December 1, 2008

The obnoxious sound of the alarm clock woke me at 0415 hrs. Trip departure was scheduled for 0600 hrs. Why the alarm clock at 0415 hrs? Mostly because I am a procrastinator and did not have everything ready to go. Typical huh? Mom will validate that for you if you have any doubts.

I managed to pull myself out of bed and begin to get things in order. I have been excited about this trip since I found out about it. I've been wanting to go on a church trip for quite some time but for a multitude of reasons I haven't yet been able to attend one. That being said, today is a day that the Lord has made. I am going to rejoice and be glad for what He has done for me and given to me. 

I arrived at the church office fasionably 6 minutes late (0536). Go me! First things first, we need to pack the trailer! We will be traveling in a 15 passenger van with a 4 x 6 trailer in tow. We need the trailer for our bags and our work supplies. We need to bring some minor construction tools with us as we will be building the framework/walls of a boys out house on their complex.

I am excited and anxious at the same time. I haven't the slightest idea what to expect. I've never been to Mexico. I've never been to a place where outhouses are the main bathrooms. We will be heading to a rather low income portion of Mexico where I am told that hot water is pretty scarce. 

We finished packing our vehicle and gathered in the church office parking lot to pray. Mark Gumm prayed for us. What was really awesome about the prayer was that Pastor Daniel's new daughter was there. During the prayer while Mark was asking God to prepare our hearts and minds for what we were about to embark on, the baby was ever so softly making normal baby noises. It was very inspiring and uplifting to hear such a thing during a prayer. Especially when you are heading to a free public deaf school to help children in need.

And we are off......

Today's SOAP:

S) 1 John 2:3-4

And we can be sure that we know Him if we obey His commandments. If someone claims, "I know God," bud doesn't obey God's commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth.

O) This verse is rather self explanatory. It says that I will know I am following God when I can evaluate my life and visually see that I am following God's commandments.

A) I know I am guilty of saying that I am following God. But, how often do I say I know God and then turn and knowingly disobey God's commandments? I have learned today that I can turn to 1 John 2:3-4 when I need a reminder that in order to know Him, I must first obey His commandments.

P) God,

Thank you so much for this wonderful day to wake up to. Thank you for providing for each of us as you always do. Father, Thank you for showing me your light. God, I ask that you might teach me to follow your commandments even when I don't want to. I know that you are the kingdom, the power, and the glory that shines forever. In your name a pray.

Amen