Life: an adventure, a journey with Jesus

An little explanation regarding my writing this blog. It's a weekly communnication which comes from living out the calling we believe God has put on our lives. It's not a well thought out document. It just rolls off my fingertips as if I was sitting chatting with you over a cup of coffee. So, please understand these are just some of my thoughts of the particular week. Our monthly newsletter shares more of the tasks at hand and is a report of the ministry. It encompasses four arms of the ministry -- AWANA, Help from Above, Lumps of Clay and Grandparenting Opportunities! Email me at the following address if you wish to be included in receiving that report. jnorris3912@yahoo.com

Thoughts this week are about COURAGE, DISCOURAGED and ENCOURAGED! Read on!

Courage – that’s a little of what it takes to be on this journey! You see, I am not an adventurous person. Not at all. Many of you know me, and this mission trip has taken me out of my comfort zone completely. But I’ve learned that I can handle so much more than I ever thought possible. Philippians tell us that we can do all things through Christ who gives us the strength and in Corinthians we are told that He will not give us more than we can bear. However, no matter how you look at it, simply put, moving to Peru and living here has taken courage for me!

Discouraged – that’s a little of what has happened on this journey! You see, things have not always gone well. Circumstances have challenged me. From the early days in language school (where I cried more than once out of frustration and discouragement) to being separated from my family and friends (and a little angry that I had to be) to the daily struggles with Spanish and the culture, I sometimes feel like I’m on an island and no one cares or realizes what’s it like here.

Encouraged – that’s a little of what I’ve experienced on this journey! You see, daily devotions help here a lot! And, of course, opening up the computer and finding sweet, special words from friends, or pictures from family encourages me. But far beyond my expectation, coming ‘home’ was a huge encouragement! Yes, coming home to the states there were arms wide open to hug me, and welcome me, and there were many words of encouragement shared personally with me. Finally, coming home to Peru just two days ago, I have been encouraged as well by hugs, kisses and squealing voices!

Because it does take courage to take a stand, to be obedient, to be stretched, a few verses have been necessary for me to keep going and I have turned to….Chronicles 28:20 (paraphrased!) "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, is with me. He will not fail me or forsake me until all the work for the service of the LORD is finished. And, 1 Corinthians 16:13 says that we are to “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (Note: it says ‘men’ of courage, but I know that means me, too!)

And, we all (including you!) get discouraged whether we admit it or not. So my favorite verse here is…Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before me and will be with me; he will never leave me nor forsake me. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Sounds familiar? It’s the same verse I already quoted, but it’s so important, it’s in the Bible more than once!

So, let us encourage one another as we walk the walk wherever that path may lead and remember 1 Thessalonians 5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing," (thank you to each one of you!) and the final verse I like is in Hebrews 10:24 "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."