Lesson's In Learning from smart people... ha

Lately I've begun to notice how much we all help one another. If I have a question about something I don't know, I really only have to find someone who has more information about it, and wall la. It's like each of us is a book of information on a bookshelf. Even though we sit side by side on the shelf, I don't have the same information as the book next to me. If I was the dictionary, and to my left was a book about whales. I couldn't maybe know the description of a whale, or that it lives in a body of water, from my own knowledge. If I were to ask the book next to me about whales, it could go on all day. Same goes for the book about whales, it probably doesn't have a clue what the word Architecture means. If it were to ask me, I could tell it a little more then it may know, but not a ton of stuff.

I think God made us al so different, and unique, that that we would all have to at one time or another actually talk with each other, and ask questions, and learn and grow. Find out that we may not know as much as we think we did, or teach something we never thought would need to be shared. It's a never ending growing game. God has made it possible for anyone to know almost anything, just by asking, and being willing to learn from someone else.

I love it.

I love the idea of us all being connected in a way.

The other day I was in the Sunflower looking for some healthy mayonnaise... who knew there was such a thing. On the back it said it used Safflower Oil... anyone? anyone? I'd never heard of that. Instead of being clueless I increased my knowledge in it, by asking a super smart in health foods employee. She knew so much about it, that I then added it to my list of things I learned from someone.

Then I passed on that information to someone else... and on it goes.

Then I was watching a couple friends, and just watching how funny it really is. How we all of sudden don't know about something, then we just ask someone else, and then find an answer right away.

It's amazing, we don't have to go very far to find the answer...

I think that is God. Really when you look around... its awesome to know that every face you see was made by God, their minds, thoughts, personality. You just haven't met them yet. Each of us have different kinds of knowledge and understanding. We were made to be family... just some don't know that just yet. I think God intended for us all to really be family. To help one another out... to grown and learn from each other. It's a beautiful puzzle... with all of us being our own pieces.

OverHaul

If I had to mention one thing I have learned from Cason (my Fiance') is how to be teachable. From the moment we have been together he has been open minded and willing to learn about all sorts of things. It made me want to be less stubborn and more pliable. I wanted to set down all my own theories and start to listen to God and see what He thought about things.

When we had first started dating, we had a chat about worship. I was very strong on my outlook, and at that moment unwilling to think any other way, then my own. He shared his view point on it with grace, and with a softness. It wasn't as if he was saying I was wrong, and he was right...he simply was just sharing what he felt on the subject. Neither of us changed our minds, but both of us made the choice to be open to see what the truth was about worship. 

I remember back in those times when we would talk about things that I was really set on, and I would just ask God to revel the truth, and most of the time I thought it was for Cason, not me. ( Selfish indeed). 

Then about a month and a half ago my mom asked me to read Luke 6. She said that it was a great example of how God see's people and treats them. As I read the chapter I expected to just learn more about God, and see how much He loves us. Which I did read, though as I read I noticed God teaching me so many things.

All of a sudden I noticed I was in a place to actually learn what the truth was, even if it wasn't what I had decided on. I started to hear Him tell me about things in my heart that needed to be changed. One of those things was my heart and motive with worship.

I read the verse about if your brother has a plank in his eye, before you judge him, take the one out of yours. Just saying that it is not our job to fix people, and correct them. The only thing I can truly fix is myself, and in doing that I will see people differently. I had always thought that I was keeping myself protected and secure but making sure the people around me, were making the right choices, and being honest and real. When how can I judge someone's heart? I can't. 

I would worry that the worship wasn't glorifying God, and that the people were being fake. Then as I read Luke 6 Ithought... my job isn't to make sure everyone is glorifying God, my job is to glorify God REGUARDLESS of what everyone else may or may not be doing. That is all I can really be in charge of...myself. I get to choose. 

I have to let God speak to peoples hearts, and trust that if I am trusting God that He will keep me safe, and that He will not lead me into a place that isn't authentic with it's worship. 

From that moment I really believe my heart started to soften...be more like Cason's in a way. Being willing to yield to GOD's truth rather then my own. 

I think that in life we often times will create our own worlds of safe and secure. Though what God wants more then that, is for us to rely on Him, and by letting go of all the things we think keep us safe, and running to Him, we are more protected and loved then we could ever make ourselves. 

The next time I went to a worship service, I loved worshiping. I Just forgot about anything or anyone, and just sang to God. I was free. I had put myself into a box, and then I let myself out and could see all the beauty I was missing out on.  God always intended for me to be free, that is what Jesus gave His life for. I was keeping myself from my own freedom! 

Man God loves us. 

Since that lesson learned, I have been learning so much about ( it feels like ) everything. The way I described it was an overhaul. Feeling as if I had this beautiful house I built, full of all the things I thought we're beautiful. Then God said, " This isn't built on a good foundation, I'd like to take all of this down, and build you a house, first founded on Me, and then filled with the most wonderful things I have for you." You first freak out as you watch your world come down, but as it builds back up, it's amazing. 

God's word, and HIS truth is much better then ours, it's learning to let go of what we might want, to let what He has for us be reveled!

Here's a link to read Luke 6 incase you'd like to read it! 

http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Luk&c=6&v=1&t=NKJV#1

The Last Supper

Over the past 9 months I have met with my dear friend Rachel. She asked me after school last May if I would give her guitar lessons. After doing lessons for a while, we got to really know each other, and become really dear friends. We started cooking every week along with guitar lessons. Which taught me quite a bit about being more comfortable in the kitchen, and with cooking and baking. I really do believe it was God putting it all together. She has been an incredible blessing in my life, showing me what a genuine, sweet, caring friend is. I believe that God really does shine right through her. She got a desire to go to Russia, so we were believeing for money and more. Then came the time for her to leave for Russia, and she happened to be leaving the same day I was leaving for New Zealand. So the weekend before, we invited a handful of close friends over, and had a 3 course meal. It was so much fun, a night to never be forgotten. We put together video clips with things that happened through out the whole day. Then we added a song to it. Actually while we were cooking this day, the song we have in the video, was playing in the kitchen. It's main message is about a friend showing them Jesus. Rachel turned to me and said, " that is you...". It meant so much to hear someone say something like that to me. The wonderful part about it, is that I was thinking that same thing about her. She really does show Jesus... I am so thankful to God for putting someone who lovely in my life as a friend.

I hope you enjoy the video!

Done Getting Condemned?

The other day I had a moment of understanding something I really had not before, and I hope I can write it out well enough that it can help you too.

Each moment you have the choice to do the right or wrong thing. At times it is easy to do the right, and other time's it is easier to do the wrong. My mother recently told me that the enemy is trying to convince people of that one thing you can't have, you need or want. That is what he did in the garden of Eden. He convinced Eve that she really needed the fruit, though she had the whole world at hands reach. He tries to make us believe that we don't have everything, and that we just need one more thing. Then at times...we believe that lie.

In the idea of a relationship. You can be with someone and love everything about them, then one day you see them playing with their food at dinner. All of a sudden all you can see is the ONE thing they are doing, and you can no longer see the 99 other wonderful things you truly love about them. I believe that is  a trick of the enemy.

If the enemy can get you discontent, then he can try to lead you into something you shouldn't be apart of, or lead you away from something you should be apart of. Then after you have been lead one way or the other, you then feel condemned for doing the wrong thing.

I've learned in moments when I should do something, and instead do opposite that I let the enemy convince me I needed something, that I really didn't. Then not only did I listen to him, he then comes in after with condemnation and reminds me of what I had done. He knows he can cover two bases. First I open the door a little crack, and then he sneaks in, and overtakes.

I always thought that feeling condemned after doing something wrong, was a way to know that I really loved God. I felt bad, and I wouldn't do it again. It almost made me feel better, knowing I felt bad. Then the other day I read this story in the book of John, chapter 8 verse 3-11.

"Then the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst they said to Him, "Teacher, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do you say?"This they said, testing Him, that they might have something of which to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote on the ground with His finger, as though He did not hear. So they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, " He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." And again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman where are those accusers of yours?Has no one condemned you? She said, "No one Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."

Jesus does not condemn, He gives grace. He was not concerned about how they caught her in the very act, he was not taken back and shocked. He knew that sin is sin, and it only leads to death. It does not matter if it's being caught in the very act, or only known in your own heart. He showed those men that they also had sin, and to condemn her, would mean for Jesus to also condemn them. So instead of doing that, He chose to speak the truth. All He said was that He did not condemn her, and that she should not sin anymore. That is what truly frees someone. Understanding that it is not one BIG sin, or a bunch of little ones. The fact is that sin is not life giving, it takes life from us. Jesus wants us to have life and life more abundant (John 10:10).

Condemnation did not free that woman from being killed, or make her feel like a "better" person. Jesus words of life did.

When I put that story into my heart, I realized that in those moment when the enemy reminds me of a mistake or something I have done, or should do. Instead of thinking of those things, and feeling bad about it. I choose to sin no more, and to focus on Jesus, and what he would tell me in the midst of my accusers... "I do not condemn you, sin no more".

I recognize the importance of knowing the word of God, so that you can apply it and and be set free. If I hadn't read that story, I could continue to feel guilty and condemn the rest of my life, over any little thing. Instead I can know that by the grace of God I have been forgiven, and because of that I choose to follow His voice of instead of the lies from the enemy.

"If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall KNOW the TRUTH, and the TRUTH shall MAKE you FREE". John 8:31

The Gospels

I am currently reading through the gospel's as "they" call them ( Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). You could also say I'm reading the start of the New Testament, the second half of the bible. Each book is written by a different author, that is telling the same story, from a different angle. When reading it I can see each writers personality coming through their writing. Now of course, I know God says he inspired the words on each page of the bible, as we know the writers were listening to God as they wrote, though each writer is different, so it reads different. God may tell me that He loves me, my way of sharing it is writing a song. God may tell you He loves you, you shout it from the roof tops. The same message, told two different ways. That is how I see these stories in the gospel's. 

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

I believe each book was written by the name of the gospel. Though I am not 100% sure, currently I have  tab open researching it a bit more. Here is a website incase you want to read a bit about the authors of each book, and who they were written for, and what time, etc. 

http://www.blueletterbible.org/study/intros/matthew.cfm

One thing I do know about Matthew, is that he was a tax collector ( dead silence ..... ). 

I love that Jesus didn't go out and find the people, that people loved, to be his disciples. He chose to pick people with all different backgrounds and histories. One disciple he chose, ended up being the one who lied, and sent the Pharisees to take Jesus, and later have him crucified.  I mean...who does that?

When I read Matthew, it seems so well calculated and organized. That every story is well told, and no details are left unsaid. That there are no loose ends, and it's understandable. Then when I read John, it's my kind of writing. A little more descriptive and messy. The author is more poetic and emotional. The stories are told in a different way, or view. 

Each of the authors had a relationship with Jesus too, so as you read you get to know them more, and Jesus more. The thing that carries through is how faithful and real Jesus is. How he loves people, and how he handles situations. That is one thing that remains the same in each book, no matter the author. 

I am thoroughly enjoying taking some time and re reading these and hearing the voices within the stories, and learning more and more. 

It's so great... 

CupCake Time

Alex bought me the cutest apron and cookbook for christmas. I have already been using it with joy. Today I thought I would take clips of what I was doing and put it together for fun. A little taste of my everyday enjoyments. 

Old E-Mails

When I was in India, I had to write once a month to the Director of 3rd year CBC Colorado, since I would be transferring there when I arrived back in the states. I came across the last email I sent him, and thought it would be a neat idea to start posting some neat emails I wrote, or received while I was over seas. So here is little sneak peak into what all happened in 3 months while I was in India. Hope you enjoy reading. P.S. Happy Happy New Year, So happy to be alive and healthy, and growing! 

Hi Barry!

Hope all is going well state side, welcome to November! 

Saturday marked my 3rd month anniversary being in India. I will be leaving the 17th of November and arriving into Colorado the morning of the 18th. David and Judith are preparing for my departure, and wondering how life, with two kids, without me, will look like. ha. Its been a grand adventure, I will be sure to never forget it. I really have grown to be like family with them, and really admire their lives and hearts for serving God. Since the last time I wrote you not much has changed, but I will do my best to update you. 

When I first thought to come to India, in my heart of hearts, I knew it was to help Judith and David however, whenever. 

So in return they could have more time where they wanted to. If that meant they needed more time at the school, I could watch the kids at home. If they needed someone to do praise and worship so they could stay home, then I would do that. and so on. I wanted to be an extra set of hands, so then their ministry could grow, flourish and become stronger, quicker. I realize all these people that are serving God, most of them have the resources, but they don't have all the time. I guess I wanted to give them the gift of time. 

-The first month I was here, because there was only Hannah, I would pop in and out of the school and home. I would do some computer work, and help out here and there. I filled in with the worship team, and tried to give them good materials to work off of. So I filled in the cracks, and got to know the students pretty well. 

-The second month, the baby was born, and Judith's mother arrived. So I actually had more time to help with more office work, and more worship too. I taught two classes, and got to go on a few adventures. I also took turns staying at home, and going out. 

-This month it has just been "us" again, so I got the chance to be at home more, and spend time with the kids, Judith and David. We had two CBC students here to visit from the Belfast school, and I went with them to a local church, and got to play a song, and it ended up being a wonderful time. I also got to sow into a couple here in India, that I met last year, that have really been in a tough situation, and are trusting God. Their story is so amazing. Also I stepped down from helping the worship team, so I could have more time to help Judith and David at home with their girls. It was perfectly timed I felt. I loved being apart of the team, but it wasn't why I came. I could tell my heart was set on helping Judith and David, and the schools worship team is going strong already. 

I just knew that the area Judith and David needed help in, wasn't worship but at home. I then went back to the whole reason I came here more then anything. To help them. So I decided I wanted to give my time in the right area, and its been awesome. A huge blessing for everyone. 

In this time I have been given such a clear picture of what hands on ministry looks like...full time. How it looks like to try to keep a school running, and how to love people while doing it. To be understanding and patient, to trust God, and to keeping moving forward. To never give up, and to always think positive. Believe what God has started, and keep God as the center of what is happening. The number one thing I will remember more then anything is... Let people help you. Be open and available for people to fill your needs, if they are open and wanting to. 

The Forgostons have a strong team running this school, and helping them, and its because they opened their door for it. God said it all along the body is made up of parts, and not just one. I see how much better something can work, when you let people help you. No one is perfect, but with God, it makes it work. 

It has been an incredible time serving the Forgostons, and being apart of the school here. Thank you so much for giving me the chance to be apart of this, and sharing in my stories. I am looking forward to coming back to Colorado, and learning so much more! 

Blessings Always,

Laura