tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63421407957041463652024-03-12T20:17:51.585-07:00Growing in Grace2 Peter 3:18
"But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-79976227679990167392015-02-01T21:40:00.000-08:002015-02-02T10:29:55.541-08:00If You Only Knew Her Story...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4mX2GBW_EI/VM8AyfMiIFI/AAAAAAAACTY/3trAG5Kdm4A/s1600/Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4mX2GBW_EI/VM8AyfMiIFI/AAAAAAAACTY/3trAG5Kdm4A/s1600/Blog.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
What is your first thought when you read the word "prostitute."<br />
Dirty? Promiscuous? Someone to be avoided? Sinful? Slut?<br />
Maybe some of you would even associate that word with images of attractive, scantily clad women in high-heels, getting into fancy cars and bringing in a lot of money.<br />
Several years ago I would have thought some of the same things. Now my first thoughts when I hear the word "prostitute" are these: Exploited. Broken. Abused. Enslaved. This is someone's child. Was she abused as a child? Who deceived her? Does she know that there are people who want to show her love rather than just use her? Does she know that this is not God's best for her life, and Christ desires for her to know physical, emotional, and spiritual freedom?<br />
<br />
We live in a society that has glamorized sexual violence and exploitation of women. I don't even have to give examples of this because it is so pervasive. Unfortunately, even believers buy what the world promotes, unknowingly accepting the lie that this is a "job" that women choose to do. But did you know that according to <a href="http://www.cicatelli.org/titlex/downloadable/human%20trafficking%20statistics.pdf">the Polaris Project</a>, the average entry age into prostitution in the United States is 12-14 years old? Did you know that the average life span of a prostitute on the streets is 4-6 years? Did you know that the mortality rate for a prostitute is 40x higher than the national average? Did you know that in the thousands upon thousand of women that Women At Risk has rescued from the sex industry, they have never encountered even one woman who had chosen to get involved in the first place? Did you know that most of these women are used 10-30 times a day, and are often manipulated, threatened, branded, beaten, starved, and deprived of basic human necessities if they do not meet the monetary quota their pimp sets for them?<br />
<br />
Did you know God has a special delight in redeeming broken vessels for His glory? Last week, I had the incredible privilege to hear an amazing testimony of a woman I'll call Karen. Karen always felt extremely self conscious and lonely....a very common feeling in young girls. She never felt as though she fit in anywhere, and in high school began to spend time with a group that made her feel like she finally had friends. The problem was, they were manipulating her in order to use her. One day she responded to a call from one of her friends to meet and hang out, only to show up and find that it was not the friend she expected but an older boy from the group who lied to her, raped her, and left her. She was only 14, and she had no idea what had happened to her. Feeling isolated and scared, she spiraled into depression and began lashing out at her mother. She soon turned to drugs to numb her pain, and her mother, not knowing how to respond, sent her across the country to live with her aunt. Soon, Karen's aunt grew tired of her niece's moody, angry behavior and sent her to live with a friend from school.<br />
Less than two weeks later, that friend's father took Karen to an isolated area, held his hand over her mouth, and violated her. Once again isolated and fearful, Karen fled back to an area near her mother, and she was soon even more addicted to the drugs that helped her escape her dark depression.<br />
Karen caught the eye of one of the top drug-dealers in the area and she once again fell prey to the lie of Satan that this was the only person who would accept her as she was. He used her for as long as it suited him, and months later left her alone, more addicted than ever, and penniless.<br />
To get her hit Karen began selling the only thing she had left: her body. By her own admission, she never should have survived with all that happened, yet God preserved her. She got clean for a short time and was married to man whom she describes as "miraculous." But still, Karen was not filled. She turned back to her short term fix of getting high, spending weekends binging. Still her husband stayed and tried to help her. The breaking point came when Karen put her desire for drugs above the safety of her daughter...and her husband finally told her enough.<br />
<br />
She returned to what had been their home, only to find her husband had taken their two daughters and mostly moved out. Oddly, the television was still there and turned on. Not only turned on, but on a channel that had a man preaching the gospel. Though Karen had heard it all before, something this man was saying finally sunk in: "Christ, through dying on the cross, is saying 'you are mine. I have bought you with a price.' No matter how dirty, how broken, how filthy you feel right now, Christ has purchased you and desires for you to know forgiveness and true life." Karen stopped running. She stopped turning to cheap highs and short term fulfillment and turned to Christ! God restored her relationship with her husband and her daughters and even blessed her with a third daughter though doctors said she would never be able to have any children with her husband.<br />
<br />
If you met Karen, you would never know what she has been through because she radiates love and joy. Her daughter does too; she led the worship that night at the women's bible study when I got to hear Karen's testimony and she was an example of how when Christ heals, He heals completely! Karen's story of redemption took place almost ten years ago. What was amazing though was that at my table there was sitting another beautiful sister in Christ on the path of healing. "Lydia's" story is almost identical to Karen's, & she was one of 9 individuals rescued through the All Worthy of Love outreach program last year and is now over half-way done with her restorative program. She was able to join us for the evening and hear a testimony from a woman who exemplifies God's grace; she was able to see what God can do when we are willing to walk in obedience, and when we reach out and take the gift of forgiveness and new life that Christ is offering.<br />
<br />
So what does this mean for you, believer? I hope it means you will not be so quick to judge those who have different stories and backgrounds than your own. I hope it means you will seek to help the people you see who are so obviously struggling, rather than turning away because their predicament makes you uncomfortable. I hope it means that you will love relentlessly and without borders, like Christ has done for us.<br />
<br />
There are so many practical ways you can help those trapped in human trafficking. As a start, please check out a few of the ministries I mentioned in this post:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://warinternational.org/">Women At Risk</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://allworthyoflove.org/">All Worthy of Love</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 17.2800006866455px; line-height: 22.4640007019043px; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.
And the LORD will guide you continually
and satisfy your desire in scorched places
and make your bones strong;
and you shall be like a watered garden,
like a spring of water,
whose waters do not fail.
And your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt;
you shall raise up the foundations of many generations;
you shall be called the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of streets to dwell in.
-Isaiah 58:6-12 </span><br />
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-14013428562250405812014-08-29T18:07:00.000-07:002014-08-29T18:07:07.699-07:00Home AgainFor almost a month now Titus and I have been back home in Michigan.<br />I did a wonderful job blogging during the last few weeks of camp, huh? :) Camp was amazing, & definitely needed for us. I especially needed the study through Philippians 2, because it exposed how little I truly love people and how incredibly arrogant and prideful I am in the face of God.<br />He is definitely continuing to work in me in these areas and it has been so amazing to experience God's faithful love and patience.<br /><br />Since being back home we have had a ton of downtime, which has been great! But we have also had the blessing of having some adventures :)<br /><br />
One of the first weekends we were home, we went to downtown Detroit to explore Eastern Market. Eastern Market is a six-block public/open market that has been in existence since 1891! There were so many wonderful veggies, fruits, & local products. I highly recommend it if you are ever in the area.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7shucZ3PXA/VAEb_jK-EvI/AAAAAAAACSQ/OF9cx7oZGFs/s1600/10610821_10154519284400341_4907048463361373223_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7shucZ3PXA/VAEb_jK-EvI/AAAAAAAACSQ/OF9cx7oZGFs/s1600/10610821_10154519284400341_4907048463361373223_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
That same day, we went over to Belle Isle; back in its hay-day it was absolutely gorgeous! It is still gorgeous, but there are parts of it that have sadly been neglected. It has a rich history that is worth reading :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBg5bnDfrVg/VAEdXp1WtII/AAAAAAAACTA/l7-szDfz0AE/s1600/1426584_10154542148620341_1597710313440808519_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UBg5bnDfrVg/VAEdXp1WtII/AAAAAAAACTA/l7-szDfz0AE/s1600/1426584_10154542148620341_1597710313440808519_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Belle Isle Conservatory (Beautiful greenhouse!)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f84OgTQ3Yn4/VAEdWlqoSAI/AAAAAAAACSc/bEwLyxjul9g/s1600/10407986_10154542146870341_4381418497165734650_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f84OgTQ3Yn4/VAEdWlqoSAI/AAAAAAAACSc/bEwLyxjul9g/s1600/10407986_10154542146870341_4381418497165734650_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The James Scott Fountain on the Island (Which is funny, because Titus' middle name is James...:)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOZtRviGooM/VAEdWpwTz5I/AAAAAAAACSk/kMq-RcBRuHA/s1600/10556500_10154542166125341_7963891951606660909_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IOZtRviGooM/VAEdWpwTz5I/AAAAAAAACSk/kMq-RcBRuHA/s1600/10556500_10154542166125341_7963891951606660909_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love this man of mine who is up for anything!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wl7aAtR_pfs/VAEdXOFAxjI/AAAAAAAACSo/M5rdLqzokos/s1600/10583806_10154542150225341_828162032941768680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wl7aAtR_pfs/VAEdXOFAxjI/AAAAAAAACSo/M5rdLqzokos/s1600/10583806_10154542150225341_828162032941768680_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The oldest aquarium in America!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGABIpnM0m8/VAEdWvn_YJI/AAAAAAAACSg/hIPesHwkKWw/s1600/10568914_10154542158860341_7900110420394366156_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UGABIpnM0m8/VAEdWvn_YJI/AAAAAAAACSg/hIPesHwkKWw/s1600/10568914_10154542158860341_7900110420394366156_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Belle Isle zoo was all blocked off; it closed in the early two-thousands. It was most recently used in one of the scenes of the 2011 movie "Real Steel." I SOOOOO wanted to go in and get pictures, but even I will admit that probably isn't the best idea. But you can see more pictures on this <a href="http://queencitydiscovery.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-abandoned-zoo-made-it-to-silver.html">blog-post</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzyeG6Ls9_s/VAEdXQkw41I/AAAAAAAACSs/XoAs4W7KK8s/s1600/10599114_10154542159365341_4584265525187793408_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MzyeG6Ls9_s/VAEdXQkw41I/AAAAAAAACSs/XoAs4W7KK8s/s1600/10599114_10154542159365341_4584265525187793408_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After exploring the island, we set off for another abandoned site: Detroit's Central Station. This too was completely blocked off, but such a gorgeous building! You need to see pictures of the inside...so sad. Check them out <a href="http://zfein.com/photography/detroit/mcs/">here.</a><br />There are talks of renovations happening soon, but no one knows for sure. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One hint of renewal came as we turned away from the station and were walking back to our car; in the small grassy field there were dozens of people gather...homeless. Suddenly I felt very conspicuous, similar to when I have traveled abroad to third world countries. These decaying, crumbling buildings are kind of cool to me...exploring urban decay seems like an adventure. For these people, this is the state of so much of their city right now. Rich history and beautiful areas falling into a state of unrest and ruin. I felt guilt. My heart goes out to so many who suffer daily all over the world while I get to enjoy my comfortable life.<br />As we got closer, we saw that about half of the people had matching shirts and were not only bringing hot meals, but also just talking with individuals. Not in a condescending way either, but in a loving, caring way. We didn't want to intrude, but we did look up their ministry when we got home & found that this is something they do often.<br /><br />God has given Titus & I such a deep burden for the people of Detroit, and recently we have been so encouraged not only to hear of and see so many people with the same burden, but also to hear so many stories of people whose lives are being transformed by the power of the gospel. Often I get overwhelmed by the enormity of the issues and broken lives, but I have been learning that God does not ever get overwhelmed, and He works in individuals...patiently and personally. And when whole communities of individuals are being transformed, whole communities and cities are transformed and there are areas in Detroit where that is happening.<br /><br />God has not left Detroit; Pray for Detroit! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-12839602983939906952014-07-15T13:30:00.005-07:002014-07-15T17:14:08.914-07:00What Do You Have That You Have Not Been Given?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzg33BiTAiY/U8WGN7avpTI/AAAAAAAACSA/1ag1LiqeXwU/s1600/923042_10152819649280341_625163619_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzg33BiTAiY/U8WGN7avpTI/AAAAAAAACSA/1ag1LiqeXwU/s1600/923042_10152819649280341_625163619_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Our culture has a widespread sickness. It goes by several different names; entitlement; instant gratification; the "I deserve ______" complex, just to name a few. This sickness is easy to recognize in other people's lives, but somehow sneaks into our own more discreetly. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This summer as we have studied through Philippians with the camp staff, we have particularly focused on chapter two and the example of humility in Christ. The Lord has exposed a strain of that same sickness in my life; its name is Pride. Pride is an ugly word, and an even uglier character trait. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As I have been studying in Corinthians in my own personal devotions, the Lord drew my attention to II Corinthians chapter 3, and particularly verse 5: "N<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">ot that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Two questions came to mind through which the Lord exposed areas of Pride in my life. As you read them and some of the examples I give from my own life, I would encourage you to examine your own heart through these same questions. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1: How do I try to be self-sufficient?</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't like asking for help, even when I obviously need it.
</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I often respond badly to correction.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I go through entire days/weeks without praying intentionally & confessing my need for God. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I often give scripture-less counsel.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't often live in a way that actually requires faith; I live carefully inside my own resources & abilities.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I search for solutions to problems within myself, then talk to others about it, then if the problem is still there, then I'll pray about it.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I interact with others as though I am the one who can change them.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I guard the things I'm good at and I am unwilling to serve in areas that expose my weaknesses.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">2: What do I claim as coming from myself?</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Often I take pride in my knowledge of scripture, as if the desire for things of God came from within me. </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I claim any kind act I do as coming from me rather than God's work in my life to be more like Christ in loving others.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anything thing I've "earned"</span></li>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Accomplishments</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Position</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Possessions</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Relationships</span></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lists are far more extensive than these, but too complex to explain in a blog post as my flesh loves to deceive me into claiming any good thing as coming from me. But as Paul reminds us in Romans 7, <i>"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh."</i> Any good thing that comes <i><b>from</b></i> me is only the result of God's mercy in my life & the work of His Holy Spirit. And any good thing that comes <i><b>to</b> </i>me, I am not entitled to; I did not earn it; I do not deserve it. As I Corinthians 4:7 asks, "</span><span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?"</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Without the mercy of God and the work of Christ in my life, I am spiritually destitute. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Agreeing with God about our true state leaves very little room for pride. Cultivating a thankful heart leaves very little room for pride. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i> And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.464000701904297px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
-Ephesians 2:1-10 ESV</span></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-51028577952270007882014-07-08T14:01:00.000-07:002014-07-08T14:02:56.322-07:00Sunsets and PastaHello all!<br />
<br />
I hope that you had a wonderful Fourth of July weekend!<br />
Titus and I were very busy on Saturday, but got to spend some sweet time together Sunday. Here at camp we have what we call "power groups." That group contains one leadership team member, & then 3-4 op-staff, counselors, and other staff members. This makes up the group that we study Philippians with each week, it also provides accountability & encouragement throughout the summer as we grow to be close friends! We also have "power group projects," which is an act of service that each group is expected to do over the course of the summer. Our group chose to send a newly-wed staff couple on a date night. And when I say newly-wed, I mean they had only been married a little over 2 weeks before they jumped into the insane busyness of camp. So they can definitely use a night away together! So we got a dress, jewelry, & a gift card to a really cute restaurant for them. Since all shopping is at least 45 minutes away, it took a good part of Saturday to get it together. But we had a ton of fun together!When I got back, I began cooking for a get-together Titus & I have been planning for a while.<br />
I have personally been challenged through Titus 3 (the Bible passage, not my husband---though he is awesome!) about being hospitable, and using our resources to serve and encourage others. So we had my power group, Titus' powergroup, the logistics team, & a few friends over for some pasta! It was a ton of fun! We don't have furniture in our apartment here at camp, so we all just sat on the floor =)<br />
<br />
Here are links to the recipes we made; they are some of our favorites!<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/978784/one-pan-pasta">One Pot Pasta</a>; this one is super easy and quick! I usually get some spicy sausage & add it too =)</li>
<li><a href="http://tastykitchen.com/blog/2012/01/garlic-alfredo-sauce/">Garlic Alfredo Sauce</a>; by far the group favorite! Another simple, quick recipe.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/pad_thai.html">Pad Thai</a>; my current favorite recipe. It even got approval from our friend, Moses, who is from Laos & eats authentic Thai food most of the time!</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F_rWFKjRtE/U7xZILQBI-I/AAAAAAAACRk/pHiYj5_z1Dw/s1600/10352557_10154376441450341_8917854157646987073_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3F_rWFKjRtE/U7xZILQBI-I/AAAAAAAACRk/pHiYj5_z1Dw/s1600/10352557_10154376441450341_8917854157646987073_n.jpg" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There is something special here at Northland about the sunsets; each one has been so spectacular! Titus & I enjoyed a walk around campus after everyone had left from our pasta night, & then we made it back just in time before a storm hit! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B4uPtHWxlg/U7xZKRu42gI/AAAAAAAACRw/PIM3uAH9s1I/s1600/12456_10154384987910341_1769381288362140630_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0B4uPtHWxlg/U7xZKRu42gI/AAAAAAAACRw/PIM3uAH9s1I/s1600/12456_10154384987910341_1769381288362140630_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This week has been really good so far. We have a wonderful mix of campers; some I counseled from 2 years ago, so it has been fun to see them again! Please pray for our staff and campers this week; there are many first time campers here; many seniors; there is a large group of Burmese and Chinese campers who speak little to no English, so pray that this week would be fun for them & not overwhelming. Pray that campers would taste & see that God is good, & have a desire for His word & to continue growing after camp. Pray for many staff who are sick, especially counselors. Pray for the sponsors, some of which have been through a hard year of ministry & just need some encouragement. And please pray that we as a staff would continue to grow through the Philippians study. It has been so impacting, but this is the time of the summer when we tend to get more self-reliant & work in our own strength instead of God's. We need God to work, or nothing of eternal importance will happen. Pray that God would do a great work this summer! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thank you in advance for your prayers! If you would like to listen to the study through Philippians, I highly recommend taking the time to do so! You can find all of the sermons from this summer at <a href="http://northlandcamp.org/app/media#!/602603">NorthlandCamp.org</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-69415447737686454822014-06-29T18:23:00.002-07:002014-06-29T18:25:10.686-07:00Food For Thought: Blog DayIf you have never explored John Piper's website, you are missing out on a vast resource for personal growth in Christ. There are over twenty years worth of sermons catagorized from topic to passage; blog articles by solid writers on almost every topic, as well as a wealth of other resources. Seriously, head over to desiringgod.com!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The blog entry that caught my eye today is entitled, "Putting Your City in its Place." </div>
<div>
I won't restate the article, but be sure you read it through! Great thoughts on why it isn't enough to just reach a city with the gospel by planting a church or sending a missionary, but that darkness transcends geographic lines & is more about individuals. I know people that live within a mile of our church & have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel...bottom line---be where you are, God has put you there for a reason. You have a unique group of friends, co-workers, grocery store attendants, hair stylists, etc, that need YOU to show them Christ. Go where the gospel isn't...in your own community!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enough of me, go read: <a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/putting-your-city-in-its-place">Putting Your City in its Place</a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-76809386952637229372014-06-27T14:42:00.001-07:002014-06-27T14:47:39.004-07:00{May}hem & the Catch-up GameHello all!<br />
<br />
Well, here we go again---my bi-monthly post with promises of being more consistent...we'll see how the consistency part goes! =)<br />
<br />
The Lord has been so good to Titus & I, and in the past few months I feel that we have, by God's grace, grown individually and as a couple. It seems like the Lord is preparing us for a specific ministry in Detroit & I am so thankful that He has blessed me with Titus, who is the strength to all of my weaknesses.<br />
<br />
Speaking of my handsome hubby, he had an awesome opportunity back in May to take a 10 day mission trip to Brasil to help construct a church.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bSN0to2Ep8/U63eEzH0FQI/AAAAAAAACPU/cAPy00OQPEI/s1600/10341449_556807067769209_8504086278264912140_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6bSN0to2Ep8/U63eEzH0FQI/AAAAAAAACPU/cAPy00OQPEI/s1600/10341449_556807067769209_8504086278264912140_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Lord allowed them to get a lot down & make some great friendships, but I missed Titus so much!</div>
One morning, he sent me a facebook message & told me he had had an accident, but "don't worry, nothing serious. It is actually pretty funny!" Well, later in the day I had an opportunity to Skype with him and...it wasn't funny! Long story short, if you look in the picture above you can see the construction site. There were high walls of clay all around, & one of those big chunks of clay (about 1000lbs I was told) fell on Titus' head while he was working with a pick ax. It pushed him down the hill, pick ax & all, and several of the Brasilian construction workers said it was the scariest accident they had seen in over 20yrs. Titus walked away with some bruises & cuts, but he was completely fine! Praise the Lord! Such a reminder though to be so thankful for my loved ones, & to not pray so flippantly about safety.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3O56zsgdTA/U63eE3Xgo0I/AAAAAAAACPM/kwTUE0k1lrk/s1600/10177459_556807561102493_5929103953799176615_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U3O56zsgdTA/U63eE3Xgo0I/AAAAAAAACPM/kwTUE0k1lrk/s1600/10177459_556807561102493_5929103953799176615_n.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These twins got very attached to Titus in the short time he was there. Titus gave a great challenge in church after he returned; we don't have to travel halfway across the world to engage in "missions." We have missions in our own backyard. Needy people who don't know how much Christ loves them, & the only thing they know of Christians is the hypocritical ones they know, or the angry, condescending legalistic stereotype that all of us have encountered at one point or another. Why not get out into your community & find just <i>one</i> person you can be Christ's hands & feet for?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrMdclFBCVQ/U63eEwZaeMI/AAAAAAAACPQ/ML_WXFxg4HQ/s1600/10247355_1392401874379988_3515654581191521762_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BrMdclFBCVQ/U63eEwZaeMI/AAAAAAAACPQ/ML_WXFxg4HQ/s1600/10247355_1392401874379988_3515654581191521762_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The rest of May and the beginning of June was a blur as school wrapped up, I got to go up to Wisconsin unexpectedly to surprise my mom as she graduated with her degree in accounting! I am SOOOOO proud of her hard work and perseverance. She has always been such an example to me, & I am so thankful for her & the opportunity to be her daughter =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ixykSxoni8c/U63kgqFheMI/AAAAAAAACPo/wliQy051H_s/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ixykSxoni8c/U63kgqFheMI/AAAAAAAACPo/wliQy051H_s/s1600/IMG_7320.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Titus & I will be spending the rest of this month & most of July at Northland Camp; the place God has used greatly in both of our lives. Titus has quite a lot of responsibilities & I am so proud of him for the long hours he works, & also his care for those around him. I am working as the finance secretary, which I have actually enjoyed quite a bit! I stay busy, but God has also given me some extra time to read more, work on my TESOL class, & talk with others. It has been refreshing & much needed after so much change & honestly--- a few months of draining work in the daycare. The study of Philippians that we are doing this summer has been so rebuking, but also encouraging for me. God is just teaching me once again of His goodness and faithfulness, & I am so thankful for all He has given me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSFMpNYDLz0/U63eFknmx0I/AAAAAAAACPY/QzeX206yiSs/s1600/10401383_10154355402440341_3567544087901935413_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TSFMpNYDLz0/U63eFknmx0I/AAAAAAAACPY/QzeX206yiSs/s1600/10401383_10154355402440341_3567544087901935413_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-81351386281378269832014-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:002014-04-13T18:31:17.386-07:00A Series of Fortunate Events <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I am building my way up to regularly blogging! I am determined to get there :) For now, I'll fill you in on the past few weeks.<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring break actually had a small sliver of spring weather after a brutal winter. Unfortunately, I came down with the nastiest stomach flu I've ever had...so I was quarantined inside our apartment for the day that it snowed! Thankfully, I recovered quickly (with the care of my sweet husband), & on Thursday we were able to carry out the plans we'd had for the day we both had off. <br />Though Detroit has been given quite a stigma recently, many areas of it are still very beautiful & great to explore! I have been dying to visit the Detroit Institute of Arts for several months, so we finally made it down there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUEz2sMTQoQ/UzDhMZZduoI/AAAAAAAACN8/LaXIHTNZlWY/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tUEz2sMTQoQ/UzDhMZZduoI/AAAAAAAACN8/LaXIHTNZlWY/s1600/IMG_1105.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
We spent several hours enjoying all of the exhibits! Our favorites were the Egyptian exhibit, & the other ancient exhibits. Though many of the paintings were breathtaking!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w96RfsUf1i0/UzDhMXPoVjI/AAAAAAAACN8/J1UEfNeyJI4/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w96RfsUf1i0/UzDhMXPoVjI/AAAAAAAACN8/J1UEfNeyJI4/s1600/IMG_1104.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvNB_USh-IE/UzDhMagbmQI/AAAAAAAACN8/gsDToLGpBbs/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvNB_USh-IE/UzDhMagbmQI/AAAAAAAACN8/gsDToLGpBbs/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1k3gpDFHV4c/UzDhMdxNXII/AAAAAAAACN8/WyeFUQZoXBo/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1k3gpDFHV4c/UzDhMdxNXII/AAAAAAAACN8/WyeFUQZoXBo/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later that evening, we had the awesome privilege of going to see the Casting Crowns "Thrive" tour...man, blown away by how blessed I was! I a so thankful for Mark Hall's ministry. The band still serves at their local church Sunday through Wednesday, then they do concerts Thursday through Saturday. Before each concert, the group walks through each venue...every aisle...and they pray for all the people who will be attending that evening. Their new album is based on the concept of taking root deeply into God's word, then reaching out & loving others. Just like the tree described in Psalm 1; it serves its purpose best when it is receiving nutrients. We as Christians can be friendly towards people all we want, but if it is not based in the truth of the gospel, it is frivolous. On the flip side, we can study all we want & master theological arguments, yet if we are not loving others with what we are learning, that also is not fulfilling the purpose that God made us for. As believers, we must study God's Word earnestly, then as James says---real faith works! Don't be a hearer only...put what you read into action & reach out to love on others & point them to Christ!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAJjYC1pE8w/UzDj7NTE0_I/AAAAAAAACOU/GQyTyaj1U8s/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VAJjYC1pE8w/UzDj7NTE0_I/AAAAAAAACOU/GQyTyaj1U8s/s1600/14+-+1" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thanks to the generosity of so many people, we still have some gift cards from our wedding! We enjoyed a fun date night at Red Lobster the following evening :)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8STR3L5bBag/UzDj7ZyrlgI/AAAAAAAACOU/TUZMa-73ulE/s1600/14+-+6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8STR3L5bBag/UzDj7ZyrlgI/AAAAAAAACOU/TUZMa-73ulE/s1600/14+-+6" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then...we got a puppy!! It was on St. Patricks day! We named him Mason, & he is a sweetheart. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-2XIgl2tCs/UzDj7Zdan2I/AAAAAAAACOg/vOIWPtpkcys/s1600/14+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-2XIgl2tCs/UzDj7Zdan2I/AAAAAAAACOg/vOIWPtpkcys/s1600/14+-+5" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
When we first got him, all he wanted to do was cuddle...now he's a bit more mischievous. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yjhcWFsmmw/UzDj7My0BEI/AAAAAAAACOo/pXT7o1OSzj0/s1600/14+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0yjhcWFsmmw/UzDj7My0BEI/AAAAAAAACOo/pXT7o1OSzj0/s1600/14+-+4" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See how sweet he was? He still is...but he has become VERY attached to Titus...he hardly comes to me when Titus is home. Except while I was writing this post he kept trying to climb into my lap. Haha! What a stinker :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e13GNiKznTk/UzDhK2il28I/AAAAAAAACN8/GCCc2jFxtQM/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e13GNiKznTk/UzDhK2il28I/AAAAAAAACN8/GCCc2jFxtQM/s1600/14+-+1" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8uGQ7TRgQQ/UzDhK66QbOI/AAAAAAAACN8/vPdU2SIY9xo/s1600/14+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8uGQ7TRgQQ/UzDhK66QbOI/AAAAAAAACN8/vPdU2SIY9xo/s1600/14+-+3" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
My series of fortunate events continued by God allowing me to meet up with these sweet friends from college. Debbie & Grace were on spring break, & I was in the area to accompany some of our highschool students in the MACS competition. We shopped, got starbucks, & went out for sushi! It was such an unexpected blessing, & I am so thankful it worked out!! God is so kind to give so many gifts :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bweFHwXu64/UzDhK_4cWFI/AAAAAAAACN8/KovzuD3ankI/s1600/14+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5bweFHwXu64/UzDhK_4cWFI/AAAAAAAACN8/KovzuD3ankI/s1600/14+-+2" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-74864946858978314102014-03-08T16:46:00.002-08:002014-03-08T16:46:15.218-08:00Two Week Wrap!Crazy, crazy, crazy life! And I love it :)<br />
The past couple of weeks have been crazy, so I am going to do a fly over recap, then hone in on some details in future posts (possibly).<br />
<br />
Titus & I had the opportunity to be mom & dad to four kids (plus a dog) for a week! While our school admin and his wife took a recruitment trip to BJU we house sat & made sure all the kids stayed in one place & didn't burn the house down or kill each other. Kidding! They are great kids and we hardly had to do much more than cook meals & drive them to school :) it was a lot of fun! And after that week, I am convinced Titus is going to be a great dad when the time comes. He did much more than I did! He even got up early to make breakfast for everyone one morning, even though he hadn't gotten to bed until almost 2 am because he was playing in a football league the night before. I am so blessed!<br />
<br />
It made for a busy week, but I learned a lot & especially that Thursday, God taught me a big lesson through an unexpected, small,seemingly unimportant event; making dinner! I will be sure to share more about that later since God really exposed my heart, & I think it illustrates how involved God is in even the smallest details :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pDlBgiVpO8/Uxu1vbSk1kI/AAAAAAAABAM/2rWTwR-2Trw/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--pDlBgiVpO8/Uxu1vbSk1kI/AAAAAAAABAM/2rWTwR-2Trw/s1600/14+-+1" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That weekend, I had to say goodbye to my coworker, Elizabeth, as she moved to South Korea to begin a new ministry there. I learned a lot from her, & we already miss her a lot!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qW57qMn8A04/Uxu1vfIunnI/AAAAAAAABAs/px0yX4FWQTM/s1600/14+-+5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qW57qMn8A04/Uxu1vfIunnI/AAAAAAAABAs/px0yX4FWQTM/s1600/14+-+5" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvkFx74ij_c/Uxu1vQMaF6I/AAAAAAAABAU/tv1XbPieZcs/s1600/14+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HvkFx74ij_c/Uxu1vQMaF6I/AAAAAAAABAU/tv1XbPieZcs/s1600/14+-+2" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Due to Elizabeth leaving, I am now the "lead" in the toddler room, which means longer hours & more responsibilities. It is a blessing because that also means some extra income; Titus and I have been blown away at God's faithfulness in providing above and beyond our needs. To celebrate the pay raise, we are starting to look at dogs to add to our home! We both love animals, & I especially would like to have a furry friend along when Titus is away or when I go on walks by myself. I'll keep you updated on that process!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BqZWeRo2VI/Uxu1vfdKObI/AAAAAAAABAk/5HfApeOBn5Y/s1600/14+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0BqZWeRo2VI/Uxu1vfdKObI/AAAAAAAABAk/5HfApeOBn5Y/s1600/14+-+4" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Please continue to pray as God has been deeply working in my heart and life lately. He really does do the most work through small moments of obedience through little moments every day. Whether it is just choosing to love a difficult person, or choosing not to complain when you have to change the twentieth piopy diaper or wipe the fiftieth snotty nose before noon :) so thankful for Christ! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! More soon :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYKefevtoQ8/Uxu1vSx80_I/AAAAAAAABAc/Jn63Iiz7rxY/s1600/14+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYKefevtoQ8/Uxu1vSx80_I/AAAAAAAABAc/Jn63Iiz7rxY/s1600/14+-+3" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-32025210442950071442014-02-17T17:28:00.001-08:002014-04-13T18:32:39.988-07:00Snow Camp, Six Month Anniversary, and Various Other AdventuresWell hey there! It has been less than a month since I last blogged, so I feel very proud of myself for already writing again :)<br />
The past week and a half have been, you guessed it...BUSY! But lots of fun. Titus and I had the opportunity to go up to snow camp for three days with the WCS teens. I was in the cabin with the middle school girls, and it was a ton of fun!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO7b9uiI3Tc/UwKwxh5RnWI/AAAAAAAAAzg/sGSt3nicHgM/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yO7b9uiI3Tc/UwKwxh5RnWI/AAAAAAAAAzg/sGSt3nicHgM/s1600/14+-+1" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was an awesome opportunity to get the know some of the basketball girls better, and also a grwat chance to get to know some of the other girls that I haven't interacted with much yet. Some of my favorite times were the random one on one conversations as I got to ask them what God was teaching them, what some of their greatest struggles are, and how I can pray for them or help them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkL5whr0Too/UwKwmyQhx9I/AAAAAAAAAxw/x0chHFeHujk/s1600/14+-+1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lkL5whr0Too/UwKwmyQhx9I/AAAAAAAAAxw/x0chHFeHujk/s1600/14+-+1" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Titus helped me stay warm, even though we only saw each other a few times throughout the day...he thought ahead and bought me a giant pack of hand & foot warmers!! Love that thoughtful guy if mine :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS3f6dU0l3U/UwKwxpDY0KI/AAAAAAAAAzE/gxpNOVhe29w/s1600/14+-+3" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PS3f6dU0l3U/UwKwxpDY0KI/AAAAAAAAAzE/gxpNOVhe29w/s1600/14+-+3" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was such a beautiful setting to be able to have a renewed focus on God; not that a geographical location makes God any more accessible or whatever, it was just nice to take a few days off of daycare & renew my focus on discipling those that God has given me opportunity to invest into their lives, & also to soak myself in God's word, so I can know & enjoy, & point others to Him. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aCdctzVBlk/UwKwxmyYcsI/AAAAAAAAAy8/0BMKnOCj9sw/s1600/14+-+4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9aCdctzVBlk/UwKwxmyYcsI/AAAAAAAAAy8/0BMKnOCj9sw/s1600/14+-+4" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We returned to Wixom at around 4 pm, & then Titus & I went out for dinner (sushi!!) to celebrate our six month anniversary. It is crazy to think we have already been married for six months, but it also feel like I have been with Titus forever!! He is exactly my God-given match, & I am so thankful for his patient, consistent, thoughtful, self-sacrificing, kind, goofy, sweet love. God is so kind to give me an earthly mirror of His own love for me. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been a very long winter, but God has taught me so much while I've been burrowing into blankets all of these cold, snowy days: contentment, not whining, loving and serving despite emotions, using my down time wisely. Not perfect in any of these, but thankful that God is working!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jCbske5FkY/UwKwxkXJkEI/AAAAAAAAAzU/dUPaqDi_zes/s1600/14+-+2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0jCbske5FkY/UwKwxkXJkEI/AAAAAAAAAzU/dUPaqDi_zes/s1600/14+-+2" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-43045626580529059772014-01-21T09:31:00.000-08:002014-01-21T09:40:05.270-08:00End of the Year BlessingsWell, once again, I am blogging at the encouragement of my beautiful sister :)<br />
Thanks to having two weeks off of our crazy schedule at school, we have been able to enjoy several days with my family. At this very moment, I am sitting next to Amber, watching The Blind Side, & just enjoying being able to chat, catch up, & share how God has worked & what He is teaching both of us.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee97aNxF2TE/Ut6t5ANNnRI/AAAAAAAAAj8/FkS0G1pHUvs/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ee97aNxF2TE/Ut6t5ANNnRI/AAAAAAAAAj8/FkS0G1pHUvs/s1600/IMG_0318.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
This Christmas break came just in time! Titus & I have had such a crazy time since Thanksgiving. We started coaching the girl's basketball team at WCS. That has been a really great opportunity to get to know the girls better & to helpTitus; it has also given us an even fuller schedule! We are typically gone from about 7:30 in the morning until 6 at night. & game nights are much later! But it has been a wonderful opportunity, & I am thankful to be involved. However, once you add in all the Christmas programs, parties, shopping, & baking, normal life can seem like too much to fit in! So the last few weeks were quite a blur, & it has been so nice to have several weeks to catch our breath & to see my family again. I missed them SO much! Being 8-12 hours away, I sometimes just wish I could go visit for a weekend. But the distance is too much.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1616342393"></span><span id="goog_1616342394"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOYb2qA1u0/Ut6urvaGlDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ohI-ODy--Eo/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QdOYb2qA1u0/Ut6urvaGlDI/AAAAAAAAAnI/ohI-ODy--Eo/s1600/IMG_0317.JPG" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aqMu9HQA4U/Ut6urh-0s-I/AAAAAAAAAnI/cab0J5B4Jeg/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1aqMu9HQA4U/Ut6urh-0s-I/AAAAAAAAAnI/cab0J5B4Jeg/s1600/IMG_0381.JPG" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q08IUFaLhXg/Ut6uIfl3JKI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/QFyyPkwHQY4/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q08IUFaLhXg/Ut6uIfl3JKI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/QFyyPkwHQY4/s1600/IMG_0316.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We started our vacation with an evening in Marshall with Titus' family. It was his aunt's birthday, & we were able to spend a fun time together & enjoy the time we had on the farm =)<br />
After a quick overnight stop at my sister's house in the Dells, Titus & I were able to spend a few days. I am so thankful for my mom & how hard she works, & also that Dad got to come home from North Dakota to spend Christmas with his family. I know it is difficult for him to be so far away from home, & he is working such difficult, long hours, so it was good to be able to see him. We also discovered a game we all like...Yahtzee!! I won mostly. Kidding!! It was pretty evenly spread out, but there was one especially memorable game when all four of us got Yahtzees right in a row!! =) Unfortunately, Titus also got he flu & was down for all of Christmas Eve. He was a trooper & had such a good attitude though. Christmas Day was beautiful & refreshing; it was great to spend the day with my parents & then visit the Tomas family later in the evening. During our time in Chetek I also got to catch up with a few friends from Northland, which is always a blessing!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPdGQ2ya0Qs/Ut6vjWo3q6I/AAAAAAAAAoA/KUcy-ApxwUQ/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fPdGQ2ya0Qs/Ut6vjWo3q6I/AAAAAAAAAoA/KUcy-ApxwUQ/s1600/IMG_0394.JPG" height="297" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdRhAI4HfK0/Ut6vjXfaxDI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Nv1M6qBRC6E/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UdRhAI4HfK0/Ut6vjXfaxDI/AAAAAAAAAoA/Nv1M6qBRC6E/s1600/IMG_0339.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dcMqW_QAGc/Ut6vjaBiqxI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4zsBI1P4JEw/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_dcMqW_QAGc/Ut6vjaBiqxI/AAAAAAAAAoA/4zsBI1P4JEw/s1600/IMG_0324.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
A few days after Christmas, we traveled down to the dells & were able to spend a day with our extended family, and then Titus & I also had 4 days with the Poppenga family, which was soooo much fun! It is always special to spend some time catching up with my sister, and Titus & I really enjoyed playing with Blake & Bri. Bri kicked both of our butts in chutes & ladders though, haha! I always learn so much about hospitality when I am with Amber; she is so gifted! She is also such a great mother & gets more accomplished in one morning an a lot of people do in a week! The weather was frigid, and we had to suffer through a Badger loss & a packer loss, along with half of the family getting the flu (first time I have thrown up in over ten years! Yuck!!) but we thoroughly enjoyed our time & can't wait to visit again soon, and meet Poppenga baby. #3!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNY0-oSH4W4/Ut6vzpM2CVI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UeJ7duaXUwM/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNY0-oSH4W4/Ut6vzpM2CVI/AAAAAAAAAoI/UeJ7duaXUwM/s1600/IMG_0410.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqfncwPHvxQ/Ut6vzj_W_KI/AAAAAAAAAoI/m4eoO944N5k/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OqfncwPHvxQ/Ut6vzj_W_KI/AAAAAAAAAoI/m4eoO944N5k/s1600/IMG_0420.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiqiNu9VkJk/Ut6vznNKf-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/H9a2xCPHpCk/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WiqiNu9VkJk/Ut6vznNKf-I/AAAAAAAAAoI/H9a2xCPHpCk/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-19276179701473534262013-10-07T16:58:00.000-07:002013-10-07T16:58:06.881-07:00New Beginnings, New Mercies, Same GodOnce again, I have been absent from the blogging world for, oh....about 5 months (yes, I did just have to use my fingers to count that). So much has happened! For starters, I have a new last name! Titus & I were married on August 6th, & everything has been a whirlwind since. I have started journaling again for the first time in close to two years, & for me, blogging is a natural extension of that. My hope is that this blog will be an avenue to display God's leading & continued faithfulness in my life; a place where my family & friends (who are MUCH farther away than I would like) will be able to keep current with what is going on, & also an avenue to share the practical things that I am learning as a newly-married wife.<br /><br />This weekend was absolutely crazy! Titus & I left Wednesday night after FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes. More on that ministry another time), & arrived in Indiana at about 11pm. We had the opportunity to attend a 2-day teacher's conference, which had several very helpful workshops. As soon as the last session finished on Friday afternoon, we hit the road (again!) to make the long drive to Northland.<br />Some of our good friends who work at the Camp year-round asked if we could come up to help with a weekend event they were hosting. Truthfully, I knew they just wanted Titus' help, but now we're a package deal =) That husband of mine is very gifted in combining his organizational skills with great leadership, so he is VERY helpful to have around!<br />
<br />
<img height="320" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1377104_10153373179860341_1979023486_n.jpg" width="320" /><br />
<br />
I was so blessed to be able to spend time with several of my closest friends. It came at a great time; though I really love it here in Wixom, & I am SO excited about the opportunities God is opening up, I miss my close friends. God also worked it out so that we were able to visit my extension church the next day & see our good friends, the Coffey's, & their ministry team. Aaron Coffey spoke out of Isaiah 6, about beholding God. He made the point that when we as Christians are truly beholding God, we will cease to be overwhelmed with the circumstances of life. With so much recent change, that was just what my heart needed to hear!<br /><br />All of life changes, but God remains the same. I am looking forward to continuing to learn more of His grace and mercy as I continue in this new chapter of life.<br /><br />"Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever." -Hebrews 13:8<br /><br />"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." -Psalm 73:26Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-13051330501682865462013-05-01T22:46:00.001-07:002013-05-01T22:46:34.620-07:00Back to Blogging!As my sister has noted recently, it has been over a year since I last blogged!<br />SO much has happened since I last updated, I won't even attempt to recap, but I will enter back into the blogging world relating the story that has had the biggest impact on my life over the last year =)<br />God is good to me, & He has recently begun to put it on my heart that I need to start recording & sharing the things He has done for me again. Thank you Amber for your encouragement; you are such a great motivator!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN-F6hUy_BE/UYH8LX0iS9I/AAAAAAAAAZo/rXwOzinYn3o/s1600/431417_10152475994875341_631993191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oN-F6hUy_BE/UYH8LX0iS9I/AAAAAAAAAZo/rXwOzinYn3o/s400/431417_10152475994875341_631993191_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
God has done much & brought me through much over the past year, but as I mentioned, there has been once change that has impacted me more deeply than any other, & his name is Titus. God brought us together in an amazing way as only He could! Here is Our Story:<br />
<br />
<b><u>My Side:</u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer of 2012 started out fantastically.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was at the Disneyland of the Midwest; Aka, Northland Camp
and Conference Center. This is the place where God has done an overhaul on my
life, in more ways than one. Northland has had a huge impact on me spiritually
since I first arrived as a camper when I was 16 years old. Little did I know
that this summer would so drastically change my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a teen counselor, things got busy…I mean, so busy that
sleep is a rarity! But the dependence on God that was cultivated those 8 weeks
deepened my spiritual walk like nothing I had ever experienced. I saw campers I
had labeled as “hopeless” be overcome by the gospel & set aside the sins
& the weights that had littered their lives. I saw my fellow staff members
transformed by Hebrews 12, the passage of focus we were studying that summer. I
also saw the Lord change me & give me a desire & thirst for Him like
never before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the midst of all of these incredible blessings, there was
yet another layer of change that the Lord was orchestrating. Enter Mr. Titus
Scott. Fellow camp worker. Program guy. Former Team Lead. And little did I
know…my future husband.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was a girl who had never had dreams of wedding bells, or
finding prince charming, but had been praying for several years that if God saw
fit to bring a man into my life, that it would be a guy who loved God more than
he would ever love me. A man who consistently put others above himself, served
with humility, showed confidence & knowledge in the scripture, and lived in
a way that demonstrated a passion for the gospel….pretty high orders, yes?
Exactly...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God had brought me to a place through different trials &
disappointments in which I was quite content with being single, & I had in
fact already made plans of exactly what I would do after graduation, & it
seemed to me that God was blessing the decisions I was beginning to make for
the future.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, about half way through the summer the Lord began
shifting some things in my life…he brought various trials, and through each
one, He brought growth. But it had begun to challenge some of what I had begun
to plan for life after college. In one particular situation, I was still
grappling with what the Lord was doing in my life. So I began to pray, “Lord, I
don’t understand…can you please just make things in my life go back to how they
were?” But then God convicted me…I wasn’t praying according to His will, I was
praying according to mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s where the story gets odd, & I see the
fingerprints of God all over it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The very last week of camp, I prayed that prayer, & God
convicted me of praying according to what I wanted, so I prayed instead
(admittedly, somewhat hesitantly), “Lord, please change me through this trial,
& reveal to me what you want me to see & learn through it.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was that very day that God brought Titus to my mind…it’s
not like I was set on getting in a relationship that summer, so the fact that all
of the sudden there was this guy on my mind that I barely knew was a little
odd. So I thought back on all I knew about this program guy named Titus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hadn’t really taken a special interest in him until this
point, but he had always stuck out in my mind as very dependable, humble, kind,
and as a guy who did the jobs that no one else really wanted to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also began thinking through the characteristics I had
hoped for if ever I were to be married, and with the little I knew about Titus,
from what I could tell he fit a good deal of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I did what any girl would have done; I texted my mom
& told her that when she came up to get me from camp she would also get to
meet her future-son-in law! No kidding, this part of the story may have
actually been a little creepy if nothing had worked out, but since Titus &
I will be married, I feel a little less awkward about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had such a strong, unexplainable feeling that this was the
man God wanted me to marry, I was surprised at myself!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One problem---we had 4 days left of the summer & then I
wouldn’t see him again for at least a year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God was so good though, because I had such a strong
confidence that it was His will for us to be together, I felt perfectly at
peace about waiting, and felt no need to try to manipulate the situation in the
few days we had left.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So as I saw Titus around those last few days, I had
absolutely no idea if he was interested or not!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t until Friday, when I had a short interaction with
him by the Liquidator (the big water slide for those of you who are not fluent
in the Northland camp dialect) that I began to pick up that Titus might, just
might be interested…but again, it was the last day, so I really tried not to
read too much into it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, it was the last Saturday and I was getting all
packed up & loading up the car to come home. As I had promised, I pointed
out Titus to my mom, (referring to him once more as her future son-in-law.
Haha!) As she and I pulled out of the parking lot, I saw Titus and Aaron Coffey
talking near the sidewalk, they waved goodbye, I waved back, as I said to my
mom “I’ll bet you anything they are talking about me.” Yes, very narcissistic
looking back on it, but I just had this weird feeling (and I was right, so it’s
not that weird, right? <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">☺</span> ).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my mind, leaving Northland sealed the deal, that God
really did have a plan for Titus & I, but it wasn’t going to begin
unfolding until the following summer. I had begun writing prayer requests on
note-cards, and so that Sunday night I wrote a prayer card for Titus, & for
myself regarding Titus. I prayed that God would allow me the peace &
confidence to wait on the Lord & not grow discontent over the next year as
I waited, & I also prayed for Titus, that God would continue deepening his
relationship with the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got up, turned off my light, turned down my covers, &
had just laid my head on my pillow when I heard my message indicator go off on
my ipod (literally less than two minutes after I finished praying for Titus,)
and I looked, & all I saw was the name “Titus Scott,”& I knew why he
contacted me!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Titus tells this better than I do, but basically, he had
contacted me to ask if we could keep in touch & get to know each other
better, & see how the Lord leads.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was SO excited! I saw this as directly from God, but of
course I didn’t want to seem too anxious, so I read the message, & went to
sleep, & it was just after camp, so I slept in quite a bit the next day. I
talked to my mom about it, prayed about it, & then responded to Titus &
told him I would love to keep in touch.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The very next day, I was in 2 Corinthians 7 & 8 as part
of the devotional study I had started the previous week…this is where I just
see God’s sense of humor. Take a look at some of the verses I read as part of
my devotions just a day after Titus & I began communication:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• “But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the
coming of Titus, and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which
he was comforted by you.” (2 Corinthians 7:6-7)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort,
we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been
refreshed by you. (2 Corinthians 7:13)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• “But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the
same earnest care I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 8:16)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
• “As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your
benefit.” -2 Corinthians 8:23)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That made me laugh! I had to share it with my mom &
sisters <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">☺</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the months Titus & I have been deepening our
relationship, God has just blessed us in a very special way. It has been
difficult to deal with “the distance.” But the long-distance has actually
served to deepen our communication skills & also learn to trust the Lord
better to help the other person when we can’t be together. As I got to know
Titus, I was continually thankful for all those things I was first attracted to
him for, but my thankfulness has grown as I’ve gotten to know him in a much
deeper way. He really seeks to serve me & those around him in a way that I
really respect & admire. He often challenges me with the truth of God’s
word. And we just have a great time together! In the first several weeks I
spoke to several mentors & spiritual leaders in my life that I really
trust, many of whom have known Titus for longer than I have, and their
confirmation of Titus’ character & their approval of our relationship gave
me even more confidence that it was God’s will we marry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
December 27th was the awesome day of our engagement! We had
just returned to his grandparent’s farm after spending Christmas with the Scott
family in South Carolina. It was a beautiful day, with fresh snow on a really
amazing landscape. Titus had been pretty quiet all day, & he had completely
convinced me that we would not be getting engaged over Christmas break. So I just
assumed that he was tired, or maybe he was grumpy. Haha! So finally he asked me
if I would like to go for a walk out in the woods, which of course I did!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So we bundled up & he showed me around the farm, he was
talking a bit more by this point so I no longer thought he was grumpy, just a
little reserved <span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">☺</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then when we began to head out towards the woods, he got
quiet once more, so I just enjoyed the scenery. It really was beautiful!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got to a small pond out in the woods, & I turned
around to say something to Titus, & he was down on one knee with a ring
(which was even more beautiful than the scenery!), and asked me to be his wife!
Of course I said yes!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We called our families, & also the Coffey’s, another
family that has been very influential in both of our lives. It was such a happy
moment to share with loved ones!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4cEopYTpjU/UYH9OQGgU1I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/9KQRhQhYWvY/s1600/538578_10152356263135538_2102308410_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4cEopYTpjU/UYH9OQGgU1I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/9KQRhQhYWvY/s400/538578_10152356263135538_2102308410_n.jpg" width="400" /></a>Since then, we have been continuing to learn more about each
other & more about what a Christ-centered relationship truly looks like.
God has certainly given us very specific & almost identical burdens for
future ministry, & we are looking forward to taking that next step in the
future. But right now, I am just so deeply thankful for how God has so clearly
worked in our lives to bring us together, & I cannot WAIT to marry my best
friend. August 6th: be there!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>His Side:</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Summer 2012 at Northland Camp, a summer that God would use
to change most everything in my life. I
have the privilege of teaching during the school year and then spending my
summer working at Northland Camp. I
always look forward to how God changes me as I study through the theme passage
set aside for each summer! Little did I
know how God would change my life, summer of 2012! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the first week and a half, we spend quite a bit of
time under great preaching and teaching of God’s Word. This summer one of the sessions that had the
most impact on my life was when Aaron Coffey shared from Philippians
4:6-7. He challenged us regarding fear
and worry, which tends to cloud our minds and hearts. God used His words to challenge me when he
pointed out that if I prayed every time that I started to worry, two things
would happen. My prayer life would be
increased and the amount of fear in my life would greatly decreased. God was teaching me this lesson early in the
summer because I was going to need it over the course of the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the summer began, I did not think that I would developing
an interest and relationship with Alicia Ball.
I knew a little bit about Alicia from the previous summer when she was a
lifeguard and I was a team leader. She
also had been my sister’s roommate during the previous school year at NIU. I think that before I was willing to admit it
to myself, God was beginning to point my heart towards Alicia. I began to notice many characteristics of her
life that I was very attracted to. As
the summer continued to progress, I began to realize how much I was being drawn
to get to know Alicia better. Through
the summer, I was able to see her heart and desire to serve God and those
around her. The more I saw the joy that
she consistently exhibited while serving campers through the grueling schedule
of camp solidified the desire to get to know Alicia better! This is where the lessons God had been
teaching me really became evident. As I
attempted to determine how I should pursue the possibility of a relationship with
Alicia, I came to a point where I realized that I was beginning to worry about
whether I would “stand a chance”! As
these worries began to take hold, I was reminded of the challenge from Aaron. I came to the point where I recognized those
worries actually were being shown in a lack of trust in God! As I came to this realization, I decided that
I would take Aaron’s challenge and pray every time I started to feel worried
about this situation. This was exactly
the point God wanted me to come to! The more
I started to trust in God, the more I was at peace with waiting on the
possibility of a relationship for as long as I needed! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Throughout this whole time, I continued to learn more about
and become more attracted to Alicia and her servant spirit. At this point, she was still not interested
in me, and looking back on it, I believe that is why God brought me to the
point of being willing to wait. It was
the very beginning of the last week of camp that all of a sudden I noticed a
slight change in Alicia and her interaction with me. As I continued to pray about the possibility
of a relationship, I again found myself at the place where I decided that in
order for me to truly trust God, I needed to wait until He made in completely
clear that I was to pursue a relationship with Alicia. The last day of camp was probably one of the
hardest of the summer for me. I was
spending a lot of time praying just putting my faith in God and knowing that
even if it were not until the next summer, Alicia would be worth the wait! I
was speaking to Aaron Coffey as Alicia was preparing to leave and I asked him
to pray for me to trust God and that I would clearly understand God’s timing
regarding a relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s amazing to me how quickly God works sometimes. It was the following Sunday that I felt a
complete peace about moving forward with a relationship. Well, I had peace that it was time for me to
approach Alicia! I did not have any peace about what her response might be! I
spent several hours putting together a message to her explaining my desire to
pursue a relationship! After sending it,
I was able to see that she had received the message, but then had to wait until
the following afternoon to hear back from her.
From that point on it has seemed like such a whirlwind! God has done such a work in both of our lives
bringing us together and growing us as individuals and as a couple. Buying the ring and planning the proposal was
such a fun event in my life! I made a
goal to surprise her, even though it was going to be obvious where our
relationship was heading! I spent a lot
of time trying to convince her that I would not be able to get engaged during
the Christmas break, only to successfully surprise her on December 27 while at
my grandparents farm, a place that now holds a doubly special place in my
heart! Getting to know Alicia has
brought so much joy and fun into my life.
I am so thankful for how God has worked and I am so excited to see what
God will continue to do in our lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmucD9wikN4/UYH9ls9ckNI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/W0zq14VgzOo/s1600/de3q-VS3xSnkc-Rb1bsezwwdv3W-monxj6tPWNysaJk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JmucD9wikN4/UYH9ls9ckNI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/W0zq14VgzOo/s400/de3q-VS3xSnkc-Rb1bsezwwdv3W-monxj6tPWNysaJk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-52488847109462473222012-04-13T09:44:00.005-07:002012-04-13T09:45:13.846-07:00Thoughts on Hebrews: Exaltation & HumiliationIn preparation for our study of Hebrews 12 this summer at Northland Camp, I've been studying the rest of Hebrews to lay a good foundation of understanding before jumping into chapter 12.<br />
This past week I've spent the majority of my time in chapters 1 & 2, & it has been such an encouragement & challenge to me I wanted to take a few minutes to share what the Lord has been showing me through His word.<br />
<br />
Chapter one of Hebrews is all about the exaltation of Christ & clearly emphasizes His superiority over <i>everything</i>. Superiority over angels; superiority over Moses; superiority over the Old Testament priests; superiority over the Old Covenant; etc. In Hebrews 1:10-12 the author makes a reference to Psalm 102 in stating: "You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, & the the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, <b>but You remain</b>; they will wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. <b>But you are the same,</b> and Your years will have <u>no</u> end." The author here is emphasizing Christ's absolute authority & exaltation over everything. Compare that with the Psalmist's contrast of man's fragility & the Lord's stability: "My days are like an evening shadow; I wither away like grass, <b>but You, O Lord, are enthroned forever;</b> You are remembered throughout all generations." (Psalm 102:11-12)<br />
<br />
<br />
What an incredible, & obvious contrast! I have been enjoying a great commentary on Hebrews from the Tyndale New Testament Series (awesome stuff!), & the author, Donald Guthrie, had some great thoughts on these particular verses:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> This passage speaks to the Son's role in creation; the author draws attention to a profound idea about the Son, i.e: His changelessness. The earth & the heavens seem substantial enough, yet they will perish. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The transitoriness of the apparently changeless material creation serves to heighten the contrast with the Divine stability. There is a majestic ring about the words <i>but thou remainest</i>. This statement focuses attention on the unshakable stability which is further enhanced by the striking picture of God rolling up the heavens & earth, now tattered like a worn-out garment, as if they are of no further use. This magnificent glimpse by the Psalmist into the winding up of the present age is intended to lead to the climax; but <b>You</b> are the same. </div><div style="text-align: center;">In face of the disintegration everywhere else, the unchangeable character of the Son stands out in unmistakable contrast (Guthrie pp. 77-78).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The author continues to drive the idea of Christ's obvious superiority, glory & absolute sovereignty over all of creation in vs. 13: "And to which of the angels has [God] ever said, 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a foot stool for your feet'"?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The idea of the Son's enthronement is now repeated to bring out the most obvious contrast between Jesus Christ & the highest order of created beings. At <b>no</b> time are angels ever conceived of as sitting, & therefore the enthronement of Jesus at once established His superiority. Not only is His sovereignty stressed, but also His absolute power over His enemies. That this idea is prominent in the writer's mind is clear from his repeating the statement in chapter 10:12-13. In both chapters 1 & 10, the enthronement & victory are linked with Jesus Christ's atonement for sins (Guthrie pp. 78-79). </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This obvious picture of Christ's power, authority, & absolute sovereignty makes the humiliation of His crucifixion even more striking. We just celebrated Easter last weekend, & I took time on Saturday to read through the gospel of John & then watch the movie the Passion of the Christ. I am very visual, so it was very intense & emotional for me to see a representation of just how much suffering & humiliation Christ went through to redeem humanity. Then to read the opening of Hebrews again early in the week just underlined the sacrifice He made in coming to earth as a man. From power over all, to the image given to us in the Passion of the Christ; Jesus beaten to the point of death, no strength left, unrecognizable, crawling towards His cross to make atonement for humanity's sin....crazy,<i> determined love</i>. It was a great reminder to me of just how incredible the gospel is. I would encourage you to take some time this week & really focus on the contrast of the glory that Christ had in heaven to what He chose to embrace for the sake of redeeming us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">For he grew up before him like a young plant,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and like a root out of dry ground;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and no beauty that we should desire him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He was despised and rejected by men;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and as one from whom men hide their faces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he was despised, and we esteemed him not.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Surely he has borne our griefs</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and carried our sorrows;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>yet we esteemed him stricken,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>smitten by God, and afflicted.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But he was pierced for our transgressions;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he was crushed for our iniquities;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and with his wounds we are healed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">(Isaiah 53:2-5 ESV)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5-8)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ: <span style="color: #990000;">"For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. <b>No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord."</b> </span>(John 10:17-18a)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:9-11)</div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-21626115178778771102012-04-06T17:47:00.000-07:002012-04-06T17:47:17.527-07:00Update on LifeUm...instead of trying to make excuses for why I have been MIA for over 3 months, I'll just leave it at this: I have been <i>insanely </i>busy; God is good, & things have been going well =) The Lord has been teaching me SO much this semester, & I am really excited to see what He has in store these remaining 5 weeks of the semester.<br />
<br />
A couple of weeks ago I was able to come home for spring break. It was a much needed break & a wonderful time with family & friends. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc7Fh-X8Eps/T3-KrrT8t1I/AAAAAAAAAYY/F8EJn8MkDC8/s1600/spring+break+106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc7Fh-X8Eps/T3-KrrT8t1I/AAAAAAAAAYY/F8EJn8MkDC8/s400/spring+break+106.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sara spent Friday night at my house & we had a great talk about what the Lord is doing in our lives this year; it has been so amazing to see how God is working! We usually meet before class on Thursday mornings to talk through our devotions for the week, but it was super nice to have an extended time just to talk & pray. And Heather (in the middle) is our former roomie & dating a guy from my church, so she was in Chetek as well. We all got together for brunch & coffee on Saturday morning. Super fun time =) So thankful for both of these girls!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5zO8_EGTfA/T3-K70AVY4I/AAAAAAAAAYg/IirA0VbaPE0/s1600/spring+break+109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s5zO8_EGTfA/T3-K70AVY4I/AAAAAAAAAYg/IirA0VbaPE0/s400/spring+break+109.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Later on Saturday, my mom & I went to my grandpa's 80th birthday party. It has been really great to get to spend time with my grandparents recently as in the past I was unable to see them very often. We had a great time, & in honor of St. Patrick's day we also got to enjoy some interesting green foods...Haha! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiKszTI-N0/T3-LIBaatWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/6_pUm1CY_lk/s1600/spring+break+119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfiKszTI-N0/T3-LIBaatWI/AAAAAAAAAYo/6_pUm1CY_lk/s400/spring+break+119.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thursday, I got to go down to the Dells to see my sister & her family. Bri was already all worn out by that afternoon!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn9t5UoLNzA/T3-LR5UaLYI/AAAAAAAAAYw/_TohBB9ir2s/s1600/spring+break+130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn9t5UoLNzA/T3-LR5UaLYI/AAAAAAAAAYw/_TohBB9ir2s/s400/spring+break+130.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> That evening we went to Ginza of Tokyo, a Japanese grill & got to have dinner at the Hibachi grill. Basically, it's dinner & a show! The chef grills the food right at your table & entertains you while he's cooking. There's a lot of fire involved, & since I have a little bit of a pyro in me, I especially enjoyed that. Haha!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnndXq4BUNE/T3-LjGj3AvI/AAAAAAAAAY4/UwF19h-sVNU/s1600/spring+break+148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnndXq4BUNE/T3-LjGj3AvI/AAAAAAAAAY4/UwF19h-sVNU/s400/spring+break+148.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> The following day, my wonderful sister treated us to Starbucks & pedicures...oh my word; it was so much fun! Bri got in on it too. She asked for a pedicure, which the lady graciously did. Then, the little punk (very princess like) stuck out her hands & said "now can you do these nails?" Oh goodness....too cute! And a troublemaker =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoUUb6C9ChE/T3-Loh5XYRI/AAAAAAAAAZA/IfII1RXNENM/s1600/spring+break+152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YoUUb6C9ChE/T3-Loh5XYRI/AAAAAAAAAZA/IfII1RXNENM/s400/spring+break+152.JPG" width="358" /></a></div> And she's already got the puppy-dog eyes down...this is what she uses on Ryan.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZoSHRN9IdA/T3-L41W1ZbI/AAAAAAAAAZI/XBcVmI4cVcY/s1600/spring+break+159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="373" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MZoSHRN9IdA/T3-L41W1ZbI/AAAAAAAAAZI/XBcVmI4cVcY/s400/spring+break+159.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend at home; I love being able to catch up with my friends & family. God has blessed me so much with my sisters & my mom & the close friendship that we have. I couldn't have asked for a better break =)Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-31316049090146912692012-01-11T16:06:00.000-08:002012-01-11T19:15:56.354-08:00Thoughts on Colossians 3:12Last night I was having one of those moments where you just lie in bed, thinking deep thoughts...I know what you're thinking, it's Christmas break! Deep thoughts are for geeks! I agree, I agree! But it turns I just so happen to be a geek..so there I was lying there thinking deep, geeky thoughts about what I really want out of life. Do I really want to glorify God in my every day life, in everything I say & do? In how I manage my time? In how I treat others? In what I focus my thoughts on? Or do I just want "enough God" to make me look good to my Christian circle of friends & family? In considering this & searching my heart, I decided, yes, I really do want God, His character, & the life of His Son Jesus Christ to permeate <i>everything </i>I say & do...not just when I'm in public, but every moment. I started considering what exactly that looks like, & my once-deep thoughts started drifting into sleepy thoughts. Well, I usually spend about 20 minutes in prayer before I drift off to sleep, but last night I <b>still</b> could not sleep! So, I turned over <u>again</u>, & picked up a devotional book that my mom had borrowed me earlier this week. It is called "A Gentle Spirit," & it is by a conglomeration of different authors; it has a short devotional entry for every day of the year. I've never really been a "go in order & read just one page" kinda person, so I'm pretty sure the entry I read was from some date in June. But it was just <b>perfect</b> for what I had been musing about earlier! God in His word lays out what a Christ-like life should look like moment-by-moment. Particularly in the verse that this entry was based out of: Colossians 3:12. This entry was authored by Barbara Johnson & she uses the analogy of a wardrobe to give a unique perspective into this verse:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, hold & beloved, bowels of <b>mercy</b>, <b>kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering."</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Have you checked your spiritual wardrobe lately? The apostle Paul listed the Garments of the Holy Spirit in his letter to the Colossian believers. First on his list is <b>tender mercies</b>, which are acts of empathy for <u>weak</u> or <u>hurting</u> people. These tender mercies are kind of like the underclothes of the wardrobe. They are the foundation of everything that goes on the outside. Next on Paul's list is <b>kindness:</b> treating others with <u>honor</u> & <u>significance.</u></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Humility is next. No matter how much we win or lose in life, God wraps us in a beautiful cloak of grace.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><b>Meekness</b> is one of my favorite things to wear. <u>Meekness makes it possible to <b>endure</b> difficult circumstances & poor treatment at the hands of others.</u> </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">How about longsuffering? Sometimes I wish that old rag would just wear out so I could get something more glamorous & colorful. But I know God has fashioned even this to enhance my life. Bearing with others & forgiveness are the outerwear of God's designs. They are the last things we pull on over everything else before we go out into the world. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Above all else, Paul says, put on <b>love.</b> Without this, we are never fully dressed. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
I LOVE her perspective of meekness. It just struck me in a way that I had never really thought about before. I finally went to sleep shortly after reading through that entry, but it stuck with me through this morning. So instead of my current study of the gospel of Luke, I took some time to study this verse more in-depth. I wanted to look up the definition of some of the key words so I could have a deeper understanding. It was a huge encouragement to me! So I would just like to share a bit of what I found.<br />
My personal devotions are out of the ESV version, so here is Colossians 3:12 again from the ESV =)<br />
<br />
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy & beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, & patience."<br />
<br />
<ul><li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Compassion:</u> a feeling of deep sympathy & sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.</li>
<ul><li>Christ was <b>moved </b>by His compassion (Matthew 9:35-38). Many times I feel compassion for people, but I don't do anything about it. It doesn't move me into action. True compassion doesn't allow apathy; it causes you to serve in a self-sacrificing way.</li>
</ul><li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Kindness:</u> Of good or benevolent nature. Considerate, helpful, self-sacrificing, mild, & gentle. Desiring to help others; charitable. Generous. </li>
<ul><li>I looked up the word "considerate" as well in regards to kindness. The definition was "showing kindly awareness or regard for another's feelings, circumstances, etc. Carefully considers actions; deliberate." I often get so wrapped up in my own life, that I act without thought of how it will impact others. Even if it's something as simple as going for a run when instead I could take some extra time to be an encouragement to others. This makes me consider ways that I could be less selfish with my time & try to find ways to be more aware of the needs of others.</li>
</ul><li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Humility:</u> Not proud or arrogant: modest. Courteously respectful. Having a modest opinion of one's own importance.</li>
<ul><li>Of course the passage I always think of when it comes to humility is the example of Christ in Philippians 2, who " though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."</li>
</ul><li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Meekness:</u> Humbly patient. Controlled strength. Meekness does <b><u>NOT</u></b> = weakness. </li>
<ul><li>In looking into the definition of Meekness, I found an acronym that was useful:</li>
<ul><li><b>M </b>ighty</li>
<li><b>E</b> motionally Stable (don't let your emotions dictate your actions.)</li>
<li><b>E</b> ducable (this coincides well with James 3:17 & the concept of being "easily entreated." You willingly forfeit the "right to be right" in favor of being open to the teaching & critique of others.)</li>
<li><b>K </b>ind</li>
</ul></ul><li><b><u>Patience:</u> </b>Bearing provocation, annoyance, misfortune, delay, hardship, pain, etc., with fortitude & calm, <u>without complaint</u>, anger, or the like. Quietly & steadily persevering or diligent, especially within detail & exactness. Having or showing the capacity of endurance. <b>An ability or willingness to suppress restlessness or annoyance when confronted with delay</b>. </li>
<ul><li>This was one of the most impacting character traits for me. Part of the reason I couldn't sleep was because of restlessness. I want to know what God has planned for my life, NOW. I'm not the most patient person in the world when it comes to the future, because I just <i>love</i> having a plan & a schedule. But the Lord wants me to wait right now...& not only to wait, but to wait patiently. This next paragraph sums up the kind of patience I desire to develop:</li>
</ul><li>Composure, stability, self-possession, submissiveness, sufferance. Endurance, Fortitude. Implying qualities of calmness, stability, & persistent courage in trying circumstances. Patience may denote calm, self-possessed & unrepining bearing of pain, misfortune, annoyance, or delay--"to bear affliction with patience." Endurance denotes the ability to bear exertion, hardship, or suffering. Fortitude implies not only patience, but courage & strength of character in the midst of pain, affliction, or hardship.</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div>One verse, so packed full of truth. God's word is SO rich! </div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-82003596389254744662012-01-04T20:15:00.000-08:002012-01-04T20:15:22.093-08:00The Most Wonderful Time of the Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMg5TDe3ULw/TwPFQdFvniI/AAAAAAAAAXw/yKVfrBnF3u8/s1600/Christmas+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMg5TDe3ULw/TwPFQdFvniI/AAAAAAAAAXw/yKVfrBnF3u8/s400/Christmas+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This Christmas I got to spend the weekend down at my sister, Amber's house with my wonderful family! As you can see, my adorable niece, Bri, LOVES making silly faces for the camera =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98riloYV6S8/TwPFn36YSFI/AAAAAAAAAX4/MQGsF9mF9Y8/s1600/Christmas+025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-98riloYV6S8/TwPFn36YSFI/AAAAAAAAAX4/MQGsF9mF9Y8/s400/Christmas+025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Bri also loved opening her dozens of presents, & helping everybody else with theirs as well. Haha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HxtBs46Zhc/TwPFzjiHTkI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Cywl3W6oZW4/s1600/Christmas+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2HxtBs46Zhc/TwPFzjiHTkI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Cywl3W6oZW4/s400/Christmas+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
My big brother got to come too! It's always special when we can spend time with him. He is active duty in the military, so often he is overseas or on base for holidays. It was great to spend a few days with him!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PDGeRFAwM/TwPGQF0DE-I/AAAAAAAAAYI/Id_uKd3P0JI/s1600/Christmas+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d5PDGeRFAwM/TwPGQF0DE-I/AAAAAAAAAYI/Id_uKd3P0JI/s400/Christmas+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I love my sister, Amber! I am SO thankful for the encouragement she has been to me, especially over the past several months. During the 3 months I was in Peru, she was one of the only people I could count on hearing from regularly, & that meant SO much to me. She also went out of her way to prepare a big "Thanksgiving Dinner" with all the trimmings on Christmas day, all because I wasn't able to have a traditional meal over Thanksgiving. She is so considerate, & so much fun to be around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVUvH1W9WmI/TwPGp3iJXmI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/MkesyDIQI2U/s1600/Christmas+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nVUvH1W9WmI/TwPGp3iJXmI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/MkesyDIQI2U/s400/Christmas+050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This Christmas was one of the best I can remember. The past few years I've been been guilty of taking the important things for granted & focusing more on the lesser things. But this year, after being so far away from my loved ones for so long, it just really hit me how much I have to be thankful for just to be able to spend time with my family over the holidays. I honestly almost forgot about opening presents I was just having so much fun cooking with my mom & sister, playing with my niece, & torturing my big brother. Haha! I am so thankful for all of the blessings the Lord has given to me =)Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-18939832253751602322011-12-22T21:46:00.000-08:002011-12-23T08:22:16.903-08:00Home Sweet HomeA big thank you to my dear sister Amber for so kindly (& bluntly) pointing out that I have been back in the States for almost TWO weeks & still have not updated...my bad. It's been a crazy month!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_FvhdrY1oU/TvQKCKVSCKI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4UYHo-qJULc/s1600/Bienvenida+y+Arequipa+Uno+160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q_FvhdrY1oU/TvQKCKVSCKI/AAAAAAAAAXA/4UYHo-qJULc/s400/Bienvenida+y+Arequipa+Uno+160.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> A lot of mixed emotions during my last week in Peru. We started out with a trip to the nearby city of Arequipa. It was a crazy 7 hour bus ride up into the mountains, & it was an absolutely beautiful city! And guess what? They had a Starbucks!!! I never realized how heavenly the aroma of Starbucks coffee was until I went without it for 3 months. Haha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3QD4Gtx3Aw/TvQKXaDpKWI/AAAAAAAAAXI/xrfzNaD5UWk/s1600/Santa+Catalina+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R3QD4Gtx3Aw/TvQKXaDpKWI/AAAAAAAAAXI/xrfzNaD5UWk/s400/Santa+Catalina+002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> One of the things that impacted me the most about the trip to Arequipa was our trip to the Santa Catalina Monastery. This picture is actually of a different Cathedral; I couldn't get a good pic of the outside of Santa Catalina because it was so massive! The Monastery covered about 5 acres....it was crazy. I have a ton to say about that, so I'll save it. Hopefully I'll actually crank out a post about it, but I don't have a great track record for writing what I intend to, so if you feel like it, just ask me about it sometime & I'll share. =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRIaV_7f3iw/TvQKyRQfgyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/ZjgCty10XME/s1600/Dia+de+la+Playa+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uRIaV_7f3iw/TvQKyRQfgyI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/ZjgCty10XME/s400/Dia+de+la+Playa+016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> I flew out of Tacna the 10th at around 8 am, & I got to my sister's house in Wisconsin at about 4 am the next day. That afternoon my mom & I drove up to school, & that's where the next phase of craziness began. Helloooooo reverse culture shock, climate shock, health issues, FINALS, friends, PIANO, snow....it was a bit overwhelming the first few days! This sounds really strange, but on Monday one of the most overwhelming things for me was just how many white people were all around me speaking English! For the past 3 months I had the same 10-12 people around me that I could speak English to, otherwise I was immersed in Spanish. Now suddenly there were a TON of people all speaking a language I could comprehend without having to concentrate on translation. It felt like my brain was trying to take in every word that every person around me was saying all at once...headache!<br />
<br />
Besides the initial feeling of being overwhelmed with all the English, It was SO wonderful to catch up with my family (for half a day), and some of my close friends at school that I was able to sit down with & catch up a bit even in the busyness of finals week =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miLPodSe_zA/TvQLNhwnnDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/08GOuwgF-cQ/s1600/Dia+de+la+Playa+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-miLPodSe_zA/TvQLNhwnnDI/AAAAAAAAAXY/08GOuwgF-cQ/s400/Dia+de+la+Playa+010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
There were some difficult things though that came along with all of the catching up. Outside of the circle of about 10-15 people that emailed with me & kept up, there were a lot of people who I hadn't seen in 3 months that had no idea what I had been doing all semester! Suddenly I found myself in conversations that went a little something like this: "Hey! You were in....Spain? No...um, wow you're tan! You had a great time, huh?" I hate to say it, but I found myself getting frustrated...how do you sum up the incredible experiences, friendships, trials, growth, pain, & joys of three months abroad? It was one of the best semesters I've had, but it was also some of the most trying 3 months of my life, and I've found that when I try to explain that paradigm I get some blank stares...I need to learn how to communicate! Haha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGlghBjEUjE/TvSokXyS-MI/AAAAAAAAAXk/PRYGOS7JwfM/s1600/P1050945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGlghBjEUjE/TvSokXyS-MI/AAAAAAAAAXk/PRYGOS7JwfM/s400/P1050945.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I have roughly 200 journal pages from this past semester; some with big, bold, happy letters expressing the joy of new experiences, new friends, glad days. Others are filled with my "comfort" verses, & stained with tears. There are pages with prayer requests for my new Peruvian friends who live in Viñani; who every day struggle just to get meals on the table. And next to those prayers, I have requests for friends & family who are on the other side of the world, going through trials that are on a different level, but still weigh heavily on my heart. Prayer has never been so "real" to me...whether it's because I finally had no other choice but to pray for the impossible when I was burdened with needs of those around me...needs I could never possibly meet. Needs that only God can meet. Or because I couldn't be there to hug my friends when they were on the other side of the phone in tears because of the pain they were facing...I could not be physically with them, so prayer became a tangible way I could express my love for them even when I was so far away.<br />
<br />
The first journal pages after I returned to school expressed my mixed emotions; frustration with feeling like an outsider, but also the encouragement that came after catching up with friends. The busyness of finals is a difficult time to be dropped back into another culture. God has changed me a lot in the past three months, but His work has not been isolated to Peru. All of my friends have changed a lot too! And it's all happened in ways I can't understand because I wasn't there. But it was very encouraging to be able to sit down with 2-3 of my closest friends & hear about the tools God used in their lives this semester to change them to be more like Christ.<br />
<br />
My most recent journal pages are covered in "Rock" verses...Verses that affirm God's stability in the midst of never-ending change. I'm still adjusting to some "American" things that I have been around for years, but suddenly view in a new way. And now that I've had some time to sit & really consider what took place over the past three months, how God has worked, and what He has revealed about me, I'm seeing myself in a different way. Finally surrendering to the fact that I have been bought with a price; I am not my own, & my life needs to be a constant pursuit to give God the glory. Even if it means giving up some of my own rights for the sake of serving others.<br />
<br />
I want to thank all of you who have kept up with me, & prayed for me. I cannot express how much it means & how thankful I am for that support! It has been the hardest/most incredibly challenging/best 3 months and I can hardly believe it's over, but I am thankful to be home with my family for Christmas =)<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you[...]For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." ~ 2 Corinthians 4:7-18</span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-59881006813392989592011-11-30T20:19:00.000-08:002011-12-01T06:59:07.466-08:00November!Creative title, right? Haha!<br />
Hey everyone! So...I haven't updated in like 3 weeks, and people keep reminding me. So this is me trying to be good and actually let y'all know what's been going on my life. However, I have many mucho school work assignments to complete in not many mucho much time....soooo, this will be a very brief update and I'll try to do a more informative one later =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuhONa0OKY/TtbzLEP2_eI/AAAAAAAAAVs/32fndRu1y0Q/s1600/orphanage+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fPuhONa0OKY/TtbzLEP2_eI/AAAAAAAAAVs/32fndRu1y0Q/s400/orphanage+011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Let us begin! Starting way back at the beginning of the month. We went on visitation to a place called Viñani. It is a very poor part of Tacna. The people who live there have very very little. Thatched walls, dirt floors, a tarp for a roof, and most just got running water this past year. Before that they would have to walk almost half a mile to get water to wash up, cook with, etc.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqUwq2lDoVI/Ttbz2hNVaGI/AAAAAAAAAV0/m11F57o2zy4/s1600/orphanage+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqUwq2lDoVI/Ttbz2hNVaGI/AAAAAAAAAV0/m11F57o2zy4/s400/orphanage+024.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Thanksgiving just passed. How many of us simply thanked God for our homes? For four solid walls & a roof? I know I didn't. I was too busy missing my family. Thankfully, the Lord got my focus right again throughout the day & reminded me just how much I had to be thankful for, but otherwise, I don't give thanks often enough for a warm bed or clean water. It's just things that I take for granted because I've never known any different.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYngPCcC6xk/Ttb0IqSWe4I/AAAAAAAAAV8/52ZMMJGYQ7k/s1600/orphanage+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dYngPCcC6xk/Ttb0IqSWe4I/AAAAAAAAAV8/52ZMMJGYQ7k/s400/orphanage+042.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> These kids were too cute! They sang us a song & said hello. Many were very shy though. Most of these children do not have a home or a family, so they stay at the orphanage full time, but several of them have parents who drop them off here while they go to work in Chile. The problem in Viñani is that when both of the parents work during the day in the summer, the kids are home from school by themselves. So many parents lock the doors of their homes while they go to work / the children are left there for 12-15hrs in any given day. With the weather so hot & dry, it is not uncommon for their to be house fires. The children would be locked inside with no way to escape. So the orphanage has opened its doors to parents who want a safe place for their children to spend the day while they are away. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YBxRNEUcHE/Ttb0cXJcdoI/AAAAAAAAAWE/RuvVOmVZHG4/s1600/orphanage+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4YBxRNEUcHE/Ttb0cXJcdoI/AAAAAAAAAWE/RuvVOmVZHG4/s400/orphanage+052.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Amazing thought; God chose us to be His children. Before the foundation of the world, He chose you & me. He gave His only Son to make you a part of His family. I still don't understand it; His grace amazes me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbRI3IUZjhA/Ttb0ureCqTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Pl7QHYSQZ7E/s1600/orphanage+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wbRI3IUZjhA/Ttb0ureCqTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/Pl7QHYSQZ7E/s400/orphanage+062.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> LOVE these girls! The girl in the light pink is Claudia, and the crazy chica on the right is Michelle. They are SO much fun! I am very thankful I've had the opportunity to get to know them & I am going to miss them SOOOOO much!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iorXghOTLTM/Ttb2kr_p6fI/AAAAAAAAAWU/pciIpl1OaLM/s1600/Out+%2526+About+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iorXghOTLTM/Ttb2kr_p6fI/AAAAAAAAAWU/pciIpl1OaLM/s400/Out+%2526+About+015.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Abbey's back!!! Please continue to pray for her as she has been diagnosed (finally), but still does not have a concrete answer on how to treat her sickness. So thankful to have her & Mrs. Earnhart back though =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i67s8jCt8WI/Ttb2yu7cPuI/AAAAAAAAAWc/iFCKaeQIsvc/s1600/Out+%2526+About+037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i67s8jCt8WI/Ttb2yu7cPuI/AAAAAAAAAWc/iFCKaeQIsvc/s400/Out+%2526+About+037.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> The other day we got a group of girls together for ice cream to celebrate Claudia's birthday. It was so much fun to be able to spend time with the girls from the church =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQyQBL3Fac8/Ttb3oMH94WI/AAAAAAAAAWk/BbQHWMOshlY/s1600/Sarahs+recent+pics+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQyQBL3Fac8/Ttb3oMH94WI/AAAAAAAAAWk/BbQHWMOshlY/s400/Sarahs+recent+pics+028.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Well, my birthday was this past Sunday. It was a lot of fun! Many people wished me well, gave me kisses on the cheek and what-not. They also warned me about the tradition of smashing eggs & dumping flour on my head for my birthday, but it got to be night time & after all the church services, so I thought I was off the hook...I was mistaken.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdAh1j10T68/Ttb3wL6JtqI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CZ0IN5yBUow/s1600/Sarahs+recent+pics+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kdAh1j10T68/Ttb3wL6JtqI/AAAAAAAAAWs/CZ0IN5yBUow/s400/Sarahs+recent+pics+030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Mrs. Earnhart lulled me into a false sense of security & convinced me to come outside to get a picture with every one...first mistake. Hahaha! We got a picture all right! Lol! it was a lot of fun though, & definitely something I'll never forget!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-48480895319047162422011-11-15T16:57:00.000-08:002011-11-15T16:58:49.070-08:0011.11.11 ★ Chile Trip!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maXHpOLXMdQ/TsMFpVKWKpI/AAAAAAAAAU8/leNEjyHqXwQ/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-maXHpOLXMdQ/TsMFpVKWKpI/AAAAAAAAAU8/leNEjyHqXwQ/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+004.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Well, as I'm sure most of you are aware, this past Friday was the super awesome date of 11/11/11! So, myself, Sarah, & um, Sarah.(Sarah Earnhart & Sarah my roomie =), decided to go to Chile for the day! Arica Chile is only about a 45 minute taxi ride, so it was a very easy trip. Well, started out a little bumpy because I forgot to take my little white visa paper along with my passport, but the Lord worked everything out so I was able to cross the border without even having to pay the fee =) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We started out with just chillin' on a beautiful beach for roughly 4-6 hrs. It was an amazingly beautiful day! We couldn't have asked for more perfect weather. I was able to journal some, & just rest. It was great. We all got a tad too much sun though, & ended up with some sunburn, but my poor roomie actually got sun poisoning & is just now recovering. But, at least now we all have great tans. Hahaha! </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfknaUePMgc/TsMF5L6N-1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/WlHMYMUzqDw/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rfknaUePMgc/TsMF5L6N-1I/AAAAAAAAAVE/WlHMYMUzqDw/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+027.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> After the beach, we walked downtown to a cute little cafe & got some lunch. Super yummy!! The check was a bit difficult to figure out though. As you can see from the picture, Chilean pesos go by the thousands, so a sandwich costs like $12,000 and a drink costs $5000...you get the idea. So needless to say, figuring out our bill got a little confusing when we tried to split it up between us. Haha!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-ppCbFTkqA/TsMGKdgTd0I/AAAAAAAAAVM/21aIQiW3gnE/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W-ppCbFTkqA/TsMGKdgTd0I/AAAAAAAAAVM/21aIQiW3gnE/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+031.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> We walked around & explored a local Cathedral. I always get chills when I walk into places like this. Christ is only ever depicted as a helpless child, or a dead man. Just below this display was a padded stool for kneeling so that people could pray to a dead Jesus statue. It's just sad to me; so empty & hopeless. I'm so thankful I serve a risen Savior, & I know He is sitting at God's right hand because He accomplished His work on the cross & paid the price for my sins! =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA_IrooVpzg/TsMGhl8xW7I/AAAAAAAAAVU/14N4wHJSJqo/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TA_IrooVpzg/TsMGhl8xW7I/AAAAAAAAAVU/14N4wHJSJqo/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+043.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> Shopping!!! I just about died when I turned the corner & saw this shop...it's all handmade & all super cheap. But I was good & restrained myself from buying anything...here. The other shops? That's a different story =)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBCd-tgSzKc/TsMGrgaqrDI/AAAAAAAAAVc/SvGDkcqY534/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBCd-tgSzKc/TsMGrgaqrDI/AAAAAAAAAVc/SvGDkcqY534/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div> We returned to the cute cafe for some coffee, tea, and ice cream. Great way to finish off a great day!! As you can see, we were all a little toasted. Lol!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPX_4878Hsw/TsMGwdyGykI/AAAAAAAAAVk/skWw2IIcnyk/s1600/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bPX_4878Hsw/TsMGwdyGykI/AAAAAAAAAVk/skWw2IIcnyk/s400/11.11.11--Chile+Trip%2521%2521+052.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It was a beautiful night & definitely one of the best days ever!! I am so thankful for the experiences I've had =)Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-60283915751147273642011-11-10T17:14:00.000-08:002011-11-10T18:28:32.567-08:00You Know You're in Peru When...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Every time you cross the street, you also say the phrase "we're going to die."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. You have to pay for toilet paper in a public restroom (or bring your own).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. You have learned not to make eye contact with <i>anyone</i> who is selling <i>anything</i> on the street, because they will take it as a sign of interest & follow you for the next 4 blocks trying to convince you why you need a fluffy toy that squeaks when you squish it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. You don't stop at stop signs, you honk & if anyone is coming through; they are expected to do the stopping.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. You have eaten something that would be considered a pet in the States (for example... guinea pig).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6. You automatically try to conserve the water because you never know when the local government will shut it off because they have a beef with the big government...how this affects the big government. No idea! haha!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">You've learned to ignore whistles, catcalls, honking, and other random gestures of interest from the majority of males walking down the street.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8. Everyone assumes you're rich because you're a gringo.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">9. If rice isn't in the meal, potatoes, bread, or some other starch is. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">If you don’t greet with a kiss on the cheek, they will find you.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">12. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Time is more of an idea rather than an actual instruction.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">13. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">Public transportation is a sketchy guy in a sketchy van.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">14. You see roughly 48 different stray dogs on any one excursion around town. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">15. You see one man, one wife, two small children, the family chicken, and a loaf of bread...on one motorcycle.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">16. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;">If you do not understand someone, it will be followed by louder speaking & bigger motioning with the hands...I have to admit, I'm guilty of this one when it's the other way around. Haha!!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">17. Traffic laws are really more like "guidelines." But the real rule is, whoever is bigger wins. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">=) Oh how I love Peru!!!! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;"><br />
</span></span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-74548417533029668162011-11-05T13:33:00.000-07:002011-11-05T13:37:28.404-07:00As of LateHey y'all! Just wanted to give you a quick update of what's been going on this past week =)<br />
<br />
Last Saturday we started out with visitation, which is always interesting when I'm with Jake or Justin. They definitely keep me entertained, haha! But I am always thankful to have a guy around when we walk through one of the areas with more gang activity. After visitation we came back to the house for about an hour, then returned to the church for a work day. I wish I had pictures to share from that! We got soooooo filthy! Lol. We were scraping paint off the side of one of the buildings. Since it never rains here, the paint isn't exactly water proof, so we would scrape it, get water on it, scrape some more & it would just kind of melt off. Somehow, most of the paint got on me. That always happens! I always end up all dirty from either a paint fight, or just because I have very clumsy moments. Haha!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpeZcSGE7VU/TrWVVkwwoPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/UthNqASXin8/s1600/Dia+de+los+Muertos+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rpeZcSGE7VU/TrWVVkwwoPI/AAAAAAAAAUI/UthNqASXin8/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> This is my new roomie, Sarah! She got here a few weeks ago & has been a HUGE blessing & encouragement to me. She'll be in Tacna for 8 months, helping out with the ministry. I am very, very thankful for her =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hsF8sLUaj2A/TrWVghhlqdI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/_aTNYoQogtY/s1600/Dia+de+los+Muertos+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hsF8sLUaj2A/TrWVghhlqdI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/_aTNYoQogtY/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+014.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Monday was Halloween in the States, Dia de los Muertos here. Because of all of the things that go on during the night here, we had an activity to keep the kids and families off of the streets. The girl in the picture there is Claudia; she is super sweet & so patient in teaching me Spanish! Haha =) Everyone was feeling a little crazy this evening, but we had a ton of fun.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYpgTOWwyEU/TrWVlMUJvUI/AAAAAAAAAUY/pBTl5CawR7U/s1600/Dia+de+los+Muertos+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hYpgTOWwyEU/TrWVlMUJvUI/AAAAAAAAAUY/pBTl5CawR7U/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+040.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Volleyball tournaments! 'Twas great fun =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXPVTFOHt00/TrWVpBChmKI/AAAAAAAAAUg/leOQtTrT1tQ/s1600/Dia+de+los+Muertos+045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tXPVTFOHt00/TrWVpBChmKI/AAAAAAAAAUg/leOQtTrT1tQ/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+045.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Those who weren't playing volleyball just kinda chilled & talked. Michelle entertained Maddie, which made for an adorable photo op =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1AtGq0FCUU/TrWV47xBxgI/AAAAAAAAAUo/2xLZsRyx204/s1600/Dia+de+los+Muertos+050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S1AtGq0FCUU/TrWV47xBxgI/AAAAAAAAAUo/2xLZsRyx204/s400/Dia+de+los+Muertos+050.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>After volleyball, we returned to the church for snacks, wii, and a movie. It was a great time of fellowship!<br />
<br />
This past week has been a little crazy school-wise. My midterms have been kind of dragging out. Everyone back at N-land had all of the midterm fun at once, but since I take tests a few days later than they do on campus, I had papers due last week, & now all of my tests are this week. So staying on top of lectures while also participating in everything else here has been a bit of a challenge. It's all worked out though. I only have 2 more tests to take, then I'm done until finals!! I can't believe I only have one month left here; the Lord has taught me so much...but it's been in ways I never expected. He has given me a deeper burden for youth, and He's really sharpened my focus as to what I would like to do with my degree once I get out of college. I am so thankful for how the Lord uses even difficult situations to accomplish His will, and I am very, very excited for the future =)<br />
<br />
I do have some prayer requests if you all think about it. Please continue to pray for Abbey & Mrs. Earnhart. They have been in the States getting tests run at Mayo Clinic for almost 3 weeks & still do not have any solid answers as to what's wrong, let alone how to treat it. Their tickets to return to Peru are for the 15th of November, but it's looking like they may need to stay longer. So please pray for wisdom & peace for them.<br />
I would also ask you to pray for me as I try to keep my focus right. The Lord is dealing with a lot of things in my life right now. Some hurts from my past that I didn't realize were still affecting me, God has been bringing them to light & compelling me to deal with them & not hold onto that pain & bitterness & it's honestly really hard to deal with on top of everything else that is going on right now. So I would appreciate your prayer with that =)<br />
<br />
Thank you all so much for checking in & keeping in touch with me. It means more than you know! I hope that you have a fantastic weekend!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-77041702195553088182011-10-28T08:27:00.001-07:002011-10-28T08:27:01.326-07:00Rooftop Update! =)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ybSDQz0FLRI" width="560"></iframe>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-88116988916589188222011-10-09T15:31:00.000-07:002011-10-09T21:04:41.430-07:00The Danger of Love<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-1 John 4:7-11</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Matthew 22:36-39</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-I Corinthians 13:2-3</span><br />
<div style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="color: #181818;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God's Word is very clear, we are commanded to love; to open our hearts to others & give of ourselves just as Christ gave of Himself to us. But we all know that whenever you let someone else get close to you, then there is a risk of being hurt. I think C.S. Lewis said it well in his work "<i>The Four Loves."</i> Take a look:</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.”<br />
― C.S. Lewis, <i>The Four Loves</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818;">I hate being vulnerable. I like to feel independent, self-sufficient, unbreakable. But God calls me to be Christ-dependent, find my sufficiency in Him, & to be broken at the foot of the cross. I've been contemplating this over & over again the past few weeks as I find myself missing my friends back in the States very much, yet somewhat apprehensive to develop deep friendships here because I know that when I return home in December, then I will have more friends that I am missing. Then there's always the possibility of trying to make new friends, & being rejected or hurt. All of this was going through my mind the other day when I was also thinking about Hebrews 12. And these two words stuck out to me: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><b>"Consider Him."</b> </span>Speaking of Christ, verse three of chapter twelve says "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; line-height: 19px;">Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted." </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">How must Christ have felt? Coming to earth a helpless baby. Creator of the universe, unable even to ask for food or water. Completely dependent on the very fragile human beings he had given breath to. Christ was willing to be vulnerable & broken to restore a relationship with humanity. Yet I retreat behind my wall of insecurity or self-sufficiency all for the sake of protecting my pride. "What if they don't like me?" or, "what if they hurt me?" These are my arguments, but Christ came to earth knowing full well that he would be crushed by the very ones He had come to rescue. Chances are, I will never be physically harmed for sharing Christ, or reaching out to love on others, so what is my excuse? I don't want to love, because love=vulnerability? Unacceptable. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19px;"><b>"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." -Ephesians 5:1-2 </b></span>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-28140821107493643912011-10-06T13:50:00.000-07:002011-10-06T13:50:27.581-07:00Three Weeks in SA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifCmYaziZzA/To4Q1M15KdI/AAAAAAAAATk/HOZkTuGiqVc/s1600/Juliaca+Trip+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ifCmYaziZzA/To4Q1M15KdI/AAAAAAAAATk/HOZkTuGiqVc/s640/Juliaca+Trip+062.JPG" width="640" /></a>I have been here in Peru for exactly three weeks and a day. What have I learned so far? I've learned nothing ever goes according to plan. At least not my plan, & that my friends, is a very good thing. God's plans are so much bigger than mine, so who am I to say what should & shouldn't happen? I've learned that there are ways to show love without communicating verbally, as many Peruvians have done for me. I've learned it's not always the big things that matter, but the little every day blessings that bring a smile to someone's face. I've learned that above all, my worth, my identity, & my purpose is not in what I can do, or what I look like, or where I'm from, but it is in Christ alone. A little over a week ago, we took a trip into the mountains, to a city called Juliaca. I didn't know there could be so much variation in culture in the same country, but even the Earnharts kept commenting on how it was completely different than the culture in Tacna. The weather was very cold, about 30 degrees or so. But unlike in the states, the homes have no insulation, there aren't heaters in every car, & very few buildings have any heating system. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-j-3icYqzU/To4REXcTnPI/AAAAAAAAATo/tHkclMnsYTk/s1600/Juliaca+Trip+067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z-j-3icYqzU/To4REXcTnPI/AAAAAAAAATo/tHkclMnsYTk/s640/Juliaca+Trip+067.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Unlike the climate, the Peruvian church families were <i>very</i> warm & inviting! Many people invited us into their homes & made amazing meals for us. Keep in mind, me+the Earnharts=9 people! Saturday evening we had a youth activity at the Plaza Vea, which is the Peruvian version of a mall/walmart. It was a lot of fun getting to know the college/career age people from the church, even though I still can't really speak Spanish very well, they all made me feel very welcome. Sunday the altitude sickness that had been plaguing us since our arrival finally leveled me completely that morning. We had just finished breakfast at the church, and all of the sudden I felt like I would pass out. It was awful! I weird combination of the flu/sea sickness/cold/pure nastiness. I played piano for the special, and then while walking away I blacked out, but thankfully there was a wall there that caught me. Lol! I went into another room during the service & just took it easy, & then by late afternoon felt much better. I am very thankful that I have only gotten sick once since I've been here; God has been so good!<br />
<br />
Monday afternoon we went to Juno, & visited Lake Titi-CaCa; the largest, high altitude lake in the world. The locals thrive on superstition, & even when Sarah was teaching the kids classes earlier that week we heard stories of man-eating mermaids that supposedly inhabit the lake. Mermaids or not, we went on a boat tour to visit an amazing cluster of man-made islands inhabited by the Uro people.<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7rg75aXVgw/To4TwJMaI1I/AAAAAAAAATs/D1R_FzBhxTQ/s1600/Lake+Titicaca+065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a7rg75aXVgw/To4TwJMaI1I/AAAAAAAAATs/D1R_FzBhxTQ/s640/Lake+Titicaca+065.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It was an incredible experience! An entire village made out of dried reeds...craziness! We had a lot of fun exploring & enjoying the sunshine. Afterwards we made the 10hr bus trip "home" to Tacna. Hallelujah for sleeping pills! We were all very thankful to be back where the sun actually warms the earth; little things we take for granted =) It was an awesome trip overall, & I am thankful for all of the opportunities God has been giving me, & all the little things He is using to open my eyes, & widen my perspective of ministry.<br />
<br />
Thank you all for praying! I will definitely try to give a more current update soon, but alas, homework calls. Adios for now!Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6342140795704146365.post-39269329596382234092011-09-18T13:28:00.001-07:002011-09-18T13:32:17.827-07:00Weekend MinistryI've discovered that the weekends around here are pretty crazy! Friday night there is a ministry called "El Refugio," which is a counseling ministry for women. About 20 ladies attended & Sarah taught a very helpful & applicable lesson about how to handle depression. Depression is a huge problem for our generation! Sarah gave the basics on what the signs of depression are, practical ways to handle depression, & also taught about our most important defense against depression: God's word. It all comes back to focusing on truth. As Isaiah 26:3 says--"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">You keep him in perfect peace </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">whose mind is stayed on you,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">because he trusts in you." We also had a great time of fellowship & games. This was the first time since I arrived that I had enough courage to attempt conversation in Spanish. The Peruvian ladies had so much patience with me! I could understand a few sentences & converse a little bit, but I still have a LONG way to go! They kept telling me "Esta bien! Poco a poco! (It's ok, little by little.) One of the ladies after I looked particularly confused laughed & said "Tienes tiempo para apprender." Which basically means "you have time to learn." To which Mrs. Earnhart responded, "yup! And in that time you're going to get laughed at a lot!" Haha! I told them people back home make fun of me when I speak English, so I'm already used to it =)</span></span></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVT3o5JT-hg/TnZPmR2knEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/1-1A8ZBPXMU/s1600/First+week+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RVT3o5JT-hg/TnZPmR2knEI/AAAAAAAAATQ/1-1A8ZBPXMU/s640/First+week+013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> Saturdays are <b>very</b> busy around the Earnhart home! We started out bright & early going on visitation; this was an area down town that we went to & either invited people to church who had never been, or went to visit church members. This is considered to be more of an upper-class part of town.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-WgHWxCvGs/TnZQANNL-0I/AAAAAAAAATU/8rguOXd_Aa0/s1600/First+week+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7-WgHWxCvGs/TnZQANNL-0I/AAAAAAAAATU/8rguOXd_Aa0/s640/First+week+027.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> After visitation in Tacna, we went to Viñani...this is the place that broke my heart in 2009. Those thatched walls that you see in the background are actually homes. There are very few buildings with roofs; there is no running water; there is unbelievable poverty. We visited quite a few church members while we were there & tried to encourage one family in particular that is going through an extremely difficult time. Pray for the family of Ignacio if you could; pray that God would reveal attributes of Himself that Ignacio cannot ignore, & that as a result of seeing God for who He is, that Ignacio would in turn lead his family in a godly way.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OqbE-oH0Ek/TnZQYaEtJII/AAAAAAAAATY/-pbpj68V_Rk/s1600/First+week+037.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8OqbE-oH0Ek/TnZQYaEtJII/AAAAAAAAATY/-pbpj68V_Rk/s640/First+week+037.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> That afternoon we had a ladies activity which was a lot of fun! Some of the younger ladies made bracelets & then afterwards Abbey gave a lesson out of Romans 8; it was so cool because I had just read that passage Saturday morning during my devos! So that helped me follow along better when she was teaching in Spanish =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdboYVzV9ck/TnZQql_74gI/AAAAAAAAATc/WNKwZWFrXRE/s1600/First+week+046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="547" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LdboYVzV9ck/TnZQql_74gI/AAAAAAAAATc/WNKwZWFrXRE/s640/First+week+046.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> After the lesson, we all went to a nearby park & played volleyball. Those ladies have got some skill! it was a lot of fun, & they all had a great time laughing at me when I got really confused over some directions they gave me in Spanish. I think I'm going to get used to being laughed at -- haha! That's ok though; I don't mind =)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXm90_B62rY/TnZRAL7WSxI/AAAAAAAAATg/edO2FztG40A/s1600/First+week+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OXm90_B62rY/TnZRAL7WSxI/AAAAAAAAATg/edO2FztG40A/s640/First+week+066.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we got home, we began getting ready for the young-adults activity that evening. We had over 20 young adults & we all had a great time playing games, fellowshipping, & then we had a short challenge from Pastor Cristian. I met a sweet young girl named Sheyda, who speaks English pretty well; so between her good English & my not-so-good Spanish, we were able to have a good conversation =) All in all, yesterday was great! Please pray for those who visited church this morning & responded to the message; pray that it would not be a one time thing but that that would continue to attend & to grow in their understanding of God's word.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for stopping by!! Hasta luego =)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #363030; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />
</span></span></span></div>Aliciahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01306018394395654366noreply@blogger.com3