"But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God." My times are in Your hands..." Psalms 31:14-15
This verse has really stuck out to me lately. I have to remember that "my times" are in His hands. He has my future already figured out, He knows what tomorrow holds. My job is to fully surrender to Him and trust Him!
What has God called you to do? What dreams do you have? Today my pastor said a phrase that really made me think, he said, "The day we stop dreaming is the day we start dying." God has placed within you dreams and callings and He wants you to dream big! 1 Thessalonians 5:24 "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it...." He is so faithful and when we partner with Him awesome things can and will happen!
So my challenge to you (and to myself) is to ask God and seek Him for what He wants you to do, where He wants you to go and how He wants to use you. Put your trust in Him and keep dreaming!
I heard this story and was so moved by it that I had to share it!..
I pray that as you read it, you are inspired & moved. God still speaks and He answers prayers today!
***A young man had been to Wednesday night Bible Study. The Pastor had shared about listening to God and obeying the Lord's voice. The young man couldn't help but wonder, "Does God still speak to people?"After service he went out with some friends for coffee and pie and they discussed the message. Several different ones talked about how God had led them in different ways. It was about ten o'clock when the young man started driving home. Sitting in his car, he just began to pray,"God... If you still speak to people, speak to me. I will listen. I will do my best to obey." As he drove down the main street of his town, he had the strangest thought to stop and buy a gallon of milk. He shook his head and said out loud, "God is that you?" He didn't get a reply and started on toward home. But again, the thought, buy a gallon of milk. The young man thought about Samuel and how he didn't recognize the voice of God, and how little Samuel ran to Eli. "Okay, God, in case that is you, I will buy the milk." It didn't seem like too hard a test of obedience. He could always use the milk. He stopped and purchased the gallon of milk and started off toward home. As he passed Seventh Street, he again felt the urge, "Turn down that street." This is crazy he thought and drove on past the intersection. Again, he felt that he should turn down Seventh Street. At the next intersection, he returned back and headed down Seventh. Half jokingly, he said out loud, "Okay, God, I will". He drove several blocks, when suddenly, he felt like he should stop. He pulled over to the curb and looked around. He was in semi-commercial area of town. It wasn't the best but it wasn't the worst of neighborhoods either. The businesses were closed and most of the houses looked dark like the people were already in bed. Again, he sensed something, "Go and give the milk to the people in the house across the street." The young man looked at the house. It was dark and it looked like the people were either gone or they were already asleep. He started to open the door and then sat back in the car seat. "Lord, this is insane. Those people are asleep and if I wake them up, they are going to be mad and I will look stupid." Again, he felt like he should go and give the milk. Finally, he opened the door, "Okay God, if this is you, I will go to the door and I will give them the milk. If you want me to look like a crazy person, okay. I want to be obedient. I guess that will count for something but if they don't answer right away, I am out of here." He walked across the street and rang the bell. He could hear some noise inside. A man's voice yelled out, "Who is it? What do you want?" Then the door opened before the young man could get away. The man was standing there in his jeans and T-shirt. He looked like he just got out of bed. He had a strange look on his face and he didn't seem too happy to have some stranger standing on his doorstep. "What is it?" The young man thrust out the gallon of milk, "Here, I brought this to you." The man took the milk and rushed down a hallway speaking loudly in Spanish. Then from down the hall came a woman carrying the milk toward the kitchen. The man was following her holding a baby. The baby was crying. The man had tears streaming down his face. The man began speaking and half crying, "We were just praying. We had some big bills this month and we ran out of money. We didn't have any milk for our baby. I was just praying and asking God to show me how to get some milk." His wife in the kitchen yelled out, "I asked him to send an Angel with some. Are you an Angel?" The young man reached into his wallet and pulled out all the money he had on him and put in the man's hand. He turned and walked back toward his car and the tears were streaming down his face. He knew that God still answers prayers.***
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:2
What about you? In what areas of your walk with God do you need to be more obedient? He will speak to you, lead you and answer your prayers!
"Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals... Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." Psalm 150
This psalm talks about praising God in different ways, with dance, different instruments,in different places or situations, and praising Him for what He has done, praising Him for His greatness. Let everything that has breath praise Him! It doesn't matter where or how we praise Him just that we do in the midst of any situation. Sometimes it is easy to praise God and sometimes it is really difficult. Trials and hard times can lead us away from God or cause us to forget the good things He has done for us. But remember that Praise comes from our hearts and that it is all about HIM. As I reflected on this Psalm and what Praise and Worship really mean I was reminded of the worship song, "Heart of Worship," as you read the lyrics really think about them...
---
Heart of Worship
When the music fades
And all is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the ways things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You
All about You, Jesus
I'm sorry Lord for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much You deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath
---
Our Praise and Worship to Him needs to be completely about HIM. It has nothing to do with me or you or us... We need to realize that worship comes from the heart, from deep with in us. Not just a few songs we sing on Sunday.
You have breath so praise HIM!... No, it doesn't have to be with song. It can be in your everyday coming and going. Think of ways that you can PRAISE Him today, in your present circumstances and your current situations... And remember its "All about You, Jesus."
I heard this song today by Kari Jobe called "Find You on my Knees" and I was once again reminded of how faithful God is to speak to me through music and lyrics of songs. The lyrics are posted below but a part of the song that really stuck out was the bridge where the words say "When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong. When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal. When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that You lift me up, You never leave me searching..."
This week has been a crazy one (already... its only Tuesday!) and though there is A LOT to look forward to (Pentatonix Concert tonight, Iron Man 3 on Thursday!) the troubles of life, car problems, work problems, financial problems, all seem to pile up... And instead of looking at the good I tend to focus on the bad...
Today, in the midst of all my "problems", God reminded me that He is faithful, that when fear is strong, when pain and hurt are real, He is there lifting me up. He will never leave me. "So what if sorrow shakes my faith, What if heartache still remains, I'll trust you, my God I'll trust you. 'Cause You are faithful" That is my prayer today... not only for myself but for all of you (whoever happens to read this blog). That you would trust in Him, trust Him to bring you through whatever may be weighing you down or filling your mind today. He is Faithful!
Remind yourself today of all the ways He has been faithful, of all the times He came through. Reflect on those things and rest in Him!
Find You on my Knees
by Kari Jobe
Troubles chasing me again,
Breaking down my best defense,
I'm looking, God, I'm looking for you
Weary just won't let me rest and fear is filling up my head.
I'm longing, God I'm longing for you
But I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees.
So what if sorrow shakes my faith,
What if heartache still remains,
I'll trust you, my God I'll trust you.
'Cause You are faithful and
I will find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
You lift me up, you'll never leave me thirsty,
When I am weak, when I am lost and searching
I'll find you on my knees, my knees.
When my hope is gone, when the fear is strong
When the pain is real, when it's hard to heal
When my faith is shaken and my heart is broken and my joy is stolen, God I know that
You lift me up, you'll never leave me searching,
Find you in the place I'm in, find you when I'm at my end,
Find you when there's nothing left of me to offer you except for brokenness.
“The
LORD said [to Elijah], "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence
of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful
wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the
Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord
was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was
not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard
it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of
the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?”
1
Kings 19:11-13
This
story has always been one of my favorites… It reminds me of how God talks to
His people. I know that we, as Christians, sometimes think that God will talk
to us with this booming voice saying exactly what we need to do or where to go. (Which He sometimes does!)
The thing is though, generally God talks to us in different ways like through a gentle whisper, or through the
words of a song or the words of a friend.
I
was reminded of this recently when I was answering a friend’s text message. I
was telling him that I've been busy lately, not overly busy, but that
the drama of work and personal life can sometimes make life seem busier. I told
him that I’m trying to remember to take life one day at a time... His response
really hit home and was exactly what I needed to hear. He said, “We have to
seek contentment and peace in any situation God places you in life… Sometimes
that means just taking things one day at a time! But you can always take heart
knowing that God is for you and with you even if you don’t know what tomorrow
will bring.” Without even knowing it my friend spoke God’s promises and truths
to me about what I have been seeking Him about. What a great reminder that God
knows my every need, hears every heart cry and knows how to speak to me.
What
are some areas you've been seeking God? Rest assured that He
does hear you, He is listening and He is speaking to you! It just might not be
exactly how you’d expect it!
"It is better to fight the battle within yourself than starting a war."
A wise friend of mine said this phrase and it has stuck with me. I've been mulling it over in my head and thinking about how it relates to the spiritual realm. A verse that popped into my head was Ephesians 6:12 "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." There is a daily battle that we as Christians face. Not physically among others in the world but against the spiritual darkness.
Every day we struggle with things internally, sometimes we shrug it off as "Oh, that's just life," but really it’s Satan attacking us from within. If we don't fight against it (not in our own strength but with GOD's help) then it eats us inside and we turn it outward, to others, affecting our work places, our friendships, and our relationships. In this daily struggle with the powers of darkness within yourself remember that the battle belongs to the LORD.
1 Samuel 17:47 "The Lord doesn't save by using sword or a spear... The battle belongs to the Lord." Surrender it to Him, let Him fight for you!
The battle belongs to the Lord and he graciously fights for you. What in your life do you need to give over to GOD to fight for you?
John 11:43-44, "Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." "
Lazarus was dead... Not just kind of dead he was DEAD. He had been in the grave for 4 days. When Jesus came to him He had a different idea. Jesus called Lazarus out of the grave and miraculously he was given his life back.
Thats just like us. We are dead in our sins, even the little sins can hold you back. But Jesus is saying to you, "Take off the grace clothes..." (Verse 44) Imagine the freedom that Lazarus must have felt taking off those smelly rotten grave clothes! YOU can have that same freedom through Christ!
Reflect on this verse and ask yourself "What's holding me back?" and "What's binding me?" Then allow Him to put new garments on you, as it says in Isaiah 61:10, "For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness..."
AMEN!
My trip to Cambodia has come to an end and I don't really know how to put into words the way I feel. The people the experiences all are in my heart and mind... but how do I say it?? I can't answer that but I know that God brought me here for a reason. He had (and has) big things in store for me. And the awesome thing is that I can know He has awesome things in store for the people that I've met and built relationships with here.
"When you are in the final days of your life, what will you want?... Will you hug that college degree in the walnut frame? Will you ask to be carried to the garage so you can sit in your car? Will you find comfort in rereading your financial statement? Of course not. What will matter then will be people. If relationships will matter most then, shouldn't they matter most now?" -Max Lucado
To the students I taught at AHIS I know that each one of them is special and though some of them may not be Christians they are at a Christian school with amazing teachers. They are learning about the bible and singing songs about Him. I can only pray that some day I will see them in Heaven. To my Teaching Assistants.. I could not have done it this summer without them. Having no clue what exactly to expect they rolled with the punches! I thought I would have about 12 kids at the beginning and ended up with 19. My two TA's were so great. Both of them are moms and I pray that they will continue following God and living for Him. I know that they are great teachers and have amazing abilities with kids. I love them very much and will miss them dearly!
To the kids at the Afternoon Outreach I know that they did not understand a lot of what I said but I loved on them. They are coming to this outreach week after week hearing about the love of a Savior and Father. I hope and pray that the words they hear sink in and that their lives are changed for Him!
To the beautiful children at Haley's House... I was so humbled by their love for God and people. I will never forget them. God has put aside a little piece of my heart for them. I pray that they continue to follow God and be bold! Cambodia needs them! These kids will be LIFE CHANGERS! I pray that they continue to grow in Him!
To my team... (Katelyn, Justin, Maddie, Mandy, Janelle, Jen and Beki) I wouldn't have made it without each and every one of you. Each of you has impacted me in ways you will never know! I know that good-byes will be hard but they are not good byes just "See you later's" I know that our lives will go different ways once we get to the states but God will keep us connected! I pray that you all will continue to let Him work in you and through you. Remember everything God taught you here and apply it to every situation you are put in. I will be praying for each of you!
I could go on and name countless others who impacted my life on this trip, but you know who you are, and God knows. So I pray that God continues to work through you in this beautiful country I have fallen in love with. Keep seeking God for His direction and will for the people of Cambodia. I hope to come back some day but if I never get to do that I know I will see you all in Heaven! What a great day that will be!
"Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God." - Bob Pierce
Lately, I have been thinking about the true meaning of love. For many people and even myself I would say that love is a word, you show love through giving it, through gifts, words, etc. While I have been in Cambodia though I have found that love is so much more. There is a language barrier here that helps me to see what true love is. It could be as simple as someone I have never met saying "hello" and smiling. The people at the markets and on the streets purposefully stopping to talk to me and "practice" their English. The children who cling to me, kiss me on the cheek but don't speak a word of English... WOW! That to me says so much more than words, it means more to me then gold, and makes love mean a lot more then just a word. The crazy thing is that is what God does. He loves me so deeply that He helps me see His love through these little things. I want to be the kind of person that can show love in these ways whether I speak the same language or not. Love is simple... but the challenge is this "to LOVE Him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to LOVE yourneighbor as yourself." Mark 12:33. I mean, think about it, in ONE statement Jesus commanded us to love Him and love our neighbors... I don't think that is a coincidence...
I am so amazed with the children at Haley's House and just their love for the people of Cambodia. On Saturday morning we were able to go with them to a little village just outside of Phnom Penh. We gathered some kids from the area and told them about God and sang songs. Then we went and passed out little tracks and shared the gospel with people in the area. I was reminded of the verses in the bible that talk about childlike faith. Mark 10:15 says "Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." We must have childlike faith to enter the kingdom of God. These children had no fear, they were not worried about what people would say or if they would be rejected they just know, truly know, who Jesus is! To these children God IS their Father. There earthly parents are not a part of their lives either due to death or illness or lack of resources to care for them. The care givers at the orphanage do their best to be mothers and fathers but the children can only feel the true fatherly love from God. As we were riding in the van (packed with 24 children... true Cambodian style) they sang songs and some of them were singing at the top of their lungs. They are so in love with Jesus that nothing holds them back nothing can stop them from giving their all to HIM! Do I do that?... What a challenge! Do I look at God as an amazing Daddy? Though I am not in the same situation as these children (I have very loving parents, Love you mom and dad!) I still need to know that God is the ultimate, in control Father of my life! This weekend, Sunday the 24th, was my birthday and I had the best birthday! It was so much fun to be able to celebrate with my friends here in Cambodia. My teammates decided to throw a surprise party for me. They had banners and balloons, pizza and cake. I realized how blessed I am to have a loving family and loving friends who care so deeply for me. So I pray that, to the children I have been working with here, they sense the depth of my love, care and concern for them. That through me they can sense the love of Jesus and their Heavenly Father! What a challenge, what a joy!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
"Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand." Isaiah 64:8. Today was an amazing day. We were able to visit an orphanage here in Phnom Penh and I was reminded of this verse "coincidentally" twice. Once when the children started singing it and second as I was typing my update email. The song that goes along with this verse says. "Change my heart oh God, make it ever true, Change my heart oh God, may I be like you... You are the potter, I am the clay, Mold me and make me, this is what I pray..." Today I realized that that is EXACTLY what God is doing, and today I pray that God would mold me and make me to be more like Him. The children at the orphanage could have had so much to be sad about or so much to dislike about their lives but instead they had joy and love. God was who made their lives better, He is all they need. So through a few hours at an orphanage I was stretched, pounded and molded, then God made me into a vessel that can now contain HIS joy and love. And I pray that just like these children overflowed on to me, that I can overflow on to others!
I sometimes cannot express in words the feelings I feel here in Cambodia! Happiness, Love, and Smiles.... I don't know... its overwhelming! Today in my devotional was a couple verses from John 15 they say "Abide in my love... these things I have spoken to you that your joy may be full, Yes! Your joy will overflow! This is my command that you love one another as I have loved you." While I get to experience the amazing people, culture and love of the people of Cambodia I hope that through me they are experiencing God's love through my actions and my words. Cambodian people are naturally very generous, very gracious and very loving and a vast majority are not Christians. What a lesson I can learn from them. When I was coming here I thought... I want to make such a difference during my time in Cambodia and, not that I haven't, but this experience has challenged me so much more! It has caused me to remember my first love, Jesus. It has caused me to see the good in all people and situations. It has literally changed me! I hope and pray that I am reaching some of my kids lives, that I am being a light to the lost people here. But I thank God that through a land of poor and desolate people He could change a stubborn, easily swayed, sinner like me. I am BEYOND wealthy, not materialistically but in spirit. I am so rich to know the true love of my savior Jesus and the overflowing joy He brings. That is one thing this trip has taught me... and honestly if that is all, than that's good and that is why He sent me here. I pray that Christians all over the world would wake up! Whether you are poor or wealthy or somewhere in between, realize that through God's love, blessings and glory you are RICH beyond measure. And don't forget to share it with those around you. Smile, Say hello, go a little out of your way to strike up a conversation or help someone in need... believe me when I say it could change a life, be it someone else's or your very own!
One thing that I have learned during my time so far in Cambodia is that everyone no matter where you live, what race you are or what "class" you're in, we are all looking for love. The love you seek may be different, maybe for some they are looking for it in attention from others, some seek it in things they love and others may pursue it in their actions or deeds. The truth behind all of this is that we can get all of that from Our Savior. Jesus gives us the attention we so seek. The word says in Song of Songs "You are beautiful my beloved there is no flaw in you" and "Arise my darling, come away with me." He longs to give us that attention that we so desire. The things of this world will not fill that void.I am often reminded of the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" it says:
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of Earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace."
His glory, grace and love exceed all the things this world has to offer. Everything else compared to Him will grow strangely dim. And finding love and fulfillment solely in deeds and actions does not get you anywhere. You need faith behind those actions. Today we were told how easy it is to open an orphanage here in Cambodia. Literally all you need is a building and to say we'll take your kids. but the problem with that is that those people doing that aren't helping anything. If they don't have people supporting them they almost always fail. The Christian orphanages here that are backed by supporters and have their base set in Him are the successful ones! They have faith along with deeds and in that they find love and fulfillment. In James it says "Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?" You need both faith and actions to truly feel that love. Ok, so I know that this was really wordy and kind of philosophical but it all boils down to the fact that we can try to find love in many other things, people and actions. But the only TRUE LOVE we can ever feel or even express comes from Him. During my time in Cambodia I am praying that all I do and all that I take part in is backed by Him and His powerful love and grace. Whether I am teaching my students or saying hello to the neighbors across the street I want to do it all keeping in mind that His love is what they are seeing! "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2 Corinthians 3:18
I made it to Cambodia! It is so crazy to think that I am in another country! I have already taken in a lot even within the 6 days of being here! It was a slightly overwhelming transition... mostly the heat! Please pray for me and that transition a little smoother! I went to observe the class I will be working with today and I am amazed at the students English ability!
Cambodia is a very interesting country. The people (at least the ones we have met) are extremely nice. Even today as I was riding my bike home a young man rode along side me and was telling me all about his education. He was asking me what I thought about Cambodia and the traffic. He had exceptional English and wanted to talk to me and practice his English. Also, our "Tuk Tuk" driver is a very kind man and he has very good English. He always makes sure we get to the places we need to go to! These are only a couple of the many examples of the kind of people that I have met in Cambodia!
Tomorrow (monday) I start teaching full time in the class! Be in prayer for that as the kids are very bright and will need to be challenged! I am excited to get the ball rolling though!
I must say that before this week I was very anxious, very nervous and very emotional leaving my family and friends to come to CA first for training then to Cambodia... I don't know what I would have done without the amazing support of my loving Family; Mom, Dad, Inga, Stephen... everyone! and the loving support of all my friends especially Vanessa! I don't think I would be here now if it weren't for all of you! <3
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; Cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:9 &10 This is such a good verse! I have just been in California for only a few days now and training has been incredible... We have not had a single moment of rest... honest! I'm tired yet excited and stressed yet relieved.. complete opposites I know! The one thing I can say is that this verse spoke so clearly to me... Not only will I (in about 4 days) be in CAMBODIA teaching children in a new culture I will also have to be able to stay connected to my teammates. In all of these things I am praying that God would make this verse true! That when I'm with the students at school I would have sincere love. That when I'm with my teammates I would cling to what is good! And that in all things I would honor others above myself! It has been an incredible week (and its only Wednesday!) I'm finally able to feel excited about my trip to Cambodia and feel like I'm so excited I could jump up and down just knowing more about what we'll be doing and experiencing (Vanessa, that was for you! <3) Thank you all for your prayers!
"So keep up your courage... for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me." Acts 27:25
I will be leaving for Cambodia in a little less than 12 days. (Actually that's to CA but it's connected to my trip!) And I don't have all the funds necessary... and for me (the planner) it is extremely stressful and faith-testing. I would say that I am normally a pretty calm person but in some things, like this, I sometimes just want to scream! AHHHH!! There that feels much better :) So through prayer and fasting this week (even though it’s only Tuesday) I am already starting to feel a much greater peace. I found this verse, Acts 27:25, and it just reminded me of the fact that God will provide because I have faith in God and it will happen just as He said it will! He wants me to go to Cambodia and He lined everything up so it will work out! Believe me when I say that this is absolutely the hardest thing to not only say but TRULY believe! Thank you all for your constant love and support! If you would like to support my mission’s trip to Cambodia you can go to www.teachoverseas.org/contribute and put my name, Carin Hinman in the box for supporting a teacher.
"Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:28-30.
We all have days where the stresses of life seem to overwhelm us. We can be disappointed, depressed or just plain angry. We can blame others, ourselves or even worse God. We often can feel at the bottom of the pit and not know where to go. But remember this verse! Matthew 11:28-30 says to come to Him. Jesus will give you rest. His yoke is easy and His burden is light! He wants us to lay our overwhelming struggles at His feet so we don't have to be burdened or weary. When this world tries to weigh you down remember that our Savior is gentle and humble and wants to give you His peace. What a great promise!
Reflection: Take a few minutes to meditate on this promise. Have you laid down your burdens today? Come to Him and you will find rest!
"And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
Soon I will be changing the name of my blog to "Carin' in Cambodia" because God has opened the door for me to go to Cambodia. I will be teaching English to Kindergarten to 2nd grade students that are relatively new to the English language.
It’s hard to believe that in about 3 months I will be on my way to Cambodia. I am super excited as the planning and preparation season sets in. I constantly am learning more about Cambodia, its people and its history. I’m also educating myself more about teaching English in a foreign country.
This will be my first experience overseas so I am also getting excited about living in another country and being completely immersed in a new culture and new environment, surrounded by others speaking a language that I am not familiar with.
I wanted to let you all know of the progress on my fund-raising. I have currently received more than $1,000. I am completely amazed by the faithfulness of my family and friends. THANK YOU so much for your prayerful support. I believe that God will provide all the funds necessary so I am asking all of you to pray for me during this time of preparation and, as the time draws closer, prayer for the trip and my time in Cambodia.
Again, thank you all so much! I am so blessed by each and every one of you!
"The Lord is my light and my salvation -- Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life --of whom shall I be afraid!"
Psalm 27:1 It has been a LONG time since I have posted anything and think that its a good time to update. A lot has happened and changed since June. Summer is over and Fall is past and Winter 2010 is upon us, soon to be 2011. WOW what a difference a few months can make. In these months I have worked my summer job... stressed out about a job for the school year, GOT a teaching job and now teach at a local elementary school... I was so consumed by these things that I know I often forgot to rely and fully trust in the Lord. It's quite funny to look back and think "Wow, Carin how much easier would life have been if I just gave it to HIM!" Starting a new job and moving into that next stage of life, the "Real World," is SUCH a hard thing. I'm learning more about myself then I ever have in the past and God constantly brings up things, some are fun and exciting and others are a little harder to swallow! But I am constantly reminded of Psalm 27:1 that God is my stronghold, my light and my salvation. I have NOTHING to fear or be afraid of!
Another sweet and new thing that is happening is that I am going to Cambodia for a month this summer to teach English!! With this decision and through the whole process (Which has just started :) ) I have already found that constant reliance and full trust in HIM is what will get me through this process! I am so comforted by the promises of God's Word!
I know this may sound corny and this verse is definitely over used at weddings but Love, true love, is... Patient, Kind, It doesn't boast, It doesn't envy, it isn't proud, It doesn't keep records of wrongs, its not rude, Love never fails, It always protects, hopes, and perserveres. (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)I think often verses like this one get way overused people forget the real meaning behind it. I mean think about your life for a second, think about your closest relationship be that a significant other, a friend or family member. Think about the times you were rude, or brought up past failures, think about the time you got impatient and said unkind words. I'm not trying to be a downer but I'm sure everyone reading this (if anyone does read this! :) ) had to say "ugh... yup... I've done that!" I mean we are not perfect by any means so there is not one person who can truly do all these things, all the time (except God of course) but we have God to help us! And that is the beauty behind this verse. Not only does it show us how to love others but it also shows us how God loves US (His very imperfect creation!) So remember that the next time you want to say some unkind words or bring up some past mistake, remind yourself of this verse. Love ALWAYS perserveres!
To be honest I have NOT been the best at this lately, God has truly convicted me of it and so to those of you whom I have hurt (you know who you are) I can say from the depths of my heart I'm so sorry.... and from now on, my love to and for you will perservere!
