Colossians 1 assures us that we were created by Him and for Him.
There is a desire within us that never seems to be filled.
If you find yourself weary at the end of the day, you are not alone. Our souls grow tired and weak with every passing moment of striving on our own. The simple truth is, we were made to function on every level of life walking along side our Father.
Until we are truly connected and in communion with God on a continual basis in heaven, we will grow tired. He is refining us here on earth. All the desires of your heart, mind, and spirit are meant to be filled by Him.
When you're tired, know that we all are. In those moments, embrace the fact that He wants to "fill your life with good things, and renew your youth" (Psalm 103). He knows what we need, and knows we need to grow weary and tired to acknowledge where our strength comes from.
What a beautiful picture He is painting in our lives. Strokes of blue like the skies and strokes of red like pain all come together for our freedom as he orchestrates all things for our good.
This is a story where you end up at His feet at the beginning and the end. He is continually drawing us to Himself.
Lean back into the open arms of grace.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
First Nicaraguan Wedding
We knew we could be late because nothing starts on time here. Twenty minutes really means an hour and 3pm is actually 4pm. We were relieved when we arrived 45 minutes late and the bride was nowhere to be seen. The dust from the dirt road added the missing element to all of our clean clothes.
We patiently waited and she came walking down the road with her groom by her side.
Here we were, at a church in the middle of the woods with a dirt floor.
There was a service in progress that came to a stop when the bride and groom arrived. They marched the two up front and said a few words about marriage.
After the pastor had welcomed everyone and made a special announcement that there were "Gringos" present, the greeting began. One by one, everyone in attendance walked up front and gave both the bride and groom a big hug and a "Felizidades".
We don't need much to make us happy, and these two had found what little it takes. It seems almost everyday I meet another person who is happier and more fulfilled than the last. I am continually encouraged by the simple and humble lives that the people of Nicaragua lead. Stories like that of Belkie and Vanessa from my support video are so frequent. The Lord is refining my heart here.
It's comforting to know that the Lord knew where we would be today.
Acts 17
26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
All that you see and experience is designed to bring you back to His feet. Embrace and enjoy this truth. He loves us enough to give us what really satisfies us. Himself.
More to come.
Joey
We patiently waited and she came walking down the road with her groom by her side.
Here we were, at a church in the middle of the woods with a dirt floor.
There was a service in progress that came to a stop when the bride and groom arrived. They marched the two up front and said a few words about marriage.
After the pastor had welcomed everyone and made a special announcement that there were "Gringos" present, the greeting began. One by one, everyone in attendance walked up front and gave both the bride and groom a big hug and a "Felizidades".
We don't need much to make us happy, and these two had found what little it takes. It seems almost everyday I meet another person who is happier and more fulfilled than the last. I am continually encouraged by the simple and humble lives that the people of Nicaragua lead. Stories like that of Belkie and Vanessa from my support video are so frequent. The Lord is refining my heart here.
It's comforting to know that the Lord knew where we would be today.
Acts 17
26 From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. 27 God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.
All that you see and experience is designed to bring you back to His feet. Embrace and enjoy this truth. He loves us enough to give us what really satisfies us. Himself.
More to come.
Joey
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