Don't get me wrong, struggles still come -- and have come in these past weeks -- but it is such a blessed assurance to know that God is always there with you and never abandones you!
Preparations for our departure to the States continue. We are planning to Thursday morning early -- like 3am. Keep us in prayer!
Our weather here has been in a constant state of change. It has never really gotten cold, but we did have one day that was moderately warm rather than extremely hot. One night you are so sweaty that you can't get to sleep and the next you are sleeping with a blanket!?!? It's because of the storm systems up in the mountains... but as long as the coolness lasts I will not complain!
But you know, even the heat can be a blessing. Sure it's hard to deal with and sweating all the time isn't exactly my ideal, but it really tests your patience and God has used it to show me how my attitude is -- it's really hard to hide a bad attitude in frustrating heat and while doing hard work. The only way to avoid striking out in anger in a frustrating situation is to not have anger in your heart to begin with. For, as the Scripture says:
Luke 6:45
"The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is
good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil; for
his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.
So, if I want to be a blessing to others it has to start with me first!
Last week we went to Los Mochis and while we were there a huge storm hit. Since it was raining too hard for us to drive home we ended up staying the night with some friends. I had never had that happen before, so for me the experience was unique! -- One thing that I absolutely love about Mexico are the thunder storms. They are AMAZING! We get winds and rain, but above all we get lightning and thunder! The lightning strikes and then... CRASH! The thunder sounds! My personal favorites are the storms where the thunders sounds something like a whip. Perhaps this is strange of me, but I can't help it. Every time I hear the thunder it just makes me think of how awesome and powerful a God I serve. The trees and plants might show His beauty, but the thunder and brilliant lightning show His might! -- Anyway, back to what I was saying...
We were originally in Los Mochis to visit with some of our friends and also to attend the youth meeting. The week that we were there the youth pastor had decided to show a video instead of giving a message. I really appreciated the sermon. It was called Return to Christianity but you can find it on Youtube under The Shocking Youth Message (Paul Washer). It was the most moving and convicting sermon that I have ever heard from a man. God used him powerfully.
There was one phrase in particular at the beginning that really caught my attention. Paul was talking about how watered down Christians and Christianity had become in the States. I don't remember exactly what he said, but it was something to the effect of "we have forgotten what true Christianity is and we need to change" and after he said that everyone applauded and some people even whistled. When the applause had died down, Paul look out over the audience and said, "I don't know what you are applauding about; I am talking about you." Ouch.
I recommend the video as an hour well spent. Even if you don't agree with everything that he has to say it really makes you think and, more importantly, examine yourself.
Alright, now I have done! I will try and get back on here soon with pictures... we'll see how soon "soon" really is!
May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding be with you all!
Hey girl! Thanks so much for the sweet comment on my blog! I really appreciate your love and support! It is a blessing to me. :)
ReplyDeleteAlready that close to your leaving for the States?! That is sad because we probably wont be able to see you!!! :( Oh well, God knows and perhaps He will work it out another time .... or maybe He will work it out for us to come to Mexico again and see you! :D That would be neat too!
That is kind of funny that thoughts you had were on anger and keeping a good attitude because our lesson last week in youth class was about anger and handling it the way God wants us too! Our memory verse was Romans 12:17-19 ... "Recompense to man evil for evil; provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceable with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengence is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord." (that's from memory so I think I have it right! :P)
No, your not weird for liking T-storms! They're awesome! We had one like we haven't had for aWHILE a few months ago! Pretty crazy, but very neat too! And yes, totally shows God's power .... but can you imagine, also the way that can work on people who aren't saved and serving God? I often pray that it will shake people and make them realize that God is real and powerful if they aren't saved. God can work in things like that you know! :D
Well, I'm gonna scram! Company today! Hope you have a good week and a good trip- AND if you do happen to make your way this way .... don't forget us!!! :D Love ya!!!
Oh my word! Did not realize that comment was so long! lol. Nastya is rubbing off on me! :P
ReplyDeleteHey dear - how have you been? I miss you and hope you're doing well. I'm sure keeping busy and doing great works for Him! hugs!
ReplyDeleteHello Yochana...
ReplyDeleteYou are probably safe in Riverside right now, having blasts like you've never had before (without me...sniffs). Id do indeed hope your trip was a safe, happy, and not-too-tedious one...I mean, Riverside is aLOT closer to you than we are!:) I hope you thoroughly enjoy the excitement only the States can give you!!! (Ok, ok...Mexico has excitement that only IT can give you as well...so we're even now.) Three AM is REALLY early to have to wake up...it's just...unconstitutional (for lack of a more demonstrative word). When we were in Ensenada, we had to get up at 3:30 to get to the border before 5AM. It was just plain wrong, let me tell you. Took us forever to recover from it:). We got to the border while still dark, and all the native Mexicans are running frantically in and out of traffic waving their arms and screaming "BURRITOS!!! CHURROS!!!" I think I was too nervous to stomach anything, if I had even tried! lol.
Yes, thunderstorms are the most awesome things ever. No rollercoaster ride can ever give you that kind of thrill! You and I can definitely agree on this. That and the ocean...both give you such a feeling of smallness...helplessness. Really - tell me again that there isn't a God! How can anyone deny it after really observing creation?
That whole "watered-down Christian" thing is SO VERY TRUE. I think it's so easy for us, especially here in the States, because we have everything and lack nothing. Being a Christian is convenient. All you have to do is say a prayer and you're good for life, and you can go on doing whatever you want. It makes no difference - you now have eternal security. Right? WRONG! The Bible talks about the "Laodicean Age" where people will grow "neither hot nor cold", and we're definitely in that time. It's so easy to do nothing. It's so easy just to relax and sit back. But we CAN'T!!
I'm looking at all the recent comments on your sidebar and couldn't help laughing. From bottom to top it reads -
NASTYA ANDREYOVNA
Felecia
Felecia
Felecia
Felecia
Miss Jocelyn
Well...I guess you have a pretty good idea of who your faithful audience is! lol.
Take care! Looking forward to cabillions of pictures. Soon! Have a most splendid trip, and we'll be praying for that ACT!
Much Love,
NASTYACHKA
www.daughtersoflight.wordpress.com