We have been gone for a month already. Some moments I feel like I can't believe it's been that long already, yet others I can't believe it's ONLY been a month.
It's crazy that there's still all so much going on at home. Everyone's lives are still going on. Church is still going on. And so much is going on here. I mean, I knew it would be this way. I guess I just didn't have a concept of what that would be like. What it was like for my best friend to not physically be here to celebrate me getting engaged, to not be here for my bridal showers or bachelorette party...
In the midst of realizing all that I am missing, I also recall that I have a hard time not being in my head too much. I am constantly thinking and planning and focusing on the future, it causes me to miss out on a lot of what is going on around me and actually EXPERIENCING life.
We have this amazing opportunity these next 11 months here in Mazatlan. I don't want to miss it because I'm not all here.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
como firme y segura ancla para el alma...
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain...
-Hebrews 6:19
The hope that is being talked about here is the hope we have through Christ death on the cross. The hope of being heirs to the kingdom of heaven along with Jesus.
When we were in college, one of my best friends (still to this day) meditated on this verse daily during our last year. I always thought it was a great verse, but I never quite felt it in my soul like she did. That is until my life turned upside down when we moved to Mexico.
I've been recalling this verse a lot as we are put in situations that challenge and test our patience, at times when I feel like there is so much chaos and unknown... This verse reminds me of why I am here, why we are living this crazy adventure. It brings me calm and comfort and back to the reality of my life and purpose.
An anchor for my soul... I need that aquí.
-Hebrews 6:19
The hope that is being talked about here is the hope we have through Christ death on the cross. The hope of being heirs to the kingdom of heaven along with Jesus.
When we were in college, one of my best friends (still to this day) meditated on this verse daily during our last year. I always thought it was a great verse, but I never quite felt it in my soul like she did. That is until my life turned upside down when we moved to Mexico.
I've been recalling this verse a lot as we are put in situations that challenge and test our patience, at times when I feel like there is so much chaos and unknown... This verse reminds me of why I am here, why we are living this crazy adventure. It brings me calm and comfort and back to the reality of my life and purpose.
An anchor for my soul... I need that aquí.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Y vivieron felices y comieron perdices...
Above is the Spanish equivalent for the phrase, "And they lived happily ever after."
This morning, I was listening to a song called, "Happily Ever After" by He is She. The girl sings, "Skip to the ending, oh author of the moment, do I end up happy?"
Hearing these words, I realized that without Christ as the center of one's life, I'm sure that's something people think about a lot. As Christians, we have a joy that comes from God. Joy is different than happiness. Joy is a deeply-resonating contentment and peace of the heart that comes from trusting God in the midst of circumstances and the external things of life.
I don't know about you, but I would take that over happiness any day.
But without God, it's impossible to experience this. Without God, of course one wants to be happy. That's one of the main goals for people's lives. Being happy.
I realized this morning, being happy isn't something I am really concerned about. My focus and my delight is in the Lord, which gives more greater and satisfying things than being happy. He gives me salvation, though it's something I sure don't deserve. He chose me for a purpose, to be one of his own, and he loves me with an everlasting, unconditional love that is too great for me to comprehend.
That is far better than just being happy. That is the source of my joy.
Amen.
This morning, I was listening to a song called, "Happily Ever After" by He is She. The girl sings, "Skip to the ending, oh author of the moment, do I end up happy?"
Hearing these words, I realized that without Christ as the center of one's life, I'm sure that's something people think about a lot. As Christians, we have a joy that comes from God. Joy is different than happiness. Joy is a deeply-resonating contentment and peace of the heart that comes from trusting God in the midst of circumstances and the external things of life.
I don't know about you, but I would take that over happiness any day.
But without God, it's impossible to experience this. Without God, of course one wants to be happy. That's one of the main goals for people's lives. Being happy.
I realized this morning, being happy isn't something I am really concerned about. My focus and my delight is in the Lord, which gives more greater and satisfying things than being happy. He gives me salvation, though it's something I sure don't deserve. He chose me for a purpose, to be one of his own, and he loves me with an everlasting, unconditional love that is too great for me to comprehend.
That is far better than just being happy. That is the source of my joy.
Amen.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Jamás seré igual.
Just finished our third day of driving on our epic road trip to Mazatlan. It almost doesn't feel real.
It's still strange to me that we have our entire life in our car, driving to places we have never been, to end up in a home that we've never seen before.
It hasn't fully hit me yet. And I'm not sure that it's going to until I'm standing on the beach, staring at the Pacific Ocean, calling it home.
Or maybe my contented, calm disposition stems from the fact that this is exactly what God has been preparing us for. This is what he has had in store for us all along and the Holy Spirit in me is confirming it.
We'll see what happens when we get to the beach, but I'm pretty sure my latter conclusion is right.
I do know one thing for sure... Jamás seré igual.
Jamás seré igual.
It's still strange to me that we have our entire life in our car, driving to places we have never been, to end up in a home that we've never seen before.
It hasn't fully hit me yet. And I'm not sure that it's going to until I'm standing on the beach, staring at the Pacific Ocean, calling it home.
Or maybe my contented, calm disposition stems from the fact that this is exactly what God has been preparing us for. This is what he has had in store for us all along and the Holy Spirit in me is confirming it.
We'll see what happens when we get to the beach, but I'm pretty sure my latter conclusion is right.
I do know one thing for sure... Jamás seré igual.
Jamás seré igual.
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