Fear

Fear is apart of our lives and if we aren't careful, it will start to take control of us. Fear causes people to not step in air planes, not get into the water, not travel to the other side of the world (or to a different part of your very own city), not talk to someone different, not apply for a certain job because of fear of rejection, and not get married because a fear of divorce. We see statistics that scare us and then we start living in fear, afraid to get out of our comfort zone. When this occurs, we miss out on so much of God's beauty and blessings. Sure, God gave us a brain to make wise decisions, but how often do we find ourselves living a life based on statistics instead of living a life that God intended us to live? Fear terrorizes us because of the existence of evil in this world. It's no coincidence that fear became a part of human existence at the same time evil came into human existence. One of the benefits of building a close relationship with God is the destruction of fear that is rooted in our lives. Throughout the Bible, God continues to reasure His people. Genesis 15:1 says: "After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: 'Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield, your very great reward.'" God gives us courage in times of fear, knowing that God will stay with us in difficult times. I have experienced so many fears here in Panama. By the grace of God, some of them I have overcame like getting on the plane. Others, I daily struggle with like fully following God into my unknown future instead of trying to control God and the people I love. On days like today when fear tries to control my life and a person that I love and I don't understand why things are happening the way that they are...I hold onto the same Word that God told Joshua, "Have I not commanded you? 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified: do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you whereever you go.'"

Beach Pictures

Beach Day

Today is Panama's Independence Day, which means Jaime, Thomas, and I got the day off to head to the beach. After two months in Panama, I finally went to the beach! You'd think that since I live within walking distance to the ocean, I'd be at the beach more often...however, there are no beaches close to where I live because the water is polluted. Two friends were supposed to come with us, but one has been sick (please pray for Anna) and the other one had to watch her cousin last minute this weekend. Sad! But we still had a great time. It was so hot here today, which made it a great day for the beach. However, when we got to the second beach, the lifeguards weren't letting anyone in the water. Apparently, the waves were much too strong. So after waiting around in the hot sun just staring at the water and seeing way too many thongs and speedos (I'll spare you the pictures), we were finally able to go in. (The lifeguards were right, the waves were very strong...too strong to really swim) Oh, I forgot to mention...I also took Romeo to the beach. He was seriously the center of attention...a little Mac Daddy. I got some great pictures of him, which will be great to put into the "Puppy's First Year" scrapbook that my mom sent me in a care package yesterday (Romeo got puppy vitamins, a scrapbook, and a toy. What did I get? A bunch of letters saying that I have to begin paying my student loans this month...ugh...well, I also got PB M&Ms [I miss peanut butter and chocolate down here] and another charm for my bracelet...so that made up for the student loans stuff) Well, I'm exhausted. Shouldn't the beach rejuvenate me instead of make me tired? But seriously, today was a lot of fun.