Sunday, December 14, 2008

Life Application from Rays


While I was visiting and in awe of all God's creation at the Virginia Beach Aquarium, I came upon a "pool" full of these rays and people actually had their hands in the water to touch them! So I eased over to the side of the "pool" and asked my friend if it was really safe to touch these creatures. She said yes and all that I had to do was put my hand in the water and they would swim to me. So then, since I new it was safe, I got excited about the possibility of touching one and put my hand in the water. After a little while, one swam up to me and as soon as it got close to my hand, I yanked my hand out really fast! My friend asked what I did that for, the ray wanted me to pet it. I said that I got scared. She told me to not do that again and just touch it! So, I pulled together all the courage I had and told myself to just do it. Now I was confident, and what do you think happened, but as soon as another one came up to me I pulled my hand out again! My friend then told me that they enjoy being touched and just leave my hand in there. Okay, now I was determined. Especially knowing that they wanted me to touch them. So I put my hand in the water and as soon as a ray swam under my hand I touched it! What an amazing feeling! I actually loved it! The skin was a bit slimey and squishy. It was very neat feeling. Then I was pumped! I wanted to touch some more rays, but then it was time to move on so I didn't get the chance. If only I had been brave in the beginning I could have touched more!
The same is true when telling people about Jesus and sharing Christ with others. I want to do it, but often when God provides an opportunity I shy away. Then I get all prepared for the next encounter, and when it happens I shy away. Finally I just take a leap and follow God's leading and get to share Christ with someone else. Then I'm elated and wonder why I was ever hesitant in the first place. Also, just like the rays, God will send people to me. I cannot force anyone to want to talk and listen to me, but God will lead them to me. I just have to make myself available and willing to share the hope that I have with them.
Colossians 4:5-6 "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."


Tuesday, December 2, 2008


Websites

As I prepare to go to Niger, here are some websites related to my going.
www.gowestafrica.org -This will help you know more about what is going on in West Africa.
http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4FUJL_enUS289US289&q=niamey,+niger+pictures&um=1&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&resnum=1&ct=title - This will give you a visual of what I'll be seeing in 2 months.