Beach and the Christian Life

I am going to blog more about the actual outing that took place at this lovely beach, but I just want to post this right now.

After swimming, and eating, I sat there at the beach and just cried. Crying on the beach.

I had listened to this sermon http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/we-were-eager-to-share-with-you-our-own-souls#/listen/full - by John Piper earlier in the morning, and one thing that really stuck out to me was the fact that The Christian life is hard. H-A-R-D. hard.

I swallowed the pill that things will never be easy. That I’ll never just float on by. That I wont always be happy with the status quo. I faced the fact that this life will always be a struggle uphill. But I was comforted, encouraged, and motivated by the fact that I will be rewarded to the fullest. I deceived myself into being disheartened by the reality of the Christian life, but I quickly realized my mistake. Life is hard-just in general. The Christian life is harder because we are going against the natural tide. (aka in Christian terms "sinful nature"). but the Christian Life is definitely the most rewarding. I know that even when it sucks, God will continue giving me peace beyond understanding. Unimaginable joy. I remembered that I will be in Heaven and bask in Christ’s awesomeness. I remembered that I will soon look back at these “mountains” of troubles and realize they were just hills. Ant hills. I was no longer sad, but excited for the adventures God has for me. I was happy. I wiped away the tears and frolicked down to the cool, clear water.

"Materialistic Specific Things I Miss" List

I love making lists so here's to list making...

Since I've been here, I've been a bowl full "missing this and that" such as friends, family, mindset,

but here's a "Materialistic Specific Things I Miss" List.

Basically, it's tangible things- inanimate objects that I miss.

The two top things are in this picture- how convenient-

The top of the list-

Good Coffee- and if I wanted to get even more n picky- Good Decaf Coffee. I dont even care about brand anymore- Starbucks, Peets, or Zoes. I just miss GOOD COFFEE in general.

My Guitar- not that I was really on my way to being really good, I just miss strumming the beautiful instrument. I play some guitar here, but it's different when it's your own.

Fast Wireless Internet- I am very thankful that we even have internet at the house, and WIRELESS internet at that...I just miss FAST internet. You know, where Youtube loads in 5 seconds instead of 5mintues and pictures upload in 1 min instead of 10min.

Dishwasher- I really dont mind washing the dishes, cause I know it's a big help. I just miss rinsing the dishes and shoving it into a dishwasher.

Sidewalks- I dont think theres a generic sidewalk measurement here, so it can range from 2-3 feet off the ground. Totally throwing off my muscle memory. I'm very cautious where and how I walk.

Car- Walking is great for the health. But sometimes I need to go a bit farther than just down the street. and it's not just the convenience of car that I miss. I miss FAST cars. I miss going 65-70mph. What's the average speed here? 40kmph. 25mph. Which is not slow, but it's ridiculous doing 25mph for 30min. Omygoodness. I want to scream.

More lists are coming soon...probably something along the lines of "things I took for granted" and "things I am thankful I have here cause it's definitely a luxury in Tonga" and maybe even "the little things that make me happy here"

to be continued...