MOVED

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It will now be at :: mysignificantjourney.wordpress.com ::
Hope you'll follow me on this move!

Thankful (Week 2)

   Family. Simply family.
  
  I have THE BEST family! This week I've gotten to see a lot more of them than normal. It has been wonderful. God blessed me with such a supportive, amazing, fun, and always there for you kind of family.

   One day while I was in Costa Rica, I asked God "How much do you love me?"
He told me clearly " My love for you is incomprehensible. I see how much you love and miss your family. I want you to know that I love you MORE than that."
God loves so much! He gave me a love for my family that I think is so big. But it is still not even close to how much He loves me. If you're part of my family I want you to know that YOU are a blessing to me! I love you and appreciate you!

    So thankful to our wonderful Savior who loves me enough to put such wonderful people in my life!

Lots of Love,
The Cook
(Just a small glimpse at some of the wonderful people in my life)

  

Thankful Week 1

      Today as I sit here and it rains and rains.... I find myself thinking about a women I met in Costa Rica. Her name is Freci. Whenever it would rain in CR, Freci's small house would flood...every time. The water would all drain into her kitchen.

This is Freci. Making dinner for us at the church!

     This woman had other problems within her family,a small house ... smaller than my bedroom,the roof leaked in said house,the floor creaked in said house, and yet Freci was always smiling. She is one of those people that just lights up a room when she comes in. It wasn't because she had everything. But because she has a Savior who LOVES her! That was the joy inside of her that flowed out like Living Water!

"Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."~ John 7:38

     She made the CHOICE to be joyful and happy. To not dwell on the bad things in her life. Though I wouldn't blame her if she did. But she didn't! We could all learn a lesson from Freci. Remembering that no matter how bad it seems to be for us...there is always someone else who has it worse. Dwell on the good things in life. And allow joy and love to flow out of you! It will make a huge difference.

   I am so thankful for the roof I have over my head and the beautiful big house I have the privilege to live in.

Love
The Cook

** Thankful**
I am going to try to post the things I am thankful once a week or more for however long I can.

Look! There's a video!

Here's a video I made!
Hope you enjoy!
The Cook

HEAR me talk about my trip a little bit!

Hey guys! So you can't see my face but you can HEAR me!
Sorry about how I jumped around a lot.
So much happened on the trip and I just wanted to give you a little taste of it.
Hopefully I'll get to writing some stories on my blog soon.
But until then this vlog has some stories in it.
And concerning the end, my computer decided to stop recording. Haha!
I was going to say "Hope you all are well"!






With Love,
The cook

Overwhelmed

I'm overwhelmed.
Overwhelmed because the trip I looked forward to all year is now in my past.
Overwhelmed because God taught me SO much.
Overwhelmed by the JOY, LOVE, and, LAUGHTER we experienced.
Overwhelmed by the love I feel for the people I lived with and ministered to.
Overwhelmed by Gods love.
Overwhelmed by so many stories that I still have not gotten sorted.
Overwhelmed by the love those people have for us.
Overwhelmed by the tears shed for joy,for sadness, and for love.
Overwhelmed by what is ahead.

Overwhelmed because God has filled me up so much that
I feel like I'm overflowing.
My heart is overflowing.
My mind is overflowing.

It's all ok though.
Because I'm OVERJOYED.
Overjoyed by the AMAZING experience I had.
Overjoyed by just how much God loves His people.
Overjoyed in knowing that He has a plan for me.
Overjoyed in knowing that He speaks so much louder than I ever thought.

I'm OVERWHELMED.
And it's a good thing.

My Opinion on Short Term Missions

So, as you all know I just returned from my short term missions trip to Costa Rica. In the last couple of days, I've read a few articles that are putting down the kinds of trips that I just had the opportunity to experience. The articles contain a lot of negative viewpoints, viewpoints that I can’t see validity in. I have seen a lot of positive things going on, important things that God would want us to keep forefront in our minds.

Here's one of the articles:  http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/06/18/why-you-should-consider-cancelling-your-short-term-mission-trips/

Most of the articles talk about the teams “forcing themselves” in, bringing too many things with them, making the native people dependent on them, and doing just little work. They then claim that the teams spend the rest of their time “vacationing”. I've heard of people saying we would be better off to send them "things" and/or money that we raised, instead of actually going to various countries and spending time with the people in need.

 I am sure that there are people that use missions as a way of exploring the world in the name of Jesus. And there are, in fact, groups formed with the specific calling of raising funds to send to different areas of the world in need. And the latter is not a bad thing. But I also know this: God equips each of us differently and calls each of us to specific tasks. The only shame or sin in that calling is to ignore it, pack up a box or mail or envelope.

We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus. This requires relationship. The ONE and ONLY eternal gift that can be shared with hurting and starving people is salvation of their mortal souls through the Gospel. That t-shirt or pair of shoes or food is all going to wear out, become too small, parish or simply run out. But salvation and the gospel never wear out, is always enough and never spoils or runs out. Therefore, I must say, I don’t believe it is more beneficial, to anybody in any country, to send them "things" in place of taking & sharing the gospel.

“GO into ALL the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15

I am sure some people use the trips as vacations, but that is between them and God and not for me to judge. To lump all value of short term missions and all short term missionaries into one big pile because of the failure of some to do God’s will is neither right nor accurate. It is certainly not true for my team, nor is it true for any of the teams AIM has launched. We lived in the same conditions as the people we were ministering to, we ate the same food that the nationals ate and we were expected to eat whatever was put in front of us. I have never sweated more than I did when I was in Costa Rica doing God’s will for me. It was no vacation, and of course we didn’t expect it to be. That's not what we signed up for. We wanted to live with the people, we wanted to serve the people and experience their culture. There were a few hard days that I honestly did not want to be there. But I pushed through because I knew this was what God wanted for me and HE had called me to do this.

I am aware of the argument that ‘short term missions teams make the native people dependent on them’. This definitely was not my experience. Sharing the gospel and demonstrating how the power of God is what they need to become dependent upon was mine and my team’s experience. In fact, we were only permitted to give gifts that our team leader said were ok to give. Even then, the gifts were presented to the pastor who decided the best way it could be used and beneficial to the people. For example, we gave the church markers that they can use for children ministry and outreach.  In this way, the misconception of the "rich American" is here to GIVE me THINGS is avoided.

As I said before, there probably are organizations that are maybe not doing what God intended for their trips, but assuming that all missions teams force their way into the culture making the nationals dependent upon only them or that all missions teams are just taking a vacation is just a lie that Satan plants to keep us at home.

Our contact was a pastor from a little village near Santa Cruz, CR. He and the church wanted us to come and they had things for us to do. Come to find out, they had actually been praying for us to come. They were amazed because they prayed specifically that people from the North, East, and West would come. When we arrived and we got to know them a little, they found out that each person on my team was from a different state and different area of the US. They realized God heard their prayers and answered.

Honestly, I believe and know from experience that short term missions is a great thing. When done correctly, it is not only beneficial to the native people, but also beneficial to the people going on the trip. The very important thing is that we continue to seek God on the subject. In seeking Him, we allow Him to use short term missions the way He wants to. Even if He just sends us to plant and water seeds, the native church can then continue to water and cause growth.

When we seek Gods will, allow Him to lead us, and then follow His calling, GREAT,AMAZING, and LIFE CHANGING things happen! 

With much love, 
The Cook

Where? What? When? How?

I'm home! That's about all I know right now. God has changed me so much in the last two weeks. I am not the same person that left for training camp on July 6th. It all feels like one big blur. I need to get the stories sorted in my mind.  I can tell you one thing right now OUR GOD IS ALIVE! He's not dead! And HE IS roaring like a lion! HE Loves! He is there!

Will write more in a couple days when I get my thoughts together!
The cook

Leaving

I'm leaving for training camp at the end of this week.

Then my team and I will embark on this amazing adventure to Costa Rica! I'm so excited (plus a little nervous). I know God is going to do great things with this trip and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for us!

If you would like to keep track of what's happening while I'm gone here's a few links!

First is our trip blog is : costarica-hs.adventures.org

Second you can "Like" the Ambassador facebook page where they will probably post pictures from training camp:  https://www.facebook.com/AmbassadorMission

Trusting that He won't give me more than I can take.

And He might let me bend but He won't let me break. 

 The Cook

 

 

Leave It At The Cross

  I've been working through this Bible study called "Experiencing The Heart Of Jesus" (Student Edition) By Max Lucado. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a great Bible study. The lesson I've been working through is all about experiencing His forgiveness.

        Last night was all about leaving everything at the Cross. Our bad, mad, and anxious moments.  The part that I most needed (though I didn't realize I needed it till I read it)  was this part about our Anxious Moments.

"Take your anxieties to the Cross-literally. Next time you're worried about test scores or recital pieces or your reputation or your health, take a mental trip up the hill. Spend a few moments looking again at the pieces of passion.
  Run your thumb over the tip of the spear. Balance a spike in the palm of your hand. Read the wooden sign written in your own language. And as you do, touch the velvet dirt, moist with the blood of God.
  Blood He bled for you.
  The spear He took for you.
  The nails He felt for you.
   He did all of this for you. Knowing this, knowing all He did for you there, don't you think He'll look out for you here?"

Then the question.
"That last question deserves an honest answer. Knowing all He did for you, do you trust Jesus to take care of you now?"

      I literally just sat there and read the question over and over. He knew this would be the best moment for me to see this question. The timing was so perfect. In fact, as I looked back on my day there had been little parts of the day that were preparing me for this. A new song I heard,a message I watched, and even things I had experienced that day.

 My answer is Yes, I trust Him to take care of me. But sometimes I lose sight of that trust and sometimes I let go of the truth and hold onto lies. Reading this and taking a mental walk up the hill where my Savior died for me......it makes my worries look so small in comparison.

It's by this and many other times in my life I know HE is alive and HE is working in our lives.

I'm going to leave the two videos I watched yesterday at the end here. They are both worth watching and listening to.

With much love,
The Cook

       

Just Over A Month

        Just over a month till I leave everything behind for 2 weeks. I'm nervous but mostly excited. I can't believe it's this close! Everything is pointing me towards this trip. God just keeps confirming over and over "Yes, this IS what I want you to do!". Every time I start doubting or wondering He gives me another thing to hold onto.

      I would like all of you who have prayed for and donated to my trip to know that I appreciate YOU so much! Your support means the world to me.  Your continued prayers would be much appreciated as my trip comes up so quickly.

     I'll try to post more on here, my absence has been my own fault and I apologize for not keeping this blog up. So often I get writers block and fail to overcome it.
Hope you all are well.
With love,
The Cook

Blank page....or not.

 I've had this blank page open on my computer for over 24 hours now.  My mind is blank as to what I should write on here. My thoughts are all jumbled.

     God just keeps reminding me over and over and over that no matter how well I think I know someone everybody is fighting their own battle. Nobody's perfect and we're all dealing with life.  It can be incredibly hard to face trials of any kind.  Many try to cope with their trials by relying on alcohol, drugs and lots of other things to "take away" their problems.  As far as I've seen or heard those things have not taken away problems. In fact they create more problems, effectively breaking down lives and pulling families and friends apart.

  He is continuing to reveal over and over to me how much we all need Him. He can use you no matter how broken you think you are.

   Nobody ever said this journey was going to be easy. I can tell you something right now......it will NOT be easy. But God is always there and He will never leave you.

"I will never leave you nor forsake." ~ Joshua 1:5

He is there. Cry out to Him. He will take your life and use it.

I want my life to speak this message to all who know me or meet me. I can't wait to go to Costa Rica and spread the news about our wonderful Savior who cares about and loves you and me!

The Cook

  

Mustard seed faith

Worry,fear and anxiety..... All of these are the complete opposite of faith. Yet, most of us tend to absentmindedly do these very things everyday.
What if we absentmindedly had faith everyday? I know I would enjoy my life a lot more!
I would not only enjoy life, I could MOVE mountains!

Check out this little story.

"When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. ¹⁵ “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. ¹⁶ I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.”

   ¹⁷ “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” ¹⁸ Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment.

 ¹⁹ Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?”

 ²⁰ He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
~ Matthew 17:14-20

Wait! HE just said of ONE of these

Can MOVE this!!!

Absolutely amazing you say?

How's this for you.... God CREATED That ^

HE is all powerful and always faithful to us......yet EVERYDAY we fail to have faith in Him.
We fail to fully trust Him and even though we fail HE never leaves us or forsakes us!
Our God is an amazing God. HE is showing me that I need to trust Him. He is providing ABOVE and BEYOND what I would ever expect.
HE is ALWAYS faithful to me.
Whatever you are having trouble with today, put it in His hands. He will take care of it. Try to have faith the size of a mustard seed.

With love,
The Cook

Why are you afraid?

"Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm." ~ Matthew 8:26

I've found this verse to be very convicting and comforting at the same time.

HE rebukes my wind and waves even though I have such little faith.
But at the same time He is also asking "Why I'm afraid?". 
I do have little faith. I doubt. I don't trust. Yet, He still loves me and still repeatedly eliminates my wind and waves. 

The worries we all deal with are nothing compared to a God who can calm wind and waves. Our worries don't stand a chance.

The Cook

What's going on?

Hi everybody!
I thought I would take some time to update on what's going on with preparation for my trip!
Where to start?

God is being faithful to me and providing the funds necessary for my trip. I am over half way to my support goal! I have a presentation this Sunday, that I am excited/nervous about! Your prayers would be much appreciated if you think of me! 

Everything seems to be falling in place perfectly, which is just more confirmation to me that this is what God wants me to do! I am so excited to go and minister to people in Costa Rica.

There are going to be so many new experiences. I'm just overjoyed to be serving our amazing God!

Hope you all have a blessed week!
With Love,
                 The Cook

What if we were real??

I love this song.
 The lyrics make sense and the message is a good one.
I don't know why we all try to make our lives look perfect. Especially when it's not. Why not just be real? Show your true self. I think most people will appreciate seeing you for who you are. Nobody wants to see the fake you! Why don't we share our brokenness and worship our God who fixes us?

Let your "past" go and trust that God has everything in control.
The Cook

Happiness

Happiness. It's not in what you don't have, but what you have.
Despite the doubts of many. All the Iphone models in the world won't make you happy. The newest Xbox isn't going to make you a better person (it will probably make you the opposite of a better person).
Friends, I am not saying these things are bad. Just that they aren't a need. Basically if you were to cut it down to life or death needs, you would find that you have LOTS of wants sitting around.

Lets go further though. Needs and Wants aren't going to make you happy.

Happiness is a choice. You can choose to simply be happy because the sun is shining. You can even choose to be happy that it's raining, knowing the rain will provide the nutrients for the grass and flowers. In turn providing a different day with beauty and gorgeous colors.

The rain in your life will provide beauty if you allow it to. If you choose to praise God for the hardships. God uses the "rainy" days to shape us into who He wants us to be.

So choose to be happy and put a smile on your face even while struggling. Choose to trust that God is using this trial to make you who HE wants you to be. In fact we should thank Him for the hard times. Just try it. Thank Him for the bad week and ask Him to reveal to you the lessons and beauty that came out of it.

Trust that HE has gone ahead of you. HE has a plan for you.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.~ Jeremiah 29:11

The Cook

Faithful Monday

: : Faithful Monday will be the day once a week where I will tell you how God has been faithful to me. Hopefully this will be encouraging to you and me on the most dreaded day of the week! MONDAYS! : :

So this week I'd like to tell about a verse that God revealed to me in late fall of last year.
In that time my parents and I were still praying about me going to Costa Rica. I was in my room reading my assigned Bible reading for the day. As I do a lot of the time I started to daydream. I was thinking about Costa Rica and started having doubts as well as worrying about things that could happen. I looked down and this was the verse that was staring back at me.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

This verse has been a rock for me in the preparation process. When doubt and fear try to creep in and take over. In my head it was like God was looking at me and saying "Do you see that? I will be with you WHEREVER you go!"

He is guiding me and teaching me to rely on Him.
The Cook

It's ok to admit.

Life can be a mess.
It's ok to admit it.
At more than one point in our lives here on earth it's going to be a mess. Every person will go through it. Nobody is immune. It's this thing called sin that we are ALL born with. Everybody has their own extremely huge pile of junk. The things they wish they hadn't done. The choice you wish you hadn't made. The words you wish you hadn't absentmindedly allowed to escape your lips. You can't change the past. Dwelling on it is not going to make a difference. The future can be changed though. Jesus isn't going to condemn your past. HE came to save you.

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." ~ John 3:17

Hard concept to accept. 
A free gift. In our society a free gift always has a loophole. If you don't read the fine print you'll probably get cheated out of something. This gift has no loopholes.

Back to what I was saying though. It's ok to admit your downfalls. Sooner or later you're going to learn that EVERYBODY has a "past". A year they wish never to repeat or speak of. A day that will forever be kept secret. An hour when instead of following God they turned their back on Him.

God can use our "past" for His glory. To teach others and to comfort others. We can use the comfort we received in giving our troubles to Him, to comfort others who are going through similar situations.
 

^"3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This is why as Paul said "I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness."

"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. ⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ 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."
~ 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10

I love that last line. "For when I am weak, then I am strong."
The Cook

What is this blog for?

Hi Everyone,
      As some of you may know, I'll be going to Costa Rica this summer on a missions trip. The purpose of this blog is to keep you all up to date on what is going on in my life as I am going through this process.  I will try to keep this blog up to date with the latest happenings and things I am learning through this process. God has been teaching me so much and I am so excited to share this adventure and the changes in my life with you all!

This blog will also provide me a place to share what happened on my trip when I return, hopefully great stories and pictures! 



Through all of this God has shown me how to rely on Him more and more in times of stress. He has given me amazing peace when I have become anxious or afraid. He is also providing the funds for me to go as I am almost half way to the amount I need to raise.

I'm hoping to write another post sometime this weekend!
The Cook