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

It's a Wonderful Life

I believe that God has made us to be lights in the world, a city on a hill is hard to hide.
He wants the people that believe in Him to stand out. God wants people to be drawn towards Him, by knowing His goodness and mercy through us. God uses us today to reach people, He lives inside of us, not just up in Heaven. Yeah we may not see Him walking around and be able to point and say, " Hey look there's God...sweet!" The reality is that if we have decided to believe in what Jesus did for us, by saving us from a life without real living, then that gave God permission to come and live on the inside of us, guiding an directing us. So then our actions and motives now have a way of being lead by Him, and then in turn people notice something different about you, because the God of the universe is living inside of you, and showing you how to grow, live, and love everyday.

It's starting to get pretty cold here. Winter has decided to come for a visit, and so I have unpacked my winter coat, and thick socks. As I get out of my car, and walk to the front door of my nanny job, I notice every morning, how their grass is growing more and more. I look around at the neighbors around them, and all their grass seems died, and cold. Though I look at theirs and it's flourishing. It's green, and looks as if spring time is happening in their front yard. It amazes me every time.

That is how we should be to other people, flourishing, and alive, even when every thing else seems to be died. It's such an example of how God takes care of His children. He wants us growing and looking good all year round, regardless of what the world seems to encounter. We don't have to experience what everyone else experiences. We can walk in a wonderful, prospering life. God wants other people to see a life outside of their own, that they want to be apart of. That is the GOOD God life.

I thank God every day that I can wake up, and have His wisdom in my heart. His life in my own.
That I can let His light shine through me, by just living a wonderful full life. 

Wasting Time

I see that lately I have been giving updates about things that happen everyday. Which maybe is not the most inspiring blogs you could encounter. So for a little more spice to my normal every day get up, here is some little things to maybe encourage you to keep seeking God, and keeping dreaming big.

I am learning that time spent reading the bible can not be wasted time.
The wonderful thing about reading the bible is that, it gets in your heart, even if it's not stuck in your mind quite yet. That is the way God wanted it to work. At times I read and something goes right to my mind, and I want to share it with a good 300 people, as if I have something worth while to share. Other times I read and I don't get much into my mind, and wonder if I wasn't reading with enough focus, or if I was just  really not getting anything from it.

God promises that His word does something. Even if we don't do anything with it, He says that His word WILL NOT return to Him void, but WILL accomplish what HE pleases. The way he created it to work, is that the words in the bible are life to our bodies, it goes into our hearts and creates life inside of us. Even if we don't see it or feel it. Hope would be without effect if we already had what we hoped for, cause then it no longer would need any hope, because we have it. So I hope that every time I read the word, that something I am reading is getting planted inside of my heart, and slowly is growing, and in a moment I will see that His word really is in me, even when I didn't know it was.

God made it easy for us. He didn't make it so hard as to, that if we don't read it everyday, or memorize it, we won't be saved, or be able to share the truth with other people. He made it simple, and decided that if we opened our hearts to read his word, that is would be placed inside of us. The truth is He wants everyone to know the truth, so he made it easy to have it.

So even in the moments when you feel you could be doing something else, or that what you read was not applicable, the truth is that it doesn't matter what you feel. God promises that His word will not be void. You never waste time, anytime, even for 3 seconds reading the bible. It makes more of a difference then you know.

For example:

I started working in our churches youth group, some day's I don't know if I heard from God about doing it, and other days I really know I did. I don't like that aspect of life, where God lets us think and have our own choices. That way there is room for mistakes, and double checking yourselves. I love that He loved me ( us ) enough to let me choose our choices, but I love the idea of Him doing it all, and I just following a step by step list of to do's. That way I couldn't mess up. It's not that he wanted us to make mistakes, but that he didn't want to keep us from choosing Him on our own, other wise He would have chosen for us to believe in Him. It's just that in giving someone free will there is a chance of mess up. That is why God gave us his word to direct us in our choices that we are making, we have some guidelines that He knows works best, and worst. So it's like a parent giving you advice before you do something. They don't want to tell you what to do, but they want to give you the most information they can, so you can make the right choice on your own. ( That was most definitely a bunny trail).

So about youth...

One Wednesday morning I was reading a bit of the bible, and came across the verse that says, " Let your Yes be Yes, and your No be No." It was saying that you shouldn't sweat by heaven or hell, but rather let what you say mean what you say. If you mean what you say, then you don't need to even swear by anything, because your yes will be a yes, and your no will be a no. After I read it I didn't really know how to apply it, and had one of those " I read the bible, but didn't get much from it".

Then I got to youth group that night, was about to leave, a girl from the youth was walking past me, and I just out of no where I ( God moment ) said, " Hey how are you doing?..." She then told me a little  short version of something that was going on, and that verse popped into my head. I felt, to be honest, ridiculous saying it, because I didn't think it applied to what she was sharing. I ignore my thinking, and trusted God knew what was going on with her. So I shared the verse about letting your yes be yes, and she looked at me as if I spoke the magic words. I asked if that helped at all, she said, it was just wanted she needed to hear. I told her, once she has made a choice, to stick with it, and let it be her yes or no.

In that little span of time I saw how God plants words in us, not just for us but to get them to others. He wanted me to read that 1. So he could get it to her, and 2. So that he could show me that I hear from Him. It's a wonderful thing.

So waste your time in reading the bible...it is well worth it!