"Well if they're happy then it's okay."
"As long as it makes them happy, I don't care"
"Everyone deserves to be happy."
A few months ago while Skyping with my best friend, and we got into a deep, warm and fuzzy, but also admitting our faults conversation, and Kaitlyn said something that I've not been able to let go of. "This whole 'As long as they're happy they can do what they want' thing is dangerous." and if you actually think about it...She's right. It's not always the right thing to do just because it makes us happy. Using the "Well it makes me happy." is almost like trying to justify why, or convince yourself that it's okay just because you're happy. But that is not the case.
It's so easy to fall into sin, and the majority of the time it feels good to sin. We as humans, we crave the feeling we get while sinning, which is why the Bible tells us that daily we are going to have to fight the ways of the world, the temptations, and not give in. Luke 9:23 tells us "And he said to all, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." What does it mean to deny ourselves and take up our cross daily? When Jesus took the cross and dragged it up the hill on His back, while wearing a crown of thorns, he hung there on that cross and paid for every wrong thing we will ever do. So when we are told that in order to follow Jesus, we must take up our cross and deny ourselves, we are being asked to repent, to ask for forgiveness, and to recognize that we are nothing with out Christ.
There is a quote that I happened upon the other day that says "I refuse to entertain myself with the things that my God went to the cross for." it speaks so loudly, and has such a deep and true meaning behind it. We often entertain ourselves with sinful choices, or actions, and we think nothing more than "Well it makes me happy." but, what about God? What about the man who wore that crown of thorns, hung on a cross, and still managed to say "Father forgive them." as He paid the price for MY sin. What about that?
Happiness is important, but if your happiness if coming from things that break God's heart is it really worth it?
Sunday, April 13, 2014
"Everyone Deserves To Be Happy"
Hello! I'm Alyssa! 21, Big sister, dog mom, coffee enthusiast, Jesus lover and blogger. I hope that my writings inspire and encourage some of you!
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Mexico Trip | March 14th-20th, 2014 | Trip Of The Year
I'm ready to go back. I enjoy being home, but I could literally pack, drive 6 hours,and do it all again.
These past few months the concept of love has been at the forefront of my mind. What is love? What does it mean to truly love someone? How do you show love accurately? A small, four letter word, that has such a large and important meaning.
But really, what does it mean to love? Unconditionally, without boundaries, expectations. The college Bible study that I'm part of just finished going through a series by Andy Stanley, the main subject of the series was love. Jesus gave us a *new* commandment right before He left earth "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 ESV) To love as Jesus loved, is probably one of the most challenging tasks that we have been given. He loved/loves unconditionally. Without boundaries. Without expectations.
As my understanding of love, and what it means to love, grows it was only fitting that I would venture to Mexico. I've never experienced a truer form of love than what I experience when I spend time in Mexico. Between the lives that we get to be a part of while we're down there, and the lives the we bring with us, the love of Christ is apparent, it's real, and it's tested, and pushed to it's limits daily. Being able to maintain an attitude of love, compassion, and patience, while pouring concrete, shoveling rock, lifting bucks, hauling wheel barrows, and working the mixer, in the scorching heat isn't easy. You are pushed to your limits, you're hot, sweaty, hungry, and tired, and honestly not in the mood to be *nice*. Though the entire time we were at the work site doing those challenging tasks, I never once saw someone with an attitude of anything other than love.
Though the love didn't stop at the work site, it was spread through out the days, whether we were preparing for VBS, loading or unloading a trailer, hanging out, or even rooming with someone who wasn't the easiest to handle, love was there.
I know quite a few of the days that we were in Hermosillo, I wasn't feeling well I was taking medicine every four hours, and it wasn't helping as much as I wished it would have, and it was difficult for me to keep a loving attitude. I found myself stopping to pray, and asking God to change my heart towards others, and reminding myself that I was there to serve. Without fail, God changed my heart, and gave me the little boost I needed to keep my loving attitude going.
You would think that love would be easy on a missions trip, because after all you're going down to share God, and God is love. But when you're waking up super early, and living out long days where bed time isn't till 11:00 and you only get 5 or 6 hours of sleep, for 4 days straight, it's not easy. Not to mention traveling with a group of 51 people, things get tough, people bump shoulders, things don't always go as planned, and going somewhere takes 3 times as long as it should.
This was the biggest Youth/College Mexico Trip yet. 51 people, tons of new teenagers getting to see what a life changing, heart breaking, relationship growing, limit testing, best trip you could ever be a part of experience is like. I have heard many of those people say that this was the best trip yet, and I'd have to agree. I built new friendships, grew ones I already had, and was able to repair old friendships that had been broken for some time. Mexico is great for that. Building, growing, and fixing friendships. What better atmosphere to do those things, than the Jesus loving atmosphere of the Mexico trip.
With limited to no internet access, I had a lot of time to think. Lots of things to work through in my mind, without the everyday distractions of life that was easy to do. At times it got hard, and I wanted to come home, but pushing through and sticking it out was one of my better decisions.
So many inside jokes, and funny stories are now able to be told because of this trip. I honestly (and people never believe me when I say this.) love the long car rides. I would much rather ride in a car for hours on end, than ride in a plane for hours on end. I love that riding in a car for 6+ hours forces you to talk to, and build friendships with the people in your vehicle. I was able to build tons of friendships, create inside jokes, and just laugh at things that probably wouldn't be funny now, but were funny at the time cause we were tired.
I'm probably forgetting things, and there will probably be a part two of this post. There was just so much that happened, and so many things that changed my heart. Mexico trips are my favorite, and I look forward to going every year. Mexico changes your heart, grows your heart, and ultimately captures your heart. I know a large piece of me, and who I am is in Mexico. I'm forever grateful for the adults who put together this trip, and are willing to work extra hours, stay up a little later at night, just to plan this trip, so our lives can be changed. The adults who planned this trip, drove the vans, and just kept an eye on us, are one of the biggest blessings in my life. I'm so lucky that these people were placed in my life, and I will be forever thankful for these trips.
These past few months the concept of love has been at the forefront of my mind. What is love? What does it mean to truly love someone? How do you show love accurately? A small, four letter word, that has such a large and important meaning.
But really, what does it mean to love? Unconditionally, without boundaries, expectations. The college Bible study that I'm part of just finished going through a series by Andy Stanley, the main subject of the series was love. Jesus gave us a *new* commandment right before He left earth "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12 ESV) To love as Jesus loved, is probably one of the most challenging tasks that we have been given. He loved/loves unconditionally. Without boundaries. Without expectations.
As my understanding of love, and what it means to love, grows it was only fitting that I would venture to Mexico. I've never experienced a truer form of love than what I experience when I spend time in Mexico. Between the lives that we get to be a part of while we're down there, and the lives the we bring with us, the love of Christ is apparent, it's real, and it's tested, and pushed to it's limits daily. Being able to maintain an attitude of love, compassion, and patience, while pouring concrete, shoveling rock, lifting bucks, hauling wheel barrows, and working the mixer, in the scorching heat isn't easy. You are pushed to your limits, you're hot, sweaty, hungry, and tired, and honestly not in the mood to be *nice*. Though the entire time we were at the work site doing those challenging tasks, I never once saw someone with an attitude of anything other than love.
Though the love didn't stop at the work site, it was spread through out the days, whether we were preparing for VBS, loading or unloading a trailer, hanging out, or even rooming with someone who wasn't the easiest to handle, love was there.
I know quite a few of the days that we were in Hermosillo, I wasn't feeling well I was taking medicine every four hours, and it wasn't helping as much as I wished it would have, and it was difficult for me to keep a loving attitude. I found myself stopping to pray, and asking God to change my heart towards others, and reminding myself that I was there to serve. Without fail, God changed my heart, and gave me the little boost I needed to keep my loving attitude going.
You would think that love would be easy on a missions trip, because after all you're going down to share God, and God is love. But when you're waking up super early, and living out long days where bed time isn't till 11:00 and you only get 5 or 6 hours of sleep, for 4 days straight, it's not easy. Not to mention traveling with a group of 51 people, things get tough, people bump shoulders, things don't always go as planned, and going somewhere takes 3 times as long as it should.
This was the biggest Youth/College Mexico Trip yet. 51 people, tons of new teenagers getting to see what a life changing, heart breaking, relationship growing, limit testing, best trip you could ever be a part of experience is like. I have heard many of those people say that this was the best trip yet, and I'd have to agree. I built new friendships, grew ones I already had, and was able to repair old friendships that had been broken for some time. Mexico is great for that. Building, growing, and fixing friendships. What better atmosphere to do those things, than the Jesus loving atmosphere of the Mexico trip.
With limited to no internet access, I had a lot of time to think. Lots of things to work through in my mind, without the everyday distractions of life that was easy to do. At times it got hard, and I wanted to come home, but pushing through and sticking it out was one of my better decisions.
So many inside jokes, and funny stories are now able to be told because of this trip. I honestly (and people never believe me when I say this.) love the long car rides. I would much rather ride in a car for hours on end, than ride in a plane for hours on end. I love that riding in a car for 6+ hours forces you to talk to, and build friendships with the people in your vehicle. I was able to build tons of friendships, create inside jokes, and just laugh at things that probably wouldn't be funny now, but were funny at the time cause we were tired.
I'm probably forgetting things, and there will probably be a part two of this post. There was just so much that happened, and so many things that changed my heart. Mexico trips are my favorite, and I look forward to going every year. Mexico changes your heart, grows your heart, and ultimately captures your heart. I know a large piece of me, and who I am is in Mexico. I'm forever grateful for the adults who put together this trip, and are willing to work extra hours, stay up a little later at night, just to plan this trip, so our lives can be changed. The adults who planned this trip, drove the vans, and just kept an eye on us, are one of the biggest blessings in my life. I'm so lucky that these people were placed in my life, and I will be forever thankful for these trips.
Hello! I'm Alyssa! 21, Big sister, dog mom, coffee enthusiast, Jesus lover and blogger. I hope that my writings inspire and encourage some of you!
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Funded.
I'm taking a big breath and letting it out in a sigh of relief! Because of wonderful people (a.k.a you lovely people!) I am fully funded for my Mexico Missions Trip! I am so thankful for generous hearts, and lovely people, who want to help me be where God has put my heart. You don't realize how much your generosity and prayers mean to me, but there is no true way for me to put my thankfulness into words!
In 15 days I will climb into a van with my youth group, and ride along for the 6 hours drive, until we arrive in Hermosillo, Mexico. Let me tell you, that thought excites my heart beyond measure! I am so ready, so, so, ready for this trip, for the fellowship, for the time spent with God, I am ready!
Thank you, for blessing be, for encouraging my heart, for allowing me to include you in my journey with God. Thank you.
With love,
Alyssa
In 15 days I will climb into a van with my youth group, and ride along for the 6 hours drive, until we arrive in Hermosillo, Mexico. Let me tell you, that thought excites my heart beyond measure! I am so ready, so, so, ready for this trip, for the fellowship, for the time spent with God, I am ready!
Thank you, for blessing be, for encouraging my heart, for allowing me to include you in my journey with God. Thank you.
With love,
Alyssa
Hello! I'm Alyssa! 21, Big sister, dog mom, coffee enthusiast, Jesus lover and blogger. I hope that my writings inspire and encourage some of you!
Friday, February 14, 2014
My Mexico
Mexico, just the thought of it makes my heart jump. It's one of my favorite places to be, to go, to visit.
In March, when I go down, it will be my 6th time visiting/investing in the lives at Casa Esperanza Para Ninos, this is the orphanage that we work with while we are down there. My church is such a huge blessing, and they are offsetting the cost by a large amount (I am not sure of the exact number.) which makes it easier for more of the youth/college students to be able to go. We still have a *small* amount that each of us have to raise, to be able to go on the trip, that amount is $315. I think you can see where this blog post is going, but I don't want my readers to feel like I am *always* asking for money. So please, allow me to tell you about "my" Mexico. Allow me to share some of my joy, my heart, with you, then I will let you be the judge of whether you would like to help me get to Mexico.
In March it will be my 3rd time going on the large youth trips, I have also been on three smaller trips with groups of 4 or 5 people. Each trip has so many different things to offer, but I think the bigger trips may be my favorite.
I have never been very good at making friends, if you put me in the same room as someone new a lot of awkward small talk will happen, and eventually one of us will just walk away. It's terrible. The Youth Mexico Trip gives you no other option than to build relationships with those around you, and whether you're pouring concrete, putting up sheet rock, installing door handles, making balloon animals, or dressing up like a clown, there is no room/time for small talk. You are put in situations where you have to communicate with people that you otherwise wouldn't talk to. Friendships are built, and it's pretty much effortlessly done. I have made many friendships, and still have many of those connections to this day! It helps me, (as I'm sure it does many others.) step out of my comfort zone, and reach out to those who are around me on a weekly basis.
Comfort zone. That is another area that this trip has benefited me, as I'm sure it has others. I am not one to go out of my comfort zone, or to be the center of attention. It makes me nervous, and uncomfortable, I prefer to not do things that force me to be in that position. Well on a Mexico trip, you kinda have no option. Whether you are dressing up like a clown (pictured below) or dancing to songs that you don't understand, you have to act silly. My first year going down to Mexico, I decided to volunteer myself to be a clown for Vacation Bible School. It was honestly one of the funnest things! Yes, I looked absolutely ridiculous, but the kids loved it, and I had fun too!
The kids are truly amazing. I don't think I can accurately describe their purely splendid personalities, smiles, and giggles. Each and everyone of them, so perfect and special in their own little ways. Your heart is so greatly impacted by them. They don't have to try, they probably don't even realize that impact that they have had on the many teens who have gone down. Their selfless love, constant smiles, always pulling and tugging at you for a hug, or just some attention. Honestly, they are just truly incredible.
God always, every single time, without fail, shows me just a little more of His heart...and I adore it.
I find it so much easier to focus on God, and God alone while in Hermosillo, because there is very limited (and sometimes no) internet access, no phone service, and just pure community, with the other believers around you. God says "This is how it's supposed to be. Loving the least of these. Serving Me. Loving one another. Fellowship." it's always so apparent, and clear in my heart that God is there. every minute. in every room. in every church. every van. every VBS. everywhere.
Worship is one of my favorite things, but when in Hermosillo, it is one of my very favorite things. I love that we sing worship songs, anytime, anywhere! Whether it's around a campfire, singing in English and Spanish, in the hallways of our hotel, in the van, wherever we are we sing, and it's in those moments that I feel God move, more than ever. It's just so innocent, we have a guitar, and our voices, we sing lyrics that we've memorized from our favorite worship songs, and it's just such a joy.
La Vid, is the church that Casa (the orphanage) runs. We go there on Sunday morning while in Hermosillo, and although I have no clue what the pastor is saying, I love it. I don't understand the message, but I love that their church body is so welcoming, and loving towards us. They take the time to translate their worship songs for us (even though we are more than willing to sing in Spanish!), as well as do some songs in English. Funny thing is, they have some worship songs that they will only sing in English because they say it sounds better. :)
I could write on for hours, (and maybe on another day I will.) but I have laundry to do, and a bathroom to clean. I love Mexico. More than I could ever put into words, like I truly don't think it's possible to put my love for this place into words.
I have a little under 30 days to come up with $315 dollars. God's got a plan, He's got a will, I know He will provide. Maybe He will use you to help me go to "my Mexico"?
So, I have a question for you.
Will you help me get to Mexico?
In March, when I go down, it will be my 6th time visiting/investing in the lives at Casa Esperanza Para Ninos, this is the orphanage that we work with while we are down there. My church is such a huge blessing, and they are offsetting the cost by a large amount (I am not sure of the exact number.) which makes it easier for more of the youth/college students to be able to go. We still have a *small* amount that each of us have to raise, to be able to go on the trip, that amount is $315. I think you can see where this blog post is going, but I don't want my readers to feel like I am *always* asking for money. So please, allow me to tell you about "my" Mexico. Allow me to share some of my joy, my heart, with you, then I will let you be the judge of whether you would like to help me get to Mexico.
In March it will be my 3rd time going on the large youth trips, I have also been on three smaller trips with groups of 4 or 5 people. Each trip has so many different things to offer, but I think the bigger trips may be my favorite.
I have never been very good at making friends, if you put me in the same room as someone new a lot of awkward small talk will happen, and eventually one of us will just walk away. It's terrible. The Youth Mexico Trip gives you no other option than to build relationships with those around you, and whether you're pouring concrete, putting up sheet rock, installing door handles, making balloon animals, or dressing up like a clown, there is no room/time for small talk. You are put in situations where you have to communicate with people that you otherwise wouldn't talk to. Friendships are built, and it's pretty much effortlessly done. I have made many friendships, and still have many of those connections to this day! It helps me, (as I'm sure it does many others.) step out of my comfort zone, and reach out to those who are around me on a weekly basis.
Comfort zone. That is another area that this trip has benefited me, as I'm sure it has others. I am not one to go out of my comfort zone, or to be the center of attention. It makes me nervous, and uncomfortable, I prefer to not do things that force me to be in that position. Well on a Mexico trip, you kinda have no option. Whether you are dressing up like a clown (pictured below) or dancing to songs that you don't understand, you have to act silly. My first year going down to Mexico, I decided to volunteer myself to be a clown for Vacation Bible School. It was honestly one of the funnest things! Yes, I looked absolutely ridiculous, but the kids loved it, and I had fun too!
 |
| Attractive right? ;) |
God always, every single time, without fail, shows me just a little more of His heart...and I adore it.
I find it so much easier to focus on God, and God alone while in Hermosillo, because there is very limited (and sometimes no) internet access, no phone service, and just pure community, with the other believers around you. God says "This is how it's supposed to be. Loving the least of these. Serving Me. Loving one another. Fellowship." it's always so apparent, and clear in my heart that God is there. every minute. in every room. in every church. every van. every VBS. everywhere.
Worship is one of my favorite things, but when in Hermosillo, it is one of my very favorite things. I love that we sing worship songs, anytime, anywhere! Whether it's around a campfire, singing in English and Spanish, in the hallways of our hotel, in the van, wherever we are we sing, and it's in those moments that I feel God move, more than ever. It's just so innocent, we have a guitar, and our voices, we sing lyrics that we've memorized from our favorite worship songs, and it's just such a joy.
La Vid, is the church that Casa (the orphanage) runs. We go there on Sunday morning while in Hermosillo, and although I have no clue what the pastor is saying, I love it. I don't understand the message, but I love that their church body is so welcoming, and loving towards us. They take the time to translate their worship songs for us (even though we are more than willing to sing in Spanish!), as well as do some songs in English. Funny thing is, they have some worship songs that they will only sing in English because they say it sounds better. :)
I could write on for hours, (and maybe on another day I will.) but I have laundry to do, and a bathroom to clean. I love Mexico. More than I could ever put into words, like I truly don't think it's possible to put my love for this place into words.
I have a little under 30 days to come up with $315 dollars. God's got a plan, He's got a will, I know He will provide. Maybe He will use you to help me go to "my Mexico"?
So, I have a question for you.
Will you help me get to Mexico?
My Mexico Fund:
Hello! I'm Alyssa! 21, Big sister, dog mom, coffee enthusiast, Jesus lover and blogger. I hope that my writings inspire and encourage some of you!
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