At one point as they were fighting and grabbing markers out of each other’s hands, all while writing “Dios ama todas para siempre”(God loves everyone forever) on the white board, I just had to laugh. The consequences of the Fall, were there, right before my eyes!
Along with telling the story in Genesis 3, we played a game of “Simon Says” or Simón Dice with a small twist. If Simón said to do something, they were to do it. However, I used another name, like Juan or Susana, they were not to do it. If they did, they’d be out. I tried to use this to help explain that Eve (and Adam!) listened to a voice they shouldn’t. How it’s important to listen to the voice of God. I’m not completely sure I was successful!
They seemed to grasp most of the details, although they argued about some of it, and I couldn’t really tell what was being said. I am earnestly praying that I don’t miss any really critical unbiblical comments this month!
In the afternoon I had one of our two groups of teen girls. Our lesson was another inspired by the “It Takes Courage” book. In this lesson, I had a real flower, and a fake flower. My amazing friend Mary Ellen found a lovely gerbera daisy with bright red flowers. It’s fun, because, of course, I work with Daisy… In Spanish it’s called a Margarita. When I told the groups that in English we call it a Daisy, I don’t think they believed me!
The lesson was about character and behavior. The roots, which are hidden, but support and allow the flower to grow, are character. The visible leaves and flower represent behavior. We can see the behavior, but it’s the character that determines it. The roots draw in nutrients and water, just as our roots in Christ draw in His life, allowing us to grow into young women who reflect Him.
The fake flower has no roots, and so will never grow. Also, when strong winds come (the hard stuff in our lives) the fake flower has no roots, and so is easily blown away. If we put the fake flower into the ground next to the real flower, it still won’t grow. We can have family and friends who are rooted in Christ, and that is a wonderful thing. We should be near them. But, if we do not have our own roots in Christ, we’re still never going to grow.
The word for Behavior is Comporatmiento. Having to repeat that word multiple times was a challenge, to say the least! (Character is Carácter, mucho más simple!!) Last week we presented it to the Treces (thirteen year olds) as well as the Pre-teens last week, but then I had awesome Anna to translate for me! Thankfully, the teens are used to me now, and helped out when I stumbled.We ended with Jeremiah 17:8:
They will be like a tree planted by the water
that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
Oh, how I desire this for these precious teens! And, of course, for all of those who enter our Social Work site – and beyond! For myself, too! To have no fear, because in spite of the storms, the heat, the drought, our roots are deep in Christ. that sends out its roots by the stream.
It does not fear when heat comes;
its leaves are always green.
It has no worries in a year of drought
and never fails to bear fruit.
One of the Spanish words for ‘deep’ is profundo, which I love! May my hope, my strength, my confidence be in the profoundest part of my soul. And from there, may I bear fruit for the glory of God!
P.S. Daisy had her surgery, and it went well. She is in a lot of pain right now, and the recovery will take some time. Please continue to keep her, her husband, and her three children lifted up to our Great Physician!
I love the analogy of the flowers- beautiful. And thank you for the update on Daisy. You're in my thoughts and prayers often, friend, and I'll be thinking of you especially this month!
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