One Pilgrim's Progress

February 23- Monday we had kids club and Tuesday was the first day of Manos del Alfarero (PFK). It was pretty crazy, but it went really really well. At first Sarah and I were sure what to do. The kids were just running around playing before we started. So I just jumped in with them and taught (well tried to teach…Tito had to help me a little ha ha) them a new game and I talked to them and they laughed at my Spanish and they taught me some new things. It was so amazing! It’s only been 2 days and I’ve fallen completely in love with these children!


February 25- One Pilgrim’s Progress

This morning, I woke up at 4:30 in the morning. So, since Pastor Phil had pointed out certain roads I’m allowed to go jogging on by myself, I pulled my sneakers on and went out. I started down a road that I’ve been down dozens of times, then took a turn down a new one. As I ran, I started thinking about how I got here from where I was just a year and a half ago. And as I made my way jogging up a steep, rocky hill I was flooded with memories. Now just to be clear, I am sure in my salvation.  I have no question about it.  I just have problems with letting go.  Everything that's happened in the past two years overwhelmed me and brought back the guilt and shame.  It wasn’t long before my run up this hill became a slow walk. I kept moving forward though, and by the time I made it to the top, the sun was peaking over the distant green hills, filling the sky with shades of pink, purple and orange. Over to the side was an empty, abandoned stone building. I walked over and sat down, tired, on one of the window sills, resting with my back up against the cool stone. As I watched the sun rise I realized that I can’t do this anymore. I can’t carry the burden of my past with me wherever I go. It’s a hindrance and a stronghold and only slows me down. The verse that I had memorized a few weeks ago from Phillipians came to mind- “…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward…” And FINALLY, after all of this time, I gave it God!
I am not who I once was!

Like in John Bunyon’s Pilgrim’s Progress as the character Christian crawls up Calvary to the foot of the cross, and his heavy burden on his pack falls off and rolls down the hill into an empty tomb. There is nothing to look back to! It is gone, nailed to a cross! And as one song says, “Like hinges straining from the weight, my heart no longer can keep from singing! All that is within me cries, for you alone be glorified!”

"I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense and my future is secure"

As a ran back home, I turned my ipod on shuffle. The first song that came on randomly, was Oh Happiness which if you don’t know is a ridiculously happy song basically just exclaiming joy, because we have grace! The second was Forgiven and Loved by Jimmy Needham. “He died, to rectify my hopeless situation, and his blood commands my guilt to leave! Now on Calvary I stand, empty pockets, open heart, there is no condemnation for me! Child, you’re forgiven and loved!" I didn’t make it home before I was on my knee's.

No more looking back.

Philippians 3:12-14 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.