You have to make the decision about which direction your life with take with the life God has given you.
 You can choose to be in the world but not of the world
 and not let the ways of the world influence your decisions instead of God.

  This week it seemed the "tests" were hard for all. Everyone around us had an abundance of confrontation and conflict and a difficult time finding patience, making it hard to live like the Christ-like example we want to be. Still, we have to remember to give thanks and adoration to God for the good and the bad times and struggles because really we grow spiritually and closer to God through our troubles than our successes. 

It is interesting to me that the world is much more of a "yes" place than a "no" place and how much more has become acceptable and commonplace. Looking back at the Bible, the activities have been around forever, it is the attitude toward them that has changed. It is kind of interesting that Americans are looked at as a group as way too concerned about personal rights and suing each other to get money or take advantage of a situation because most other countries either don't allow those situations or the people don't see it as a good solution. When you see the news from another person's perspective and background, it is amazing how much of it is just plain silly. My main concern is that I don't like people forming an impression about my country based on the news and what it appears the government is or isn't doing, but unfortunately that's what happens.   <> That is another reason why people need to share with other people and travel and be a part of actual people's lives in other parts of the world so you get a true picture of what we are really all about as individuals and countries.

 
Many shrines are set up throughout neighborhoods and on roads in South American cities for the different saints.
This one appears to be for traffic safety.

I have been reading a bible study called, "Get Uncomfortable - Serve the poor, stop injustice, change the world...in Jesus' name," and in it they talk to several mission organizations, local and foreign, about what they do. The common thread for most of the people is the fact that it is a process and though you can't create change overnight, but you can put it in motion. The one aspect that I think many people forget is that it isn't only about helping others, but it also helps your own personal growth and changes you and continually refines your purpose.

 

Luke 9:23-24 states that with eternal reward comes earthly responsibility, so Christians need to take action in whatever ways they can because it reflects the love of Christ. You probably can't create world peace in the Middle East or give every poor person a meal, but you can do something. If everyone effects change with something or someone where they are the affects will be seen. If you need anyone but God to see to spur you into action than you'll probably be disappointed and you're kind of missing the point.

What can you do right where you are?

-  volunteer at a local school to read to kids or help as a tutor or mentor

- set up a clothes or food closet program at your church, school, or neighborhood

- invite someone for lunch and just be a listener

- intentionally meet people and say hello; get out of your comfort zone and live a little

- offer a ride to an elderly person or help them with a need

- be a club leader to a group of kids

-  start a small group study in your home - Bible or special interest

- teach someone something you know how to do; share your talents

- be friendly and open and ready to hear a need so you can help a need

- say that extra thank you or compliment to someone

- be aware that others around you may be hurting and need a friendly voice or someone to just ask how they are, can I help

- sponsor a child in another country through WorldVision or Compassion

- spend time with your kids and their friends modeling Christ

- say hello to people you pass on the street when you're out walking

- give people the benefit of the doubt that they are having a bad day and be the bigger person

- pray for your kids, your neighbors, your family, your country...

 
You could help out in the kitchen preparing the pig!

What can you do for people in other places?

- pray for open hearts and people to bring the message of Jesus Christ

- go on a mission trip - the benefits and blessing will always outweigh the expense

 -support someone else to go on a mission trip

- send resources to help continue the building of God's kingdom here on earth

- email and stay in contact with people out in the field to see what the needs are and what you can do

- be a supporter - talk about what you church is doing and get others interested

- collect children's clothes and medical supplies and have them available for groups to take to other places

- partner with missionaries to help them with their support and projects

 

My heart's desire is for people to come and see what God is doing other places because for me, that is where the biggest blessings lie, actually being able to complete something that God has put on my heart and seeing it grow and develop into something greater because God allowed me to be a part of it.

  <>I am nothing without God and though I have a blunt and forward approach to many things that I do, He still allows me to be a part of trying to reach the world for Him; luckily I have a husband that is a smooth talker and fixes anything I mess up.

The call is to accept the challenge, aceptas el disafio, and let go and let God show you all He has planned for you and your life. You'll experience only a postcard's worth of life if you're in control where as if you let God go, it'll be like the post office delivering mail to Santa!

Cathy and Steve