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!

I've been thinking...

This time, I'm just going to post some thoughts. It might seem completely unconnected...get over it. :)

Pain:
One of the main reasons people avoid Christianity is pain. "How could there be a loving God with so much suffering?" in Laura Story's words, "When darkness seems to win, the pain reminds us, this is not out home." in other words, God didn't intend for this world to be flawed, but every time we choose against Him, He is in pain too. And a lot of the time it hurts us or those around us.

Fakers:
Another huge turn-off for non-Christians is all the fakers. All of the people who call themselves Christians, (regardless of if they really are or not), but don't reflect Christ in any way. But it's more than that; even the Christians who are decent, if they hurt someone, that person gets "turned-off" of Christ. That is why we, as Christians, must constantly pray for the strength to do what's right.

Forgiveness:
I believe in the ultimate forgiveness of God. If you believe that God is God, and place your complete trust in Him, you will be saved, and spend eternity in Heaven, be it when you are 7 at summer camp, or on your death bed. I believe if Hitler had trusted in the One True God, he would be in heaven right now.

Homosexuality:
Being homosexual, (or Bi-) is a sin.it says so right in the bible. However, God won't ban you from heaven if you are! Any sin is equal in His sight. It's the same level as lying, cheating, murder, and rape. I'm not saying I embrace it, but I won't hate you, and God doesn't either.

These are just some of my thoughts. I won't claim that they're flawless, but they are what I believe. What are your thoughts?