Psalm 146:2 "I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live."

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Lessons From A Cricket

Hi Everyone,

So not having my bird has been an adjustment these past three weeks. It has been neat to see God's faithfulness in the midst of the fact that I miss having something to come home to, take care of, and enjoy. However I think there are many ways that God is reminding me to enjoy my relationship with Him.

About four days ago, when I came home, I was just like, "Lord, I miss having something in my room--can't you just like---send me something?" Strangely that same night there was a cricket chirping quite loudly all night long. At first it drove me crazy-all i wanted it to do was "please be quiet!" I thought about killing it, but somehow throughout the next day, I remembered what I had prayed and the little cricket began to grow on me---and I am actually enjoying it's presence now.

So I guess the cricket is my "pet" for now.....and every time I hear him chirp away it reminds me that God cares about the deep desires of my heart----and knows the answer to my needs before I even ask.

The cricket is quite cozy heading between the floor under my night stand and the floor under my bed. It feels like I am camping out every night (without the mosquitoes!)

God is good---May our hearts be overflowing in gratitude towards Him!

Monday, August 29, 2011

I Will Be Your Shield

Hi Everyone,

I had another post that I was going to put up today--but a dear friend of mine sent me these words in an e-mail--and I couldn't resist posting them! They touched my heart in a really special and deep way--one of those "just what THE DOCTOR ordered things!) You should hear the song! it is beautiful--reminded me of "old-time" adult Christian Contemporary Music from 25 years ago somehow. The words are packed with TRUTH!!! We must not forget God's promises even in the midst of challenges.

All I know, as a result of my research, is that the words at least are written by Rachel Wissman. So, with great privilege of posting this, here are the words to "I Will Be Your Shield." May they bless you-----From God's perspective--to YOU!!!

I Will Be Your Shield

My child, are you discouraged

By the sorrows of the day?

Does it seem that life is crumbing,

The skies have turned to gray?

Don’t forget I gave you promises

To guide you every hour

In the moment of your heartbreak

Let me show you my great power


Chorus:

And I will be your shield

When the battle rages on

And I will be your light

When the way ahead is dark

I will be your strong tower

And guide you every hour

Just place your life

Completely in my hands


I know it won’t be easy

I never said it would,

But my grace will always be there

My plans for you are good!

Remember that your weaknesses

Are perfect in my sight

Only when you hand them to me

Can I turn them into might

(Chorus)


Bridge:

And someday you will understand

Why I sent this trial

And someday you will see the end

And know it’s overcome

(Chorus (and key change))


Saturday, August 27, 2011

Friday Night Youth Birthday Celebration

Hi Everyone,
Last night we the youth had a gathering at my Pastor's house to celebrate a few birthdays of the youth. It was a fun time together. We had sushi rolls and cake. We played games and hung out. I continue to be so grateful for these kids. Have a great weekend.

Friday, August 26, 2011

Blessings

Hi Everyone,

I know the song below is really popular right now but that is not why I posted it.

"Blessings" By Laura Story

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

My guess is that nearly every one of us has desires and longings that may seem right to us and that we pray about, but yet God in his wisdom, who sees the whole picture, says "no" or sometimes "wait." Or there may be circumstances that are hard that we can't change that God has allowed, and yet He has purposes much higher than our own. As this song says, He, knowing our hearts loves us too much to give us anything less than the absolute best--and the "Real True Best" may look totally different than what we would have ever imagined it to be. When it all comes down to the grind of living it out day by day, in the midst of the challenge, it comes down to TRUSTING that what He has said is best--IS BEST. That isn't always easy, but with His strength it is more than possible.. As the song says our greatest disappointments and the achings of this life reveal a deeper thirst---a thirst only met by Him that only He can satisfy....and maybe someday we will understand the blessing and the perfect plan that He had for us behind that hard circumstance or even why He said "no." Somehow the pain, the longing, the disappointment, the surrender (sometimes over and over again), and our trust in His perfect will, in the midst of a sinful world, can be part of the process to transform us to be more like Him---if we allow them to---and refuse to turn bitter instead.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A Slight Sense Of Completion

Hi Everyone,

Today we had our monthly New Worker's meeting and I (at least to my knowledge) have turned in all of my assignment requirements. The New Worker's orientation committee will get back to me if I am lacking anything else. I feel quite a slight sense of relief and completion.

Huge praise report that I chose to get out of my room intentionally away from my duties for a a few hours this evening--it was very nice to have a slight break.

Regarding Breaks: I am realizing that when I had my birds, I would take breaks a few times a day to play with them, enjoy their companionship, and spend time with them----but now that they are gone--my tendency is to work rather constantly.

My next big projects are organizing my sending base leaders' garage in such a way that others will be able to barrow things they lack. I also still need to finish organizing the prayer day for September 7th that I am in charge of, and finish organizing the upstairs office of our Sending base room in my leader's house.

Thanks for sticking with me! I will try to get a video and some devotionals up when things slow down. Praise God for His faithfulness!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

"Now, What Is It You Do Again?"

Hi Everyone,

About two weeks ago I had some opportunities to share the Gospel on my street because it became obvious that there was a little confusion about "What I am doing here." One person thinks I am some sort of official type counselor (Not true-I've just learned to practice listening to people and learned some tools to help others along the way.) And a few others were absolutely convinced that I was a Catholic nun. (Not true either----they probably partly think that because I am not married.)

So needless to say, I had some explaining to do about why I am here--(because of trusting in Jesus Christ and wanting others to trust Him too) and what I do. It really opened up some interesting conversations with people.....where I also got to learn where they are at in a spiritual sense.

You never know what people are thinking----and the opportunities that God will give you through it!

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Greetings

Hi Everyone,
I just wanted people who may be wondering that I am OK----just been really busy-----and will try to post more this week. I realize it has been five days since you heard from me. More tomorrow evening--Lord willing!
Crystal

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Obeying When It's Hard

Lord,
Give me an obedient heart to you even when it is hard. I want to honor You above all and live a life that is pleasing to you.

Monday, August 15, 2011

O Jesus I have Promised--Hymn

Hi Everyone,

A dear friend e-mailed me this hymn a day or so ago. I loved the words. What an awesome reminder no matter what our circumstances to stay committed to following Christ and living lives of obedience and service to Him. So Here it is.

"O Jesus I Have Promised"
Words by John E. Bode 1868
Music by Arthur H. Mann-1881

O Jesus I have promised to serve thee to the end;
Be thou forever near me my master and my friend;
I shall not fear the battle if thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if thou wilt be my guide.

O let me feel thee near me, the world is ever near;
I see the sights that dazzle, the tempting sounds I hear;
My foes are ever near me around me and within;
But, Jesus, draw thou nearer, and shield my soul from sin.

O let me hear thee speaking in accents clear and still,
Above the storms of passion, the murmurs of self-will;
O speak to reassure me, to hasten or control;
O speak and make me listen, thou guardian of my soul.

O Jesus, thou hast promised to all who follow thee,
That where thou art in glory there shall they servant be;
And, Jesus, I have promised to serve thee to the end;
O give me grace to follow, my master and my friend.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Youth Group Update

Hi Everyone,

Last night leading the youth group went awesome! They had a blast with the new game that I taught them and the teaching time went great too. I wish every youth group could have the unity and care for one another that these kids have---it is really something God has given to us. We spent time praying together for one another also.

It really was a huge bright spot being with them in spite of the challenges of the last few days.

Thank you for praying and for your continued prayers.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

News and Prayer

Hi Everyone,

So I came home from work yesterday and found my bird, Angel, dead. I am disappointed---and, as I said, am not planning to get another one because finding a tame one here is nearly impossible, and they are very expensive (whether tame or not). If I could get one that lived for ten years I could possibly justify the expense, but obviously as we know, that has not been the case. I am going to miss having a critter to care for---the companionship and entertainment-----simple pleasures are the best.

Otherwise, I am giving the Bible study time and in charge of the youth group time tonight. Pray that God would give me the words to say and that I would be able to bless the kids----and be ministered to as well. am hoping we will have time afterwards to hang out together.

I am also still working on organizing our team prayer day for September 7th. Pray that the Lord would bring it together!

Thanks for your prayers everyone! Please do pray for Conchita and for Elizabeth--another friend of mine----both are going through hard times right now.

Have a great day in Him!

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Conchita And I

Hi Everyone,

I thought I had posted a picture on my blog of Conchita and I but that does not appear to be the case. I went and talked to her tonight for about two hours. I gave her a copy of the Joni-Autobiography in Spanish that I had brought from the states. Pray that it would encourage her and that the Lord would continue to encourage her as well.Pray that I would continue to be have a true heart to listen and that I would know how to minister to her. Keep praying for the salvation of her husband and her two nearly adult children. Thanks!


Monday, August 8, 2011

Trust is A Treasure!

Hi Everyone,

The other day I found this picture above and realized I had never posted it. This is of Speckles. I must say I truly love Angel---but something in me at times misses Speckles. I saw what she would have looked like of she had grown up---uniquely beautiful! Indeed these two are very different birds. Angel trusts me but almost no one else, whereas Speckles trusted and was loving to everyone. But I must say I am so thankful Angel does trust me---what a different life it would be if she didn't.
So all of that said, I am AMAZED that such a little creature actually can get to the place of trusting something so much bigger than he or she is! It really is a treasure and oh so beautiful--and it makes a world of difference!
Lately I find myself quite grateful for Genesis 1:28 where man was given dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the living creatures. A tiny piece of God's creation lives right in my room with me! My birdie Angel is so precious----but the most wonderful thing is that she trusts me--I don't think anything else that she would "do" could match the joy of her trusting me--there is not a better gift she could give me than that!

And it all makes me think again in a greater way how OUR TRUST is the greatest gift we can give to the Lord--all He wants is our trust---it s the basis of having a personal relationship with Him. It brings Him joy. God is so much bigger than we are--He has the control of everything in this world in His hands. He provides and cares for us.

TRUST IS A TREASURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Sunday, August 7, 2011

Where Has The Bible Gone From Our Bible Studies?

Image is used open license from www.freefoto.com

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes I wonder what is happening when so many of our Bible studies that are typically used are full of comments or ideas from others--but seldom looking at the Word. Other peoples insights can be helpful, but are we simply studying? Or is it true Bible Study? There are definitely good materials out there but there is a lot of fluff and doctrinally incorrect stuff too. Just a thought--not that I claim to know everything---just a caution to be sure we are correctly dividing the Word of Truth-----and growing from the Word!

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Women's Bible Study

Hi Everyone,

Last Sunday a woman at church invited me to a Bible study tat is on thursday nights from 6:00 to 7:45. I decided to go partly for spiritual growth, partly to get to know other people at church besides the youth group. We will be meeting every Thursday for the next six months and there are 11 of us--sometime I will try to get a photo. On Thursday we all shared our testimonies of how we came to know the Lord so that was really neat to hear

Today the youth are all heading to an area pool and recreation park--I actually decided not to go and to stay here at home working on various different things that I really need to get done--so pray that this day would be really productive for me.

May the Lord bless you all! Thank you for sending me to Mexico! :)

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Awesome Tamale Making Day!

Hi Everyone,

This morning Olga (The lady whose house I rent a room at), Ivy (My Sending base leader's wife), and I got together and made yummy tamales! We took tons of pictures! Ivy was up really early cooking the green salsa, meat, mole, and vegetables.

After everything was cooked (a huge job) Olga and I arrived at Ivy's house. I cleaned the corn husks that the tamales are cooked in.

Olga made the dough with Ivy helping too. The dough is just right to use for the tamales when a small amount of it floats on top of a glass of water.
Pictured above: Olga is on the left and Ivy is on the right

We filled the corn husks with a little dough, the ingredients and put dough on the top, wrapping the corn husks

They then cook with water boiling water at the bottom for 45 minutes in the pressure cooker or longer in a regular pot.
And the end product is the best ever!!!! Deliciously tasty when they are made right! YUM!!!!!
We all had fun working together.
Well I need to quit posting on my blog and get back to work! Thanks for your prayers!

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Pictures And Update

HI Everyone,

I've been quite busy working on preparing the Bible Study time to give to the youth group at my church in two weeks, am in the next month hoping to start a children's club as an outreach to kids on my street, planning a prayer day for September, and am trying to work on some of my office administrator responsibilities.

Here are some pictures for you

Oranges anyone? Ripened on the tree and Not painted ! :)


Another one of Olga's awesome roses!

Have a great day everyone!