*Post one of my Nicaragua2012 Posts. For the rest of the story read the next few 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.*
If you didn't know, I went to Nicaragua (in Central America) a few weeks ago!
It was an incredible experience, I learned a lot, and I will for sure be going next year!
We first got started back in January/February, when we got to know who all was going, and then we had 3 other meetings between that and the trip. I had so much help from people paying for the trip. I had to raise $2100 dollars (if you include my Chicago trip), and I got it completely paid for by peoples fabulous donations!
So the day of the trip arrives. We have our packing party, go over final details, and head home for a few hours before we leave. Some people slept, I on the other hand watch The Batman movies, and an episode of The Walking Dead. :D
Then we head back, take the 2 hour drive to Chicago, and fly from there to Miami, and then to Managua, Nicaragua. (That's fun to say!) We spend the night in a hotel there. It consists of tons of pizza, even more pool-dunking, an hour long talk with Riley and Jeffrey about awesome movies, and my headphones disappearing overnight. Then we take a smaller propeller plane (a 46-seater) to Puerta (Port) Cabezas. Surprisingly that was my favorite flight! I sat next to Austin, and played solitaire, war, and chess. And then we were there.
The night we got there, all we did was play with the kids. Me and Brennan were chasing around a little boy and girl, letting them go chasing them some more...and so on. We also sat around for a bit, and learned this weird hand pounding rhythm thingy. (I forgot that one, but I learned another one later which I remember!)
Day 2:
We went to Church this day! It was a flipping awesome experience! There were three different languages being sung, but even if they were singing in one of the other languages, I could still understand, and connect in my own. It just really showed how Jesus isn't American. He is universal. We so often think of Him as our own, and this was just awesome to see how much He did in the lives of people who wouldn't understand a word of our English bible, but have there own way of sharing the Good News. And then we got to hear a great message from our very own John Keim, in English, and translated to Spanish. Their services are long! Johny even had a short message, and the service was still two hours long! But I wouldn't have missed any of it for the world!
After church, we took all of the kids to the beach. It's Nicaragua, so of course it started raining as soon as we got there. But after the initial ten seconds of disappointment, (and after I covered Katie and I's bags with my poncho) everyone started having even more fun! Some people were playing beach-rain-soccer, others were building sand castles, and others (me) were having an all out war, dunking, throwing sand, etc. No casualties though! One little girl kept throwing sand at me, so i would scare her, or throw sand at her or something. At the end we shook hands, which I thought meant we were cool. But then she threw sand at me again!! What a jerk...haha
Gotta love those children...(but boy are they tiring!)
Well, I'd say thats a good place to end this one. You can find the next one here:
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Relapse
Here's some background: for a while now, I've been dealing with stuff in my personal walk with Christ.
I touched on this in my post about Romans 7. Struggling for months, and then I go on a mission trip in Chicago. I'm positive that if I could've dealt with it before Chicago12, god could've done a lot more with me, but I was unable. Or maybe I didn't really want to. Regardless, I got back on Monday. I was sitting on the couch, on my iPod. I saw a link that piqued my interest, so I click on it. As it's loading, I feel a tug on my heart, and suddenly realize, "This is exactly what I was promising, no, vowing, to put behind me this very morning!"
I just spent a wee serving others, and I almost went back to my selfish ways less than an hour after I got back. I believe that if not for Him holding me back, I would've fallen...hard.
And so I truly owe it All to Him.
I touched on this in my post about Romans 7. Struggling for months, and then I go on a mission trip in Chicago. I'm positive that if I could've dealt with it before Chicago12, god could've done a lot more with me, but I was unable. Or maybe I didn't really want to. Regardless, I got back on Monday. I was sitting on the couch, on my iPod. I saw a link that piqued my interest, so I click on it. As it's loading, I feel a tug on my heart, and suddenly realize, "This is exactly what I was promising, no, vowing, to put behind me this very morning!"
I just spent a wee serving others, and I almost went back to my selfish ways less than an hour after I got back. I believe that if not for Him holding me back, I would've fallen...hard.
And so I truly owe it All to Him.
Monday, May 28, 2012
The Bible is Wrong
Okay, so the title might be a bit misleading. I still believe the bible. But I'm beginning to believe it differently. You may know I am in a biology class at school, which means we learn about evolution, and a bit of the big bang theory. Now, a year ago I would've said that both were wrong without a second thought. However, I've also been talking, no, debating Christianity in things called "communities" on an app I got. (Shout out to all mis amigos out there!) Both of these combined got me thinking.
There is a lot of evidence out there for both Evolution and the Big Bang theory. Obviously, without a time machine, we can't say for sure. It would be like trying to prove that there isn't any God. You can't ever say for sure. But anyway, My point is, these theories are looking less and less like theories, and more like fact.
So here is my theory. God created nature right? So he created the laws of nature. So it's only logical that he would follow His own laws, right? The Hebrew word for day, "yom", can also mean an age, not just a twenty four hour day. Therefore the six "days" of creation could be...oh I don't know....4.5 billion years? So picture this:
God makes an atom. Then He explodes it. BOOM. Big Bang. He then causes a chain reaction that starts creating stars, and galaxies. He keeps it going, and eventually brings into being one specific planet. (Which He's been planning to use all along.) Then He mixes all the right molecules together to make DNA and RNA and all that fun stuff, which, long story short, creates life. After that, over billions of years he (with His own hand) uses evolution to form what he had in mind all along. And when humanity is ready, He gives us the final part of "His image". A soul. I believe the rest of the story is written down somewhere....
Keep in mind this is just a theory. It has it's flaws. But it currently makes sense to me, so say something about it to rip it into shreds.
Thanks!
Adios.
There is a lot of evidence out there for both Evolution and the Big Bang theory. Obviously, without a time machine, we can't say for sure. It would be like trying to prove that there isn't any God. You can't ever say for sure. But anyway, My point is, these theories are looking less and less like theories, and more like fact.
So here is my theory. God created nature right? So he created the laws of nature. So it's only logical that he would follow His own laws, right? The Hebrew word for day, "yom", can also mean an age, not just a twenty four hour day. Therefore the six "days" of creation could be...oh I don't know....4.5 billion years? So picture this:
God makes an atom. Then He explodes it. BOOM. Big Bang. He then causes a chain reaction that starts creating stars, and galaxies. He keeps it going, and eventually brings into being one specific planet. (Which He's been planning to use all along.) Then He mixes all the right molecules together to make DNA and RNA and all that fun stuff, which, long story short, creates life. After that, over billions of years he (with His own hand) uses evolution to form what he had in mind all along. And when humanity is ready, He gives us the final part of "His image". A soul. I believe the rest of the story is written down somewhere....
Keep in mind this is just a theory. It has it's flaws. But it currently makes sense to me, so say something about it to rip it into shreds.
Thanks!
Adios.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
1 Peter 3
*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
This one is an interesting one. It starts by telling women to submit to their husbands. (4 sexist jokes just went through your head...shame on you...) It also says men should honor their wives. Then it talks about suffering even though, and sometimes because, you are doing something good!
If you didn't guess, this one is by Peter also. And boy is it relevant today. Peter tells wives to submit, so that their husbands "may be won over by their behavior." If that happened, along with men treating their wives with respect, so much fewer marriages would be lost! And, Christians around the world are persecuted just because they share Jesus! And it may not be as drastic in high school, but the more you stand up for Jesus in high school, the more others try to knock you down.
This one seems like it wouldn't be very applicable for this trip, but in fact it's the opposite! We may not be married, but there are guys and girls going on this trip. Girls, I'm sorry, but as Peter says, you are the "weaker partner." I'm not being sexist, but most guys are stronger than most girls. (Example: Hulk vs. Black Widow.) but guys aren't perfect, by a long shot. Girls, for one, actually admit to having feelings...(yeah, I went there.) as for suffering, it's gonna be hard work, and people here will question why you're even going on this trip. I mean really, who spends $1600 to spend a week of their summer helping people in Nicaragua? Oh, that's right, God's children do. Boom...roasted.
Get it? Roasted? Because its hot in Nicaragua??
Oh bad puns...
This one is an interesting one. It starts by telling women to submit to their husbands. (4 sexist jokes just went through your head...shame on you...) It also says men should honor their wives. Then it talks about suffering even though, and sometimes because, you are doing something good!
If you didn't guess, this one is by Peter also. And boy is it relevant today. Peter tells wives to submit, so that their husbands "may be won over by their behavior." If that happened, along with men treating their wives with respect, so much fewer marriages would be lost! And, Christians around the world are persecuted just because they share Jesus! And it may not be as drastic in high school, but the more you stand up for Jesus in high school, the more others try to knock you down.
This one seems like it wouldn't be very applicable for this trip, but in fact it's the opposite! We may not be married, but there are guys and girls going on this trip. Girls, I'm sorry, but as Peter says, you are the "weaker partner." I'm not being sexist, but most guys are stronger than most girls. (Example: Hulk vs. Black Widow.) but guys aren't perfect, by a long shot. Girls, for one, actually admit to having feelings...(yeah, I went there.) as for suffering, it's gonna be hard work, and people here will question why you're even going on this trip. I mean really, who spends $1600 to spend a week of their summer helping people in Nicaragua? Oh, that's right, God's children do. Boom...roasted.
Get it? Roasted? Because its hot in Nicaragua??
Oh bad puns...
Monday, May 7, 2012
1 Peter 2
*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
Also, that last one was supposed to be about 1 Peter 1, and that's what I made the title....but I read/wrote about 1 James 1.....oops.
Anyways, without further adieu, 1 Peter 2:
So. Summary. Let's see, first he talks about how we are a chosen people, and thought we will be rejected by men, we should still abstain from sin, "so that they may see your good works and glorify God" (v.2) He then goes on to say that we should submit to our 'masters' and authorities, (both kind and cruel) because it is commendable to God.
Peter was an interesting fellow. He had his dumb moments, but writing this definitely wasn't one of them. He realizes that we are going to have authorities in our lives, (be it teachers, parents, or bosses), and some of them won't be very nice, and may not even have our best interests in mind. But God wants us to endure submit, because it gives us love and patience, and it could show them Christ's love!
This section also has a lot to do with our trip. You are going to disagree with someone on this trip, and your response will have an impact on others on the team. It's up to you to decide whether that impact is positive or negative. Another connection is that we were all chosen for this trip by God and the leaders. God put something in each of our hearts to make us put in an application. (Because no one would fill out that much of an application for fun...just saying.) And I don't know how many (or if any) applications got rejected, but I do know that the leaders put a lot of time and prayer into who to accept. So each of us will have a specific part to play, and it's up to you to fulfill yours...
Also, that last one was supposed to be about 1 Peter 1, and that's what I made the title....but I read/wrote about 1 James 1.....oops.
Anyways, without further adieu, 1 Peter 2:
So. Summary. Let's see, first he talks about how we are a chosen people, and thought we will be rejected by men, we should still abstain from sin, "so that they may see your good works and glorify God" (v.2) He then goes on to say that we should submit to our 'masters' and authorities, (both kind and cruel) because it is commendable to God.
Peter was an interesting fellow. He had his dumb moments, but writing this definitely wasn't one of them. He realizes that we are going to have authorities in our lives, (be it teachers, parents, or bosses), and some of them won't be very nice, and may not even have our best interests in mind. But God wants us to endure submit, because it gives us love and patience, and it could show them Christ's love!
This section also has a lot to do with our trip. You are going to disagree with someone on this trip, and your response will have an impact on others on the team. It's up to you to decide whether that impact is positive or negative. Another connection is that we were all chosen for this trip by God and the leaders. God put something in each of our hearts to make us put in an application. (Because no one would fill out that much of an application for fun...just saying.) And I don't know how many (or if any) applications got rejected, but I do know that the leaders put a lot of time and prayer into who to accept. So each of us will have a specific part to play, and it's up to you to fulfill yours...
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
1 James 1
*NOTE: This was written as part of the weekly bible readings for the GSM Nicaragua mission trip. So when I refer to "this trip," that's what I mean.*
To sum this chapter up, it begins by talking about how facing trials and temptations will make us better and closer to God. Then it goes on to say how dumb it is to read God's word and not do what it says. (not in those exact words...)
James wrote this. He's Jesus's bro by the way. I think he wrote this because people back then struggled with the same things we do today. Lust, greed, etc. And the Word has ways to deal with these "trials and temptations."
This chapter tells us a few things. One, God won't send temptation on us. Our own desires tempt us, but God will help us through that temptation. Two, we can't fight it on our own. That's probably why I give in so much; I try to defeat temptation on my own. Finally, this trip is gonna be full of trials. But we should "consider it pure joy," because if we let it, it'll bring us closer to God and each other.
To sum this chapter up, it begins by talking about how facing trials and temptations will make us better and closer to God. Then it goes on to say how dumb it is to read God's word and not do what it says. (not in those exact words...)
James wrote this. He's Jesus's bro by the way. I think he wrote this because people back then struggled with the same things we do today. Lust, greed, etc. And the Word has ways to deal with these "trials and temptations."
This chapter tells us a few things. One, God won't send temptation on us. Our own desires tempt us, but God will help us through that temptation. Two, we can't fight it on our own. That's probably why I give in so much; I try to defeat temptation on my own. Finally, this trip is gonna be full of trials. But we should "consider it pure joy," because if we let it, it'll bring us closer to God and each other.
Monday, March 26, 2012
Romans 7:16-25 (MSG)
I just wanna talk about something I've been dealing with for a while, and will probably be dealing with until the day I die. We've been going over this at GSM, and it's pretty well summed up by Paul in Romans 7.
What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
In my head, I think: 'I would never do anything like that, it's so wrong!' But then I find myself doing those very things!! Obviously I need to delve into God's word more, to get a better hold on what's right and wrong!
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
What is up with me?! I want to live full out for Christ Jesus, but for some reason right as I decide to live for him, I go and sin again! Why can I not live completely for Him?
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I really do want to live for Him!! My heart is committed to Him! But some part of my heart waits til I get alone with my thoughts, with no one to keep me accountable, and pounces, and I'm caught.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
Anyone? Obviously I'm never gonna be able to stop on my own; I've been trying that for far too long, with far too few results. And talking to another person helps, but it doesn't take it all away, it just lessens it. I need supernatural help!!!
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
God I need You! If not for Your Son Jesus, I would have no hope of fighting these demons! I need to somehow align ALL of my heart to yours! I need You LORD.
What I don't understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can't be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God's command is necessary.
In my head, I think: 'I would never do anything like that, it's so wrong!' But then I find myself doing those very things!! Obviously I need to delve into God's word more, to get a better hold on what's right and wrong!
But I need something more! For if I know the law but still can't keep it, and if the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don't have what it takes. I can will it, but I can't do it. I decide to do good, but I don't really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don't result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time.
What is up with me?! I want to live full out for Christ Jesus, but for some reason right as I decide to live for him, I go and sin again! Why can I not live completely for Him?
It happens so regularly that it's predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God's commands, but it's pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge.
I really do want to live for Him!! My heart is committed to Him! But some part of my heart waits til I get alone with my thoughts, with no one to keep me accountable, and pounces, and I'm caught.
I've tried everything and nothing helps. I'm at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn't that the real question?
Anyone? Obviously I'm never gonna be able to stop on my own; I've been trying that for far too long, with far too few results. And talking to another person helps, but it doesn't take it all away, it just lessens it. I need supernatural help!!!
The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.
God I need You! If not for Your Son Jesus, I would have no hope of fighting these demons! I need to somehow align ALL of my heart to yours! I need You LORD.
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