1 Thessalonians 1:3

"We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." -1 Thessalonians 1:3

I love the way that Paul words this sentence. I love it because of the way he pieces together work & faith; labor & love; and endurance & hope.

When we acquire faith in Christ (and not just a belief in Him), we begin to choose to work for Him. We can be assured that when we work for Christ and lay down our lives for Him, He will bless us. 

Although we do not need to do good works to receive God's love and spend an eternity with Him (because of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection), our faith in Him produces good works. As we follow Him and continue to grow in love with Him, we want to labor for Him. We want to because we love Him. It is similar to the way we respond when we love others. When you love and care about someone, you choose to serve them because you simply love them. So, our labor is prompted by love.

Endurance. We are called to endure hardships, persecutions, and life on this place called Earth that is not our home. How do you endure something tough? I know that for me, I endure through hope. I endure because I have something to hope for and I have something to look forward to. Jesus Christ gives us hope because we know that when we have faith in Him, we have eternity with Him. We will be brought back home.

So, to sum this all up - Our work and service for Christ is produced by our faith in Him. Our labor is prompted by our love for Him. Our endurance is inspired by our hope in Him.

NINOS DE GUATEMALA!

Hello. So, I guess that I never really blogged about my trips to Guatemala this year...I should probably explain them in detail before referencing them [these trips kinda made a huge impact in my life...and God used them to spark (and fan) a flame of passion within my heart]. 

My team worked with a group of inner-city kids through a church in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The kids randomly signed up for a week-long program run by a group of crazy white college students. GRINGOS. Yeah...we were that group. Apparently it's a big deal to see someone who is white walking around in Guatemala. We were the classic tourists (even though Guatemala isn't a common touristy spot) with cameras, spanglish, and pasty-white skin...I give them [Guatemalans] every right to make fun of us ha.

Okay for real here - 

It was incredibly evident that the children we worked with do not receive the validation and attention that they need. Some of those children go home to over-stuffed apartment units. Some of those children go home with no parental supervision. Some of them go to a home housing gang members (gang-members being their parents). The majority of the gang-member parents are fathers so it is common for the children to lack a fatherly-figure.

When I say that it was evident that those children do not receive enough attention and validation, I truly mean it. It was evident in the way that they interacted with us. They soaked up every single moment that they could with us. The tiniest bit of attention and validation that you gave them sparked the grittiest, mile-wide grin possible. These children are beautiful and their smiles break my heart. There is something great to be learned from these children.

Remember when I said, "they soaked up every single moment that they could with us"? Those children soaked up every moment with us because they needed that validation and attention. They received joy through it. The kids did not want to waste any time with us because they had love for us. 

The way that the kids soaked up every waking moment with us is a great example of how we should soak  up every moment with God. Every waking moment. We desperately need His attention and validation - we were made for it. We receive joy through Christ.


I truly love those children in Guatemala. However, I must be honest. There were times when I was so physically exhausted that I wanted to give up [and take a nap]. The group of children in December absolutely loved piggy-back rides. After giving 5 piggy-back rides in a row (multiple times per day) I was exhausted...really...another one? The kids in March loved playing freeze-tag. They would always make us [college students] be "it" - it was exhausting! Anytime I heard a child shout, "Rachel! Freeze tag!", my initial thought was "not again!"

We must remember that faith is not based on feelings. Sometimes, we simply just aren't "feeling it." Sometimes we don't feel super excited and emotional about God. Can we still have faith in Him? Yes. Can we still spend time with Him when we are not feeling it? Yes, and you will be blessed. Although there were times when I was exhausted and did not feel excited to be with the kids, it was well worth the time. Every single second. I did not feel "emotional" about the kids all the time, but I still loved them and persevered in soaking up time with them. It was a blessing. Let us persevere in our relationship with Christ out of love for Him. Let us soak up every moment with Him despite how we are feeling.

The Metaphorical Dance

Ballroom Dancing. Yes. I am taking a ballroom dancing class. I nearly dropped the class before the first day of it because when I think of "dance," I think of me tripping and doing a face plant onto the floor. I made myself go the first day and told myself that I could drop it only after I tried the class. Okay, I admit that I absolutely love the class despite my clumsiness.

Before my first dance class this semester, I begged God to place someone I know in the class with me or another christian. When I walked into class, I sat next to a girl and began talking with her. As we discussed why we chose the majors that we did, I mentioned that I chose my major because I wanted to do some form of ministry. Often, when I mention ministry a person gets really excited or stares at me with a blank face like I am foreign. I may have received the second option this time and although I shouldn't have assumed anything, I figured that she is probably not a christian. 1. Who am I to judge that? 2. Tal vez (perhaps) God wanted me to chat with her and share His love with her that day.

By the end of the first dance class I was disappointed with God for not revealing to me another christian. I still enjoyed the class and was enthusiastic for the following week. 1. I expected God's timing to be during class. 2. Who am I to tell God when to time things out haha?

Whelp. As I was walking back to my apartment from class, a guy from my class was walking the same way. We were still fairly close to the building where our class was. It was one of those moments where it was obvious that we just came from the same class and we were close enough to chat. I debated whether or not I should talk to him. Then, he randomly began talking to me phew. As we walked back to our places, the conversation of God came up. We discussed our majors and life after college and he mentioned how he felt God calling him to work overseas. If it wasn't for his boldness and God's Holy Spirit, I may never have known that this guy in my class loves Jesus too. It was...a great moment. After arriving back from my first trip in Guatemala, I began considering long-term oversees mission work (huh? yeah; God definitely put that one on my heart because...I would NEVER consider that even half a year ago whaaaat). Over the weekend and specifically that Monday of my first dance class, I began doubting the idea to move overseas after class because of all of the logistics involved. I started shoving the idea aside. When the guy in my class spoke about overseas work, that flame in my heart for oversees mission work flared up and God reminded me that He is capable of anything. If He wants me somewhere oversees, He'll do His thing. I just need to be willing. Okay hey God.

So...this metaphorical dance. Say what? Ballroom dancing really reflects a personal relationship with Christ as well as relationships with others. I also really love metaphors and God is continuously using this class to share metaphors with me. There are so many metaphors and each one probably deserves its own blog post. I'm only going to share one or two in this because this is already lengthy. 

Okay. Metaphor from today:
The dance instructor taught us another "dip" (where the guy dips the girl and it looks extremely frightening and deathly). I was...to say the least...feeling quite the opposite of my enthusiastic teacher at that moment. She said that "as long as the follow [the lady] follows the man and allows him to do his thing, then everything will go well." (Given that the man listens to the instructor and follows what she says to do). 1. The instructor was absolutely correct regarding her statement. 2. I absolutely love this dip now haha who knew? 3. Metaphor...

Okay - We really must trust God and surrender our lives to Him (much more crazy than a 1 credit dance class haha). When we allow Him to step in and do His thing, we are choosing to follow His lead. When we allow Him to lead as we follow Him (even in uncomfortable, scary, unknown situations), things begin to flow together and everything works out by God's grace. We can see how God abundantly blesses us when we lay down our lives for Him.

Metaphor...related to relationships con otras personas (with other people) - a healthy, intentional dating relationship between a man and a woman looks quite similar to the dance example (and example with God). If a man is in Christ and is pursuing Him and seeks God's instruction...when a woman is also in Christ, pursuing Christ (not the dude), and seeking God's instruction, a beautiful relationship can happen that portrays our personal relationships with Christ. Not everything will be perfect, but things will go well and the two people will be blessed when the man relies on Christ's strength to lead the woman. (The ladies have to do their part as well - patiently follow and submit (although only called to once married I guess) because of her trust in the Lord). When the woman allows the man to lead as she follows him, things go much smoother (and this is very apparent in ballroom dancing). As both the man and the woman intentionally place Christ at the center of their relationship and play the roles they were each meant to play, a beautiful demonstration of a personal relationship with Christ is orchestrated!

Oh. I found out that there are at least three other Christians in my class...now we head back the same way from class and it's great...sometimes those walks are the highlight of my day [snowball fights, random searches for free apples on campus....]

Consume Me

Consume me. Consume my thoughts. Consume my actions. Consume my dreams. Consume me inside and out.

How incredible would it be if we allowed Christ to consume our thoughts, time, actions, dreams, goals; if we let Him consume our lives? What would that look like? All I can say is that it would be incredible and would look nothing like my life now. I've often pondered this. Yet, I cannot seem to be fully consumed by Christ. Why is it so hard? I mean, the world is distracting, a mess, bleh bleh bleh. Distractions, sin, worldly things, SELFISHNESS, PRIDE...yeah, those are all huge things that make it difficult to be fully consumed by God. But then, I think about God and His mighty power. Can He not fully consume me? Is He not greater than this world and all that is in it? Yes. He is greater than all things. He is most powerful and can fully consume me. I realize how often I simply do not allow Him to fully consume me. Still, it is really difficult to remember to let Christ rule in my heart. It is difficult to remember to ask Him daily (despite the clear change in my life when I do ask Him).

I struggle. I am frustrated by my struggle.

It's a scary world, after all.

Our world is scary. I was reminded the other day of how unsafe our world is and how disturbing things can be. Planet Earth is a beautiful planet, but boy is it messy. The people on planet Earth are beautiful, but boy are we messy. I'm not referring to physical messiness (but we are pretty messy that way too...just look at my room!). I'm referring to how (yeah, I'm gonna just say it) screwed up we are! There is so much evil and perverted, twisted, things in our world. It is sad that a girl cannot walk alone without being in fear of someone attacking her or taking advantage of her body. It is sad that there are so many children who come home to parents who are high. It is sad that so many men do not feel adequate to be a man because no one ever affirmed them that they have what it takes. It is sad that so many people do not feel loved. So many people do not know that they are loved! That hurts my heart (as cheesy as that sounds). So many people do not know that they are loved...this phrase continuously crosses my mind and blows it away. How can that be? Every single person ever to exist is loved (by people here, but even more - by the creator). Yet, so many people struggle to believe it. And some, do not even know it. Can we just tell (even one) person each day that they are loved!? Maybe that can be my new goal. And actually, it doesn't have to be everyday (but that would be awesome). I do know that the Holy Spirit will nudge us to tell a person that they are loved at just the right time, place, and...to someone who really needs to hear it. Although, I've gotta say - I think everyone could be reminded that they are loved (I know I need reminded at times too). I'll start now - You. Are. Loved.

And please, please, believe those three words in bold. My heart would not hurt if it were not true. It hurts because it is true and so many people either do not know it, forget it, or do not believe it. So many things in this world tell us otherwise (that's just one way our world gets messy).

I feel that I need to leave this post on a happy note. Y'all ready for this?
Y o u. A r e. L o v e d.

Hotel Earth

We are living in a hotel, the name is Hotel Earth

Everything is out of place, jumbled in a mix of disarray

Hotels were not made for eternal use

More than a night or two, then you're on your way

We are living in this broken place

In a dusted, fragmented room

It's been a long night and a very nasty fight

But when the morning Son arrives

Hotel Earth will be destroyed and re-designed

We will soon be taken home and say

Good-bye Hotel Earth and hello Home Sweet Home

We are back to where we belong

God is Getting Artsy

       During my spring break trip with H2O, a few girls and I decided to get artsy and create pictures. On the evening before we left to go home, I could only find one of my pictures that I made (sadly, the one that I did not like as much). The other one was missing and I asked one of my friends if she saw it. She said that I would get it back later. What? I was so confused and I continued to question her. Did it get thrown away by accident? Or spilled on? She finally told me that she was planning on framing it as a surprise (yeah, I ruined the surprise...but I was determined to know where my artwork was!). 
       The other day, I was thinking about this event and it reminded me of us and God. So often, do we lose faith in God's steady control. When we cannot see the good works of His plans for us, we begin to not trust Him. We want control of our lives (but how can we have adequate control when this world is beyond our clout?). Just as my friend's intentions for my artwork (to be framed) was good, so are God's intentions for us. I never considered framing my picture, but when my friend mentioned the idea, I really liked it. We nearly never consider the content of God's will for us. His plans are so great (even greater than framing your artwork!) that we cannot fathom them. Once we see His good will working and understand His underlying intentions, we like it. No, we don't like it, we love it.
       With the knowledge that God's promises are good (and greater than ours), our faith should strengthen, not weaken. With the knowledge, let us continue in the hope that Christ gives us and let us trust in Him and His will (despite not seeing the details of his plans). He deserves our utmost trust and when we doubt his power, it's probably a big blow in the face to God. Yet, he is so humble about it.

A Plethora of Birds and Bagel Bites

        As I was walking from work to my first class today, I decided to stop by mirror lake and eat my favorite bagel (Rosemary Olive Oil...yum)! As I sat down on a nearby bench, a white goose decided to swim towards me with anticipation of receiving food. This said 'white goose' was staring me down and I just could not resist those goose eyes; I fed him a tiny part of my bagel. This white goose was quite the trend-setter. Before I knew it, five ducks came over begging for food. Then, two other duck-like creatures appeared (they seemed to be a combination of duck, goose, and chicken). A very good friend of mine calls these creatures Chiduckins; I will also call them that. The Chiduckins were quite friendly and would have easily eaten out of my hands if I allowed them to (this made me a little nervous). The 'normal' ducks bickered with each other over my bagel offerings. However, one of the ducks was different - he was peaceful and patient as he awaited his turn (I want to be peaceful and patient like that duck). The white goose remained in the water - he was also patient (and hopeful) and not to mention, the first and the last to come and stay (I want to come and stay with Jesus - stay beside him patiently, putting my hope in him). 
           I did not give the white goose a piece of bagel right away. And once I did, I did not get around to giving him more (for quite some time) due to the arrival of the other birds. Why did he stay? Probably because he was hopeful that I would give him more. In our walk with Christ, we often do not stay when we cannot see Him moving. Should we? Yes. We should be hopeful in Christ, because He will always fulfill us and sustain us. God has a plan (and many) along with the perfect timing for His plan(s). We should be hopeful in His promises and patient with prayer, practicing endurance. Let us remain in Him and Him in us. Let us stay by His side and know that He was working, He is working, and He will work. Let us be like the white goose or the patient duck.
          Okay, so all of that is not actually what my main point was going to be. The whole 'Jesus' stuff that related to the birds' personalities did not even cross my mind until the moment I was writing those parts (Holy Spirit likes to give me Jesus-bird metaphors?). My original point, is this: I simply woke up starting off my day wrong (it was just one of those bad days). At work, I repeatedly got the annoying customers who changed their minds after I made their food. This put me in a very bad mood and I was extremely stressed and frustrated. As I was walking towards mirror lake, I was talking to Jesus (I knew I needed my Jesus-time, or my day and mood would worsen). I asked him to help me improve my mood, my day, and to relieve stress through his love and spirit. He did, oh, did he! How? By sending the fanatic bagel-fan birds my way. I could not help but laugh (out loud) at the site of nearly 10 birds of assortment encircling me, the bench, and my bagel. I did not try to capture their attention, they just came. And it was hilarious. Not to mention, that everyone else who passed by were staring and probably thought I was a crazy lady.
       Anyways, thanks Jesus, for making my day brighter by sending 1 crazy white goose, nearly 5 ducks, and 2 Chiduckins my way. It was great.

A Beautiful Command

One of the coolest phrases (at least, I think so) from the bible is this: Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" - Mark 9:24


When I first read that, I was enthralled by it. And ever since then, I find myself saying it to God whenever I have doubts about life, God, His will...etc.


The phrase is beautiful (and seems like an oxymoron - I love those hah). It is beautiful because while the person saying it asks God for help with his unbelief, he has belief (enough belief to ask God for belief). Commanding God to do something might seem odd or crazy, but a command like this is beautiful because it is a genuine plea for God to do his will. God wants us to believe and have faith in him and when we ask for something like that, he will give it to us.


I was contemplating  (a dangerous past-time resulting in over-thinking & a headache) on this phrase...and I thought of it this way: "I have faith, help my unbelief."  So...the person has faith in God to overcome his unbelief. And then, I thought of if this way: "I believe, help my lack of faith." So...the person believes in God...and asks for faith in him. Faith and believing in something are very different. Satan believes in God...but does not have faith in him (clearly). One can believe that the chair in front of him exists - but does he have faith in the chair to hold him up? So, with all of this, I was trying to decide where each word (faith & belief) should fit into the phrase because I enjoy over-analyzing things which drives everyone else crazy and leaves my brain thoughtless for my actual school work. 


Okay...so, with much thought and writing, I finally decided to conclude that the best order depends on the situation. If someone is in a state of doubt about God's existence and says, "I believe, help my unbelief," he is basically saying that he has faith in God's power to overcome his doubts (his unbelief). However, if someone exclaims the oh-so beautiful phrase because he lacks faith in God, he is saying that he believes in God and needs faith in him also. 


Oh hey, it just keeps going in circles...because if someone has faith in God...he must believe. Right? So...it depends on what type of doubts...and now my brain is confused and no longer wants to process anything. So...I am finished with my analytic ranting.


When it all comes down to things, the phrase is beautiful and I say it to God a lot; it helps me. I encourage you to try saying it to God whenever you doubt his existence, his power, your identity, and so on. Also, the wording in the bible is good just the way it is - it gets the meaning across.

Running with Scissors

You might be thinking that I am about to tell you a horrific story about making a poor life choice by running with scissors...the end result being...well, tragic. To those of you who were excited to hear such a story, I am very sorry, but that never happened. Continue reading, and you will soon find out why I am talking about scissors. S"K"ISSORS (in case you struggle with spelling 'scissors' - it helps me).


Living for Christ is like running with scissors on ice (cheesy, but catchy...and true). Originally, it was just going to be, "living for Christ is like running with scissors." Ice adds the thrill to running with scissors and it semi-rhymes with Christ. Running with scissors on ice (or on floor) is dangerous *gasp* (such a shocker)! Doing anything on ice is quite thrilling and incredibly frightening (broomball...iceskating...running with scissors..). Okay, enough with my obvious, side comments.


When you walk with Christ, you will be persecuted, frowned upon, misunderstood, hated, ignored, shafted...and the list goes on. Life with Christ is not always safe and not always happy (you will gain joy though). Living for Christ means that we stop conforming to the world's ways.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- his good, pleasing, and perfect will. - Romans 12:2
***Disclaimer - I am not saying that everything in the world is bad and I am not saying we need to stop doing everything worldly-related when living for Christ. Also, even with Christ, life can be boring at times (homework...rainy days..etc)


If living for Christ is so dangerous, why live that way?
           -> Therefore, since we are surrounded by such as great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. - Hebrews 12:1


When we live for Christ, we are praising Him. No, we do not need to do good works or be super "spiritual" to receive eternal life with Christ. However, after being offered such a great opportunity from the Maker (though we are undeserving), we should praise and glorify him - he kinda, really, deserves it. It's not just a 'we should' type of thing either. It is something that is hard not to do when living for Christ. God opens our eyes to countless blessings when we view things apart from the world. He provides us with more than enough. When I realize this, I cannot help but praise him for his selfless sacrifice.


To sum this incredibly long post (that few, if any of you are still reading)...I'll keep it simple:
CAUTION: Living a life for Jesus is both thrilling and highly dangerous! (It's like running with scissors on ice). And extremely worth it.


***Please note that while living for Jesus (which is dangerous and thrilling...and like running with scissors on ice) is encouraged, literally running with scissors on ice (or any other surface, or thin air if you can fly) is NOT encouraged. In fact, please don't. Just don't. It would be a poor life decision with awful consequences.