Yesterday started like any other Saturday, only quieter. We had a group at a surf camp, and a group in Canta on a retreat, and a group leaving early for the beach with the kids from their outreach. I was enjoying my day, but was rather preoccupied with thoughts about finances, and whether or not my brother is moving, and buying laundry detergent, and unfinished homework for my Revelation class. Like I said- a normal day.
Then, I made my bed, placing Po the Panda beside my pillow, and whispering a prayer for my niece. I did some reading, still distracted, and praying for all the things I think I need.
Opening my computer is the next step in my day usually, and I wanted to see if my parents had heard about the insurance situation, yet. Seeing that I had no reply on Skype and no new emails, Facebook was the next logical step. And a few comments on my news feed caught my eye. One was to my dad, one to my sister-in-law and one to me, from a worried friend who was certain I was under a building somewhere. Another well-meaning friend also wanted to make sure that I wasn't caught in the rubble-y aftermath of the giant earthquake I had no idea about. I knew that something was up, but for some reason didn't immediately check the news, but kept chugging along with my to-do list after reassuring my friends and family that I had not even heard of any earthquake in Peru, and that I and all my friends were very safe despite their bad source of information.
At "Brunch" the other students explained the situation to me. Chile is a mess. There are tsunami warnings all over the Pacific west coast, and Hawaii. I went upstairs and read the news. Cities in rubble, roads overturned, death toll rising. My heart skipped a beat as I prayed.
Thoughts were with our friends on the beach, friends in Hawaii, missionaries in Chile... no wonder my friend thought I was dead. The news looked bad. And it was.
My next thought: Wat if it was me?
Not too long ago there was an earthquake in Haiti, and the next was in Chile. And they aren't going to stop. The earth is headed to it's end, and I can joyfully shout, "Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!" But He's not here yet. Am I really living like today could be my last on earth until the Millennium?
In our Revelation class, we were just talking about the eminent return of Christ. it should make each of us wake up and live for God. We should be trying to take as many hurting souls with us to heaven as we possibly can because the next earthquake could hit you... or them.
I am certain beyond doubt that I am going to spend eternity with my victorious Savior. Why? Because I have accepted His sacrifice on the cross in exchange for my sin. Jesus took my place and yours so we wouldn't have to go to Hell, and so we wouldn't have to suffer the wrath God will one day pour out on the earth that has rebelled against Him. Then, after three days, He rose from the dead, proving that we too will rise with Him if we choose to follow Him and accept His free gift of Salvation. Soon, He will return and Redeem those, both live and dead who have called on Him for forgiveness.
If you haven't, please do, before it's too late. And if you have, please join with me in sharing the hope hat with share with the lost and dying world... before it's too late.
It may be another earthquake that takes you or it may be the Rapture. Either way, what service will you have to show when you stand before the One who died in your place. If God has asked you to do something, anything, what are you waiting for. The Earth Shook Yesterday.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Canta me encanta.
I returned yesterday from a short retreat with the other girls to a city called Canta. It is a beautiful mountain town full of sheep and grass. But, most importantly, it was a quiet place to relax and meet God. I roomed with Lauren, a beautiful girl who loves Jesus who I am enjoying getting to know better this semester. Our dean of women, Ivy taught on the book of Ruth about the character of Ruth and Boaz. We learned from their example what God wants in men and women who are seeking a relationship.
This is a topic that I think gets overlooked a lot in our churches. It is often hard to address ideas of dating or courting or marriage. There are not explicit answers to all our questions, and so, we often end up with broken hearts and soiled reputations, if not physical consequences, when we err in relationship decisions. So, my blog is taking a week away from life in Peru to focus on this topic that my heart has been struggling through.
I personally have very high standards,. Many have teased, and even ridiculed me for many of these standards, including the way I dress, or the fact that I refused to date a boy in high school because he didn't share my faith, or the fact that I am 21 and have never been kissed, but I don't regreat them at all, and I believe that any young woman (or man) of God who put them into practice would have nothing to regret from them. I based them off things I have learned from godly women in my life as well as my own dives into God's Word after mistakes i have made. I wanted to share the basic principles with my blog-buddies, since I know many young girls who are seeking to set up their own set of standards for a love life. Many of these are also relevant for other areas of our lives.
1. The First Priority: First of all, we are told to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We are told to love and honor Him first in our lives. This is easy to say and hard to do. Before we can be ready for any new romantic relationship we must learn to love the Author of Romance. Anything that is in our life that does not allow or help us love God more cannot stay if we wish to become more like Him. That can include that cute boy who sits next to us in chemistry, or that romantic movie starring a super hot hottie. Or sometimes friends who influence us to make bad choices about relationships. So, if you are uncertain about whether you should get rid of something in your life ask: Is this keeping me from God? Is this more important to me than He is? Would I be unwilling to give this up if God asked me to? If you answer yes, pray that God would help you replace that with something pleasing to Him.
2. The Sacrifice Principle: We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices. In Romans, Paul tells us that if we are not allowing our bodies to be used by God as instruments of good, than we are allowing them to be used as instruments of evil. This effects your whole life. When you are flirting with a boy, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? When you get dressed in the morning, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? When you are out on a date, and he touches you for the first time, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? I know it's a tough thing to hear, and it's even tougher to answer those questions, but since putting this principle in place, I have felt much more confident about what behavior is acceptable between me and the opposite sex. Anything that does not lead them closer to God is an instrument of evil.
3. The Skin Problem: ok, so this is just a personal standard that I have adopted taught to me at a True Love Waits class by a woman who at the time was engaged. Her now-husband at the time had told her how to dress in such a way that he would be less tempted to think lustfully towards her. The rule is simple. Don't let any skin show that you wouldn't want a guy to touch. And not just your boyfriend, or your brother, or your best friend who is a guy, but how about your teacher, or your youth pastor, or your friend's dad. If he helped you out of the car, it would be ok if he touched your arm, or your hand. If you were playing softball, it wouldn't be awkward if he touched your calves. But it would be pretty awkward if it was your upper thigh, or that part of you chest that is exposed in a low V-neck. This is not a perfect standard, but a general guide line. I find it very helpful, but it is in no way a hard and fast rule. The idea is simply, if they do see it, they will want to touch it.
4. Thought Life: When I was younger, I heard some Christians talking about their thought life. I was really confused. I didn't understand what a thought life was. I now know it is simply what we allow our thoughts to dwell on. We can't always stop a random thought from finding it's way into our head, but we can decide to dwell on good things. Jesus shocked the Jews when He told them that lustful thoughts were sin, but it's the truth. We are not to think sexual thoughts about anyone who we are not married to. That's biblical. And like the old saying goes, If you have to ask, don't do it. If you think your thoughts might be inappropriate, they probably are. I can't tell you how important this is. i have had struggles with this, and still have times when I remind myself that that man is not my husband. The truth is we can make this easier or harder on ourselves by the movies and TV we watch, the books and magazines we read, and the people we hang out with. If we are constantly presented with sexual images, they will be hard to get out of our heads.
5. Arm Length Relationships: When God looks at your life, He already sees the person He has for you. He will not be surprised on the day you get engaged. But until the day when you are finally joined with the person God has for you, I would strongly suggest that you keep in mind that in God's eyes you already belong to that person, even if you don't know them yet. Also, every attractive person you meet already belongs to their future mate as well. I would suggest that you treat anyone you are interested in as someone else's future spouse, until the day you are married. This is important when it comes to romantic relationships, but also friendships. You should not have a friendship that is too intimate with a member of the opposite sex because the chances are one day one of you will get married, and the relationship may have to end, or may cause jealousy if you have not been careful. Also, emotions often come by accident, and you do not want to become too emotionally attached to anyone other than your mate.
6. The Ladder Principle: My mom always told me this, and it never really meant anything until I got dumped by my ex-boyfriend. Relationships are like ladders that you can only climb up. You can't go back down. Once you have shared a kiss, or a hug, or a secret, you can't get it back. And once you go to first base, the next logical step is second. Every time you give something away, it is harder to be satisfied by the previous. I don't think I really want you to have to understand, but trust me when I say, be careful to save as much as you can for the person you will marry so that you can be completely elated by every first that you share.
7. Remove the Hint: We are asked to remove any hint of sexual immorality. We don't want to give Satan anything to hold against us, and we don't want any little temptation to sneak in without notice. I know I already touched on this, but I think it is important enough to reiterate. If it is questionable, it's ok to ask someone you trust, but usually it is best to just get rid of it. You don't want to cause other Christians to sin, or non-believers to question your faith. Any sin is forgivable, so start fresh today. A clean testimony can move mountains.
8. Pray First: Before you think about going out with anyone, pray. Be certain God is in the middle of every decision you make. Base your relationship on a shared faith and certainty in the direction of your life together. Ask those who you know will give you godly counsel. Refuse to be set up by pushy sisters or well meaning friends. Remember that as Christians we make up the Bride of Christ. So, we will be married to Him, and He is a Man worth waiting for, even if we never get an earthly wedding ceremony. Stay pure.
I hope this blesses you. Please know that this is not the hard and fast method to a happy life, but simply part of my knowledge that I pass on to you. Some books I suggest are the Every Man's Battle series (Every Young Woman's Battle was one I read in high school), and When God Writes Your Love Story. I have read parts of others, and I have heard of even more that I am sure are excellent.
This is a topic that I think gets overlooked a lot in our churches. It is often hard to address ideas of dating or courting or marriage. There are not explicit answers to all our questions, and so, we often end up with broken hearts and soiled reputations, if not physical consequences, when we err in relationship decisions. So, my blog is taking a week away from life in Peru to focus on this topic that my heart has been struggling through.
I personally have very high standards,. Many have teased, and even ridiculed me for many of these standards, including the way I dress, or the fact that I refused to date a boy in high school because he didn't share my faith, or the fact that I am 21 and have never been kissed, but I don't regreat them at all, and I believe that any young woman (or man) of God who put them into practice would have nothing to regret from them. I based them off things I have learned from godly women in my life as well as my own dives into God's Word after mistakes i have made. I wanted to share the basic principles with my blog-buddies, since I know many young girls who are seeking to set up their own set of standards for a love life. Many of these are also relevant for other areas of our lives.
1. The First Priority: First of all, we are told to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. We are told to love and honor Him first in our lives. This is easy to say and hard to do. Before we can be ready for any new romantic relationship we must learn to love the Author of Romance. Anything that is in our life that does not allow or help us love God more cannot stay if we wish to become more like Him. That can include that cute boy who sits next to us in chemistry, or that romantic movie starring a super hot hottie. Or sometimes friends who influence us to make bad choices about relationships. So, if you are uncertain about whether you should get rid of something in your life ask: Is this keeping me from God? Is this more important to me than He is? Would I be unwilling to give this up if God asked me to? If you answer yes, pray that God would help you replace that with something pleasing to Him.
2. The Sacrifice Principle: We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices. In Romans, Paul tells us that if we are not allowing our bodies to be used by God as instruments of good, than we are allowing them to be used as instruments of evil. This effects your whole life. When you are flirting with a boy, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? When you get dressed in the morning, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? When you are out on a date, and he touches you for the first time, is your body being used as an instrument of good, or evil? I know it's a tough thing to hear, and it's even tougher to answer those questions, but since putting this principle in place, I have felt much more confident about what behavior is acceptable between me and the opposite sex. Anything that does not lead them closer to God is an instrument of evil.
3. The Skin Problem: ok, so this is just a personal standard that I have adopted taught to me at a True Love Waits class by a woman who at the time was engaged. Her now-husband at the time had told her how to dress in such a way that he would be less tempted to think lustfully towards her. The rule is simple. Don't let any skin show that you wouldn't want a guy to touch. And not just your boyfriend, or your brother, or your best friend who is a guy, but how about your teacher, or your youth pastor, or your friend's dad. If he helped you out of the car, it would be ok if he touched your arm, or your hand. If you were playing softball, it wouldn't be awkward if he touched your calves. But it would be pretty awkward if it was your upper thigh, or that part of you chest that is exposed in a low V-neck. This is not a perfect standard, but a general guide line. I find it very helpful, but it is in no way a hard and fast rule. The idea is simply, if they do see it, they will want to touch it.
4. Thought Life: When I was younger, I heard some Christians talking about their thought life. I was really confused. I didn't understand what a thought life was. I now know it is simply what we allow our thoughts to dwell on. We can't always stop a random thought from finding it's way into our head, but we can decide to dwell on good things. Jesus shocked the Jews when He told them that lustful thoughts were sin, but it's the truth. We are not to think sexual thoughts about anyone who we are not married to. That's biblical. And like the old saying goes, If you have to ask, don't do it. If you think your thoughts might be inappropriate, they probably are. I can't tell you how important this is. i have had struggles with this, and still have times when I remind myself that that man is not my husband. The truth is we can make this easier or harder on ourselves by the movies and TV we watch, the books and magazines we read, and the people we hang out with. If we are constantly presented with sexual images, they will be hard to get out of our heads.
5. Arm Length Relationships: When God looks at your life, He already sees the person He has for you. He will not be surprised on the day you get engaged. But until the day when you are finally joined with the person God has for you, I would strongly suggest that you keep in mind that in God's eyes you already belong to that person, even if you don't know them yet. Also, every attractive person you meet already belongs to their future mate as well. I would suggest that you treat anyone you are interested in as someone else's future spouse, until the day you are married. This is important when it comes to romantic relationships, but also friendships. You should not have a friendship that is too intimate with a member of the opposite sex because the chances are one day one of you will get married, and the relationship may have to end, or may cause jealousy if you have not been careful. Also, emotions often come by accident, and you do not want to become too emotionally attached to anyone other than your mate.
6. The Ladder Principle: My mom always told me this, and it never really meant anything until I got dumped by my ex-boyfriend. Relationships are like ladders that you can only climb up. You can't go back down. Once you have shared a kiss, or a hug, or a secret, you can't get it back. And once you go to first base, the next logical step is second. Every time you give something away, it is harder to be satisfied by the previous. I don't think I really want you to have to understand, but trust me when I say, be careful to save as much as you can for the person you will marry so that you can be completely elated by every first that you share.
7. Remove the Hint: We are asked to remove any hint of sexual immorality. We don't want to give Satan anything to hold against us, and we don't want any little temptation to sneak in without notice. I know I already touched on this, but I think it is important enough to reiterate. If it is questionable, it's ok to ask someone you trust, but usually it is best to just get rid of it. You don't want to cause other Christians to sin, or non-believers to question your faith. Any sin is forgivable, so start fresh today. A clean testimony can move mountains.
8. Pray First: Before you think about going out with anyone, pray. Be certain God is in the middle of every decision you make. Base your relationship on a shared faith and certainty in the direction of your life together. Ask those who you know will give you godly counsel. Refuse to be set up by pushy sisters or well meaning friends. Remember that as Christians we make up the Bride of Christ. So, we will be married to Him, and He is a Man worth waiting for, even if we never get an earthly wedding ceremony. Stay pure.
I hope this blesses you. Please know that this is not the hard and fast method to a happy life, but simply part of my knowledge that I pass on to you. Some books I suggest are the Every Man's Battle series (Every Young Woman's Battle was one I read in high school), and When God Writes Your Love Story. I have read parts of others, and I have heard of even more that I am sure are excellent.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Feliz Dia...
Today is Valentine's Day! I have successfully completed a week of school. I must say, I feel very loved right now. I have been enjoying my classes as well as my time in the coffee shop. I am loving the other students; we have lots of fun together. I also was able to go to Ventenilla, a poverty stricken area on the edge of Lima, where the church has a children's program each Saturday. Through the combination of all this and much more, God has been doing a great work in my life.
I know all of you in the States want to know when I am coming home, and some even wonder if I ever will. So here it is: the more time I spend here, the more my heart grows in love for the people, the language and the food. But the more time I spend here, the more God confirms His call on my life to return to the States when I am finished with Bible College. One day, I would like to bring my family and friends to this city I love so well, so that they could understand me better because I know this place has helped shape who I am.
But I have recently felt that my life experience has uniquely prepared me for ministry in the Phoenix area. I cry when I think that so many people there are lost and dying, just like the people here. I have a special place in my heart for those who have moved from the land they know to a place where they are struggling to belong. I know there are so many people struggling to find love this Valentine's Day, and I want to help them find the One who created love and Who loves unconditionally.
I am here to study the Bible, and learn Spanish, and to know God's Will in my life better each day, but I do believe I will return to you. :)
I am studying the book of Genesis with the other girls here, and I am seeing how God fulfilled all His promises to Abraham. God is doing the same in my life right now. Some promises are fulfilled, some are just being made, but they all hold such hope for me in the trustworthiness of my Savior.
So, if you would, pray with me for the people of Lima, the people of Phoenix, and those God has laid on your heart. Pray that they might seek Him while He still may be found.
Happy Valentine's Day
I know all of you in the States want to know when I am coming home, and some even wonder if I ever will. So here it is: the more time I spend here, the more my heart grows in love for the people, the language and the food. But the more time I spend here, the more God confirms His call on my life to return to the States when I am finished with Bible College. One day, I would like to bring my family and friends to this city I love so well, so that they could understand me better because I know this place has helped shape who I am.
But I have recently felt that my life experience has uniquely prepared me for ministry in the Phoenix area. I cry when I think that so many people there are lost and dying, just like the people here. I have a special place in my heart for those who have moved from the land they know to a place where they are struggling to belong. I know there are so many people struggling to find love this Valentine's Day, and I want to help them find the One who created love and Who loves unconditionally.
I am here to study the Bible, and learn Spanish, and to know God's Will in my life better each day, but I do believe I will return to you. :)
I am studying the book of Genesis with the other girls here, and I am seeing how God fulfilled all His promises to Abraham. God is doing the same in my life right now. Some promises are fulfilled, some are just being made, but they all hold such hope for me in the trustworthiness of my Savior.
So, if you would, pray with me for the people of Lima, the people of Phoenix, and those God has laid on your heart. Pray that they might seek Him while He still may be found.
Happy Valentine's Day
Sunday, February 7, 2010
No, I didn't drop off the planet.
So, it's been three weeks since my last post. I've had a birthday since them. I am now 21! I can't believe all that God has done in my life in the last year. My 20th birthday was celebrated in Ethiopia, and my 21st was exactly one week before I returned for my second semester in Peru!
I am excited to be here. I didn't realize how much I missed this place until I came back. I saw all my friends that have become my second family. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and my heart has grown rather fond of Peru.
At the same time, my heart is more fond of my family in Arizona, and equally fond of my amazing support system there. I wish I could have greeted my dear friends, the Thiele family as they returned from Ethiopia with the three newest members of the clan. My heart was divided between three continents while their forever family waited anxiously for them.
But about this semester in Peru: I am a dorm steward. Which means I have the responsibility of making sure my room is following campus rules and working through conflicts with the other girls. It is a growing experience, and so far I am enjoying it.
Writing this is slightly easier today than it would have been yesterday, since my roommate just returned with our new fan, George. We have no AC here, so George is making life much more pleasant for us. Since seasons are opposite of the States, we are currently in the hottest month of the year, and it has been rather warm and humid.
I have written my first newsletter, which I will be sending to my contacts at my two supporting churches this week. I hope to send one every month. If you would like me to email it to you, send me your address and you will be added to my list. I am going to try and cover different things in the blog and the newsletter.
Let me leave you with this thought that God has encouraged me with this week.
I was reading Leviticus and I noticed that over and over again you see the words, "The LORD said to Moses." It made me think about how often God speaks to me. I began to ask myself if I was listening to Him.
In 1 Kings 13, there is a story of a young man who took direction from an older prophet when it was contrary to what God had told him. It lead to a rather violent death for this mistake. We all need to be careful that we are following the voice of God.
This semester, I am challenging myself to seek God's voice and follow His directions.
2 Corinthians 1:20 says, "For no matter how many promises God has mad, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken to us to the glory of God."
We can easily follow God when we remember not only His commands, but also His promises because we can be sure that He will always be faithful to His word. And when we follow Him, He promises to be with us all the way, and to love and protect us.
Amen!
I am excited to be here. I didn't realize how much I missed this place until I came back. I saw all my friends that have become my second family. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and my heart has grown rather fond of Peru.
At the same time, my heart is more fond of my family in Arizona, and equally fond of my amazing support system there. I wish I could have greeted my dear friends, the Thiele family as they returned from Ethiopia with the three newest members of the clan. My heart was divided between three continents while their forever family waited anxiously for them.
But about this semester in Peru: I am a dorm steward. Which means I have the responsibility of making sure my room is following campus rules and working through conflicts with the other girls. It is a growing experience, and so far I am enjoying it.
Writing this is slightly easier today than it would have been yesterday, since my roommate just returned with our new fan, George. We have no AC here, so George is making life much more pleasant for us. Since seasons are opposite of the States, we are currently in the hottest month of the year, and it has been rather warm and humid.
I have written my first newsletter, which I will be sending to my contacts at my two supporting churches this week. I hope to send one every month. If you would like me to email it to you, send me your address and you will be added to my list. I am going to try and cover different things in the blog and the newsletter.
Let me leave you with this thought that God has encouraged me with this week.
I was reading Leviticus and I noticed that over and over again you see the words, "The LORD said to Moses." It made me think about how often God speaks to me. I began to ask myself if I was listening to Him.
In 1 Kings 13, there is a story of a young man who took direction from an older prophet when it was contrary to what God had told him. It lead to a rather violent death for this mistake. We all need to be careful that we are following the voice of God.
This semester, I am challenging myself to seek God's voice and follow His directions.
2 Corinthians 1:20 says, "For no matter how many promises God has mad, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through Him the "Amen" is spoken to us to the glory of God."
We can easily follow God when we remember not only His commands, but also His promises because we can be sure that He will always be faithful to His word. And when we follow Him, He promises to be with us all the way, and to love and protect us.
Amen!
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