God. Wow. Today I feel so much better. It could possibly be the nap I had this afternoon, or maybe my ability to use the internet and connect with the world. And - THERE WERE STARS TONIGHT. We had worship out under them and it was so amazing. Nothing compares to shooting stars in the sky and lightning bugs down below. The occasional bright lightning was also impresive. The lights went out tonight just as we sat down to eat. But I realized something - I'm not afraid of the dark anymore. I was able to walk into my room, reach around in my bug infested room, grab my flashlight, and return to the kitchen. I even ate my boiled bananas and yuca without being able to see it. Is it possible it actually tasted good? I know that it is an important step in recovering from culture shock, but I never saw myself wanting more boiled bananas. God, I know you are here helping me. Through you, I can do this. But only with you. My classes and difficult and the children tiring, but I am renewed. Tomorrow I may wake up discouraged again, but help me to remember today. Thank you God for a renewed perspective.
Joshua 1:9
John 3:27-30
His Servant Ashley
Thursday, August 30, 2007
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2 comments:
Ashley,
Glad to hear things are going better. And that you like boiled bananas and yucca--err, at least growing to tolerate them. (Personally, I am a big yucca fan)
I try to live for those moments of resolution and remember their sound when things are horribly dissonant. I wish you many moments of harmony.
You and Kayla are on my official fellow SM prayer list. Have fun.
Warning: subsequent comments may be in Spanish...hay que aprender, sí o sí
Phillip Gray
escapethegray.blogspot.com
Ashley, Grandpa asked me to post the following for him. I'm going to teach him how to comment for himself (and then watch out...).
Hi Ashley,
Grandma and I are reading with interest the progress reports on your Blog. We can see that the transition will definitely take dependence on Jesus and HE will not let you down as you have already experienced. Your reports have brought tears of joy and concern to us but we serve a loving God who promises, "What I lead you to do, I'll supply the strength to carry you through." In my time with the Lord this morning I came across this amazing quote from DA and I thought of you and Kayla since you are doing just what the author is talking about. WE love you so much and pray daily and when impressed for you and Kayla. Duet. 1:21 says, ". . .as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has said to you; have no fear and do not be troubled." Grandma and I both send our love to you. Here's the quote.
The Saviour has given His precious life in order to establish a church capable of caring for sorrowful, tempted souls. A company of believers may be poor, uneducated, and unknown; yet in Christ they may do a work in the home, the neighborhood, the church, and even in "the regions beyond," whose results shall be as far-reaching as eternity.
It is because this work is neglected that so many young disciples never advance beyond the mere alphabet of Christian experience. The light which was glowing in their own hearts when Jesus spoke to them, "Thy sins be forgiven thee," they might have kept alive by helping those in need. The restless energy that is so often a source of danger to the young might be directed into channels through which it would flow out in streams of blessing. Self would be forgotten in earnest work to do others good.
Those who minister to others will be ministered unto by the Chief Shepherd. They themselves will drink of the living water, and will be satisfied. They will not be longing for exciting amusements, or for some change in their lives. The great topic of interest will be, how to save the souls that are ready to perish. Social intercourse will be profitable. The love of the Redeemer will draw hearts together in unity.
When we realize that we are workers together with God, His promises will not be spoken with indifference. They will burn in our hearts, and kindle upon our lips. To Moses, when called to minister to an ignorant, undisciplined, and rebellious people, God gave the promise, "My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." And He said, "Certainly I will be with thee." Ex. 33:14; 3:12. This promise is to all who labor in Christ's stead for His afflicted and suffering ones.
Love to man is the earthward manifestation of the love of God. It was to implant this love, to make us children of one family, that the King of glory became one with us. And when His parting words are fulfilled, "Love one another, as I have loved you" (John 15:12); when we love the world as He has loved it, then for us His mission is accomplished. We are fitted for heaven; for we have heaven in our hearts.
Love ya,
Grandma and gramps D
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