Are You A Mexican or a Mexican't?

Actually I am a Mexicoan, thanks for asking.

This past weekend, I was on a retreat with 30 college students, who seek to live out their faith during their college years.  The time was amazing.  I learned so much about planning retreats and how much I needed to buy of what.  When the college students were asked what was the most interesting thing you learned about someone else, the agreed fact was,"Cindy is from Mexico, that is a town, not the country."

That brought me to reminiscing about an exercise we did during our missionary training.  We wrote a poem with the theme of 'Where I am from.' so as promised, here is my poem/psalm

Cindy's Psalm 

Where I am From

I am from a beautiful sanctuary in a town full of empty industrial buildings.  This town has a rich history, a struggling present, an uncertain future, and the smell of burning soybeans fresh in the air.  

I am from a hand built multiplex that smells of popcorn, platter grease, and sanitizing solution.  I am from the ball fields with grass and dirt stains on my clothes.  

I am from family hugs, early mornings, and Dr. Pepper.  I am from writing letters to people in my own house, math homework, and Mom's chocolate chip cookies.

I am from a small liberal arts college in rural Missouri, where I found a place in the front pew of a wooden white church.  I am anchored in Christ and growing in grace while serving others.  

  

This I Believe

Miracles do happen. 

Social holiness cannot stand without personal piety.  

Personal piety cannot stand without social holiness.

There is no sin that can separate a person from the grace Christ offers.   

The Trinity.

This past week or so people have been telling me there views and these are things I know that I believe.  I was really shocked when someone told me that social holiness is more important than personal piety.  She went on to tell me that personal piety isn't even important.  IT IS.  

Just thought I should post this to let you all know that I am still doing ok, and spending lots of time thinking through theological questions, so one of these days I will post deep, well organized thoughts, but not today.  Today you simply get a small list of things I believe.  

Swimming in The Spirit

Today is September 7, a little over a month ago I was introduced to the concept of swimming in The Spirit. This was a children's sermon about how the Holy Spirit is all around you.  I have done a lot of "swimming" lately.

First, and most literal, I have been swimming in an actual pool.  A few weeks ago at a local Farmer's Market, a girl convinced me that all I had to do was show up at a nearby pool, and I could swim.  So I showed up, with only a swimming suit and a towel.  My only knowledge of swimming competitively is from watching the Olympics.  The coach got me set up with some goggles and a swim cap and taught me how to actually swim freestyle.  Swimming in a pool is good for my soul, it is good for my muscles, and it reminds me to continue to swim, in The Spirit.

Next I have been swimming in garbage.  Don't worry not literally, but if you know my enthusiasm for dumps, you might think this has been something I enjoyed.  I did, but for a different reason.  At my job there is an intentional multifaith living community, for students at the University of California Davis.   This past weekend was a move out and move in weekend, so the dumpster was completely over flowing.  So bravely I vested myself in garbage attire and went to sort out the garbage and the recycling. While I was doing this, someone noticed me and asked to help, so he went to work breaking down boxes for the recycling folks to pick up.  As I was helping him break down the boxes I realized that even though we had two radically different faith backgrounds and beliefs we shared two things; an enthusiasm for garbage, and the realization that cardboard boxes are a genius invention.

Finally,  I have been swimming in The Spirit.  I have been going to a new church and signed up to help with Sunday School and Youth group.  I am working thru a devotion.  I have found spiritual "mentors," and I have found time to honor the Lord with my work as a missionary and the community coordinator here in California.

With that all being said, I also really miss my friends and my family in Missouri.  However, just like Dori says in Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming"  that is what I will do, just keep swimming, in The Spirit.