Saturday, September 27, 2014
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Sweetly Broken
I hope this encourages you as much as it did for me today.
I am first reminded that I am not my own. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20" Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” The price that was paid was Jesus Christ. He was mocked, ridiculed, beaten, and hung on a cross. Why? To pay for the sins we commit. Our bodies were given to us by God himself. I am in need of a constant reminder that I am not my own, and that I belong to the Lord, bought with a price.
Secondly, remember that we are not promised an easy life when we follow Christ. We are promised hardships, challenges and persecution. Take heart though because the Lord has overcome. Even though he has overcome, we will still sin. It does not make it right for us to do so, but we have to remember that it is not in our nature to wake up with a pure heart. Romans 3:10-"There is no one righteous, not even one." Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Third, I have been praying for the fruit of the spirit to flow from me with me students. However, when my day starts, I am quickly reminded that I do not exemplify the fruit of the spirit. I finish my day feeling discouraged and frustrated that I cannot do it on my own. I know that this is only possible with the Lord's help. I am reminded of Paul in 2 Corinthians when he asks the Lord to remove the thorn from his side. Theses verses ring loudly in my ears. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is make perfect in weakness Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." How wonderful is it that we have a God who is active in our lives and wants us to run to him with our struggles?
For anyone who feels alone, stuck, distant from the Lord, beaten, broken, or abused, know this: You are not alone! The Lord is waiting for you to come running to Him. He is not a distance God. Take what you know to be true and refute the lies in your head and heart. Ephesians 6:10-11 "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Thankfully we are not stuck in the position or in the season we are in forever.
I am first reminded that I am not my own. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20" Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” The price that was paid was Jesus Christ. He was mocked, ridiculed, beaten, and hung on a cross. Why? To pay for the sins we commit. Our bodies were given to us by God himself. I am in need of a constant reminder that I am not my own, and that I belong to the Lord, bought with a price.
Secondly, remember that we are not promised an easy life when we follow Christ. We are promised hardships, challenges and persecution. Take heart though because the Lord has overcome. Even though he has overcome, we will still sin. It does not make it right for us to do so, but we have to remember that it is not in our nature to wake up with a pure heart. Romans 3:10-"There is no one righteous, not even one." Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Third, I have been praying for the fruit of the spirit to flow from me with me students. However, when my day starts, I am quickly reminded that I do not exemplify the fruit of the spirit. I finish my day feeling discouraged and frustrated that I cannot do it on my own. I know that this is only possible with the Lord's help. I am reminded of Paul in 2 Corinthians when he asks the Lord to remove the thorn from his side. Theses verses ring loudly in my ears. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is make perfect in weakness Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake. I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." How wonderful is it that we have a God who is active in our lives and wants us to run to him with our struggles?
For anyone who feels alone, stuck, distant from the Lord, beaten, broken, or abused, know this: You are not alone! The Lord is waiting for you to come running to Him. He is not a distance God. Take what you know to be true and refute the lies in your head and heart. Ephesians 6:10-11 "Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Thankfully we are not stuck in the position or in the season we are in forever.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Saturday, August 30, 2014
Day Trip To Nondalton
I woke up this morning to friends in our house wanting to go for a "walk." Well, our "walk" turned into a flying trip to Nondalton. It was about a 15 minute flight and it was an absolutely gorgeous day to go flying. After a long and stressful week, this was a much needed trip. We also stopped to visit Levi who is a teacher at the Nondalton school. Thankful for friends who go out of their way for you.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
The Beautiful Alaska
Information taken from http://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Communities/Port%20Alsworth.aspx
"The spectacular scenery surrounding Port Alsworth is quintessential Alaska: tundra-covered hills, an array of mountains, glaciers, coastline, the largest lakes in the state and two active volcanoes.
About Port Alsworth
Port Alsworth is community of 125 residents, located on the east shore of Lake Clark about 100 miles southwest of Anchorage. It is the only community within the vast wilderness of Lake Clark National Park and Preserve, which makes Port Alsworth a major gateway for adventurous souls seeking a wilderness experience in the national park.
The centerpiece of the area is spectacular Lake Clark, a 42-mile-long turquoise body of water hemmed in by mountains. But the national park is also where the Alaska Range merges into the Aleutian Range to form the Chigmit Mountains and is home to Mount Iliamna, at 10,016 feet, and Mount Redoubt, at 10,197 feet.
Things to do
Visitors who head into the vast wilderness of the national park are often a mix of anglers, river runners and experienced backpackers. There are no roads and few trails in the park but there are three federally designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers, which are popular with rafters and paddlers in inflatable canoes and kayaks. The park's watershed is one of the world's most important producers of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon, contributing a third of the annual harvest, and anglers arrive from around the world to hook a hard-fighting sockeye. Lake Clark also has a scattering of remote, isolated lodges, most accessible from Port Alsworth, where you can truly escape into a pristine wilderness for a few days without having to sleep on the ground.
Port Alsworth has lodging, raft rentals and other visitor services as well as a National Park Ranger Station with displays and videos on the park and a limited selection of maps and books for sale. A foot trail, one of the few maintained trails in the park, heads 2.5 miles from the village to serene Tanalian Falls."
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
New Perspective
I know you are all looking for pictures and Alaska updates. However, i felt I needed to share this instead.
I feel accomplished after reading a book in the course of 3 flights. When I was younger I used to hate reading and I wanted to be that person who looked more intelligent becuase they had their nose in a book. I can say that I have come to that place in my life where I only wished to be. I find reading enjoyable and I have learned a lot from the books I have read. Here are a few things the Lord has laid on my heart.
The book I finished reading was called, "God has a wonderful plan for your life." A friend of mine sent me this book and I am happy they did. This book brought to light a different way of presenting the gospel message to people. We might tend to tell people that God loves them and has the best plan for their lives when presenting the salvation message to people. What happens when trials, tribulations, struggles, or death come along? Where is God's love for them now? Why is His plan not so easy anymore? Honestly, we are not promised an easy life when it comes to following Christ. Many men and woman have suffered for proclaiming the name of Christ. Perhsps that was Biblical times and we exempt from that now?
The simplest answer is no. John 16:33 "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Might we change the message we present and share the truth? We will have tough times, that we are told in John. We cannot do anything on our own to earn favor with God or work our way into heaven. We must realize the people we truly are and take a look at the 10 commandments.
Exodus 20:3-4, 7-8, 12-17
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image
3. Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
"Good people" might think they are not in need of a saving. Rather they believe that being a "good person" is the ticket into heaven. Well, if we have a God that judges justly then why would he overlook our sins just because we are "good people?" Take another look at the 10 commandments and see if you have broken any. I have and will unfortunately break them again. Breaking these commandments makes me: a liar, murderer, thief, and a covetous person. A sinner deserving death. I find peace though
knowing that my heavenly father wants a realtionship with me, a sinner. I don't know who will read this but I hope it penitrates your heart.
I feel accomplished after reading a book in the course of 3 flights. When I was younger I used to hate reading and I wanted to be that person who looked more intelligent becuase they had their nose in a book. I can say that I have come to that place in my life where I only wished to be. I find reading enjoyable and I have learned a lot from the books I have read. Here are a few things the Lord has laid on my heart.
The book I finished reading was called, "God has a wonderful plan for your life." A friend of mine sent me this book and I am happy they did. This book brought to light a different way of presenting the gospel message to people. We might tend to tell people that God loves them and has the best plan for their lives when presenting the salvation message to people. What happens when trials, tribulations, struggles, or death come along? Where is God's love for them now? Why is His plan not so easy anymore? Honestly, we are not promised an easy life when it comes to following Christ. Many men and woman have suffered for proclaiming the name of Christ. Perhsps that was Biblical times and we exempt from that now?
The simplest answer is no. John 16:33 "These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." Might we change the message we present and share the truth? We will have tough times, that we are told in John. We cannot do anything on our own to earn favor with God or work our way into heaven. We must realize the people we truly are and take a look at the 10 commandments.
Exodus 20:3-4, 7-8, 12-17
1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image
3. Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain
4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor thy father and thy mother
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10. Thou shalt not covet.
"Good people" might think they are not in need of a saving. Rather they believe that being a "good person" is the ticket into heaven. Well, if we have a God that judges justly then why would he overlook our sins just because we are "good people?" Take another look at the 10 commandments and see if you have broken any. I have and will unfortunately break them again. Breaking these commandments makes me: a liar, murderer, thief, and a covetous person. A sinner deserving death. I find peace though
knowing that my heavenly father wants a realtionship with me, a sinner. I don't know who will read this but I hope it penitrates your heart.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
31 Day Challenge
For 31 days I decided I was going to do something new, spontaneous, challenging, or difficult. This was inspired by Jessica Cox and the fact that I like to celebrate the entire month of my birthday....
Day 1-Alaska
Day 2- Hiked alone in the woods and walked about a mile on rocks without shoes
Day 3- Used a chainsaw for the first time
Day 4- Shot an assault riffle for the first time
Day 5-Attempted a make-shift Indian Taco/Received my first piece of Jade along with two rocks that were dremmeled into owls. Thanks Levi!!
Day 6- Went running with Lucy in broad daylight at 10 pm.
Day 7- Received a box of birthday goodies from Beaner!! Thank you lovely
Day 8-First Alaskan Kindergarten/High School Graduation
Day 9- Made a simple dinner for 3 of my students
Day 10- Tommy Island boating, cookout, and quality time
Day 11- Took a day off to relax
Day 12- Mom sent me my birthday box!
Day 13- Kayaking on the lake with Asha, dinner at the McKennetts, lemon cake with lemon icing, topped with gushers
Day 14-Ultimate Frisbee
Day 15- Ceciley sent me an owl journal
Day 16- Aunt Jane and Aunt Patti sent me so many goodies of candy and a lovely Starbucks gift card
Day 17- Flew a plane without any help from the pilot
Day 18-Camping in a remote place overnight with Asha and Aaron
Day 19- Walked 7 miles in the middle of night because the boat could not get us home
Day 20-Followed the Lord's leading when it was not something I wanted to do
Day 21- One of my students got me a lovely gift. She also gave me my Alaskan Grown t-shirt
Day 22- Chicken Curry for the first time
Day 23- Packed the school in order to prepare for demolition
Day 24- Dropped water balloons from an airplane to hit a target, came in second int he fly-in.
Day 25- Hiked Tanalian
Day 26- Lunch at our newly built restaurant/hotel/store. This is our first store and restaurant in our village.
Day 27- Caribou Tacos
Day 28- Moose's Tooth
Day 29- Hawaii
Day 30- Went to a Luau
Day 31- Went for a cruise
Day 2- Hiked alone in the woods and walked about a mile on rocks without shoes
Day 3- Used a chainsaw for the first time
Day 4- Shot an assault riffle for the first time
Day 5-Attempted a make-shift Indian Taco/Received my first piece of Jade along with two rocks that were dremmeled into owls. Thanks Levi!!
Day 6- Went running with Lucy in broad daylight at 10 pm.
Day 7- Received a box of birthday goodies from Beaner!! Thank you lovely
Day 8-First Alaskan Kindergarten/High School Graduation
Day 9- Made a simple dinner for 3 of my students
Day 10- Tommy Island boating, cookout, and quality time
Day 11- Took a day off to relax
Day 12- Mom sent me my birthday box!
Day 13- Kayaking on the lake with Asha, dinner at the McKennetts, lemon cake with lemon icing, topped with gushers
Day 14-Ultimate Frisbee
Day 15- Ceciley sent me an owl journal
Day 16- Aunt Jane and Aunt Patti sent me so many goodies of candy and a lovely Starbucks gift card
Day 17- Flew a plane without any help from the pilot
Day 18-Camping in a remote place overnight with Asha and Aaron
Day 19- Walked 7 miles in the middle of night because the boat could not get us home
Day 20-Followed the Lord's leading when it was not something I wanted to do
Day 21- One of my students got me a lovely gift. She also gave me my Alaskan Grown t-shirt
Day 22- Chicken Curry for the first time
Day 23- Packed the school in order to prepare for demolition
Day 24- Dropped water balloons from an airplane to hit a target, came in second int he fly-in.
Day 25- Hiked Tanalian
Day 26- Lunch at our newly built restaurant/hotel/store. This is our first store and restaurant in our village.
Day 27- Caribou Tacos
Day 28- Moose's Tooth
Day 29- Hawaii
Day 30- Went to a Luau
Day 31- Went for a cruise
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)