Oltrema

Currently listening to Oltrema by Ludovico Einaudi. He has become my favorite composer by far! Oltrema means: The maximum or minimum value of a function. Being here in Cajamarca, Peru is wonderful! I absolutly love it and there is no doubt in my mind that this was meant to be. However I am struggling with being all that i can be. Romans 8 has to be my favorite chapter in the Bible and  right now I'm listening to Chuck Smith's commentary on it. (his commentary on both chapter 7 and chapter 8 are equally challenging) But on chapter 8 he posses this question, "Am I lead by the Spirit of God?" so then  I have to ask myself are my choices based on God or are they based on my desires and then I pray about it? I don't want to be run by the things i desire but i want my desires to be His. Sighs, It's so easy to just feel like a failure because I'm not the child of God that i want to be and that's when Romans 8:1 comes in. (If Romans is my favorite book and chapter 8 is my favorite chapter then verse 1 has to be my favorite verse)

Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit "

And then Pastor chuck says,"I think that this particular verse has meant more to me than almost any other passage of scripture, because I lived so many years of my Christian life in constant condemnation. Because, though my spirit was indeed willing, my flesh was weak. "
 I cant agree with him more. That has been a constant struggle for me but we are free from condemnation. God wants us to move on, He wants us to give over our sins our failings and to rest in His salvation His forgiveness  Whoever reads this I want you to know, the price has already been paid you no longer have to dwell on your mistakes Christ has nailed them to the cross once you repent and you are free.

Houston, TX

Well, its been a while since I've written and a lot has happened! I was working in Indiana at a Summer Camp where I felt the Refiner's fire in full blaze. Afterwards I headed to Ohio to visit family, friends, and friends I consider family. It was a blessed time no doubt. The flames resided and this pottery project was dipped in cool water. I am in awe of how good He is. Just when you think you can't do it He provides exactly what you need.
With hope surging through my veins i guess you could say the twinkle in my eye returned as God covered the expenses of my trip home and then sum... :)
*August 12th at 4AM Michael, Scott, and I left IN After 18 hours of driving we  arrived in Denver Colorado Friday evening and we SLEPT!!!! its was oh so nice!  (shout out to Bryce's family thank YOU!!!) they let us crash at their house.  I was so happy to be done driving but even more so to see my dear friend Mia!!! It was so so so good to see her. The next day we had planned on going for a hike a BIG hike. We woke up bright and early and headed to Mount Evans. This hike would be about 14 miles one way and 14 thousand feet in elevation! Well we gave it our best shot and made it about 13,000 feet but then altitude sickness got the best of Michael so we turned back  It was quite the adventure ill have to write that down in detail sometime) August 14th Sunday we left at 1pm encountered some car trouble which  added a few hours to our trip but eventually we made it home in Cali around 10 am. After that the events were a blur. Washed my Car watched my parents softbal game hung out with cousins visited with grandparents did some POWER SHOPPING with Mom!  (THANK YOU MOMMY!) and then it was off to unpacking and repacking.  Thursday i was going to fly to Peru for my last semester of Bible college.  I think i got about 2 hours of sleep then woke up at 3 AM got everything ready and at 4 we left... My first flight went well second flight was delayed (and i realized i totally forgot my Spanish bible and a dictionary ugg.....)   So  my second flight was delayed as we landed i rushed off to find my gate then as i was running i stopped in front of the screen to check on it and then i read in big letters CANCELLED!  AAAH   lol   I don't know if i was relieved because i didnt have to run or if i was like REALLY?!?!?!  but anyhow things worked out pretty well.. I was rescheduled for the same flight tomorrow  and i got a free hotel stay a long with free food tickets! :)   hence the HOUSTON, TX status... im rather enjoying m stay here... resting eating and resting more. God is amazing I really needed this time to think about everything to get my mind ready for being back in Peru. I love Him so much.   He's just so so so GOOD.  Anyhow... I am now chilling at the Airport waiting for my flight! I will try to keep you updated!