Costa Rica is one of my favorite places. It houses some of my favorite people, contains one of my favorite views I have ever seen, it distributes many of my favorite foods and beverages also. Finishing up my first week here, I have realized how many of my favorite things I have packed into just 1 week. This morning I had a delicious smoothy from Juice House, my favorite soda (little tico restaurants). I've been blessed to see most of my favorite people, eat my weight in bread, drinks Fresca (which is WAY better here than in the states), eat an entire pineapple by myself, went to San Jose, drank Te Blanco, rode the bus, went to Celebracion Church on Sunday, was ran up to and greeted by some of my favorite children, and looked out my favorite window in possibly the entire world. All of these things might seem silly and not very important. But just because they are simple and not extravagant doesn't mean they don't bring a smile to my face.
After realizing I was filling as many of my favorite things into these first few days, it occurred to me that possibly I was filling to much of my time with this and not giving God His chances to add new experiences or new favorite things into me. After praying and meditating on this thought, it has came clear that I'm still a little nervous. I'm still afraid of what God has in store for me. I'm still holding onto what I want and doing the things that are only in my control. Moving here is a risk. It's me taking a big step of faith and saying God have all of me, do with me what You wish, I trust Your plan. But even as I make this step of faith I am still holding back. This frustrates me and reminds me of how human I really am. How no matter how much I seek to be more like Jesus, I have to seek God. I think God wants us to remember how human we are. It reminded me that I still need more of Him.
This afternoon I read from one of my favorite books, Jesus Calling. If you haven't heard of it I beg you to run to your local christian book store and pick one up TODAY! It's daily food for my soul. SO GOOD!! I felt God leading me to read January 1st. This is what it says- "Come to me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continued newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind knowing that your journey with Me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind. As you focus your thoughts on Me, be aware that I am fully attentive to you. I see you with a steady eye, because My attention span is infinite. I know and understand you completely; My thoughts embrace you in everlasting Love. I also know the plans I have for you: plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My Presence." References- Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11.
Please tell me God just shook your world?? I am completely in awe of how God moves. How truly amazing He is. I am so blessed to have a God who cares this much about me. Praise Him for all He has done and what He is continuing to do in my life!!
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you Lord for your provision. Thank you for providing me with an amazing opportunity to do Your work. Thank you for opening my eyes to so much beauty in such a dark place. Thank you for providing me with an amazing support group back in the states and here in Costa Rica. Thank you Father for your never ending love, and for the constant reminder you bring me. Lord I pray you continue to watch over me and the staff here. I pray you continue to use us for you Glory. I pray we touch many people here and are being a witness to people back home. I pray you continue to open my eyes on how much I truly need You. I pray you throw me out of my comfort zone, so that I may cling more to You. Lord I love you and thank You for all that You do. Please Lord, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
Today is the day!
For the last 5 months, I have been prepared to return to Costa Rica to be a missionary. Today is the day. This journey has not been easy. There have been times of struggle, times of heartache and confusion. But every moment has been filled with Gods Glory, His Grace, His Presence, and His never ending Faithfulness.
It's interesting for me to think about how some people view my soon to be new home. Alajuelita is a place Ticos either have never heard of or want nothing to do with it. It's not a quiet little town, with cute little houses, and great school systems. It's a place filled with darkness, crime, sin, and need. I can understand how some people would see it for only the negative. Nothing should really be that appealing about it. But I see it as an amazing place. Beautiful, filled with very loving people, adorable children, great churches, Gods mercy. It's so crazy how I love this poverity filled place that so many people do not ever want to visit or even knows exist.
I am completely overjoyed by God's calling and His desire for me to be passionate about this suburb outside of San Jose. I am so thankful God has provided me this desire and yearning to fill this town with praises for Him. This journey is not going to be easy. It is going to be absolutely amazing though.
I was recently reminded during a very selfish conversation I was having with the Lord, how faithful God truly is. I have been so blessed by the people God has FLOODED me with. Not that He provides me with a great support system and people to love on me, but He has overflowed me with friends and family that mean so much to me. As I am sure you can understand being given these amazing gifts, it can be hard lending them back to God. Saying goodbye to my friends and family have been more difficult and more heartbreaking than possibly anything else I've had to go through during the planning of my return. It is hard to give God your most precious possessions. My relationships are the things I hold dearest to my heart. My relationship with God. My relationship with my family. My relationship with friends. These are the most important things in my life. So giving these treasures up are difficult to say the least. But, God is faithful. He reminded me that these gifts are from Him, and that he has ALWAYS provided me with the people I have needed in my life. Every season has been filled with a great group of friends, mentors, role models, and people to keep me accountable. This time it isn't different. God has already provided me with an amazing Costa Rican family and I can not wait to greet them tomorrow!
Our God is an amazing God who constantly takes care of us. He has provided for all of my needs in ways I never could have imagined. He is the greatest and most powerful, the highest of highs, the most loving and caring presence ever. He is taking care of me even when I don't realize I am in need. I am blessed. I am His beloved.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all of Your provision in my life. Thank you Lord for the purpose you have called me to. Thank you for providing for my every need. Thank you for an amazing support system and friends and family who have surrounded me during all of the struggles and all of the amazing blessings. Thank you Lord for everything. I can never express how much I love you and how blessed I am to have Your favor. Lord please watch over me and all of my loved ones. Please give my family and friends peace. I ask that you continue to guide me in my journey and show me exactly what I can do for Your glory. Please God, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
It's interesting for me to think about how some people view my soon to be new home. Alajuelita is a place Ticos either have never heard of or want nothing to do with it. It's not a quiet little town, with cute little houses, and great school systems. It's a place filled with darkness, crime, sin, and need. I can understand how some people would see it for only the negative. Nothing should really be that appealing about it. But I see it as an amazing place. Beautiful, filled with very loving people, adorable children, great churches, Gods mercy. It's so crazy how I love this poverity filled place that so many people do not ever want to visit or even knows exist.
I am completely overjoyed by God's calling and His desire for me to be passionate about this suburb outside of San Jose. I am so thankful God has provided me this desire and yearning to fill this town with praises for Him. This journey is not going to be easy. It is going to be absolutely amazing though.
I was recently reminded during a very selfish conversation I was having with the Lord, how faithful God truly is. I have been so blessed by the people God has FLOODED me with. Not that He provides me with a great support system and people to love on me, but He has overflowed me with friends and family that mean so much to me. As I am sure you can understand being given these amazing gifts, it can be hard lending them back to God. Saying goodbye to my friends and family have been more difficult and more heartbreaking than possibly anything else I've had to go through during the planning of my return. It is hard to give God your most precious possessions. My relationships are the things I hold dearest to my heart. My relationship with God. My relationship with my family. My relationship with friends. These are the most important things in my life. So giving these treasures up are difficult to say the least. But, God is faithful. He reminded me that these gifts are from Him, and that he has ALWAYS provided me with the people I have needed in my life. Every season has been filled with a great group of friends, mentors, role models, and people to keep me accountable. This time it isn't different. God has already provided me with an amazing Costa Rican family and I can not wait to greet them tomorrow!
Our God is an amazing God who constantly takes care of us. He has provided for all of my needs in ways I never could have imagined. He is the greatest and most powerful, the highest of highs, the most loving and caring presence ever. He is taking care of me even when I don't realize I am in need. I am blessed. I am His beloved.
Heavenly Father, I want to thank You for all of Your provision in my life. Thank you Lord for the purpose you have called me to. Thank you for providing for my every need. Thank you for an amazing support system and friends and family who have surrounded me during all of the struggles and all of the amazing blessings. Thank you Lord for everything. I can never express how much I love you and how blessed I am to have Your favor. Lord please watch over me and all of my loved ones. Please give my family and friends peace. I ask that you continue to guide me in my journey and show me exactly what I can do for Your glory. Please God, continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. Amen.
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