Nicaragua2012 (Part 2)

*Post two of my Nicaragua2012 Posts.*
*This is partially for you, and partially so I have a place to write it all so I remember it. So pardon all the horrific details.*


OK. So you may remember, when we left off, I had come back from the beach. The next four days were our designated "work days". I'll begin there...

If you want the most basic overview, "We built two houses."

They started lifting before I could get to the side...

For a more detailed description, I'll just write what I wrote in my journal after day 3:
"It's been a ton of fun. You never get overworked, because there's not enough work for everyone, so you can easily take breaks. But don't think it's easy! I wake up every day more tired, and super sore!
People are so helpful! Sammy spends the entire time giving herself to all the little Nicaraguan children, and also is constantly offering to bring people their waters bottles! Everyday, Tara goes out of her way to cover all of the backpacks, so the when it rains, (which it does everyday here) none of our stuff will be ruined! No other specifics, but everyone gets whatever you need, and if you need a break, they jump at the chance to get back to work!

Putting in the floor boards

At some points throughout the day, I just spend some time with the little boys. We just run, fight, growl, and tickle (Yes. I did say tickle.) Even though we aren't doing anything, they still have so much fun, and the glee on their faces is amazing to watch!
I also love watching the teenage Nicaraguans. I can't understand much of what they say, but i feel a connection. We're just a few teenage guys, out here building to help some people out!"

So there you have it. That was my play-by-play, in the midst of the action.

On Thursday night, we went to Church. The preacher was another visitor, and he had a ton of great stuff to say about worship.
Here's some of my notes:
Ephesians 2:10
       God designed us to worship Him through good works.EVERYONE WORSHIPS SOMETHING
       What do you worship?
What is worship?
       Singing?
       Praying?
       Praising?
             All three of these, but more! Worship is doing what the the Holy Spirit leads us to do, and its from
             your heart!
Whatever you do, do it for God!
Romans 3:23
Worshiping is reflecting the glory of the Master.
Love like He loved, Grace like He graced, and Forgive like He forgave.
God is most Glorified in us, when we are most satisfied in Him!
You have to KEEP your heart close to God.
You don't plan to fall out of love. It comes from not continually coming to Him.
Worship: an outward expression of your inner love.
Do you know Him? If not, you can't truly worship Him.
Psalm 139:14
       You will never be able to worship God if you think He made a mistake in you.


And that's the conclusion! Now on to post numero tres!

To Be or Not to Be....Single

If you're reading this, you probably know I am single. I have been for about....forever or so. Some people think it's strange. Others have told me I'm not allowed to date until college...
Anyway, I wanna share my thoughts on this whole relationship craze.

I think 90% of high school relationships should never happen. (Middle school: 99%, Elementary: 100%) I do not think that just because a girl is pretty, you should date her. If he/she hasn't met your family, it's not time yet. If you met a month ago, definitely not. I'm just saying, get to know him/her first! I personally am not going to date anyone I'm not already friends with. As of now, I'm not willing to risk any of my friendships for a dating experience that I know won't last.

Another thing, if you've been together for three weeks, its not love. Unless you would be willing to marry them right now, it's not love.

1 Corinthians 7:32-35: I'm not gonna write it all out, but basically it says that married (or dating) people will focus on making their partner happy, while single folks can focus on God.
1 Corinthians 7:8: If you were just in a relationship, and it didn't work out, you don't need to get in another just to make you feel better! Give it time!
2 Corinthians 6:14: Don't date non-Christians!! You don't have to be mean about it, just lead them to Christ! Really, if you care about them, you should care about their eternal soul...
Oh, and 99.9% of the time, "missionary dating" is a lie.

Look, I'm not saying we all need to swear off dating, I'm saying you should think!