Forgiveness is much harder then just staying mad. Many know this already, it’s not a new concept, and most will agree. As a Christian I have struggled with forgiveness. Forgiving those who don't ask for it, forgiving those who sometimes I don't think deserve it. God teaches us to forgive, and turn the other cheek.
Sometimes in my case anyway, forgiveness comes even when it's not asked for. I know that it’s, not holding onto that grudge or about moving on to better things. It's about loving the person even when they do things that are wrong, or when they do or say something I do not agree with.
The thing is, I am not always ready to forgive, I don't always want to. I want that person to know they have hurt me, before I can forgive them, not to just forgive and them not know they did anything wrong. I want them to say they are sorry, not because it would help me forgive them so that we can move past it, but because they are truly sorry for what they have done. That means sometimes showing me that they can change their ways not just saying it.
Of course, I have forgiven many of them and we have moved on. But I can't seem to forget any of it. I am still apprehensive, and scared about getting hurt again. I don't want to get to close. I don't want to reveal much of myself.
I pray that God will help me with this.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Christmas 2009 with my family
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
She was Aunties big helper! 
4 Generations of woman
Monday, December 28, 2009
Mexico Part II
Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is in-jury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
Blessed are you, O Lord, the God of our fathers, creator of the changes
of the day and night, giving rest to weary, renewing
the strength of those who are spent, bestowing
upon us occations of song in the evening.
As you have protected us in the day
that is past, so be with us inthe coming night;
keep us from every sn, every evil, and every fear;
for you are our light and salvation, and the strength
of out life. To you be glory for endless ages.
Amen
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Mexico Part I
Landing in Oaxaca on the 12th of December, it finally hit me... I'm in Mexico!! Some bags were lost, we were up for 18 hours and it started to get dark fast, but we were on our way to the Mission to serve God and what would be the start to the most amazing experience of our lives. I would have never guessed how much this experience would really effect me.
This is the bus that we learned to love!! We had some great adventures, conversations, and moments that just make you go, aaaaaa.
We started off our trip with dinner at the local restaurant, and a good nights sleep, and a trip to the ruins in Monte Alban the next morning.
The first of many moments with Florenzio!!
The view of the mountains from the mission.
Our first day of work.. pulling weeds, playing with the little kids, doing dishes, cleaning the fountain, working in the kitchen and other fun stuff!!
But often times, we found time to play soccer with the kids!!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Keeping Track
Here is the web address for our blog for the MEXICO MISSIONS TRIP!!
http://globalpartnershipsmexico.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy seeing what we've been up to and that you continue to pray for us!
It's not long now that we are leaving... Dec.12 at 5am
http://globalpartnershipsmexico.blogspot.com/
Hope you enjoy seeing what we've been up to and that you continue to pray for us!
It's not long now that we are leaving... Dec.12 at 5am
Monday, November 16, 2009
What a great idea!
This last Sunday 4 of the 12 of us from the Mexico Missions Winter team, went to North Shore Baptist church's Spanish congregations service. It was so amazing to see the different form of worship, within the same walls of the church I have grown up in.
I could immediately see the presence of how cultural differences can show through in worship. The friendly, warm, welcoming environment that we as Americans don't often display. I use these words because that is exactly how we all felt. During the greeting, people walked all around, hugging one another, saying good morning, and peace be with you, and it taking a lot longer then the minute were usually given, because we stay in our pews and only greet those around us. Not that its bad, it's just a different experience.
After the service, we separated into groups all getting to talk with people who are from Mexico, who have been to Mexico, who have had the experience of being the outsider, and what to do, what to look out for, and how to really feel Gods presence in our work. They helped put so much into perspective for us. Like something as simple as bringing a band aid, and bug spray. To not eating from the vendors, to taking only what you expect to leave behind, and the big one, to let God work through us!
WOW.... what an amazing experience. I feel like what we have learned from one Sunday morning with people who share God's love and are filled with joy and thanks for what we are doing, is a step into the direction God has intended for us. We are not going because we have to, but because we are called to.
We are going not with the hope of only helping others, but helping ourselves. I am hoping to grow after this trip. To grow closer to the team, to appreciate what I have, continue learning to acknowledge those around me, and to grow closer to God.
The experience from Sunday has already put all these learning's into play.
I could immediately see the presence of how cultural differences can show through in worship. The friendly, warm, welcoming environment that we as Americans don't often display. I use these words because that is exactly how we all felt. During the greeting, people walked all around, hugging one another, saying good morning, and peace be with you, and it taking a lot longer then the minute were usually given, because we stay in our pews and only greet those around us. Not that its bad, it's just a different experience.
After the service, we separated into groups all getting to talk with people who are from Mexico, who have been to Mexico, who have had the experience of being the outsider, and what to do, what to look out for, and how to really feel Gods presence in our work. They helped put so much into perspective for us. Like something as simple as bringing a band aid, and bug spray. To not eating from the vendors, to taking only what you expect to leave behind, and the big one, to let God work through us!
WOW.... what an amazing experience. I feel like what we have learned from one Sunday morning with people who share God's love and are filled with joy and thanks for what we are doing, is a step into the direction God has intended for us. We are not going because we have to, but because we are called to.
We are going not with the hope of only helping others, but helping ourselves. I am hoping to grow after this trip. To grow closer to the team, to appreciate what I have, continue learning to acknowledge those around me, and to grow closer to God.
The experience from Sunday has already put all these learning's into play.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Missions Trip to Mexico
God has called me to help others, and that statement should come to no surprise to any of you reading my blog. But what God has called my to do to help others this time, is different from the others. I am going to Oaxaca, Mexico from December 12-22 and I am so excited.
There is a certain act from God that happened the week I was accepted to go on the trip that I would like to share. Believe me or not, its true!
So, I sitting in the library working on an exam, and as usual I procrastinated and took way to many breaks to check facebook, and read e-mails.. when I got the e-mail that $100 of the trip was due 2 days from then.... crap!! How was I going to come up with an extra $100? I have been paying back money from this last semester, so I was broke. So I prayed... I told God that I needed him to help me with this. Help me get the money because I am already skeptical about going, and scared and that if I couldn't come up with the $100 then I would have to cancel. I found out that, that week we were going I could work 2 different weddings, and I need the money so... I needed a sign that I was indeed supposed to go to Mexico.
On my way out and to my next class, I get a phone call from my boss at work, asking me if I wanted to work in 2 days for a few hours doing a private gig... it paid $100 cash!
God sure does answer prayers, and that one was quick, so I stopped worrying, and started fundraising. I am almost all paid for, and the cost of the trip is down from $1000 to $850!!
I am thankful and very excited.
This is the Winter Mexico trip!!
We have started meeting once a week, and so far I love these people. They all have such unique stories, and different ways in which God is working though them... I feel blessed to have met them! Please help pray for our safety and our strength.
I will gladly keep updating my blog about our trip!!
There is a certain act from God that happened the week I was accepted to go on the trip that I would like to share. Believe me or not, its true!
So, I sitting in the library working on an exam, and as usual I procrastinated and took way to many breaks to check facebook, and read e-mails.. when I got the e-mail that $100 of the trip was due 2 days from then.... crap!! How was I going to come up with an extra $100? I have been paying back money from this last semester, so I was broke. So I prayed... I told God that I needed him to help me with this. Help me get the money because I am already skeptical about going, and scared and that if I couldn't come up with the $100 then I would have to cancel. I found out that, that week we were going I could work 2 different weddings, and I need the money so... I needed a sign that I was indeed supposed to go to Mexico.
On my way out and to my next class, I get a phone call from my boss at work, asking me if I wanted to work in 2 days for a few hours doing a private gig... it paid $100 cash!
God sure does answer prayers, and that one was quick, so I stopped worrying, and started fundraising. I am almost all paid for, and the cost of the trip is down from $1000 to $850!!
I am thankful and very excited.
This is the Winter Mexico trip!!We have started meeting once a week, and so far I love these people. They all have such unique stories, and different ways in which God is working though them... I feel blessed to have met them! Please help pray for our safety and our strength.
I will gladly keep updating my blog about our trip!!
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