Hey Everybody,
So I know I just recently posted a blog, but my team’s internet time has changed to Wednesday nights. So I thought I would make a short blog about some stuff. Not much has happened the last couple of days since my last post so I’m going to get right to the point and let everyone know what is on my heart. I hope some of you can take something from it and that God allows me to get the right message across. Something that has been energizing me these last couple of weeks is prayer. But, the way that I have been praying is a lot different from how I used to. And I have noticed how much of an affect it has had on my days in the villages and on the project. I have started to make a conscious effort not to ask God for specific things to change in Nicaragua, but ask Him to change me. The difference is that I don’t ask God to spread joy across the town of Bethel, but instead to open my heart and fill me with Joy, to spread across Bethel myself. And this is exactly what He has been doing to me, giving me the tools to do his work across this nation. God doesn’t want to do everything for us; He gives us everything we need to accomplish anything. Our duty as Christians is to gain excess to these tools and use them in any place that they are needed. One thing that I have always struggled with is finding the strength to work out. I used to constantly ask God to make me stronger, faster and better at everything. Instead of asking God to come into my heart and give me the strength to wake up every morning and work out. Since I have done this, I have been able to wake up every morning and stick to a workout plan. And let me tell you how incredible of a feeling that is, to be able to finally have control over the things you want in life. Another way I have gained through this type of prayer is the purity of my words and thoughts. One thing I have noticed being in a group of people like this is how pure and comforting there words are. The way they talk to you make you feel cared about, and as much as I liked to think I spoke the same, it just wasn’t true. There was always an ignorance and sharpness to my words that I never intended to be there. I constantly tried to change it, but it wasn’t until I asked God to open my heart and purify my mind that I was able to find relief in that part of my life. All I am trying to get across is the simple message of, don’t ask God change anyone else but yourself (Something my Dad has said plenty of times) (I think I’m starting to believe that Dad was actually right sometimes) (Repeat…..Sometimes haha). Anyways like I said, God has given you everything you need to deal with all your problems. Wisdom I find is another awesome thing to pray for, trust me when I say God will give it to you if you just ask. And it is a lethal weapon to have on your side when trying to conquer life. Knowing how to deal with friends/family/bosses will make your life a thousand times easier and less stressful. Now I’m not saying that I am even remotely close to reaching my goal of knowing how to deal with people/problems. But, I feel a change the Lord has made in me and it feels amazing. I just encourage everyone to try this sometime. Feel free to throw me an email anytime and let me know how it goes. For some reason I don’t like writing blogs because I feel like am preaching, I love hearing feed back to what you guys think.
Anywho… Love everyone back home and missing you guys like crazy…
Feel free to Skype me anytime on Wednesday nights (Love talking to people back home!!!)
Peace Out
Blog
Wow Colten !!! …. God is answering prayers in BIG ways. You just keep right on “preaching” if thats what you want to call it. Lol. You definately have insight and your openness about how God is changing you is incredible. It so warms my heart. You have SUCH an advantage …. experiencing this amazing faith journey at your age …. wish I had had the courage and humility way back then to allow God to lead my life. But God’s timing is perfect and He meets us where we are at…wherever we are at…and whatever age we are at.
God is SO good. Keep on keeping on Colten – you are a Kingdom Builder in more ways than you know. I leave you with a quote from our Sunday message from Pastor Daniel Zopoula.
“We often judge and misjudge others based on their history instead of on what God has in store for their destiny.”
Prayers for you!! Cheryl O’Donnell
You will go a long way,all the blessings to you,keep us up to date,peace. Art Bergen-H
Hey Colts!
Wow- your honesty and insight amazes me every day that I read whatever it is that you have to say about this incredible journey you’re on. I hope you realize how much impact you are having on many people… not just across the globe in your physical presence and words, but also in everyone you left behind through the posts you make. For me it has been easy to get away from what matters most in such a different setting than what I am used to, but your posts have definitely kept me in check and I have been very thankful for all your wisdom the last few weeks! So much respect for you, my friend!
Jas 🙂
Colton! “preach” away, brother, preach away! You’re bang on. You’re wisdom is coming straight from our Lord, and when that happens, it’s not preaching — it’s conviction. Keep walking in the Light and telling the Truth, man. (BTW, I think you’re dad’s pretty smart 🙂 Glory to God!
t