On October 16 we celebrated (quietly) six years in Costa Rica. God has been good to us; that's the sum of these years. When Tom and I prayed in 2003 for the courage to "Step out of the boat", we had no idea what it would mean! We never knew it would mean 6 years (and counting) in Costa Rica, a fulfilling ministry, or a third baby girl!
Someone once told me that God takes us to different places so that HE can work something new in us. We don't go just for a job. He wants us to learn something about Him, about ourselves or others. It's not always easy. In fact, sometimes it is very painful. We have had those moments here too!
"He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." (Malachi 3:3). You and I are already silver. But, He sits and commits to refine us. If it means us being in Costa Rica to do that, then so be it.
The main reason for this post is to say "Thank you" to those of you who have loved us and let us go on this journey. Our parents and siblings, thank you for letting us go and always welcoming us back. Friends, thank you for your interest in us and your prayers. To the faithful few that have supported us financially and faithfully all these years, thank you also. We know those dollars have added up and we hope we have been a good investment in God's Kingdom.
Thank you also to the many students that have passed through Portantorchas and through our home. You are why we are here. We came to serve you and you have made it joyful! Thank you for being our friends on this journey. We will welcome you back any day!
October 27, 2009
October 15, 2009
One of Those Days
Today happens to be one of those days. Not a bad day, in fact I did wake up happy and praising God on my pillow.
But you know how it happens, some days are just blah. I am feeling fine, but there’s something that’s bothering me a little bit. Unfortunately for me, if I dig a little deeper, I often find out that I am struggling in a relationship with someone. Maybe they have said something to me that I am still trying to understand the motive for. Or someone has done something that I think is impolite or unethical. At times these little things can eat away at my contentment.
I have found the answer that best satisfies me. I will share it with you because no doubt you have had days like this also, when the world seems carefree, but something is nagging on the inside. I am still working on putting this into practice, and it takes effort, but I WANT to see the fruit of it!
First of all, my happiness is tied closely to an attitude of repentance. We all make mistakes, and we all need a Savior. Knowing that my ransom has been paid is liberating to me. I confess my sins, and I know from His Word that I am forgiven.
Second, I let God do His work in others. Maybe someone has truly done something wrong, or maybe not! Oh well, it’s NOT my problem! “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?” It is God’s work, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit and through discipline, to correct someone’s behavior.
Phew. Even just writing this reminds me of the peace that Scripture gives. God has everything under control. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Thank you Jesus for the gift of today, and for the freedom to enjoy it.
But you know how it happens, some days are just blah. I am feeling fine, but there’s something that’s bothering me a little bit. Unfortunately for me, if I dig a little deeper, I often find out that I am struggling in a relationship with someone. Maybe they have said something to me that I am still trying to understand the motive for. Or someone has done something that I think is impolite or unethical. At times these little things can eat away at my contentment.
I have found the answer that best satisfies me. I will share it with you because no doubt you have had days like this also, when the world seems carefree, but something is nagging on the inside. I am still working on putting this into practice, and it takes effort, but I WANT to see the fruit of it!
First of all, my happiness is tied closely to an attitude of repentance. We all make mistakes, and we all need a Savior. Knowing that my ransom has been paid is liberating to me. I confess my sins, and I know from His Word that I am forgiven.
Second, I let God do His work in others. Maybe someone has truly done something wrong, or maybe not! Oh well, it’s NOT my problem! “There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbor?” It is God’s work, through the conviction of the Holy Spirit and through discipline, to correct someone’s behavior.
Phew. Even just writing this reminds me of the peace that Scripture gives. God has everything under control. “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Thank you Jesus for the gift of today, and for the freedom to enjoy it.
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