and see all of my kiddos. It was a blast! All of the kids were there and I got to see them for the first time since I arrived back to Costa Rica. We had a party because a group from Oklahoma was visiting and we got to watch a video for the first time with the kids about the Kingdom of Heaven. It was an animated Bible story based off of the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44-46). It was quite interesting since we do not have the convenience of up-to-date technology, but it worked and the kids had fun. I watched the eyes of one of my boys as he sat with his ear close to the speaker so that he could hear over the sounds of the other children and it was such a blessing to be able to see him learning and asking questions. Seeing a child's eyes light up as they learn new information and learn about God is such an incredible blessing.
God has reminded me this past week of the importance of having a childlike faith and the value of the kingdom of Heaven. Giving up everything and following God is something we all must do, He should be our focus and our source of life. God calls all of us to give up somethings for our own good in order to live in obedience to Him. However, then He calls us to give up somethings for His glory and His purposes in our lives. Anything that we give up does not compare to knowing and being in a relationship with the Lord of the Universe. As Paul said, "what is more, I count everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith".
I would also like to let you know that I am currently in the process of finding ways to become a full-time missionary. As many of you know, I have been praying about joining a missions organization, but as much as I would love to join an organization I have not felt called to any one particular organization. Now things may change over time, but as I begin taking these next steps towards full-time missions work I would like to ask you to join me in prayer. Pray for me as a seek for ways to continue in full-time cross-cultural ministry as either an independent missionary or for an opportunity to serve full-time with an organization. I am also currently trying to find a job in the States or overseas for at least 2 years in order to pay off some of my student loan debt from college so that I may go into full-time missions work. I would like to begin working as a full-time missionary somewhere in Latin America, but first I need to be debt-free so please pray for me as I look for jobs to pay off this debt. Thank you all for joining me and coming along side me in my walk with the Lord.
On Saturday, I was able to go to Valle del Sol and see all of my kiddos. It was a blast! All of the kids were there and I got to see them for the first time since I arrived back to Costa Rica. We had a party because a group from Oklahoma was visiting and we got to watch a video for the first time with the kids about the Kingdom of Heaven. It was an animated Bible story based off of the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl (Matthew 13:44-46). It was quite interesting since we do not have the convenience of up-to-date technology, but it worked and the kids had fun. I watched the eyes of one of my boys as he sat with his ear close to the speaker so that he could hear over the sounds of the other children and it was such a blessing to be able to see him learning and asking questions. Seeing a child's eyes light up as they learn new information and learn about God is such an incredible blessing.
God has reminded me this past week of the importance of having a childlike faith and the value of the kingdom of Heaven. Giving up everything and following God is something we all must do, He should be our focus and our source of life. God calls all of us to give up somethings for our own good in order to live in obedience to Him. However, then He calls us to give up somethings for His glory and His purposes in our lives. Anything that we give up does not compare to knowing and being in a relationship with the Lord of the Universe. As Paul said, "what is more, I count everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ - the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith".
I would also like to let you know that I am currently in the process of finding ways to become a full-time missionary. As many of you know, I have been praying about joining a missions organization, but as much as I would love to join an organization I have not felt called to any one particular organization. Now things may change over time, but as I begin taking these next steps towards full-time missions work I would like to ask you to join me in prayer. Pray for me as a seek for ways to continue in full-time cross-cultural ministry as either an independent missionary or for an opportunity to serve full-time with an organization. I am also currently trying to find a job in the States or overseas for at least 2 years in order to pay off some of my student loan debt from college so that I may go into full-time missions work. I would like to begin working as a full-time missionary somewhere in Latin America, but first I need to be debt-free so please pray for me as I look for jobs to pay off this debt. Thank you all for joining me and coming along side me in my walk with the Lord.
January 15, 2012
Processing changes...
Everything has changed.
My friends who were once at ILE have moved forward in their walks with the Lord and are continuing to go where the Spirit leads, and it is encouraging and exciting to see how God is working in their lives. At the same time though I miss them dearly. My Tico home is also different because this is no longer a home filled with strangers but rather a family, whom I love dearly and who has accepted me as one of their own. San Josè is no longer this giant city that I know nothing about, but now it is a city that I have grown to love and know. As with every tri-mester, my teachers at ILE have also changed and I am learning knew things about the Spanish language and meeting new people.
Many changes have taken place over the past several months. I can see these changes not only in my surroundings and in others, but also within myself. I have come to appreciate change and accept change no matter how hard it may be because one thing is always constant and stays the same...God and His love for us. All of the changes in our lives no matter how big or how small can glorify God and can be used by God to transform our minds and hearts. I am so thankful for the changes that have taken place within in my life these past several months because they are a testimony of God's love and grace.
This past week was my first week back at school and it was wonderful. It was crazy busy but I enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to this tri and seeing everything that God has in store. My time here in Costa Rica has been more than I could have ever have imagined and I can't imagine what God is going to do over the next 3 months. What a blessing it is to be here. God is good.
Please be praying for me as enter into my last tri at language school. Pray that my heart would continue to be softened and that my time here would glorify God. Please pray for the ministry that I work with on Saturdays called Valle del Sol and for the children that attend. If you could be praying over these things I would greatly appreciate it, thank you.
My friends who were once at ILE have moved forward in their walks with the Lord and are continuing to go where the Spirit leads, and it is encouraging and exciting to see how God is working in their lives. At the same time though I miss them dearly. My Tico home is also different because this is no longer a home filled with strangers but rather a family, whom I love dearly and who has accepted me as one of their own. San Josè is no longer this giant city that I know nothing about, but now it is a city that I have grown to love and know. As with every tri-mester, my teachers at ILE have also changed and I am learning knew things about the Spanish language and meeting new people.
Many changes have taken place over the past several months. I can see these changes not only in my surroundings and in others, but also within myself. I have come to appreciate change and accept change no matter how hard it may be because one thing is always constant and stays the same...God and His love for us. All of the changes in our lives no matter how big or how small can glorify God and can be used by God to transform our minds and hearts. I am so thankful for the changes that have taken place within in my life these past several months because they are a testimony of God's love and grace.
This past week was my first week back at school and it was wonderful. It was crazy busy but I enjoyed it. I am really looking forward to this tri and seeing everything that God has in store. My time here in Costa Rica has been more than I could have ever have imagined and I can't imagine what God is going to do over the next 3 months. What a blessing it is to be here. God is good.
Please be praying for me as enter into my last tri at language school. Pray that my heart would continue to be softened and that my time here would glorify God. Please pray for the ministry that I work with on Saturdays called Valle del Sol and for the children that attend. If you could be praying over these things I would greatly appreciate it, thank you.
January 08, 2012
Returning "Home"
One of my friends said it best, "When you are here it is like that other world doesn't exist and you expect everything to stay the same as when you left". However thanks to the Internet you never really think that the other world doesn't exist when you are away because you have constant reminders popping up showing you that life does go on without you and things are changing.
Well many things have changed here in Costa Rica and this week I will begin to process those changes. Please pray for me as begin this new journey and as I spend sometime thinking about the changes that have taken place. I know very well that change is necessary on our walk with God and if you are being guided by the Spirit things may change faster than you expect, but we know that God is control of everything and He is good.
Unspeakable, unexplainable joy. That is what fills my heart and brings a smile to my face. Thank you Lord. I knew I would be excited to come back and happy, but I didn't expect this. God has made me so at peace with being here and so full of joy. I love being back and I so grateful to be here. The moment I saw Mami and Papi I just wanted to run to them and hug them, which I did. I just could not contain my joy and excitement any longer. I was so happy to see them and to finally be "home".
My home is no longer one specific location, but rather a mix of many places. Someone once said, "home is where the heart is". Well my heart is currently in Costa Rica and it stretches out to my friends and family in the States. For now, Costa Rica is my home and it feels good to be home.
Well many things have changed here in Costa Rica and this week I will begin to process those changes. Please pray for me as begin this new journey and as I spend sometime thinking about the changes that have taken place. I know very well that change is necessary on our walk with God and if you are being guided by the Spirit things may change faster than you expect, but we know that God is control of everything and He is good.
Unspeakable, unexplainable joy. That is what fills my heart and brings a smile to my face. Thank you Lord. I knew I would be excited to come back and happy, but I didn't expect this. God has made me so at peace with being here and so full of joy. I love being back and I so grateful to be here. The moment I saw Mami and Papi I just wanted to run to them and hug them, which I did. I just could not contain my joy and excitement any longer. I was so happy to see them and to finally be "home".
My home is no longer one specific location, but rather a mix of many places. Someone once said, "home is where the heart is". Well my heart is currently in Costa Rica and it stretches out to my friends and family in the States. For now, Costa Rica is my home and it feels good to be home.
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