1. PQT stands for Prior Question of Trust. This question asks: "Is what I'm thinking, saying, and doing building or undermining trust?". And I would say to someone that this is basically a question that we should be making often to ourselves once we enter a new culture to avoid breaking trust and help building one. That way we allow ourselves to consider better how some of the things we do or say can affect negatively the relationships with the locals and choose to act based on what's the best.
2. Three nonmoral issues that I think we should work on as a group are: gender issues, time views, and frame of reference. And in order to build trust we would need to follow the guidelines given to us regarding alone time with opposite sex. We should ask God for patience when we feel like we have none left when things don't go as planned or when things get done late. And not expect everyone to understand everything we talk about because they live in a poor place and things that are usual to us would not probably be for them.
3. From all the twelve nonmoral issues, there is just a big one that I believe I'm going to have trouble with: Food. I am just weird with that. Not eveything is tasteful to me. I can handle most things except meat. I don't eat meat since I'm a little girl. I just don't find it tasteful. And I don't want to leave it on the plate or be seen as demanding if I ask to not put it on my plate, and I wouldn't like to place it into somebody's plate either. All of that seems pretty much rude, and can be seen as offensive as if I didn't like the way they prepare it or something. I think that all I can do is at least try to eat it, just try.
domingo, 5 de julio de 2009
jueves, 18 de junio de 2009
June 14: Dos and Don'ts - Risks
Part 1
I feel that the most dangerous aspects of our trip have to do with the diseases we can easily get and safety because these are things that we are going to have to deal with all day during our time there and that we need to be conscious and careful about. Those aspects are not things we are not familiar with. In fact, we are. It just gets to be a lot more dangerous depending on the area we are in.
Of all the Do's and Don'ts that I read, I didn't feel extremely neither somehow uncomfortable with any because I know those are guidelines for us to make our trip go as smooth as possible and avoid having any problems. But I did find certain things that are going to be difficult for me which were checking our shoes before putting them on and keeping our rooms and everything clean. I tend to be forgetful or just leave things as they are the majority of the time when I'm in a hurry so it's going to be something I need to work on from now on before the trip to get used to the habit.
Part 2
The way I would summarize their point would be: There are risks everywhere. Some will come to your way but there's no need to try to find them if they haven't. We just need to learn how to manage the situation in a wise way and enjoy the trip even if there's a risk.
I strongly agree with risking but on things that are worth it. In my opinion, this trip itself is a risk because we are ignorant of what would happen in our way there and in Peru because things change all the time and something different always happen. But it's worth it because we are going to be servants of God and of the locals and we will have God working through us in people's lives. And that's worth the risk.
Part 3
Well, I came to realize that we should expect some risks for this trip and that we have to find ways to manage it well but we don't have to be extremely conscious of it because it can get to a point where we won't even enjoy fully what we are doing for people and viceversa for having so much focus on it. It is always good to be cautious but it's good also to keep it at an extent that won't take away our focus or main purpose for the trip.
Reading the Dos and Don'ts, and Risks helped me to have a better idea of what things are likely to happen so there won't be any surprises. And also a couple of advices to know how to deal with the situations was good. I hope I can get to learn a lot more about this and be willing to ask for help or anything if I don't know how to act or what to do.
I feel that the most dangerous aspects of our trip have to do with the diseases we can easily get and safety because these are things that we are going to have to deal with all day during our time there and that we need to be conscious and careful about. Those aspects are not things we are not familiar with. In fact, we are. It just gets to be a lot more dangerous depending on the area we are in.
Of all the Do's and Don'ts that I read, I didn't feel extremely neither somehow uncomfortable with any because I know those are guidelines for us to make our trip go as smooth as possible and avoid having any problems. But I did find certain things that are going to be difficult for me which were checking our shoes before putting them on and keeping our rooms and everything clean. I tend to be forgetful or just leave things as they are the majority of the time when I'm in a hurry so it's going to be something I need to work on from now on before the trip to get used to the habit.
Part 2
The way I would summarize their point would be: There are risks everywhere. Some will come to your way but there's no need to try to find them if they haven't. We just need to learn how to manage the situation in a wise way and enjoy the trip even if there's a risk.
I strongly agree with risking but on things that are worth it. In my opinion, this trip itself is a risk because we are ignorant of what would happen in our way there and in Peru because things change all the time and something different always happen. But it's worth it because we are going to be servants of God and of the locals and we will have God working through us in people's lives. And that's worth the risk.
Part 3
Well, I came to realize that we should expect some risks for this trip and that we have to find ways to manage it well but we don't have to be extremely conscious of it because it can get to a point where we won't even enjoy fully what we are doing for people and viceversa for having so much focus on it. It is always good to be cautious but it's good also to keep it at an extent that won't take away our focus or main purpose for the trip.
Reading the Dos and Don'ts, and Risks helped me to have a better idea of what things are likely to happen so there won't be any surprises. And also a couple of advices to know how to deal with the situations was good. I hope I can get to learn a lot more about this and be willing to ask for help or anything if I don't know how to act or what to do.
martes, 16 de junio de 2009
June 7: The African Planter
When it was asked to the african about his vision for model of missions, he said how it strucked him to realize that David was not only planning to live for his own generation but for the next one as well. And I believe that this one can apply not only to our peru team but for everybody else. Because most of the time we have fixed in our minds that we are doing things for God, and we think of it in the present. But we should think beyond that! We should serve and live for God in a way that can impact the next generation, that our efforts and desire to pass out God's will would not be meaningless and that would produce fruits in people's lives so that can be carry on to further generations that would do the same for their next one. Because it is very important to keep this moving in a passionate way and not let it be dormant.
It is true that for an American can be really shocking to face the poverty in Kenya and that for us in Panama it might not be much of a difference what we will see in Peru because we see similar things everyday. But I still think that it applies to us to learn a lot more about the background of Peru and any other country we might go to as missionaries later on. Because it's important to have a good understanding, and be prepared so we can have a better approach to people.
We sure know in a sense how poverty can be because we see it sometimes in the streets in Panama but that does not mean that we clearly understand how it is like to be poor, to live under such conditions. And it's only through a experience that we can have a better insight of it. So it's good to know very well at what extent poverty can get and be a just a little familiar with it to not have any unexpected surprises.
I had never been in a short-mission trip but it never crossed my mind how the locals can see us because of the way we approach everything. The African basically said how we can take control of everything. And that's not the way we should be seen. We are to make friends, to create a familiar environment and it's hard when people feel that they are at the command of others and there's not really that sharing of opinions and the opportunity for the locals to be of help if they willingly feel like it. I don't know if it's been like that in the past missions trips. Maybe not. But it's certaintly something that can't be let happen ever.
It is true that for an American can be really shocking to face the poverty in Kenya and that for us in Panama it might not be much of a difference what we will see in Peru because we see similar things everyday. But I still think that it applies to us to learn a lot more about the background of Peru and any other country we might go to as missionaries later on. Because it's important to have a good understanding, and be prepared so we can have a better approach to people.
We sure know in a sense how poverty can be because we see it sometimes in the streets in Panama but that does not mean that we clearly understand how it is like to be poor, to live under such conditions. And it's only through a experience that we can have a better insight of it. So it's good to know very well at what extent poverty can get and be a just a little familiar with it to not have any unexpected surprises.
I had never been in a short-mission trip but it never crossed my mind how the locals can see us because of the way we approach everything. The African basically said how we can take control of everything. And that's not the way we should be seen. We are to make friends, to create a familiar environment and it's hard when people feel that they are at the command of others and there's not really that sharing of opinions and the opportunity for the locals to be of help if they willingly feel like it. I don't know if it's been like that in the past missions trips. Maybe not. But it's certaintly something that can't be let happen ever.
jueves, 28 de mayo de 2009
May 24: Aligning with God's 21st century moves
On Sunday 17, Rev. Gary Edmonds came to preach about five points that are really present in this century regarding to God and his followers.
Those five points were:
1. The world has been turned upside down! (Psalm 87)
--I think the last three points are revelant for us as we prepare for this trip because we need to be unified to be able to work well and get done whatever has to be done on time and demonstrate through our actions a way to be like Jesus. As we go, we would be pretty much an example to follow for them so we need to be careful on how we interact with others and how we approach things because that talks about who we are. And the least contradictory action taken after had said so many things about God can affect somebody else's faith. I'm sure we would face things that we are not used to or might start having problems in different aspects of life as we prepare for this trip. Things can get out of control and really overwhelming but we need to stand and overcome the situations.
Those five points were:
1. The world has been turned upside down! (Psalm 87)
- It means that things that were not easily done years ago are now being done at an incredible fast pace. Missionaries are traveling more often and the spread of the gospel is even greater. Another example is that churches are being built in places that we never think of before. Really hard places due to their other beliefs and stuff like that. But is all being done because it all belongs to God!
- In this one Rev. Gary mentioned how this is basically about God who comes to restore everything! It is about Him shaping us and moving things around. What God wants from us and promises.
- This is about making all of us into one by eliminating boundaries to bring all kind of people together from all over the world so that the rest would start to believe. Because we can't talk about God's love to others when we don't try to live that attribute too. It would be contradictory. And when words are being contradicted by actions then people obviously are not going to believe what is said.
- In this one, Rev. Gary mentioned something about identifying the people to then guide them. I think that this mean about having chosen people from the congregation that have a true desire to be servants of God and do his will. And send them to others that are in need of Jesus so they can serve as guidance for them through the process of letting Jesus in.
- This one is pretty much self-explanatory. Everyone that is in God's will will pass through sufferings of all kinds. But we have to be strong and know that God doesn't lay on us burdens that we cannot hold,. He is there all the time, He loves us and He must have a reason for it that might go beyond our comprehension but that we have to accept because it forms part of His plans.
--I think the last three points are revelant for us as we prepare for this trip because we need to be unified to be able to work well and get done whatever has to be done on time and demonstrate through our actions a way to be like Jesus. As we go, we would be pretty much an example to follow for them so we need to be careful on how we interact with others and how we approach things because that talks about who we are. And the least contradictory action taken after had said so many things about God can affect somebody else's faith. I'm sure we would face things that we are not used to or might start having problems in different aspects of life as we prepare for this trip. Things can get out of control and really overwhelming but we need to stand and overcome the situations.
May 24: Jeff's Challenge
1. We are not going to Mancora to serve: we are going to Mancora because we are servants.
The difference is that serving is the action of doing something for someone and it seems more like a choice you have whether to serve or not. While servants are the people specifically chosen to do a job and make things succeed.
If I'm a servant then whatever is told to me to do has to be done in order to let things flow in a easier way and accomplish the purpose of the trip or etc. It requires obedience and cooperation. Being a servant has to do with being submissive to someone, specifically to God. In the other hand, if I were to serve then I'm pretty much on my own deciding on how to do things or not.
We can serve to people in Mancora by being servants of God and to them. Because God is graceful and loving and those are attributes that should be applied whether we know the people or not. That way people might see Christ in us and be moved so tighter bounds or friendships would be built. I think is about being servants to them in an action of love to God, not of obligation.
2. "To get closer to God"
-What is the impact of culture on faith?-->How can I see life and the gospel differently because of what I've experienced?
-What's wrong with the world?-->What can I learn about justice, poverty, and the causes of suffering?
I hope to get more insights in this questions because I'd like to see what great impact people from other country and their lifestyles can make on me. How that would make me see things or realize things that were always there in the scriptures or constantly presenting in my life and maybe I haven't been able to clearly see or understand. Maybe the experience would be eye opening to me in that part. And I have to say pretty much the same for the second question. I just want to truly understand the circumstances in which others live, how things affect them emotionally, physically, and mentally so I can think of good ways of approaching people and helping them go through whatever they may be going through.
As I pray, read the scriptures, and prepare for this trip I feel that God is telling me to be strong and stay focus in this because I've been going back into putting walls and not letting people in anymore. I feel his word is comforting me and letting me know that I'm not alone, that I can trust in Him, that He is with me, and that I need to pass through that mass to work efficiently for this trip. Also, that this isn't about me but about what I can do for others and how I can work in people's lives with God by my side.
The difference is that serving is the action of doing something for someone and it seems more like a choice you have whether to serve or not. While servants are the people specifically chosen to do a job and make things succeed.
If I'm a servant then whatever is told to me to do has to be done in order to let things flow in a easier way and accomplish the purpose of the trip or etc. It requires obedience and cooperation. Being a servant has to do with being submissive to someone, specifically to God. In the other hand, if I were to serve then I'm pretty much on my own deciding on how to do things or not.
We can serve to people in Mancora by being servants of God and to them. Because God is graceful and loving and those are attributes that should be applied whether we know the people or not. That way people might see Christ in us and be moved so tighter bounds or friendships would be built. I think is about being servants to them in an action of love to God, not of obligation.
2. "To get closer to God"
-What is the impact of culture on faith?-->How can I see life and the gospel differently because of what I've experienced?
-What's wrong with the world?-->What can I learn about justice, poverty, and the causes of suffering?
I hope to get more insights in this questions because I'd like to see what great impact people from other country and their lifestyles can make on me. How that would make me see things or realize things that were always there in the scriptures or constantly presenting in my life and maybe I haven't been able to clearly see or understand. Maybe the experience would be eye opening to me in that part. And I have to say pretty much the same for the second question. I just want to truly understand the circumstances in which others live, how things affect them emotionally, physically, and mentally so I can think of good ways of approaching people and helping them go through whatever they may be going through.
As I pray, read the scriptures, and prepare for this trip I feel that God is telling me to be strong and stay focus in this because I've been going back into putting walls and not letting people in anymore. I feel his word is comforting me and letting me know that I'm not alone, that I can trust in Him, that He is with me, and that I need to pass through that mass to work efficiently for this trip. Also, that this isn't about me but about what I can do for others and how I can work in people's lives with God by my side.
domingo, 17 de mayo de 2009
May 17: Commitments (Missing part...)
"Our individual and team preparation would be characterized by:
- Building Unity
- Getting our minds and hearts open to what will come and to learn
- Being humble
May 17: Commitments
I read through all the commitments and found out that I didn't disagree with any of them because I think they are good to apply in a mission trip and daily life.
Two commitments I felt strongly about are:
For me these two are really necessary for a short-term mission trip because we are to build lasting relationships with the locals not making them feel bad around us and go away.
As Christians we are to be loving just like God is. And a way of showing that is by being respectful to others in all ways.
I also think that the journal will be helpful to let us keep track of the things we will be doing and reflect on how we will be feeling about a certain situation and realizing the changes that get to happen in people's lives as well as our own. Having the time to journal will help in our spiritual growth to have a lasting change in our lives.
Two commitments I felt strongly about are:
- We WILL dignify and respect the locals and the church we serve by not talking about them in demeaning ways.
- We WILL encourage journal writing on the trip, focusing on things that make us uncomfortable, questions that come to mind, and insights we gain.
For me these two are really necessary for a short-term mission trip because we are to build lasting relationships with the locals not making them feel bad around us and go away.
As Christians we are to be loving just like God is. And a way of showing that is by being respectful to others in all ways.
I also think that the journal will be helpful to let us keep track of the things we will be doing and reflect on how we will be feeling about a certain situation and realizing the changes that get to happen in people's lives as well as our own. Having the time to journal will help in our spiritual growth to have a lasting change in our lives.
domingo, 10 de mayo de 2009
May 10: Outcomes & Objectives (Summarize)
I basically said on the last post how I wanted this experience to change me or mold me by saying that I was hoping to see life in a different perspective more than I already see it. What I mean by this is that I would like to stop being so negative or pessimistic about my own life. I would like to have more confidence in who I am and what I can do and help others in their struggles. And this is an opportunity to prove myself that I'm capable of many things, that it will come if I work hard and get determined to let the change have its process.
I hope that I will start being more social. I don't consider myself anti-social. I like meeting people and everything but it's easy to notice when I don't trust someone because I put this wall between the person and me without even letting some good amount of time pass to get to know each other better. I don't mean to do that. I don't think I was even conscious that I did that until I started writing in this blog. But I see that what has been causing me to act like that is that I am too afraid of putting trust in someone and get hurt later on. I guess I had been so disappointed of people already that that's what I mostly expect any time I'm meeting someone new. But I'm willing to let that behind. In fact, since a couple of months until now it's been better. And I will sure be more open.
I hope that I will start being more social. I don't consider myself anti-social. I like meeting people and everything but it's easy to notice when I don't trust someone because I put this wall between the person and me without even letting some good amount of time pass to get to know each other better. I don't mean to do that. I don't think I was even conscious that I did that until I started writing in this blog. But I see that what has been causing me to act like that is that I am too afraid of putting trust in someone and get hurt later on. I guess I had been so disappointed of people already that that's what I mostly expect any time I'm meeting someone new. But I'm willing to let that behind. In fact, since a couple of months until now it's been better. And I will sure be more open.
May 10: Objectives
- Give participants direct experience in planning and implementing effective cross-cultural service.
- Provide participants with many opportunities to share their faith in Christ through word and deed and develop and exercise their unique gifts and abilities.
- Assist participants in learning to work well within a team that must strategize and plan ministry programs together and then function effectively in a foreign culture.
I also hope I can get more sense of responsability by being part of a team that is orginizing something because all my life I haven't really liked working with people. I do things mostly by myself and if I'm in a group I feel uncomfortable and don't really say anything and just do what I'm told to do so. Though I have to say that things have been changing these few weeks that had passed since I'm part of this team =). I'm starting to express what I have on mind!
I'd like to see myself grow in my faith, to share about God with people that I don't necessarily know and be able to build a lasting friendship with someone. I want to help teens that are struggling in their lives because I know there's lots of worse things that could happen to someone than the ones I had gone through. And I want to be there for them for comfort and to guide them to the Lord. Doing these things will surely make an impact in my life, make me see life in a different perspective by understanding other people's struggles and by seeing God's work in their lives.
May 10: Outcomes
"How and why we do is more important than what we do."
To me this means that it can be seen that I do great things to serve God, but it doesn't make any good or difference if I'm doing it for the wrong purpose or if I hurt anyone on the way just for my own gain. Because at the end what matters is what is on the heart. The true desire that one has for doing things for God.
I feel this is an important idea for Christians to understand because sometimes we can start with our mind set to serve God. But as other things come such as good amount of money or lots of recognition, we as humans can somehow loose the purpose somewhere in the way and have our minds more in the recognition or other stuff rather than doing what it has to be done with a humble heart. Those things can happen to anyone. But we can overcome that if we try to keep our focus on the main purpose and if we pray about it.
To me this means that it can be seen that I do great things to serve God, but it doesn't make any good or difference if I'm doing it for the wrong purpose or if I hurt anyone on the way just for my own gain. Because at the end what matters is what is on the heart. The true desire that one has for doing things for God.
I feel this is an important idea for Christians to understand because sometimes we can start with our mind set to serve God. But as other things come such as good amount of money or lots of recognition, we as humans can somehow loose the purpose somewhere in the way and have our minds more in the recognition or other stuff rather than doing what it has to be done with a humble heart. Those things can happen to anyone. But we can overcome that if we try to keep our focus on the main purpose and if we pray about it.
domingo, 3 de mayo de 2009
May 3: Assumptions
The ones I disagree are:
About the second one, I have to say that I disagree because we can serve people that we dont necessarily know personally or love because eventually there could be created a relationship out of love and disposition and people would get to know each other. Plus, God will be among them as well. Everyone needs of the Lord and of people willing to sacrifice their time to share about Him even if one knows the other or not.
Agree:
I think we always have something to learn from others. It is not all about us as individuals, is about others too. So seeing their experiences, their lifestyles, their daily life is a good way to understand who they are and what things they see important in life.
I agree with the last one too because I believe that is something we mostly think since we know that the church is not necessarily the building but is composed by God's people. So it's like if I go here or there, it doesn't make a difference because the people are the ones who make up the church. In this case, I think it should be clarified that not all people could be following God in the right way, that it depends on how they live their life.
- We must not go overseas to do something we aren't already doing in our neighborhood...
- We cannot truly serve those we do not know and love.
About the second one, I have to say that I disagree because we can serve people that we dont necessarily know personally or love because eventually there could be created a relationship out of love and disposition and people would get to know each other. Plus, God will be among them as well. Everyone needs of the Lord and of people willing to sacrifice their time to share about Him even if one knows the other or not.
Agree:
- Most short-term participants report having life-changing experiences, including their own culture's consumerist values, and being challenged to a life of missions, but revert to their old ways within 6-8 weeks...
- Our mission trips usually assume we have something to offer the churches and communities we visit, but there is much to learn from them as well.
- We tend to think that church is church wherever we go.
I think we always have something to learn from others. It is not all about us as individuals, is about others too. So seeing their experiences, their lifestyles, their daily life is a good way to understand who they are and what things they see important in life.
I agree with the last one too because I believe that is something we mostly think since we know that the church is not necessarily the building but is composed by God's people. So it's like if I go here or there, it doesn't make a difference because the people are the ones who make up the church. In this case, I think it should be clarified that not all people could be following God in the right way, that it depends on how they live their life.
domingo, 26 de abril de 2009
April 26: God working.
In my family God had been there for them everyday. Either protecting them or making them feel moved by something under some circumstance. A couple of days ago my mom's body pressure went low and she fainted and got her face really bruised. That happens quite often since many years ago. It has to do with an illness she has. She had fainted under more dangerous circumstances and she's still alive with us. And a week before this, I found out that my aunt (the one I lived with in NY) got 3rd degrees burns from this fire that was set on her church. And seeing this under a Christian perspective makes me realize how great is God, how loving He is. He's been walking beside them, protecting them from anything that comes. These past situations, both one close from the other, have made my family start to get back the unity that seemed lost.
In my church, things are going really good. Young people are getting involved with the elders for several causes and for strong prayers. It's just amazing how this drastic change happened because a year ago the youth was practically lost in their own world. There was no dedication to the Lord. No one didn't really care about it. It seemed like a period of experimental things outside of God's moral will. And so my church was pretty much divided in that part. But now it's good to see the opposite happen because we are the next generation in the church that are to take the lead and guide the other coming one to set an example.
In my city and my country I see that more churches seem to be growing. People that I knew didn't have God in their lives are now following Him with their whole heart and spreading His word around to other friends that need Jesus too.
In my church, things are going really good. Young people are getting involved with the elders for several causes and for strong prayers. It's just amazing how this drastic change happened because a year ago the youth was practically lost in their own world. There was no dedication to the Lord. No one didn't really care about it. It seemed like a period of experimental things outside of God's moral will. And so my church was pretty much divided in that part. But now it's good to see the opposite happen because we are the next generation in the church that are to take the lead and guide the other coming one to set an example.
In my city and my country I see that more churches seem to be growing. People that I knew didn't have God in their lives are now following Him with their whole heart and spreading His word around to other friends that need Jesus too.
domingo, 19 de abril de 2009
April 19: Summary
What role do you tipically excercise in a team?
-Since I'm kind of quiet at the beginning and it takes me some time to feel at ease in a group I'm usually part of the ones that follow instructions, not so much the ones who gives them. I still share some ideas. And there are times that I take the lead and I can handle myself pretty much well, but it's not my favorite thing to do.
What should members of this team know in order to work with you as best as they can?
-Hmm..Some things they should know is that if I'm quiet for too long or don't talk to a specific person for some time (or if I do, it's just awkward) that is not because I have anything against any, it's just the way I am. It's like my process to get used to a person. But once I'm over it, I'm really fun to work with and at ease.
I just say this to avoid misunderstanding because it had happened already that people think I don't like certain others or that I don't want to be in the place. But they don't really know how I am and what it takes to me to build trust.
How might God be bringing together your personality type and spiritual gifts for use in His kingdom?
-I can reach out for many people that need of God, help them how to overcome their struggles and let God enter in their lives, not only in my country but around the world. And have them in my prayers as I work with them.
-Since I'm kind of quiet at the beginning and it takes me some time to feel at ease in a group I'm usually part of the ones that follow instructions, not so much the ones who gives them. I still share some ideas. And there are times that I take the lead and I can handle myself pretty much well, but it's not my favorite thing to do.
What should members of this team know in order to work with you as best as they can?
-Hmm..Some things they should know is that if I'm quiet for too long or don't talk to a specific person for some time (or if I do, it's just awkward) that is not because I have anything against any, it's just the way I am. It's like my process to get used to a person. But once I'm over it, I'm really fun to work with and at ease.
I just say this to avoid misunderstanding because it had happened already that people think I don't like certain others or that I don't want to be in the place. But they don't really know how I am and what it takes to me to build trust.
How might God be bringing together your personality type and spiritual gifts for use in His kingdom?
-I can reach out for many people that need of God, help them how to overcome their struggles and let God enter in their lives, not only in my country but around the world. And have them in my prayers as I work with them.
April: Personality and Spiritual Gifts
How do my personality type and spiritual gifts fit together?
Well, as I did both tests I came to realize that being the way I am makes sense to what I have as spiritual gifts. I worry about people and their struggles, and even if I don't really understand their struggle I am there. Most times, the people I encountered have struggles of things that I've already been through and so I relate to them and viceversa and that builds some kind of trust making it easier for me to open up and tell them everything I need to say. And I motivate them to look forward and not give up because situations in life can get hard but they're not impossible to overcome. For a time, I did this without relaying on God's word. It still helped but the results were not as amazing as they were when I started to use His word and my own experiences to help people. And that's what exhortation is about.
I don't find any problem adapting to other people's cultures. I like learning about them. For me it's quite intersting. So missionary fits with me too.
With faith, I'm not quite sure how it fits. Sometimes I'm not necessarily confident about certain things yet I'm always having this trust in God's plan for me and others. I feel this one hard to explain...It just seems like even when things are way too messed up, I still have this little hope inside of me that God is in control of the situation and that He lets it happen because He has a purpose for it.
And finally, intercession. As I have mentioned before, I care about others and so I pray for certain people and eventually I see God's response to my prayers. Same thing happens when I ask the Lord for something in my life every day and strongly. And when that started happening I was just amazed to actually see the results!
I don't find any problem adapting to other people's cultures. I like learning about them. For me it's quite intersting. So missionary fits with me too.
With faith, I'm not quite sure how it fits. Sometimes I'm not necessarily confident about certain things yet I'm always having this trust in God's plan for me and others. I feel this one hard to explain...It just seems like even when things are way too messed up, I still have this little hope inside of me that God is in control of the situation and that He lets it happen because He has a purpose for it.
And finally, intercession. As I have mentioned before, I care about others and so I pray for certain people and eventually I see God's response to my prayers. Same thing happens when I ask the Lord for something in my life every day and strongly. And when that started happening I was just amazed to actually see the results!
sábado, 18 de abril de 2009
April 19: Spiritual Gifts
My main spiritual gifts are:
1. Missionary
2. Exhortation
3. Faith
4. Intercession
Lowest: Speaking in tongues and miracles.
I am not surprised at all that these two gifts were the lowest in my results because I have never done any of those. And well, for the rest I liked to take this test because as I answered the question I realized which were the areas that I need to improve but also gave me some satisfaction to see that there were things that I was actually making part of my life without being really conscious of it. This test confirmed to me what I believed were paths for me to take to serve God.
1. Missionary
2. Exhortation
3. Faith
4. Intercession
Lowest: Speaking in tongues and miracles.
I am not surprised at all that these two gifts were the lowest in my results because I have never done any of those. And well, for the rest I liked to take this test because as I answered the question I realized which were the areas that I need to improve but also gave me some satisfaction to see that there were things that I was actually making part of my life without being really conscious of it. This test confirmed to me what I believed were paths for me to take to serve God.
April 19: Personality Test
After taking this test, it said that my personality type was INFP. I got 11 for Introverted, 12 for Intuitive, 38 for feeling, and 22 for perceiving.
I think it was pretty accurate with the way I feel that I am. It said that INFPs are people who care a lot about others and the world in general, that like to help, that are expressive in their own way, don't like routines, and are adaptable. They can be seen as shy people and for me I think it's true but it's not that I'm shy to talk to someone. It's mostly like I am kind of careful to whom I talk to and it depends too on the mood that I have in the moment. But I can be really really extroverted if I already know the person and when we have things in common. At that point I talk like crazy and act random just for fun. I also get really expressive with the way I might feel about certain situations. But out there, there are just some few people that I am able to be like that. I still like meeting new people. It just takes me some time to build trust in them. I don't especifically look for things to have in common, but if the person and I do share something in common then it is a loooot easier for me to loose up and talk more.
Other thing to say is that I don't really feel uncomfortable spending time with myself. I take that time to reflect and sometimes dream about things I want to happen and how to make it happen. And if not thinking, I am writing. I love writing. Mostly stories. And I express myself completely in my writings more than I do with people.
-I think my personality type can benefit the team since I am always willing to help others in their struggles. I just can't ignore somebody else's troubles. I need to at least try and say something to help and motivate.
-It can hurt the team if I get too absent-minded or distant because we are supposed to cooperate and work together. Maybe everyone shares some good ideas and I don't say anything. I always have something to say but the thing is that I don't say anything at the end because I lack confidence sometimes with how my opinions are going to be taken.
I think it was pretty accurate with the way I feel that I am. It said that INFPs are people who care a lot about others and the world in general, that like to help, that are expressive in their own way, don't like routines, and are adaptable. They can be seen as shy people and for me I think it's true but it's not that I'm shy to talk to someone. It's mostly like I am kind of careful to whom I talk to and it depends too on the mood that I have in the moment. But I can be really really extroverted if I already know the person and when we have things in common. At that point I talk like crazy and act random just for fun. I also get really expressive with the way I might feel about certain situations. But out there, there are just some few people that I am able to be like that. I still like meeting new people. It just takes me some time to build trust in them. I don't especifically look for things to have in common, but if the person and I do share something in common then it is a loooot easier for me to loose up and talk more.
Other thing to say is that I don't really feel uncomfortable spending time with myself. I take that time to reflect and sometimes dream about things I want to happen and how to make it happen. And if not thinking, I am writing. I love writing. Mostly stories. And I express myself completely in my writings more than I do with people.
-I think my personality type can benefit the team since I am always willing to help others in their struggles. I just can't ignore somebody else's troubles. I need to at least try and say something to help and motivate.
-It can hurt the team if I get too absent-minded or distant because we are supposed to cooperate and work together. Maybe everyone shares some good ideas and I don't say anything. I always have something to say but the thing is that I don't say anything at the end because I lack confidence sometimes with how my opinions are going to be taken.
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