"One of the main reasons that we lose our enthusiasm in life is because we become ungrateful..we let what was once a miracle become common to us. We get so accustomed to His goodness it becomes a routine.."-Olsteen
My teamate Sam & I in Bethel, playing with some of the girls:)
This past week been such an eye opener. It was through God that my eyes were opened to some of the reality here in Nicaragua.This week as my friends Nash, Christy & I were walking around the small village of Bethel, we came across a back road that none of us had ever been on. Skeptical- we started walking. We then saw a house and introduced ourselves to the two men living there. We asked them if they needed prayer, however they ended up telling us about a sick man that lived fairly close. This small girl lead the way to the sick mans house, and we followed.Upon arriving there was a man in his mid 40's sitting on a chair, reading the bible. He had joy exuding through his pores.He was delighted to see us there, and I was excited to talk to this man that had so much radiance; his smile is one of those that could make anyone smile even on their worst of days. We then sat down and I started talking with this man; Felix is his name. Basically he told us how he is going to die in two months from this disease so many of the men down here in Nicaragua have. (It infects their kidneys) Men get this disease after working in the sugar cane fields, and it leads to death. .The cause is unknown, and it's
a very sad epidemic here. I believe there's a type of treatment, however most people can not afford such a big expense..I've been back everytime I go to the village to visit Felix & his family. Who are all so precious, I wish you could all meet them:) We bring him so much joy just being there, but what he doesn't know is He brings me so much more.
This man is dying. Yet he doesn't complain. He is not bitter or for having this disease. He doesn't complain that that he lives in one of the poorest countries, with a shack for a house in the barrios. He doesn't complain that he doesn't have the means to get treatment. Or that that he can't watch his daughters grow up. He doesn't complain to so many things, that I take for granted every single day of my life, that would be miserable to live without.– Food for every meal. Clothing. Shoes. If I'm sick I can get myself to the doctor. I have a roof over my head.& even things like When I'm bored I have so many means for entertainment, yet so many times I find myself complaining about something in life. It's my selfish Human nature that I have become so oblivious to.
However, when Felix speaks..it's words of praise to The Lord. That He is being comforted because He knows where He is going. He knows that the pains and sufferings on this Earth are only temporary. He is just filled with Faith, and is a light in a dark place.
FELIX!
Being with Him and the people here has caused my realization of all these blessings I have in my life is beyond increasing and overwhelming. Every morning I like to wake up and count my blessings (well counting would be impossible because I have TOO many to count:) however just being in that kind of mindset. & I pray for our hearts to be hearts of thankfulness.
"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with eaachother and forgive whatever grievance you may have against one another. Forgive as The Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. AND BE THANKFUL." Colossians 3:12-15
I’m so glad God brought Felix into your life and you’ve been able to be an encouragement to him as well as being encouraged by him! So God!
Life is so much better when we’re thankful for what’s going on around us! Love you Nayns!
SOOO TRUE!! & I’m thankful for you Gin Lee:) Love & Miss you!!!
Thank you for sharing! It is awesome to see how God is not only using you all but how he is working in your lives! God is so amazing ! Know that you and your team are being covered in prayer !
My precious, beautiful baby! You are so right. It is the most clarifying and cleansing experience to be close to death’s door. I so vividly think back to the high wire days which taught me this lesson. When we are on the edge and stripped of everything but our seemingly amplified breathing and heartbeat and our faith, we can only see, hear and feel what actually means the most.
I would look at the other platform and picture you and your sister, (the boys weren’t born yet), then ask God to please get me across safely to the other side.
I thanked God each time and always knew we were in his hands.
Things like idle gossip, what to wear or cook and daily worries meant nothing.
So many people live their lives based on things that don’t matter at all! You are also so right about why we take so much for granted. We have so many miracles!
It’s amazing what we deem as important or feel urgency to accomplish sometimes. I was recently taught that whenever I see the abbreviation ‘ASAP’ to think of it as Always Say A Prayer.
What could be more important or urging than our relationship with God BUT yet our human weaknesses can overwhelm us at times. The experiences you are having will strengthen your spirit so that the wordly issues unrelated to God will never be a weakness to you. Praise God.
You were the child who was as rock strong as a mountain. You could not be bribed, cooerced or shaken. You held the truth out in front of you like proudly carrying a flag. At two years old, you were already more trustworthy than most people will ever be.
You also had the biggest heart for those less fortunate and would get mad if we couldn’t give a dollar to a homeless person or throw change into the Salvation Army’s red bucket at Christmas.
Nay Nay I saw this light in you so long ago and am so happy that you are finally seeing it in yourself! God has been in you your whole life and even when you weren’t as versed in His Word as you have become, I can assure you that your works have been guided by the Lord from the beginning.
Most of all baby remember that by the same meter which we judge, we shall be judged and likewise by our forgiving we are promised to be forgiven.
First and foremost, forgive yourself and don’t judge yourself so hard. There are no mistakes, there are only learning steps.
Each living person has his or her own timing. Thankfully God has also made it known that in our last breath we can accept him and there will still be a room in his mansion too.
Don’t let anyone’s resistance to the Lord anger you! Jesus said to leave the herd to seek the lost. God’s time is eternal and a day in heaven may well me years here. Stay strong on your path and be thankful that so young you had your heart and spirit open to hear his call.
Your example will scare some as it causes people to question their own paths. Good! That’s the best way to teach. By your example you shine so bright and in your smile it would be impossible not to feel your spiritual strength and commitment to God.
Be forgiving always and pray for those who would hurt you and even more for those who are too blind right now to see what is being made so clear to you. You are so blessed.
When those that seem lost right now are ready, it will be you who will be waiting to help guide them. You have grown up to be the teacher you once decided to become. You will be gifted the right words to say by God because you are surrendering to become his tool.
You have been, are and will continue to be a light and guide for many.
God’s calling has brought you right back to the honest, compassionate and strong girl you always were BUT now you know WHY you were made this way and WHAT to use your gifts for.
Don’t drop your seeds on the rocks or dry ground but have your planting tools prepared. When hearts become rich, fertile and ready, then you will plant your mustard seeds. Waiting can be frustrating BUT to save even one soul or strengthen one person’s faith or even to share in one person’s love of God like Felix, you are doing exactly what God wants. We are all blessed that you have this divine calling and answered it.
Remember too my beautiful angel, the closer you get to the right path, the harder it will become. Jesus disciples turned their backs on him and the thorns, cross and swords were endured by him to be our example.
If your loved ones or friends turn their backs on you or especially when you feel the pain of stabs and thorns that others actions and words can pierce you with, understand thst those are all signs that you are following in our Lord’s footsteps!
Take this time to understand man’s oblivion and continue to Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord for yourself and for others. Be ready always for those whose lives who will be made so much better and their salvation possible because you prayed for them and had the tools to guide them. Even if in their last breath on this earth.
Today is Anabelen’s birthday and I am so thankful for every one of you because you are my miracles.
Another great update, thanks for keeping up with this blog Nay Nay! It’s so great to hear how you are listening to the spirit and he’s guiding you through random streets and into people like Felix’s lives!! Keep it up. Miss you!