True Education

We have this theme at our school. Its coined as True Education and its something that sets this school apart form other schools. Or at least its supposed to.

I have recently gone into a financial difficulty and had to take the work study program at my school, Ouachita Hills College.

Instead of what I have been doing in past semesters (sitting on the computer for hours, sitting in class, sitting reading, sitting and eating, a lot of sitting). I am now taking part of a program that puts me to work around the campus.

And though it is a burden to work, not see my friends much, to time crunch things into the afternoon, and to not be able to take more than just one class, It is actually a huge blessing.

Contrary to many other people going to school in the world, I am not at this school to get a degree, I am here to learn...

That may seem contrary to itself, but thats the beauty of True Education. Learning from practical arts, not from random acquisitions of data that is largely irrelevant to my life goals.

I am very excited to actually be working, instead of in class as usual. Learning a valuable and practical trade is of more value to me than much of the book knowledge most students are set to learn.

Example: I will be learning about construction, like bricklaying and working with those tools such as saws. I am learning a ton about vehicles, there maintenance and how they work, and how to fix and work mechanism in machinery as well as use a variety of tools in that area, plus agriculture things and more assorted skills.

Most students don't really learn skills. Just books. I like it logical and practical, asking questions and being able to touch and prod and test are more influential in my learning and comprehension.

It also has so far helped me to appropriately use my energy and stay active, which is a massive plus.

All in all, in many peoples eyes it would look like a futile and pointless use of time to go to college but not take any classroom classes, or not get hardly any credit hours for a semester, but in the midst of that I am reminded of a term that has been more recently than ever, a guiding principle in my life during times I don't understand.

 That is Trust and Obey.

Just like with the apostles, when Christ asked them to let down there nets to catch fish, they did not act according to there own wisdom, they were not wise in there own eyes, they just trusted and obeyed.

And isn't that what we are aiming for as follower of God, we are not aiming to get this job, or do this things, or achieve this or that, God will not commend us on the quality or quantity of work we have desired in ours hearts to do, but commendation will be from simply doing whatever we are told.

Again, God won't say

"Well done, you studied many books"
"Well done, you got a college degree"
"Well done, you travels to all those places you wanted to visit"
"Well done, you spoke at this many churches"
"Well done, you were able to teach many unlearned people"

Not that any of these things are bad, but if its not submitting to where God has placed you, these next words you will never hear.

"Well done, my good and faithful servant"

You can't be good in the future, you cant be faithful in the past. If your in America, you can't be good in Africa, or faithful in Mongolia.

You can only be good and faithful, in the present, in the geographical area you are right now.

This is a lesson I am learning, to be content, to Trust and Obey now rather than later, to do the most good here rather than hoping to do it later, in another place.

Its not like God couldn't sweep me away to Japan or Lebanon to do mission work if He wanted, it wouldn't be hard, so why has He not done it, why am I here?

I know some people ask this question,  but this is what Jesus desired to teach when he requested that the net be cast again and this is the answer.

Being where we are at may not make sense, but God has us go to places and do things that are contrary to what we think makes sense. Often we "think" we can achieve important things by our own power, but God can put these much desired benefits we are working for in places that will often seem abnormal, illogical, and almost definitely in places we are not comfortable being. Its about teaching us a lesson we can't make ourselves learn no matter how hard we try, just like with the casting the net, its our effort, but God chooses what you take back, He can give you zero, just to contrast what power comes from obedience by giving you an overwhelming amount upon obeying his direct command.

Though sight tells you its not going to be beneficial to Trust and Obey, follow faith and put the effort to cast the net anyways.

So for me, I am encouraged to stay at this school and submit to my schedule because Ouachita Hills isn't about human teachers in a room, with desks and a chalkboard, but its about the lessons from the divine Teacher, and the entire school experiences, weather its mental trial and affliction during interactions with others , or physical discomfort from a hard packed schedule with no sleep, God has a curriculum from every living person on this campus.


Ecc 7:14
 In the day of prosperity be joyful, 
and in the day of adversity consider: 
God has made the one as well as the other, 
so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.

Mission TX Update

I'm here sitting at the laundry mat, and I have noticed  haven't posted in ages....

Not intentional, with rare internet access and a busy schedule I haven't got the chance.

And on top of that, I tend to take forever to do anything because I would rather do nothing than a do something of poor quality.

Anyways, I haven't taken many pictures but I will post a little here.

 On the border, closest to another country that I have ever been.

 There are many pictures of Andy and I being goofy.

 Another

 Another. Oh and that is the canal connecting the Rio Grande behind us.

 Same park, the next weekend. Its a bird watching park. And that is Mexico in the background behind me.

Andy knew I was about to take a picture.

Again. It was very beautiful out there.

 After this picture we ended up playing some intensely awesome Hide and Seek tag. IT was awesome. Got to climb this tower.

 Almost every potluck at this church is awesome. I am afraid of potlucks now. I eat so much its ridiculous. I see why appetite is important to have control of.

 Put a bunch of beanie babies and Lizbeth. Im not sure if she found it as funny as I did.

 Was canvassing an eye care center, and the Doctor had is degree on the wall. I used it to canvasses Mrs. Whites books. Four books were bought in that lobby.

Canvassed a lady who had a Ferrari in her garage... She only had 5 dollars. Funny how life is sometimes.


Had many divine appointments here. Hopefully back at school I will have some free time to right down those amazing things God has done for me and many others here.

Thanksgiving to God

My time here in Hot Springs, before canvassing, is almost over.

God has blessed me with the opportunity to speak here. And he helped me finish my presentation and it apparently make sense according to those who told me.

A little contrary to what I posted earlier, I ended up sharing a message based on the parables of the Wheat and the Tares, I purposed to show the Great Controversy theme through the parable, as well as sharing many other truths.

That was all wonderful.

Another thing that has been difficult is my spiritual battle, here with my family I am once away from school and having to face temptation and exposer to worldly things.

And I am on here going to admit that I have definetly comprimised in many areas, from food, to entertainment and even in my heart. So its not be exactly easy in that regard.

Now I am going to be canvassing for the next month and I want to be consecrated to God, but in a lot of ways I feel like I have failed. So Please pray for me, Im going to need God more than ever for this next month and I have fights feel I am winning and then losing. Its ups and downs, but Im certain after I pray God will comfort me.

I love how that is one of the names for God, the comforter. In the time of failure, in the time of fear, in the time of self-pity and remorse for my own free choices to rebel against God. He is the comforter.

That is a precious thought. In times of despair, to me it doesn;t really matter that God is, all knowing, or the commander of angels, or able to move mountains or control nature. In that moment of sadness and depression, I just want a being to comfort me, and God promises to be that if nothing else.

"Do not worry yourself out of the arms of Jesus, but just repose in restful quietude in His love."

"He bids you come unto Him with all your griefs, your pains, your weakness, and He says you shall find rest. Only believe that Jesus is your personal Saviour, that He pardons all your transgressions, and then rest in His love." 

(Letter 31, 1890, published in Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, pp. 242-244.)

The bible says: "Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
"If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;" "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

He is with us, its not complicated, and we have no need to worry, but just to rest in His arms. Such a blessing to have a God like that.

I hope you are resting in God.

Blessings!

Wedding and more. (Pictures)

 Friday Vespers- Nice to have so many visitors. It was like a little flashback, nice to see the graduates from previous years :)

 Helped set up the reception... We made sure to have fun with it too,

 Some were playing hacky sack, we also had fun jumping around the stage and rushing around carrying things.

 Bart pretending to eat a berry decoration.

 Lots of design opportunities, it was actually pretty fun to set it up and decorate.

 FAST FORWARD-- Wedding Time, Josiah was looking spiffy.

 Bridemaids came in.

 Josiah and Beth are awesome together.

 Music was awesome

 The whole ceremony was emotional.

 FAST FORWARD-- Reception dinner. Lots of people I didnt know at that table.

 You know you go to a good Christian school when the girl is just left alone... Well sorta, I'm not sure what the ladies think about it but this pic kinda struck me as funny.

 The reception took a while............ like a long time. Made me think about how I would organize my own wedding.... I just know It will be more complicated than I want it to be probably. But at the very least this candle melted awesomely

 FAST FORWARD-- Monday decided to install a sticky note instruction manual for the Cordovas... In case the forgot...

Not guilty at all..... 

-----------------

Had a fun weekend, school is done and  I'm hanging with Family in Hot Springs. 

If i have some decent pics Ill post em, 

Then on Sunday Im off to learn spanish... cuz ill be in Mission, Texas for a month.

Hope wherever you are that you are blessed and keep God in your thoughts :)

Picture update (2nd half of semester)

Honestly, Since I have seen a lot more awesome things than I've taken pictures of, but these are just a few.

Since I have been canvassing, I have had a lot of struggling, in all facets of my life, but Its a nice break to have friends and Gods creation around to give us a break.

 Almost the first thing I did when I got back to campus is to check on my forest hidaway reading tree.

Its still there, but Its not comfortable to use when you have to fight bugs for sitting room, so it will wait till colder days.

 On the way to the ridge, we totally found snakes. And they like to tie themselves in knots.

 Could see the school from the ridge.... I promise... Its there... The whole thing.

 April is really afraid of snakes, so it was fun convincing her to try it, I felt accomplished.

 Tori is not afraid of snakes.

We brought the snake to dinner, and he kinda just got passed around.

 One of my first times trail running in a bit, and I had spider webs catching on my arms and everything, but man, this was a huge web, right at face level. I wouldve been really not happy if I hit it.

I thought of tearing it down, but instead I just stared at it, took some pictures and moved on. It was a funny looking pointy backed spider.

 On that same run, I was looking for a stick, (to block future spider webs from my face)

Instead of finding a stick, I found this really colorful fungus tree with a little resident on it. :)

 I really love our campus, walking from breakfast is always pretty with a sunrise.

 The "one day tree" I mentioned. I had a ton of fun watching all the leaves just pour off it. It droped all its leaves in just a few hours. Had fun making slow-mo videos of it.

 Bonfire- again awesome soup, awesome hot carob.

Looking forward to Hot Carob at Josiah and Beth wedding today. Which I will post a few pics of. (From my phone, so don't expect anything extravagant.)

 The snow, not much at all. But was great to have.

 Made the campus really beautiful. And again, I like the coldness sometimes.

Mission trip prayer and dedication. Many student went to the Dominican Republic about a week ago.

Along with the school seniors, we had prayer for the trip.






Thats it for now.

Wish I had more... I do have videos. But ya, Don't know how to get that to work.

But anyways, Today is the Wedding, and after helping set-up yesterday, I am anxious to go.

Past few packed days, then snow.

These past few days have been quite interesting.

On Thursday, the only things I remember were the "one day tree" lost all its leaves in one day. It was really beautiful to see the leaves constantly falling. I also had a great time working on taking apart the driveaxel in our school vehicle, something about getting all greasy and doing a lot of work makes me feel great. I would probably do mechanics for fun, it circumstances allowed.

 Later, Among having to hurry and get projects done. (because I procrastinated) On Friday, was my father, Micheal's, birthday. Micheal is my real dad, my parents separated when I was about 3 or 4 and he is in California and he is now 50 years old. Its an interesting thought. That means I must be old too... Like to old to be kid... I know I'm not a child but being an adult has just happened.

I am paying for my own stuff and organizing my own future and handing and designating my own priorities, and I know it doesn't get much easier from here, but in a way I really do want to grow up.

Something really awesome happened when I called my dad, I got to talk to my little brother for the first time... I've never had one of those before. I've been the youngest... for so long... now Im not. Noah my brother who is 21 years younger than me is now the youngest.

I got to tell him I was his older brother, and its the first time he heard my voice too. I've never had that feeling before, its pretty cool. He replied with some garbled words in the language of baby. It was pretty cute, Ill admit.

I also got to talk to Ashley, Noah's mother, for the first time. She sounds really nice and I am praying her and my dad will always stay together.

Then we had an absolutely amazing time at the Agape feast on Friday night, we ate a light meal, but the amazing and very difficult thing was the foot washing. And the staff washed all the students feet. I could barely handle it. Pastor Powell came and I almost cried, I do not like that feeling of receiving things I don't deserve.
But it taught me a lesson about salvation, and my pride, the whole time was humbling and I really valued everything that happened.

The next day, on Sabbath, church was really good, Chris Miller gave a good sermon, and I handled part of our evangelistic class at the end of church and told testimonies of my experiences of canvassing Shriners clubs.

During outreach in the afternoon I met a really nice older gentleman who can't walk well, who we gave books to, and me and another student prayed for him, and he gave us $20 out of no where, it was a nice surprise, and I'm sure the church could use it.

After that we went to Ms. Joan and her son Damon's house. They are so nice, and love to talk with us and visit, this time they tried really hard to get us snacks that we could eat. They got no eggs in anything but still had milk in the vegi dip. I ate a little anyways, and I thanked them for setting it all out for us. They are great people and I really hope the Holy Spirit works on their hearts to read the books we gave them, the aren't much into church, but love having us, though I don't think they have met SDAs before.

After that the religion majors had a bonfire and supper get together at the Little's house. It was really nice.

Mrs. Powell made some awesome lentil soup and we also had cornbread and hot carob to drink after. It was really great to eat next to a fire while its cold. I love that feeling, being around a fire and enjoying company.

After we ate we had prayer. And we split into groups to pray for endeavors around the world.

We made sure to mention all the ministries around the world, canvassing programs, students from our school that are around the world, like Hannah and Raquel, the people going on the Dominican Republic trip and much more.

It was a great time to think about those who are out in the thick of the fight, and those who are trying their est to be Christ to those who need to know him more.

Sunday, was a lot of work, and me disappointed in myself for failing certain things I endeavored to do. But after I asked for God's forgiveness for my shortcomings I was much more at peace.

And today, this morning, I got a gift.

Some nice cold white snow. I really enjoy the cold sometimes. It makes me feel alive.

God does nice little things all the time. I hope you have noticed what he has done for you lately.

Blessings!

Mumbles-Updated

The previous post about my friend mumbles was a bit spur of the moment. So it was sorta pieced together.

I wrote it at the laundry-mat on my phone, in a short amount of time. Sooooo here is a better constructed version I did for my class assignment... Its for a descriptive essay, so if it seems to detailed or something that's why. If not, great, enjoy my recolection of my divine appointment with the beautiful soul I call Mumbles.

Divine Appointments

 The canvassing program in Duluth, Minnesota was one full of interesting experiences. When I go canvassing, a reoccurring, spirit of revival stems from the opportunities and time I spend sharing Christ and helping others. We call these collisions of circumstance divine appointments: where a canvasser meets someone at just the right time and a unique experience is born, where God significantly impacts someone's life through a canvasser. One such event happened in the least likely of circumstances and ended up being a refreshment to the truth I know but am not always conscious of, which is, the interior is what God sees not the exterior. That special experience happened something like this.

“Hey, what did you want to show me?”

A young guy pulls up next to me on his bike, and I look and see that it was the individual I had just seen up the street, whose friend stopped me at a distance from talking to them both earlier. As I turned and looked though it wasn't a guy as I assumed, it was a girl, she looks like and dresses like a teenage boy, and rides around on a BMX bike. Her pants sag, she had on a big baggy shirt, a snap back cap which covers her shaved head, and all over you can see tattoos and piercings. She has some tattoos on her fingers, some behind her ear, on her neck, pretty much everywhere along with piercings and marks of previous piercings scattered around as well. She has dreary, hurting eyes, pale skin, and a couple of scars on her face.

She proceeded to look at my books and made crude jokes about pictures and proceeds to let me know she is a lesbian, though I had drawn that conclusion myself. Then she asked me what I am doing around this area and I tell her how I'm a student, and am raising money for school. Nonetheless she tells me she wants to help. She speaks in what I call a ghetto language, making sure to skip the niceties and roughly tells me what she is thinking,with chuckling now and then to reassure her confidence in what jokes she made were humorous. After affirming she wants to help, she pulls out a worn, crumbled lottery ticket and tells me to meet her down at the gas station because she wants to go cash it and give me a few dollars.

So she takes off on her bike and I meet her down at the end of the crowded street. I canvass a guy outside the gas station and she comes out, then the person I was talking to, who was being really aloof, started making jokes with her. Turns out she knows practically everyone in the area, and she has an idea to help. She decides to bring me down to a couple of bars, of which I know have both already been canvassed but I decide to go with her down a couple of blocks since she insisted I try.

Along the way we talk, and I learn she has three kids and she lives with another woman who helps her and they are currently fighting, somewhat about the three kids. She also decided to tell me a “funny” story, though not so funny to me, of how she used to live in LA and she got bit by a shark. She even showed me the massive scar on her right side and told me that she punched the shark in the face and used some harsh language, though an inflection of shame appeared once she mentioned the kids on the beach that had to see her yelling and bleeding everywhere.

Eventually we got to the bars through a few wet, trash covered alleys. We went into the first bar, this building was just as many of the others in this downtown area, fully brick, with worn out signs and faded paint around the outside. After entering we soon found out they already had got a book, and no one in there would give a donation. Mumbles tried hard to explain what I was doing, going ahead of me to each person and timidly mumbled out bits and pieces of what I told her about what I was doing, asking them to help me and look at the books. She was very child like actually, you could tell she got a little discouraged after the guys at the bar wouldn't listen.

After trying all the guys there she changed out some of her cash and exclaimed to everyone there very abruptly "If ain't none of you gonna give, I'm gonna give to help." She gave me a dollar as we walked out. She tried to act like everything was alright, but it wasn't. She kept trying to reassure me that she could still help me though it didn't work well in that bar.

We walked outside and I gave her a Happiness for Life otherwise known as Steps to Christ. She looked at me very thankfully, she wanted to read it with the other woman she lived with. Continuing on, she still wanted to bring me to the other bar. On the way we went by a guy that was in his car leaving the lot. She walked up to his window and tapped the glass, he waved her off, she went right around in front of the guys car, as if to stop him from leaving and she gave him an aggressive look ,which he returned. He wouldn't roll down the window, she then threw her bike on the ground and started cussing at the guy and said she would fight him with further aggressive gestures. She proceeded to move towards his car but I physically guided her away and told her she shouldn't do that. She cooled down and the guy drove off, it turns out she didn't like that guy from previous events before. So I was thankfully it didn't have to deal with me at all.

At the next bar it was really crowded, guys going all around, smoke and thick air pressing, with the stench of beer on me as soon as we entered. She brings me directly to the owner and introduces me a little, though again she lives up to her name and mumbles out everything she wants to say. He asks me a couple questions about the project and gets a book! Just like that, I didn't even really canvass him, he just pulled out some cash and gave it to me. Then she brings me through the crowd telling everyone in proximity about me, the bar tender stops by and asks about the book, and says he wants one too, he quickly rummages his pockets and gets some money and hands it to me. I was delightfully surprised.

After a while I noticed it was time for lunch, so I ask her if there is anyone who wants spiritual books. "People don't like to hear much about that stuff" she said quietly. I tell her that thank you, and that I appreciated her help and I pulled out Health and Peace the magabook version of “Ministry of Healing” and tell her I want her to have it. I flipped open to the index and she read a few of the chapters, she really felt like she needed this book. She looked away from the book and said "Man, you got me all cryin and stuff... thank you though." She gave me a hug and thanked me and hugged me again. I talked a little more with her and left, and she even signed up for bible studies too.

That is an experience I won't forget. Mumbles made a deep impression on me, but its much more amazing too, I know in my heart God wanted to meet her and just show her some Love. God brings us specific divine appointments, and its our job not to hinder his work but our exterior judgments or preconceptions.