These Are the Days

This is my second post since I've been at Taylor. A lot has happened, and I love it here.

To my own surprise, I am in the middle of ICC (inter-class council) or student government elections. We run on tickets, so I am running for secretary and there are three others running along side of me. It's awesome.

There are a few things that this election has been teaching me, but I will focus on only one aspect for the moment.

Seize the day. I may be young, but that doesn't mean that I cannot accomplish big things. In fact, I know that I can. Our campaign is called IMPACT. We call it this for a few reasons, one of which being that we believe we can truly influence this campus, this world, and our future. We are working for God's glory, so we know that with His help we can be successful. Don't wait to change the world; the time is now. You cannot get back lost or wasted time. These years are valuable, use them for something bigger and more worthwhile than sports or parties. Use them to impact something eternal. Nurture younger people. Learn from older, wiser people. Grab life by the horns and hold on tight. You'll never accomplish the things you don't try. 

I recently read the book "Do Hard Things" by Alex and Brett Harris. This is a book I wish I had read when I was 14. Well, for me it would really be 16 since that's when I accepted Christ into my life, but fourteen would have been a good age too. I encourage you to read it, or to give it teenagers or pre-teens that you know for them to read. It stresses doing things that may be difficult or uncomfortable for the glory of our Lord in heaven. 

Take charge of your life, after all, it is yours and you only have one (excluding eternal life). Don't put things off because you lack faith in yourself. 

Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.'" - Matthew 19:26

 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

 What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" - Romans 8:28-32

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." - 1 Tim. 4:12

~So

Use Your Gifts

I'm going to confess something to you. I am super completely and utterly terrified of playing my French horn in front of people. I don't mind if I'm playing in a group, but if it's just me I hate it. I don't even like to practice when other people are around. It's not that I'm bad at playing it, I'm actually pretty good. I just don't feel comfortable. This is especially weird if you know me well. I can play my guitar or sing in front of hundreds of people and not feel nervous, in fact, I actually do this quite frequently. It's not the same with the French horn.

 

You probably wonder where I'm going with this. God has gifted me with musical abilities, and, therefore, I should use my talents to honour Him and bring glory to His name. After all, that is my purpose in life, more or less. 

Each year my school band goes and plays at a conference of Christian schools. A bunch of different schools come together with their bands, orchestras, and choirs to form larger band, orchestras, and choirs. I was fine playing with the high school band, even when I had solos during the music. In fact, I really enjoyed it! This year was different, though. I was asked to accompany the high school choir on my French horn. Just the choir, a piano, and me in front of close to, if not more than, a thousand people. The music wasn't hard, and I have a hard time saying no to anything, so I agreed. I felt honoured that they asked me to do it, but I don't know what I was thinking. I got the music a few days before the concert and I only got to practice with the choir once. I wasn't prepared. I was scared silly. 

The day of the concert came, and no one outside of my band and director knew I was playing the accompaniment, so the crowd, including my parents, was confused when I got up and walked across the room after playing with the band, with my French horn in tow. As I waited backstage for the choir to sing their first two songs before I came on, I thought I was going to pee my pants or pass out from fright and nerves. The choir director introduced me, and I walked onto the hot stage, sweating from the heat of the lights. I could feel all the eyes staring at me. All attention was on me. I knew I was going to mess up. "Surely there were better people to ask than me," I thought. I shook hands with the director and sat down. The piano started and I began to play. Yes, I messed up a little. Everyone says they couldn't tell; I don't believe them. The choir sang beautifully and overall everything went wonderfully. The crowd exploded with applause and everyone cheered and whistled like it was a professional concert. I wasn't happy with how I played, but I saw tears welling up in the director's eyes. She hugged me, and I stood there feeling awkward for a second, bowed, and walked off stage. I could still feel people's eyes on me as I walked back to my seat in the band. 

The point is this: we are to use our gifts for God's glory. I got to use my French horn to glorify God at this Christian music festival, and after the concert everyone kept coming up to me congratulating me, and I got the opportunity to tell them that it was all God's grace. Sometimes God will ask us to do things that are out of our comfort zones, but He will also give us the strength to do it. When these opportunities arise it is dishonouring to God to back down because of fear. Trust God. He has gifted each of us in so many different ways, some that we may not even recognize as gifts right away, but if we listen and obey, He will make them known to us. The next time you feel prompted by the Holy spirit to do something that scares you or makes you nervous, answer the call; you will not regret it. 

"One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.  Then the LORD called Samuel. 
      Samuel answered, 'Here I am.'  And he ran to Eli and said, 'Here I am; you called me.' 
      But Eli said, 'I did not call; go back and lie down.' So he went and lay down.

Again the LORD called, 'Samuel!' And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am; you called me.'
      'My son,' Eli said, 'I did not call; go back and lie down.'

 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD : The word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.

 The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, 'Here I am; you called me.' 
      Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, 'Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

 The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, 'Samuel! Samuel!' 
      Then Samuel said, 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'" - 1 Sam. 3:2-10

Answer the call of the Lord eagerly with a trusting heart. Samuel did, and though he faced many trials in his life, the Lord was with him the whole of every moment.

"No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." - 1 Cor. 10:13

~So

Lesson #4 from the Dominican: God's Timing is Perfect

My friend Lyndsey had a really cool experience while we were in the D.R. that I just had to share with you. 

Last year Lyndsey went to D.R. and met a woman named Chachi. Chachi lived in a building right across from the building where our team always stays. Lyndsey's friend Alyssa wanted to hold Chachi's baby, so she and Lynds went over there. Lyndsey speak some Spanish, so she spent time playing with her kids and talking to her all week. Lyndsey said she felt like Chachi was the one who was serving her, rather than the other way around because she was so giving and selfless towards Lynds. Lynds spent most of her time with Chachi listening to her (Lyndsey has a gift for listening, so it's awesome that she got to use it). 

This year Lyndsey also went to the D.R., and so she went back to Chachi's house hoping to see her, but to her dismay, Chachi no longer lives there. The lady that lives there now told Lyndsey that Chachi moved about around six months ago. The new tenant's name is Eva. She instantly welcomed Lyndsey into her home and Lyndsey once again got to listen and learn and bond. The next day Lyndsey went to go see Eva again and this time took her friend and small group leader, Lil, with her. After a while Lil went in to shower, but for some reason Lyndsey felt the need to stay. Not five minutes later, guess who come walking down the street with children and groceries in tow? It turns out that she had only moved a few streets down. As soon as Chachi saw Lyndsey she ran to her. She invited Lyndsey over to her new house, but Lyndsey couldn't just leave because she's part of a group. Luckily, there was a full-time missionary from the organization we partner with right there, who said that she would take Lyndsey to her house tomorrow. 

The next day Lyndsey got ready to see Chachi, but the missionary forgot that she was supposed to take Lyndsey out and left early. Naturally, Lyndsey was upset, but she was still trusting God to work out everything for the best, so she went and showered and then sent to the roof. As she was relaxing on the roof, she noticed Chachi sitting in the street waiting for her, so Lyndsey grabbed a girl named Katie that she was getting close to, and they went and visited Chachi's house. It was great that not only did Lyndsey get to see her friend again, but she got to take someone else along and share the experience with her. 

God knew all along how things were going to end up. At the time it seemed like things weren't going to work out, yet God provided, and His timing was perfect. When we trust God with all situations, we find that His plan is better than anything we could have come up with by ourselves. 

"Those who know your name will trust in you, 
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you." - Psalm 9:10

"As the Scripture says, 'Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'" - Romans 10:11

~So

Lesson #3 from the Dominican: Submission

Before I tell you a little more about my trip, I'd like to tell you about my week.

On Friday, a friend of mine gave birth to a beautiful little girl. On Saturday a friend of mine got married to an amazing man. Yesterday, my friend's father who was diagnosed with stage 4a cancer (4b cancer is untreatable) was declared cancer free. God is good. I just had to throw that out there. 

I met a man who's a full time missionary while I was in the Dominican. His name is Dave Schwulst. He and his family moved from my town a few years ago (I can't remember how long). His story is truly amazing.

Dave was in his prime while living in the United States. He made a ton of money, had a great house, and was the epitome of the American dream. Then he and his wife felt God's call to be missionaries. His wife spoke a bit of Spanish when she was in high school/college, but Dave didn't speak a word of Spanish. But they knew it was God's call, so they obeyed, and along with their two young daughters, they packed up and moved to the D.R.

They gave away everything they had, which was a lot, to live in relative poverty and serve God. 

I got to talk to Dave a bit and he told me about how his men's ministry is difficult because of the way women are viewed and treated in the culture. Believe me, it's worse than in the U.S. He is faced with the challenge of making disciples of men who think women are objects. His desire is to make them into leaders. It will be no easy task. He also told me about how he has struggled with addictions in the past, and how they have affected his life and his relationships. He was really open with his past and even though he seemed like a great example of a Christian man to me, he was incredibly humble.

He made me realize that submitting to God is more than just following His laws. It's trusting Him with your life; every aspect of it from your job to where you live. Dave and his family submitted to Christ in a way that seemed radical to me, but it's really what all of us are called to do. While Dave is a good man, there is nothing extraordinary about him. He strives and he fails and he goes on with his life. God does not call us all to be missionaries and to give up everything we have, but he does call us follow and submit to Him fully. 

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

 Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. 
 "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth."When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls." - 1 Peter 2:13-25

~So

Lesson #2 from the Dominican: God Will Provide

Our group going to the D.R. was so big we had to take two planes. One group flew American. They left earlier than my group did, flew from Chicago to Florida to Santiago. They got there before us. My group flew Jet Blue. We left later, which was nice, but also didn't get in until much later. We flew Chicago to New York to Santiago. It was around 1 in the morning by the time we got to where we were staying for the night, which isn't fun when you have to get up early in the morning to work. I didn't mind, I'm used to running on small amounts of sleep. 

Turns out, the group that flew Jet Blue got the better deal.

American Airlines lost almost ALL of our group's luggage. I'm talking maybe a handful out of 40ish people got their luggage. We all packed the next day's clothes in our carry-ons, so they were good for the day. The next day came, however, and still no luggage. People were dirty and their clothes were gross. People from Jet Blue all came together to support our brothers and sisters in Christ, loaning them clean clothes, towels, and anything else they needed. God calls us to provide for others. It was a great way to serve.

The next day all the luggage got there that night around dinner time! What a blessing! That is, all the luggage except for one girl's. Her name is Kaley, and she's one of the most natural born leaders I've ever met. Kaley never once complained, but instead talked about how she was learning through the situation, and with all the other girls around, she didn't go wanting. She never let it get her down, and she praised God throughout everything.

Her luggage came either the next night or the day after, I can't quite remember. The point is this: God provides for us when we trust Him. God created all the universe and all of creation, yet many times we don't trust Him with things much more insignificant, like money, jobs, grades, schools, friends, etc. Why do we doubt? He already knows the outcome of all situations, and works out all things for the good of those who love Him [Romans 8:28]. If you put yours trust in God, you will not be disappointed! He loves us more than we can ever imagine, and because of His love for us, He gives us more than we could ever deserve. Even in little things like clothes for a week in a foreign country, He provides. 

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Mt. 6:25-34

~So