“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Sometimes even when things are going well in my life, I don’t feel satisfied. I want more. I look to the future and dream about other places, events, and people in my life. It’s like I can’t just live in the present. I hate it. Where I am right now, what I have right now is amazing, and sometimes I am so blind to it.
So, in order for me to fully realize the awesomeness of my life right now, I’m going to make a list of things I am thankful for and reasons I can have joy. I need to STOP dwelling on people and things I miss, the challenges, and what my life could look like in the future. God has given me this beautiful day and I’m going to rejoice and be glad in it!
1. I am living in Bolivia where every day is a beautiful sunny day, and it’s getting warmer here! Winter is ending.
2. It’s “Pedestrian Day” where there’s a ban on driving today until 4 P.M. and I’ve seen SO many families out, kids riding bikes and scooters, couples with strollers or walking their dogs, and everyone is out on the street enjoying the beautiful day together. It’s wonderful. I wish there was “Pedestrian Day” in the states.
3. I just ran into my pastor and his wife and they showed me this wonderful saltena place where I am typing right now, and we ate together and talked about all the awesome things there are to do and see in Bolivia. And about where to get the best quality pirated movies. Awesome.
4. Saltenas are delicious. Jordan Bolte didn't lie.
5. I am playing Wallyball tonight just down the street from my apartment, and I’m excited.
6. I slept 11-12 hours the last 2 nights. Wonderful.
7. We have the day off tomorrow because there’s a planned strike/blockading near my school. I needed a 3-day weekend!!
8. My students are (for the most part) catching on and understanding and learning what I teach them! Success!
9. This Spanish pop music is making me laugh. Also, hearing Celine Dion and old recognizable pop songs in the ketal (grocery store) makes me laugh. Oh, especially when Bolivians sing along with them.
10. The staff/my roommates & friends (all the same people-ha) are wonderful. I love having people over all the time for movies/games/Bible study. I had so much fun playing “Werewolves” (a version of Mafia) on Friday night with a bunch of people.
11. I am using my education to do exactly what I set out to do! And student teaching in a 1st grade class has helped me tremendously in knowing what to do/how to teach my own 1st graders! And it’s awesome that it’s all so fresh in my mind.
12. There is beauty all around me, and the mountains remind me of God’s majesty.
13. I am past the “transitioning” period that was really hard and challenging, and La Paz is beginning to feel more like “home” to me…well, at least a lot more comfortable.
14. I passed a white guy on the street (he with his big camera and obvious American look, me with my Adidas backpack and obvious American look) and it was like we both didn’t know whether to say “Hi” or “Hola” so we both kind of muttered an indistinguishable word under our breaths. It was amusing.
15. I get to teach my students about God and His love, and integrate faith into every subject. And I get to hear my students pray. One person always asks to pray for the poor people in the world. It makes my heart happy.
16. God is with me wherever I am and in whatever circumstance I am and he is growing and stretching me daily. I am learning so much and this experience is priceless!
17. My friends and family, though not physically close by, I can keep close through internet communication, through memories, pictures, and a heart connection that will never fade…only grow stronger I hope. Absence makes the heart grow stronger, right?
18. God’s grace is sufficient.
19. I have no need to fear.
20. I can take life as it comes with faith that God will continue to guide me. There is never a need for stress. Never a need to worry. (Matthew 7:25-34)
21. I changed locations and am now sitting at Alexander’s so I can get Wi-Fi, and I am eating a dish of chocolate ice cream.
I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart, down in my heart, down in my heart. I’ve got the joy joy joy joy down in my heart to stay.
: )
Love you all. You’re in my thoughts and prayers from afar.
Jules
Hey Honey, my daily devotional for today, Sept 4th was about joy! And I love what it said...."joy is one of the most frequent words written within the Bible...there is a difference between joy and happiness. Happiness may come and go in our lives depending on our circumstances. But just as an ocean can have great turbulence on the surface and tranquility on the bottom, joy remains unchanged by storms raging on the top. It is the "deep down inside" controlling factor of the Christian's life that determines how we respond to the circumstances on the outside. The Christian's joy essentially comes from knowing what is really important. And the most important thing of all is God and his relationship to us." You've got the joy joy joy down in your heart to stay...praise the Lord! Love you so, mom
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