September Update

I'm not there yet, but I'd love to share with you what has been encouraging to me over this past month!

This is a picture I took of Toledo, Castilla la Mancha, España

Happenings in Úbeda: the church in Úbeda prays for Crystal and myself every Thursday evening. They are petitioning the Lord for our Visas to come through and that we would be with them soon. Also, the church has recently received their pastor and his family back from being on furlough (they are missionaries). The elders have been teaching in his absence and the whole church is overjoyed upon the Pascual family's return. Also, John and Jan (CAM team leaders) let me know that there is an apartment for myself and Crystal ready and waiting!

Visa Update:
I called the Spanish consulate the first week of September to check on the status of my Visa. (On July 1st, when I submitted my application they said it would take 1 month to fulfill.) When I called, they let me know that a Religious Worker Visa could take 4 1/2 months to process.

Support Update:

• Amt. Needed Per Month: $1,748.00
• % Complete: 75%
• % Remaining: 25%
  

I never ever imagined that I would be celebrating my 24th birthday (in 2 weeks) in Texas. He has always been faithful. I'm reminding myself of the basics, faith is believing without seeing.

HE could have granted the Visa yesterday if he wanted, and I trust that I am here because God loves me and He doesn't withhold any good thing (Psalm 84:11). After all, He does have the whole world in His hands!

Praises:

• The blessing of a little freedom with my time; reading, relationships, being equipped, encouraged, long bike rides, etc.
• A Spanish roof over my head! The provision of a place to live that was orchestrated by the two elders of the church (Paco Salido & Paco Hidalgo).
  
• Supporters, three more individuals came on my monthly support team. Every single cent that is provided amazes me. Your prayers are much appreciated. Thank you for partnering with me in your prayers, gifts, and influence!
  

Prayers:

• For a few more monthly supporters to be provided and that I would pursue a God-honoring relationship with each of my senders.
  
• For a Visa to be granted at the right time.
  
• That I would live a grace-filled life, and not a self-righteous one.
  

Thank you! As always, I love updates on you and enjoy your feedback!

Arista


CAM Intl.
8625 La Prada Dr.
Dallas, TX 75228

TODAY is a great day!

Let me just share what a great day it's been! Here are just some of the reasons...

1. I got to sleep in...who doesn't love that!?
2. God is answering huge prayers for a big event at DBC this weekend!
3. Jesus died for me.
4. Jesus didn't stay dead!
5. Jesus is coming back!
6. I got a great update from the church in Úbeda!
7. I got to go for an 11.7 mile bike ride!
8. I had a cup of iced coffee from Jupiter House...mmm de-lish!
9. I am the new owner of a State Parks Pass! (That means you can come ride bikes or go camping with me--for free!)
10. I got to read some C.S. Lewis (Screwtape Letters).
11. I got to listen to some great classical music (Handel).
12. A friend just called me to go to dinner, always fun.
13. Another friend just told me that she feels she's being called to missions!
14. A girl just got in touch with me to talk more about missions, she's considering going on a stint!

HE'S SO GOOD TO US!

Cultural Holiness

One of the great things about life right now is that I have time to read. It's not just about reading though, I think it's much more than that. It's processing, being equipped, encouraging stories, all of it. A good friend of mine tells me often to "Enjoy this season of life. Because this current blessing of freedom, time, and energy may be quite different from a future blessing."

Anyway, I was reading back through my notes from one of my classes at seminary and found this...and felt convicted. (This isn't to say that I am not surrounded by a great community of believers, I am.)


"Many Christians have what we might call a "cultural holiness". They adapt to the character and behavior pattern of Christians around them. As the Christian culture around them is more or less holy, so these Christians are more or less holy. But God has not called us to be like those around us. He has called us to be like Himself. Holiness is nothing less than the conformity to the character of God."

Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness


P.S. I've been favoring the black and whites...so dramatic!

How Deep?

I am not sure where I heard this quote (maybe from Chip Ingram?) but it's good (and simple), "The solution to doubt, is praise." One of my favorite hymns...


How Deep the Father's Love For Us

How deep the Father's love for us, How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son, To make a wretch his treasure
How great the pain of searing loss, the Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One, Bring many sons to glory

Behold the Man upon the cross, my sin upon his shoulders
Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there, until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life, I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything, No gifts, No power, No wisdom,
But I will boast in Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward, I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart, His wounds have paid my ransom.

written by Stuart Townend

More Pain to Come...

I found this article on the Wall Street Journal, a link to it can be found here, or by looking at the Wall Street Journal online.

More Pain to Come But Spain Should Recover

Not only are Spain's economic woes a more extreme version of what's happened in the past year in the U.S. and U.K., they're likely to last longer because of the shallow roots of Spain's recent economic success. A strong rebound isn't out the question, if the government undertakes key reforms, but it's unlikely to happen anytime soon.

Spain's economic boom was dependent on its construction sector, fed by E.U. development money and rapid population growth. Now that property prices are slumping, there's little for Spain to fall back on. An export-driven recovery is unlikely after years of declining competitiveness exacerbated by a strong euro.

The speed of the crisis took the Spanish government by surprise, with economic growth slowing to the worst rate for 15 years. While in April, it became the first euro-zone administration to craft a U.S.-style stimulus package including tax cuts and spending measures, worth 18 billion euros ($24 billion) over 2008 and 2009, analysts predict a recession in Spain by year-end.

That said, Spain's not necessarily condemned to the sluggish growth and weak public finances typical of southern European neighbors like Portugal and Italy. Conservative regulation has left the banking sector in better shape than much of the rest of Europe even if smaller banks could be laid low by the domestic housing crisis.

As for government finances, the public accounts fell into the red in June for the first time in three years. But the Spanish exchequer remains in a healthier position than much of the rest of the euro-zone where deficits are widening. Madrid has more room for maneuver.
The test is whether the government will restructure the economy, notably a rigid labor market, to improve productivity and diversify sources of growth. The current focus on boosting welfare provision -- raising minimum pension benefits by 6% as well as increasing the minimum wage -- doesn't bode well.

by Sean Walters