Story Time

Hello and welcome to Story Time with Rachael. Today's story is about a beautiful girl who was outcast but lovable. She had a terrible life and wanted something she couldn't have. So, she followed her heart and chased her dreams and lived happily ever after. Sound familiar? That's the basic storyline of every fairy tale and children's story I've ever heard/read/seen. It sounds great. Inspirational. Empowering. But guess what, it's completely unbiblical.
The Bible tells us that our hearts are decietful and desperately wicked. It tells us that they are perverted by our sin and are the source of our evil desires. Our dreams are the result of selfish ambition. And wanting what we don't have to the point that we would do anything to get it is called coveteousnous and is breaking the tenth commandment.
The world we live in is full of ideas that are contrary to the Word of God, but many times we openly accept them into our lives and even encourage them in the lives of others. We need to be careful.
I am sharing this because in my life I am often tempted to follow my heart, but if I do, I usually end up hurt and confused. If I follow after God's heart, my desires become His, and I can lead my heart into true joy.
I have a dear friend who is a great example of that to me. She encourages me to continue to seek after God's heart.
Right now, my wicked heart is selfishly desiring to sleep in every morning. It desires to take advantage of the kindness of others in order to fill my stomach and my social appitite. It desires to seek after worldly success and the things that the world tells me I need.
But God's heart tells me to serve others. It tells me to go out of my way to be kind to them. It tells me to spend time alone seeking His face and learning to know Him more. It tells me to seek after the heavenly prize and crowns that I will gain for giving of myself to live for Him.
This is a constant battle. In small things and great. Many times we forget that God's heart is pure and perfect, full of plans for us. We can trust Him with our heart, and He will remove our desires and replace them with His, but we have to seek after His kingdom, and its righteousness first. Or else we will end up hurt and confused.

My prospective plans

This week flew by. My Spanish is improving, and I think I am learning a lot more about Peruvian culture. Soon, Mission teams from the States will be arriving. Please pray for me, that God will give me the ability to do all that may be required, whether that is just waking up early to make them breakfast, or accompanying them on trips to other parts of Peru as a translator. These are some of the things I have already been asked to do. I am sure that this will be a whole new kind of experience for me, and I am especially nervous about the translation. I know that God likes to use weak and despised things, so I will have to find my confidence in Him.
Also, please pray for Pastor John Bonnor, and his wife, Pilar as they travel across three continents this month. They will celebrate their anniversary (along with my parents) this week, while they are visiting their son in California. Then, the whole family is headed to Germany for their daughter's wedding.
The church here will be without their head pastor for that time, but we have a few great leaders here to keep things running smoothly.
Thanks to everyone who has supported me. Soon, I hope to get back to a weekly challenge. I will have to set aside more time for prayer and reflection next time I write one of these. I am looking forward so much to returning to the States in August, but even more to living the life God has for me each day as I wait for Him to show me His will.

A quick recap of my week

So, last week I took a class in Spanish. I am amazed at how well I did. I got no credit for it, but it was worth it to sit in and learn. My brain is so packed with Spanish vocabulary and gramar rules that I think it may burst. I am very thankful for my English speaking friends, and also for all the people here who have been so patient with me.
I thought that last week would be my break. A week off. But it wasn't, and I am glad. I am keeping busy. I have helped Ivy, one of the staff members, and my dear friend, with some of her office work. And I am getting ahead on my Chuck Tracks. I have also been spending time with my buddy Shirley and her mom. I am planning to attend the Women's Bible Study on Tuesday mornings, as well. So, there are no plans to slow down soon.
Besides which, since there are not a bunch of students, there is no chef... which means I have to buy and prepare my own meals. I am learning the value of the dollar (and the sole). Today I was so excited because it was my first chance to do my own laundry here in Peru. (I know that sounds silly, but when you pay a certain amount per load, it's exciting to do 5 for less than half that price.)
All-in-all, my life is exciting. God is teaching me things I would have never expected to learn during this time. I can't hardly wait until the teams start showing up from the States and I can speak English and eat good food again. :) But for now, I really do love a room to myself and a flexible schedule.
I also would like to share with those who don't already know that I am returning to Arizona in August. I am excited to see my family and try a semester online. It should be a good time in the Lord continuing my preparation for real life in ministry. See you all then.