Jesus Calling for Tuesday, November 19, "Leave outcomes up to me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me. You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me."
I found out on Monday that Lydia would be moving out to her own host family at the end of the week so this devotional came at the right time. I didn't take the advice it offered, however, and I still worried about the end of the week and kept thinking about how I was going to be on my own and that it would get harder than it already was. I am trying to focus on the now and not ahead as God knows His perfect plan for my life. I know that everything will be fine and it will just be a minor adjustment and that I should be thankful that I don't have to go through the whole host family over again like Lydia is going through now.
My response that I wrote in my journal to this devotional was, "This is a good reminder that God has it all under control and He will me where He wants me. I shouldn't worry about the hard things or complain about what I don't like, but grasp onto the hand God has been holding out to me and accept that He is beside me throughout this whole journey. He has orchestrated it the way that He sees is best. God has me here for a purpose and I need to remember that."
Working with the teens who come on Tuesdays and Thursdays was my highlight this week. I am building stronger relationships with some of the girls and while there are still awkward moments and times when we don't know what to do, this week they taught me some more games and then Thursday myself and three of the girls spontaneously decided to hike the mountain in Mpophomeni. I mentioned that we should hike it sometime and they suggested now so we did. We hiked to the top and took some pictures on one of the girl's phone since I forgot my camera and then hiked/ran down. Because I forgot my camera, and Emily wants to join us now that she is working in Mpophomeni at a sister organization, we decided that we will try to do it again tomorrow (Tuesday the 26th). I am looking forward to spending time with these girls again.
Other highlights this week included going to half-price movie night on Tuesday to celebrate Emily's birthday, girls' night out with all the different youth groups and getting to be a princess for the night, getting free nectarines from the vegetable stand man after buying veggies for work, trying on my first sari, braai with Andrew and Karen's colleagues at ANiSA and meeting another girl my age that we can hang out with that and knows how to play Dutch Blitz, and numerous other little things that made this week a good one. It's hard to believe that this is the last week in November and today being the 25th marks three months gone from home, how time flies!
Monday, November 25, 2013
Monday, November 18, 2013
Starting to Fit In...
The past two weeks flew by. They were filled with hugs, laughter, peanut butter icing, driving, kids, eating chicken necks, a new driving companion to and from work, falling asleep on the couch - twice, - showers, peanut butter popcorn, Downton Abbey, Zulu, making Amagwanias (not sure how to spell that but basically funnel cake in ball form - delicious!), skyping my family and friends, Dominion, and more pretzel jello salad (which was finished in one night).
This past week was spent house sitting at Andrew and Karen's which was nice that Emily, Lydia, and I could spend the whole week together and cook and hangout. I realized, however, that in the comfort of that home, I was more likely to hurry through my devotions rather than spend time in them since I had my friends around to talk to. I definitely have to be more conscious that I need to talk to God and spend time with Him when everything is going smoothly because I can't just make the habit of going to Him when things are hard, but in every situation.
A highlight from this week was on Thursday at work in the afternoon with the older kids. I was talking to two of the girls, Ntokozo and Nolwazi, when I had to go pick up Emily from work because she is now also working in Mpophomeni. The girls wanted to come with me and then one of the guys (who had just spend two hours cleaning my car inside and out since my boss wanted to give him something to do so he cleaned our cars along with his friend) also wanted to come along. The five minute car ride to pick up Emily was filled with joking and laughter and while I couldn't understand a lot of what was being said, I couldn't help but laugh at their joy. Once we picked up Emily, because I owed Sbusiso since he washed my car, when he asked if I could take him home, I obliged. First, we went back and picked up his friend Sphesihle since he lives nearby and then we piled into the car and again the car was filled with laughter and yelling and through all the joking around, it made me feel like I belonged there. I felt as though we had known each other for years and it was so natural for us all to be together, crammed into that car. As soon as the four of those kids were dropped off at their various homes, the car felt empty. I can't wait to build those relationships more and for the laughter and joking around with each other to be an every day occurrence.
The Jesus Calling on Tuesday the 12th was evident that afternoon. It says, "This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you."
This past week was spent house sitting at Andrew and Karen's which was nice that Emily, Lydia, and I could spend the whole week together and cook and hangout. I realized, however, that in the comfort of that home, I was more likely to hurry through my devotions rather than spend time in them since I had my friends around to talk to. I definitely have to be more conscious that I need to talk to God and spend time with Him when everything is going smoothly because I can't just make the habit of going to Him when things are hard, but in every situation.
A highlight from this week was on Thursday at work in the afternoon with the older kids. I was talking to two of the girls, Ntokozo and Nolwazi, when I had to go pick up Emily from work because she is now also working in Mpophomeni. The girls wanted to come with me and then one of the guys (who had just spend two hours cleaning my car inside and out since my boss wanted to give him something to do so he cleaned our cars along with his friend) also wanted to come along. The five minute car ride to pick up Emily was filled with joking and laughter and while I couldn't understand a lot of what was being said, I couldn't help but laugh at their joy. Once we picked up Emily, because I owed Sbusiso since he washed my car, when he asked if I could take him home, I obliged. First, we went back and picked up his friend Sphesihle since he lives nearby and then we piled into the car and again the car was filled with laughter and yelling and through all the joking around, it made me feel like I belonged there. I felt as though we had known each other for years and it was so natural for us all to be together, crammed into that car. As soon as the four of those kids were dropped off at their various homes, the car felt empty. I can't wait to build those relationships more and for the laughter and joking around with each other to be an every day occurrence.
The Jesus Calling on Tuesday the 12th was evident that afternoon. It says, "This is a time of abundance in your life. Your cup runneth over with blessings. After plodding uphill for many weeks, you are now traipsing through lush meadows drenched in warm sunshine. I want you to enjoy to the full this time of ease and refreshment. I delight in providing it for you."
Monday, November 4, 2013
Thanksgiving
The weeks are flying by. It has already been two months which means only about eight to go. That sounds like nothing. It's making me realize more and more that I need to take advantage of this time here because I want to make the most of it. It's nice because the homesickness isn't as bad (maybe because last Monday I skyped with my Mom for two hours (and Carissa a little bit before she left for school), skyped Aaron for about five minutes before he headed off to class, messaged Amanda back and forth for a little, skyping Adrienne for a bit before we lost connection, and talked to my Grammy for awhile and got to hear about her trip in South Africa (unfortunately it didn't work for us to meet up). It felt good to hear from home and hear the voices of my family and it got the week off to a good start.
I received the verse Ephesians 6:7-8 from my Dad, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This is a good reminder for the year, even when it seems like I'm not doing much or I'm tired or frustrated, if I need to remember that I gave this to God and that I am here to serve others, but ultimately, Him. The Jesus Calling for Thursday, October 31 was one that spoke to me also about serving, "Learn to listen to Me even while you are listening to other people. As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground. You need the help of my Spirit to respond appropriately. Ask Him to think through you, live through you, love through you. My own being is alive within you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If you respond to others' needs through your unaided thought processes, you offer them dry crumbs. When the Spirit empowers your listening and speaking, My streams of living water flow through you to other people. Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others." I like this because it talks about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into others' lives when we learn to listen and obey what it is telling us. It is a constant guide for us to follow and then we can bless others.
Then Friday's and Saturday's Jesus Callings I also loved but Friday's felt as though it was written specifically for me for the things that I have been struggling with: "Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence.
When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised. You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you. Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days." I easily get distracted and I bring myself down, thinking that I am a terrible Christian and that I should have this great passion that nothing can pull me away from God, but I have to work to that point. The more that I push through the distractions and away from the world, the easier it will get for me to automatically talk to God throughout the day and spend time with Him. God does not punish us for being human, He instead waits for us and will never give up on us.
So this week was filled with great devotional times, buying and eating the biggest slice of chocolate cake that I have ever seen for only $1.50, acting as a bride (the main part) in a skit at youth group Wednesday night - I still don't know how I ended up doing that when I hate acting, driving in my first hail storm, holding a bird for the first time of my own free will (for those of you who don't know I hate birds because of numerous awful stories), taking someone to the gas station because they needed to fill up bottles after they ran out, getting put in charge of planning a trip to Durban for the older kids that will hopefully fit in our budget (which I don't understand because I have only been here for two months and haven't got the slightest clue in how to even plan a trip like this in the U.S., watching Diwali fireworks, and celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday.
Thanksgiving was definitely the highlight of my week. We met at Andrew and Karen's house for a breakfast of baked oatmeal (which we downed) before spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing a bit, going on a walk, and then preparing a Thanksgiving meal. My contribution was pretzel jello salad which turned out to be a hit after many skeptical comments. The other aspects of the meal were the turkey obviously - it may have been the best turkey I have even eaten - cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Appletizer, Peartizer, and then later for dessert roibos tea, pumpkin dessert, and shoofly pie. It was maybe my favorite Thanksgiving because I enjoyed the food like never before since it reminded me of home; and the people I celebrated it with have become part of my family. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for and God has blessed me more than I could ever put into words. Psalm 116:7 says, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." He has; I hope that is something that I will never forget.
I received the verse Ephesians 6:7-8 from my Dad, "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free." This is a good reminder for the year, even when it seems like I'm not doing much or I'm tired or frustrated, if I need to remember that I gave this to God and that I am here to serve others, but ultimately, Him. The Jesus Calling for Thursday, October 31 was one that spoke to me also about serving, "Learn to listen to Me even while you are listening to other people. As they open their souls to your scrutiny, you are on holy ground. You need the help of my Spirit to respond appropriately. Ask Him to think through you, live through you, love through you. My own being is alive within you in the Person of the Holy Spirit. If you respond to others' needs through your unaided thought processes, you offer them dry crumbs. When the Spirit empowers your listening and speaking, My streams of living water flow through you to other people. Be a channel of My Love, Joy, and Peace by listening to Me as you listen to others." I like this because it talks about the outpouring of the Holy Spirit into others' lives when we learn to listen and obey what it is telling us. It is a constant guide for us to follow and then we can bless others.
Then Friday's and Saturday's Jesus Callings I also loved but Friday's felt as though it was written specifically for me for the things that I have been struggling with: "Do not be discouraged by the difficulty of keeping your focus on Me. I know that your heart's desire is to be aware of My Presence continually. This is a lofty goal; you aim toward it but never fully achieve it in this life. Don't let feelings of failure weigh you down. Instead, try to see yourself as I see you. First of all, I am delighted by your deep desire to walk closely with me through your life. I am pleased each time you initiate communication with Me. In addition, I notice the progress you have made since you first resolved to live in My Presence.
When you realize that your mind has wandered away from Me, don't be alarmed or surprised. You live in a world that has been rigged to distract you. Each time you plow your way through the massive distractions to communicate with Me, you achieve a victory. Rejoice in these tiny triumphs, and they will increasingly light up your days." I easily get distracted and I bring myself down, thinking that I am a terrible Christian and that I should have this great passion that nothing can pull me away from God, but I have to work to that point. The more that I push through the distractions and away from the world, the easier it will get for me to automatically talk to God throughout the day and spend time with Him. God does not punish us for being human, He instead waits for us and will never give up on us.
So this week was filled with great devotional times, buying and eating the biggest slice of chocolate cake that I have ever seen for only $1.50, acting as a bride (the main part) in a skit at youth group Wednesday night - I still don't know how I ended up doing that when I hate acting, driving in my first hail storm, holding a bird for the first time of my own free will (for those of you who don't know I hate birds because of numerous awful stories), taking someone to the gas station because they needed to fill up bottles after they ran out, getting put in charge of planning a trip to Durban for the older kids that will hopefully fit in our budget (which I don't understand because I have only been here for two months and haven't got the slightest clue in how to even plan a trip like this in the U.S., watching Diwali fireworks, and celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday.
Thanksgiving was definitely the highlight of my week. We met at Andrew and Karen's house for a breakfast of baked oatmeal (which we downed) before spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing a bit, going on a walk, and then preparing a Thanksgiving meal. My contribution was pretzel jello salad which turned out to be a hit after many skeptical comments. The other aspects of the meal were the turkey obviously - it may have been the best turkey I have even eaten - cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Appletizer, Peartizer, and then later for dessert roibos tea, pumpkin dessert, and shoofly pie. It was maybe my favorite Thanksgiving because I enjoyed the food like never before since it reminded me of home; and the people I celebrated it with have become part of my family. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for and God has blessed me more than I could ever put into words. Psalm 116:7 says, "Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." He has; I hope that is something that I will never forget.
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