take my heart, i lay it down, at the feet of you who's crowned
take my life, i'm letting go, i lift it up to you who's throne
i will worship ...
the other day i woke up before 6 am and was in pain. over what, i couldn't begin to tell you. it was more spirit pain, i think (though i was nervous about traveling later that day). i laid in bed for over two hours, awake, trying to rest, trying to gain clarity on whatever i was feeling, while just really rumpling the sheets into a twisted mess.
this unnameable feeling might stem from confusion/anxiety. just a guess. i sense i'm entering a season of change. i've said i'd follow Christ wherever, for however long. He brought me to Peru for a bit, and now we might be relocating together. i'm not sure.
i truly have no idea about what is coming, and that is scary.
my best friend reminded me today to remember to be where i'm at in addition to being freaked out of my mind over the big, upcoming-and-too-soon, uncertain questions.
the good surprise on the morning i woke up insanely early....i laid in bed for about 2.5 minutes, just dwelling on negatives. then came this Word, clear as day: "trust in the Lord your God with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths."
i repeated this over and over for about two hours. i held onto it throughout that day, into my travel time. i still cling to it.
i have no idea what this verse holds in this particular context. i am thankful God gave it to me for such a time as this. it is like cleansing rain. and it was raining that morning.
maybe it'll seep deep into my heart again...
19.2.10
15.2.10
Disclaimer: Take all of the following with a grain of salt.
A couple weeks ago I told you the story of the newspapers: Peruvians would take the free newspapers and do all kinds of things with them (see earlier post if you're thoroughly confused). As I started to ponder this cultural difference, I began to observe even more things that interested me. In the name of Valentine's Day, I continue to offer up some ideas/observations concerning Peruvian culture and North American culture.
First, as the title suggests, take this entry with a grain of salt; I write hopefully to entertain (in this entry at least--you'll know when I'm being serious in other posts :).
If anyone knows me even an ounce, you know that I sometimes have a thing for...men with Latin roots. I blame this on my dad. Why, you ask? Well, I suppose because I use the excuse that sometimes girls recognize and value traits in certain young men that remind them of their own father's qualities.
Draw your own conclusions, but you can imagine the chatter between Marta and myself. If we're feeling giggly/girly, we usually start quizzing one another on the attractiveness of some dude. Marta's theory is that she grew up looking at these guys, and because I didn't, I find them more attractive. Who knows. The point is, we have very different "gustos" (taste), and we laugh a lot over this hot topic.
Telenovelas. I haven't got much to say on this topic, other than that it is a culture in itself. I know I've been here awhile when I actually ask Marta to watch a telenovela with me. Shocking, I know (My current favorite is "Dos Caras," a Brazilian novela dubbed in Spanish). My favorite thing about watching these soap operas with Peruvians is that they talk back to the television as if their life depended on the dramatic goings-on of Thalia in "Maria de la no-se-que."
Did you know that passing out condoms in Lima, Peru for Valentine's Day can be turned into a mega-event in which people dance around in costumes of the already-mentioned-objects that I don't want to write again? Oh yes, it's true. I was watching the news the other evening and was floored to see this spectacle in a neighborhood of Lima called Barranco. It was apparently a party, and people receiving aforementioned things seemed quite pleased. I unfortunately have pictures of the television, and I also got a good laugh. Alright, enough on that incident.
Moving on, a small factoid: Some peruvian women start peeling on their faces as a result of pregnancy. The reason I know this: Marta and I went to the beach, and she came back "negra" (black) from all the sun. Her friends at University began to tease her about being pregnant. I asked her why. She replied, as if this was the most normal thing in the world, "Because I'm peeling on my cheeks." Huh??? It took a lot of prompting and pondering on my part, but I finally got an explanation, and it's nothing more than some Latina women peel underneath their eyes/in the cheek region while with child. Hmmm....I have still yet to really understand why. I have some ideas floating around, but no real scientific answer. I'll keep you posted with my findings.
I love Peru. Much love and many laughs. :)
First, as the title suggests, take this entry with a grain of salt; I write hopefully to entertain (in this entry at least--you'll know when I'm being serious in other posts :).
If anyone knows me even an ounce, you know that I sometimes have a thing for...men with Latin roots. I blame this on my dad. Why, you ask? Well, I suppose because I use the excuse that sometimes girls recognize and value traits in certain young men that remind them of their own father's qualities.
Draw your own conclusions, but you can imagine the chatter between Marta and myself. If we're feeling giggly/girly, we usually start quizzing one another on the attractiveness of some dude. Marta's theory is that she grew up looking at these guys, and because I didn't, I find them more attractive. Who knows. The point is, we have very different "gustos" (taste), and we laugh a lot over this hot topic.
Telenovelas. I haven't got much to say on this topic, other than that it is a culture in itself. I know I've been here awhile when I actually ask Marta to watch a telenovela with me. Shocking, I know (My current favorite is "Dos Caras," a Brazilian novela dubbed in Spanish). My favorite thing about watching these soap operas with Peruvians is that they talk back to the television as if their life depended on the dramatic goings-on of Thalia in "Maria de la no-se-que."
Did you know that passing out condoms in Lima, Peru for Valentine's Day can be turned into a mega-event in which people dance around in costumes of the already-mentioned-objects that I don't want to write again? Oh yes, it's true. I was watching the news the other evening and was floored to see this spectacle in a neighborhood of Lima called Barranco. It was apparently a party, and people receiving aforementioned things seemed quite pleased. I unfortunately have pictures of the television, and I also got a good laugh. Alright, enough on that incident.
Moving on, a small factoid: Some peruvian women start peeling on their faces as a result of pregnancy. The reason I know this: Marta and I went to the beach, and she came back "negra" (black) from all the sun. Her friends at University began to tease her about being pregnant. I asked her why. She replied, as if this was the most normal thing in the world, "Because I'm peeling on my cheeks." Huh??? It took a lot of prompting and pondering on my part, but I finally got an explanation, and it's nothing more than some Latina women peel underneath their eyes/in the cheek region while with child. Hmmm....I have still yet to really understand why. I have some ideas floating around, but no real scientific answer. I'll keep you posted with my findings.
I love Peru. Much love and many laughs. :)
14.2.10
being refined.
On this Valentine's Day I am sitting in Cusco, Peru under the cloud-sprinkled sky--the kind that you know is thinking about rain, but the sun won't refuse to go away (I even learned a new word: Garua, which means "to sprinkle"). Hillsong is playing in Spanish in the background, Marta and Ellen are making a wonderful-smelling lunch, and people are partying on the streets to celebrate Carvanal (mainly with various forms of water weapons, which we managed to avoid earlier today, though I got soaked twice yesterday).
I just wanted to wish everyone a happy day, filled with blessings. How wonderful that if you are a believer is Jesus you can claim to know what true love really is. I've been reading 1 John, and God is molding and refining me through this go-round of reading such a beautiful book.
One thing I've come to terms with recently is that in this time in Peru, God is drawing me close to Him, through pain and trials, but nevertheless, closer to the Father. I see certain things He is working on in me, how He is preparing me for the future, whatever that may entail.
I'm still learning to love. I'm still learning to serve. I'm still learning to trust. I'm still learning to believe God, to be bold in faith. I'm still learning to walk well with God. And I'm still learning His love for me, though I'll never fully understand that.
The good news is this: God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life (John 3).
Also check out 1 John (pretty much all of it) and Isaiah 41.
All for love.
I just wanted to wish everyone a happy day, filled with blessings. How wonderful that if you are a believer is Jesus you can claim to know what true love really is. I've been reading 1 John, and God is molding and refining me through this go-round of reading such a beautiful book.
One thing I've come to terms with recently is that in this time in Peru, God is drawing me close to Him, through pain and trials, but nevertheless, closer to the Father. I see certain things He is working on in me, how He is preparing me for the future, whatever that may entail.
I'm still learning to love. I'm still learning to serve. I'm still learning to trust. I'm still learning to believe God, to be bold in faith. I'm still learning to walk well with God. And I'm still learning His love for me, though I'll never fully understand that.
The good news is this: God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him may not perish but have eternal life (John 3).
Also check out 1 John (pretty much all of it) and Isaiah 41.
All for love.
8.2.10
Traveling...
A quick update on this week: I'm going to be traveling to Cusco, Peru, and I'd love some prayer. Not just for me, but for a fellow Journeygirl, Ellen. I am going primarily to help out the ESL ministry there and just spend time with her. It's going to be a sweet time of encouragement for both of us (she is alone there as well). If you would pray that we can dive into the Word together and really be in prayer over our ministries, that would be much appreciated.
In addition to focusing on REAP stuff and "life stuff," we also might have the opportunity to help out in some villages near the center of Cusco. In January much of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Puno were affected by very heavy rains. Flooding occurred, bridges were washed out, and people even died. The communities have been severely damaged and the people are in need of food, clothing and a general rebuilding. Ellen and I might get to help out; my prayer is that if I do go, that the love of Christ is shown and that physical needs are met as well. Check out the link below for more info on the situation there. FYI: Machu Pichu is closed due to the floods, so if you were planning on coming down here for that, reschedule.... ;)
I love hearing from people, so shoot me an email if you'd like. I'm excited about the days ahead, and I pray you're seeing God in your lives and all around you.
http://enperublog.com/2010/01/26/emergency-declared-in-cusco-heavy-rains-flood-the-region/
In addition to focusing on REAP stuff and "life stuff," we also might have the opportunity to help out in some villages near the center of Cusco. In January much of Cusco, Ayacucho, and Puno were affected by very heavy rains. Flooding occurred, bridges were washed out, and people even died. The communities have been severely damaged and the people are in need of food, clothing and a general rebuilding. Ellen and I might get to help out; my prayer is that if I do go, that the love of Christ is shown and that physical needs are met as well. Check out the link below for more info on the situation there. FYI: Machu Pichu is closed due to the floods, so if you were planning on coming down here for that, reschedule.... ;)
I love hearing from people, so shoot me an email if you'd like. I'm excited about the days ahead, and I pray you're seeing God in your lives and all around you.
http://enperublog.com/2010/01/26/emergency-declared-in-cusco-heavy-rains-flood-the-region/
1.2.10
Cool story...
A friend passed this to me and I was immediately inspired after the first reading. Check it out, it's a very cool story, though certainly sad. Underneath the link to the news story is the Chandler family's blog, which is also awesome.
http://ow.ly/12jQm
http://themchandlers.blogspot.com/
http://ow.ly/12jQm
http://themchandlers.blogspot.com/
31.1.10
Newspapers
In hopes of lightening the mood of my blog world (it's been kinda....serious, lately), I've decided to give you some insight into a few funny and random (and here's hoping entertaining) cultural differences between Peru and the United States.
My source of inspiration has come from my current "roomie" Marta. She is Peruvian (though she has had a lot of experience with silly gringos), and she has been staying with me this month while she is taking a summer course at her university in Arequipa. It's been a lot of fun and very enlightening, to say the least. I've thoroughly enjoyed the company, and as the days go on, there are always little things that continue to surprise me concerning cultural differences.
So here you go, story number one. I'm going to try to narrate it as best as possible. Be on the lookout for future posts about the goings-on of the locas (crazy girls) in the bi-cultural apartment in southern Peru.
The scene: Jesus (our Peruvian friend, not the Christ), Marta, and I are watching some random movie called "All About Steve," with Sandra Bullock. Side note: I do not recommend this movie. I think there were MAYBE two funny parts. Sandy, not your best work.
Anyway, a character in the movie is walking down the sidewalk and puts a quarter into those antique-looking things you then open and take a newspaper out of. You know, very 1993. I can't even remember what they're called....but you know what I mean, I hope.
Marta sees this, sits up, and asks me what this contraption is. I explain that you pay for a newspaper, open the little door-thingy and take it out. She has this look on her face of absolute astonishment. I'm laughing already because I know what's coming next: "Pero solo sacas uno?" "But you only take one?"
"Yes, yes," I reply..."solo uno." She continues in this mode of disbelief and I'm forced to pause the movie. At this point I'm prepared to explain our random North American custom, while also realizing that I've never thought about the point she is about to make.
Marta: "But do people actually take just ONE newspaper????
Me: "Yes...I mean, normal people do. You pay for one, you take one.
Marta: "Yeah, but do people really JUST take one????
Me: "Si pues, chica....why would you want to take more than one?
The million dollar question: "Why would you want to take more than one?" Marta and Jesus are laughing hysterically at this idea of being able to open a box after inserting a coin and taking just ONE newspaper. I'm in awe over their awe. And the explanations ensue.
Reason #1 as to WHY Peruvians would want to take more than one newspaper: Peruvians would insert the coin and take all of the newspapers and go house to house and distribute them to their friends.
Reason #2: Peruvians would take all the newspapers and sell them on the street.
Reason #3: Peruvians would take all the newspapers and use them for "useful things," ie covering the sidewalks when you're painting a building.
Reason #4: Peruvians would take all the newspapers "solo por gusto" ("just because"). “Segun nosotros mas es mejor," says Marta ("according to us, more is better").
There you have it. The top four things Peruvians would do with all the newspapers they can get. Needless to say, this was a very entertaining conversation. More to come, I'm writing things down as they occur due to my faltering memory.
My source of inspiration has come from my current "roomie" Marta. She is Peruvian (though she has had a lot of experience with silly gringos), and she has been staying with me this month while she is taking a summer course at her university in Arequipa. It's been a lot of fun and very enlightening, to say the least. I've thoroughly enjoyed the company, and as the days go on, there are always little things that continue to surprise me concerning cultural differences.
So here you go, story number one. I'm going to try to narrate it as best as possible. Be on the lookout for future posts about the goings-on of the locas (crazy girls) in the bi-cultural apartment in southern Peru.
The scene: Jesus (our Peruvian friend, not the Christ), Marta, and I are watching some random movie called "All About Steve," with Sandra Bullock. Side note: I do not recommend this movie. I think there were MAYBE two funny parts. Sandy, not your best work.
Anyway, a character in the movie is walking down the sidewalk and puts a quarter into those antique-looking things you then open and take a newspaper out of. You know, very 1993. I can't even remember what they're called....but you know what I mean, I hope.
Marta sees this, sits up, and asks me what this contraption is. I explain that you pay for a newspaper, open the little door-thingy and take it out. She has this look on her face of absolute astonishment. I'm laughing already because I know what's coming next: "Pero solo sacas uno?" "But you only take one?"
"Yes, yes," I reply..."solo uno." She continues in this mode of disbelief and I'm forced to pause the movie. At this point I'm prepared to explain our random North American custom, while also realizing that I've never thought about the point she is about to make.
Marta: "But do people actually take just ONE newspaper????
Me: "Yes...I mean, normal people do. You pay for one, you take one.
Marta: "Yeah, but do people really JUST take one????
Me: "Si pues, chica....why would you want to take more than one?
The million dollar question: "Why would you want to take more than one?" Marta and Jesus are laughing hysterically at this idea of being able to open a box after inserting a coin and taking just ONE newspaper. I'm in awe over their awe. And the explanations ensue.
Reason #1 as to WHY Peruvians would want to take more than one newspaper: Peruvians would insert the coin and take all of the newspapers and go house to house and distribute them to their friends.
Reason #2: Peruvians would take all the newspapers and sell them on the street.
Reason #3: Peruvians would take all the newspapers and use them for "useful things," ie covering the sidewalks when you're painting a building.
Reason #4: Peruvians would take all the newspapers "solo por gusto" ("just because"). “Segun nosotros mas es mejor," says Marta ("according to us, more is better").
There you have it. The top four things Peruvians would do with all the newspapers they can get. Needless to say, this was a very entertaining conversation. More to come, I'm writing things down as they occur due to my faltering memory.
29.1.10
Forgotten love.
"She's forgotten her first love.....He's forgotten that she ever went away and broke His heart."
Just a quick thought as these lyrics of a Third Day song called "Gomer's Theme" echo in my room at this late hour: How many times in this life have I walked away and sought after something that isn't of Christ Jesus? More than I can remember, actually.
I just finished reading Hosea. I love this book--the imagery, the metaphor, the stories woven into it. I can see Hosea walking up, perhaps defiantly, perhaps exuding sadness--nevertheless, he has to pay to retrieve his wife after she has left him.
Christ died on the cross for our sin. Period. It is finished, it is completely paid up.
And yet over the last 15 months I've been brought to my knees in repentance more times than I can count, and that is still not enough. I'm Gomer. I'm Israel...I have a tendency to wander sometimes. I come back home because He has allured me and spoken tenderly to me (chapter2). He reminds me of His grace, of His ever-lasting, never-failing love. And I go home.
One of the things God has taught me a lot about recently is that I'm not perfect. It's one of those truths you always hear, but you have some moments in life where it is hammered into you a bit more; this is one of those moments. I'm not saying I want to wander from God. I'm saying that in my time of questioning, of doubting, of wondering what it is I really believe in, God is faithful to always come after me and remind me of His grandeur. Who He is and who we are to Him. Gomer, Israel...wandering prostitutes and unfaithful lands...But by His promise, a child of the King, a sheep with a shepherd who will always, always come after us.
Hosea 6:3; 14:4-5..............................Redemption. Rain. Grace. Healing.
Just a quick thought as these lyrics of a Third Day song called "Gomer's Theme" echo in my room at this late hour: How many times in this life have I walked away and sought after something that isn't of Christ Jesus? More than I can remember, actually.
I just finished reading Hosea. I love this book--the imagery, the metaphor, the stories woven into it. I can see Hosea walking up, perhaps defiantly, perhaps exuding sadness--nevertheless, he has to pay to retrieve his wife after she has left him.
Christ died on the cross for our sin. Period. It is finished, it is completely paid up.
And yet over the last 15 months I've been brought to my knees in repentance more times than I can count, and that is still not enough. I'm Gomer. I'm Israel...I have a tendency to wander sometimes. I come back home because He has allured me and spoken tenderly to me (chapter2). He reminds me of His grace, of His ever-lasting, never-failing love. And I go home.
One of the things God has taught me a lot about recently is that I'm not perfect. It's one of those truths you always hear, but you have some moments in life where it is hammered into you a bit more; this is one of those moments. I'm not saying I want to wander from God. I'm saying that in my time of questioning, of doubting, of wondering what it is I really believe in, God is faithful to always come after me and remind me of His grandeur. Who He is and who we are to Him. Gomer, Israel...wandering prostitutes and unfaithful lands...But by His promise, a child of the King, a sheep with a shepherd who will always, always come after us.
Hosea 6:3; 14:4-5..............................Redemption. Rain. Grace. Healing.
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