Heather's Journey

Beginning of the New School Year

2012-02-10T09:29:00.001-06:00

The week was the first week of classes at the public school. In Honduras the public school year starts in February and ends in the beginning of November. The beginning of the school year it means a lot more planning for the staff of CNI. The things that we were able to accomplish this week was only made possible through the Lords work in and through our generous partners.

Getting Organized

106 backpacks filled and ready to distribute

Last week we collected our kids school supply list and looked at our donated inventory to see how we could help supply for the needs of our kids. We were able supply basic essentials for all of our kid, all 106 of them! Each child received a backpack, colored pencils, crayons, eraser, ruler, pencil sharpener, 2 notebooks, pencil, and pens.

Walking Alongside

During our planning meetings we discussed the idea of creating a little more stability for our kids. Our kids experience so much change especially with people coming a going from their lives from parents, teachers, friends, and volunteers. So this year we are staying with the kids that we tutored last year.

This year I will tutoring 1st and 2nd grade. A handful of my first graders didn't pass last year due to learning disabilities, being absent during testing, and other circumstances that were out of their control. I will be tutoring 30 kids this year. I will be tutoring 2nd graders for an hour in the morning and 1st graders for an hour in the afternoon.

Some of our 6th grade girls ready to head to school in the afternoon

Precious kids that are so grateful!

Fingerprints of God: Ricci and Jason

2012-02-01T10:06:00.000-06:00

Ricci playing with the foam puzzle

Jason and Mely (staff member of CNI) at the Christmas party

God's Fingerprints: Ricci and Jason

Two weeks ago today Ricci and Jason came up to me and said "Adios" (Goodbye). I immediately looked at them both and asked why did you just say "Adios", culturally you do not say goodbye you say I will see you later. They told me their mom's boyfriend was here to take them to another city to go and live there. They aren't sure when they are going to return. Their mom left last September to live in this other city. Jason and Ricci have been living with other family members here over these last 5 months.

These two kids are so strong. Life has not been easy, especially over these last 5 months since their mom left. Jason and Ricci both are very mature for their age because they have had to be very responsible. Ricci, like many of the girls at CNI, cooked for her and Jason. Jason is the protector of his family. They both attended the church here and the church family has provided so much for these kids.

One of the things I liked to watch was Jason play soccer. On the soccer court his walls came down and he could be a kid even if it was just for a few moments. Another thing he enjoyed doing was coming up behind the staff and covering our eyes and making us guess who it was.

Ricci is so sweet and she watched out for the younger kids. One day when I was watching the kids on the playground she took the initiate to push some of our younger kids on the swings. In September while a medical missionary was here she taught Zumba classes. For a while Ricci joined us because she had to wait for Jason to finish school so they could walk home together. Her laughter was contagious. One time after a hard workout the next day she said her back hurt a little and that she felt like a old lady. Then she pointed to me and said, "just like you!"

I thank the Lord for the time he has allowed for me to get to know two of His precious kids. I pray for their safety, protection, and health. I am thankful that they are able to be with their mom now and play with their two younger siblings. I know the Lord has a perfect plan for their lives and He will take care of them, which brings me peace and comfort.

Picture from my time in New York at Rice to Riches restaurant.

it's official

2012-01-25T08:58:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful for how the Lord goes before His children and works in ways that I will never see of know.

Yesterday morning at 7:30 I boarded the plane to go to the capital of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, in hopes to return later that day with my paper copy of my residency. I bought a one way ticket to Tegucigalpa because we were not sure how long the process would take. I was prepared to stay the night in case the immigration offices were busy or if we ran into any problems. When I met the lawyer at the airport he said that this process should be really easy to to go ahead and buy the tickets to return in the afternoon.

When we went to the ticket counter Bill and I found out we were buying the last two tickets on the flight to La Ceiba for that afternoon at 2:30, another provision from God. Left the airport and arrived at immigration at 9, right when the doors opened. The lawyer, Marbin Sauceda, went before us and we just followed him and signed on the pages that were needed. The last step was to get our fingerprints scanned, photo taken, and electronic signature for our official card. The process was completed at 10:30am.

It is unbelievable to think that I am officially a resident of Honduras! My residency is for 5 years. Being a resident means I can open a bank account here, get discounts on some tourist things, and I don't have to leave the country every 90 days. In the next couple of weeks we are going to work on getting my license.

Marbin drove us Tegucigalpa so Bill and I could see a little more of the capital city. We had a celebratory lunch at an Argentinean restaurant that had amazing grilled meat. Then at 2:30 boarded the plane and came back to La Ceiba as a catracha (word for a Honduran).

So Blessed!

View of Tegucigalpa from Spain's Plaza

The lawyer, Marbin Sauceda, with GCLA church that made this process so easy for me.

New residents of Honduras
Left to Right: Heather, Bill, and Melissa.

God is in every tomorrow

2012-01-17T17:28:00.002-06:00

On Saturday night I read this entry in Streams in the Desert: January 14

"When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them." (John 10:4)

This is intensely difficult work for Him and us, it is difficult for us to go , but equally difficult for Him to cause us pain. Yet it must be done. It would not be in our best interest to always remain in one happy and comfortable location. Therefore He moves us forward. The shepherd leaves the fold so the sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes. In the same ways, laborers must be driven out into the harvest, or else the golden grain would spoil.

But take heart! It could never be better to stay once He determines otherwise; if the loving hand of our Lord moves us forward, it must be best. Forward, in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights! He goes on ahead of [us] (Ps. 23:2). So whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him, and the eye of faith can always discern His majestic presence out in front. When His presence cannot be seen, it is dangerous to move ahead. Comfort your heart with the fact that the Savior has Himself experienced all the trials He asks you to endure; He would not ask you to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too difficult or strenuous for you.

This is the blessed life- not anxious to see far down the road, nor overly concerned about the next step, not eager to choose the path, nor weighted down with the heavy responsibilities of the future, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time.

The shepherd always walks ahead of his sheep. He is always out front. Any attack upon the sheep had to take him into account first. Now God is out in front. He is in our tomorrows and it is tomorrow that fills people with fear. Yet God is already there. All the tomorrows of life have to pass through him before they can get to us. F.B. Meyer

God is in every tomorrow,

therefore I live for today,

Certain of finding at sunrise,

Guidance and strength of my way;

Power for each moment of weakness,

Hope for each moment of pain,

Comfort for every sorrow,

Sunshine and joy after rain.

God is in every tomorrow! What a wonderful promise to hold on too. God knows his children so well because He is their creator. God was present in our tomorrow, Sunday afternoon. There was a tragedy here in La Ceiba. One of the brothers, Brian Rosales, from my church (Great Commission Church) that I am serving at unexpectedly passed away. Brain was a worship leader here at the church. His love for Christ was very evident.

I am so thankful to Lord is in our tomorrows. God is with us. He will be with his children as they grieve and comfort them as only our Heavenly Father can. Please join me in prayer for the Rosales family and for my church family here in La Ceiba.

Settle - being all here

2012-01-13T09:04:00.000-06:00

Picture taken at the property where the church staff had our Christmas Party.

Webster defines settle as to establish in residence.

Can't believe we are already half way through January, time seems to just keep flying by. I am making a conscious effort to be all here and be fully present. For the first time in three years a mental shift has begun to happen, I am wanting to settle.
While I was growing up my family and I never lived anywhere longer than 4 years. Then after graduation from high school (2003) I spent 3 years in Tennessee, 2 1/2 years in Chicago, 3 months in the Bronx, 1 year in Wisconsin, 6 months in Miami, 7 months in Costa Rica and I have been in Honduras for 5 months. Thus, this desire to settle for a while is a new concept and desire.
This journey of obedience to bring me here to Honduras was not easy at times, mostly because I had to let go of my plans and pride and thinking I had some control. God used each of the different jobs, responsibilities, and relationships as a way of preparation to bring me here. I am so glad He is writing this story, which demands faith, surrender, obedience, and trust.
The culture in the states places a lot of emphasis on a destination being the most important measure of success? We do we put so many hours worrying about our future only to discover that it keeps changing. What you are doing now may not be what you’ll be doing this time next year. Those things you care so deeply for now may seem very small and unimportant a month from now. I am not minimizing the difficulty you may be experiencing or the trial you may be in the midst of. However, whatever season you are in right now is your companion and teacher that the Lord has given to you, which is leading you toward the next season. I have been reminded time and time again, especially since Christmas, of the wisdom it takes sit back and enjoy the adventure of today, whatever gifts and sufferings it may hold.
What gifts have your past seasons brought you so that you can live this one more fully present and alive? - Emily Freedman

My 1st Christmas and New Years in Honduras

2012-01-05T09:37:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas with David's family here in La Ceiba and celebrated the New Year with Mery's family in Progreso.
(left to right: Heather, Mery, David (son), David, and Sammy)

Mery and David giving David his present. This little three year old is very animated, his expressions are comical.

It is tradition to set off fireworks at Midnight on Dec. 25 and Jan.1 and then give a hug wishing everyone a Merry Christmas or Happy New Year. Then it is followed by a dinner and the sharing/opening of gifts .

Christmas Party at CNI on December 23. Each child received a new t-shirt. Thank you to those who donated money for the stockings, the kids were surprised.

Individuals from the church donated gifts to give to children in the community. The church donated some of the gifts to our kids at CNI. This picture is one of my favorites from the day because it is one child giving to another.

Kevin really liked the truck he received.

Rebecca sharing with the kids about the first gift given, Jesus Christ.

Alessandro hanging out with some of our kids while we waited for lunch to be served.

Traditional Christmas meal :Tamales.

The ladies blessed our kids with making close to 250 Tamales. Each child ate one for lunch and took one home.

Kids showing off their gifts.

Kids collecting their candy from the pinata that was donated.

Best Christmas Present: three of our kids returned to La Ceiba after being gone over 5 months due to a very difficult family situation.

Moments Captured: Christmas Celebration with Mickey

2011-12-20T08:51:00.001-06:00

A moment captured that looks like "Christmas Morning". Kids looking for their gift with great anticipation.

Group picture with the kids of CNI, Mickey, and the family that hosted and blessed our kids with a Christmas party.

Mickey greeting each of our kids!

Alejandra fell in love with El Chavo de Ocho !

Jason and Alejandra enjoying the party.

Everyone wanted a picture with Mickey :)
left to right: Jackie, Carlos, Orlando, and April.

Genesis was so excited to receive a doll for Christmas!

Passing out of the gifts to each child.

Jason, Perla, and I.

Manuel and Ivelisse getting ready to open their gifts.

Moments Captured: Christmas Celebrations at CNI

2011-12-20T08:27:00.002-06:00

Local college students organized a Christmas party for the kids at CNI. The kids were really surprised that a huge group came and they weren't from the states. One of my first graders asked me, "Do they speak English?" Seeing the kids worldview being changed brings me so much joy!

I enjoyed watching our kids being ministered to by young adults that "spoke Spanish".

This young lady took create care of one of our kids with special needs and helped him make a craft. Priceless moments!

Orlando enjoying making a Christmas ornament "Joy to the World"

Each of our kids received a gift from one of the college students .

Little Sparkling Cindy showing off her Christmas stocking. She had a lot of fun making her craft, not sure which ended up having more glitter on it the paper or her precious smile.

Angel Jr. and Kevin showing off their presents.

Of course you can not truly have a party without a piñata!

Group picture of the college students with our morning group of kids.

Flor asked Rebecca "Why did they write Flor always smiles? How did they know I smile all the time!"
Precious Moment!

Marisela enjoying her piece of cake :)

Fingerprint of God: Jessica

2011-12-15T08:57:00.002-06:00

Jessica receiving her diploma at her 6th grade graduation

Fingerprint of God: Jessica

As I began talking to Jessica I realized how asking questions to these children will be breaking a huge wall that is up. Many of these do not talk to adults or share about their lives. So for an adult to have the desire to talk to child and ask questions is very rare. It took a while for Jessica to reply to my questions but I waited in the silence with patience and a smile.

Jessica is another 6th grade graduate of 2011. Jessica started attending CNI when it first opened in 2008. Jessica enjoys coloring and playing games here at CNI. She is thankful for the staff at CNI. She appreciates how CNI has helped her learn more about the Bible and how she has received help with math. She thanks the Lord for her family and friends. Her desire is to go to high school starting in February and study computer science.

Fingerprints of God

2011-12-05T16:48:00.001-06:00

" Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." - Wess Stafford, President of Compassion International
God has graciously given us 106 precious children at CNI (Children Nutrition Center) to care for, teach, mentor, discipline, and share His word. As a staff at CNI we do not take our responsibility lightly. These children I have been blessed to be able to serve continue to capture my heart. They are so precious and each day they teach me something. I am humbled by the lessons about life, attitude, and faith they teach me. I wish that all of those who read this blog that you would be able to meet these precious children personally, but I know that is not possible. I hope to use this blog to share about my journey of faith in serving my Lord but also to share my journey of walking alongside this children. I hope you will look forward to reading more about this children and maybe bit by bit they may begin to capture your heart too.
Fingerprint of God: Perla

Perla is one of little words but can express so much through her eyes. She enjoys playing games at CNI. She give thanks to the Lord for her family, friends, and for the staff of CNI. One of the things she has learned while being here at CNI is to be kind to others, to not say bad words, and to respect others. One of the blessings she as expereinced from being apart of CNI is being taught the word of God.

Perla just graduated from 6th grade in November. The whole week prior to her graduation she would come up to me and give me hug, but wouldn't want me to let go. She was really struggling with the idea of graduating because that means a lot of uncertainty for kids. She hopes to go to continue her education in February. She wants to be a police officer when she gets older.

Please pray for Perla and our other 10 other 6th graders that graduated as the ponder what they will do next.

Joyous Celebration

2011-11-29T08:34:00.001-06:00

Let us now share in your joy

As together we celebrate

What God has done in your life

Today as you graduate

We pray that you will go on to

What God has already planned

For you have such an awesome future

When you place it in God’s hands.

-Author Unknown

On Friday, November 25, 2011 was the graduation of the 6th grade class. We are so proud of our kids and all that the Lord has done in their lives to bring them to this memorable moment in their lives. This kids have worked hard. During the celebration four of our kids were recognized for excellence in their grades and one was recognized for good behavior.

Congratulations Class of 2011

The staff of CNI with our graduates

Luis and his 6th grade teacher

Luis graduated with the second highest grade point average in his class.

Last night, Monday, November 28, 2011 we celebrated the graduation of kids from CNI. We had a special dinner for the parents and the graduates. We gave them a certificate of participation and we presented each child a gift. It has been a hard and beautiful journey as the staff as walked alongside to encourage each of these children. Working with this children is a true blessing and they teach us a lot about life. We give God the glory for His work in and through each us.

Families enjoying a wonderful dinner together

The staff of CNI and our graduates.

Thanks

2011-11-21T16:55:00.001-06:00

One simple word with so much meaning.

The Lord has given so many good and perfect gifts... some of which I have acknowledged over this year, some gifts I didn't recognize, and some that I still have yet to see.

One gift He has given this year is the ability to serve here at the CNI. Even though I will not be celebrating Thanksgiving as I have done in the past ...watching the Macy's Day Parade, eating turkey, playing board games with family, watching American Football, taking a nap, etc. my heart of thankfulness is the same. I am looking forward to spending the day serving the children at CNI. I will be pondering God's provision over this year for each of these children, their sponsors, the staff, and the ministry as they sit and enjoy their lunch.

How are you going to celebrate your Thanksgiving Day?

What are you thankful for this day?

We are to give thanks for all things always, because of our God. Paul wrote how we are to show authentic thanks: by giving “glory in tribulations” (Romans 5:13) and take “pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake” (2 Cor. 12:10), and Paul knew that even when it didn't look like anything good might yield, ALL is in the hands of a good God.

"To bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving means to sacrifice your understanding of what is beneficial and thank God for everything because He is benevolent. A sacrifice of thanks lays down our perspective and raises hands in praise anyways – always. A sacrifice is by definition not an easy thing. There is this: We give thanks to God not because of how we feel – but because of Who He is." - Ann Voskamp

New Website Launched

2011-11-21T15:52:00.001-06:00

I am so exited. Today LAM launched their new website http://lam.org/ . When I was working in the home office I remember some of the planning meetings that happened. Their desire was to create a better way to be able communicate with and to all of the partners, missionaries and those who simply wanted to grow in there missions understanding of Latin America or the world in general. They accomplished their goal. I hope that you will take some time to check out the new website.

Here are some links to the website you may be interested to check out:
- Equipping Latins
- Alliance Ministry page- Centro de Nutrición Infantil
- Heather Braden's profile

what a wonderful trip

2011-11-19T15:54:00.001-06:00

Great Leader's of the LAM staff

(Kevin, Marcos, Luis Diego, and Steve)

Dinner with Friends in Miami

Visit with Granparents

Oct. 30 I shared in Spanish at the GCLA in Miami that I attended for 6 months.

Got so spend some time with some precious children.

Visit with my Cuban Grandma. God allowed me the opportunity to live with Zenia while I was in Miami. She was my first national Spanish teacher.

Nov. 6, 2011 Commissioning Service at my sending church, Cornerstone Church in Waterloo,WI

Enjoyed many dinners with friends over this trip

Was blessed with many gifts for the children at CNI :)

Nov. 11,2011 My sister gave birth to Lucas Noah Fouts.

God is so good and I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to be home and visit with so many friends and family. Thank you all for a wonderful time.

31 day of gratitude: being clay

2011-10-31T08:05:00.002-05:00

"Fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing."
I feel like I am lacking a lot of things and I also feel like I am not fearing Him, or trusting Him, as much as I possibly could. These first 4 days of my trip back to the states has been a growing a stretching time for me. I am thankful to be able to sit face to face with family and friends. I have just reminded of just how broken we ALL are, wither we choose to admit it or not it another thing.

Last night as the little girl with sing "Here I am to worship" I closed my eyes and prayed once again and asked God to mold me:

Potter God, I don't know what You're forming me into but it hurts.
Potter God, I trust You. I want what You want.
Potter God, I need You.

31 Days of Gratitude: Forgiveness, I will never be the same

2011-10-20T09:24:00.001-05:00

Oh the Glory of it all
Lyrics by David Crowder

At the start
he was there, he was there
In the end,
he’ll be there, he’ll be there

And After all our hands have wrought
He forgives

Oh the Glory of it all is:
he came here
For the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all
for the glory of it all

All is lost
find him there, find him there
After night
Dawn is there, Dawn is there

After all falls apart
he repairs he repairs

Oh the Glory of it all is:
he came here
for the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all

oh He is here
for redemption from the fall
that we may live
for the glory of it all
oh the glory of it all
the glory of it all
oh the glory of it all

After night
comes the light
dawn is here
it’s a new day
everything will change
things will never be the same
we will never be the same

Oh, The glory of it all is
you came here
for the rescue of us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all

Oh you are here
with redemption for us all
that we may live
for the glory of it all

31 days of gratitude: leaning into Him and trusting his work

2011-10-19T10:12:00.002-05:00

31 days of gratitude: leaning into Him and trusting his work
Tasks pressing on the mind. I take a deep breath, loosen the shoulders, relax the tension. Let go and lean. Lean back into Him. This way of living: abandon all worries and abide in Christ — all is well. The relief only come when I release of everything into God's hands.

Is it not all safer in His hands anyways? Abandon and abide — all is well.

Life’s an adventure when we move as He moves.

Sitting at the computer surrounded by lesson plans, books, and a calendar I take a deep breath and fully surrendered my plans and desire of this day to Him. The prayer of a wise from a coffee shop "Lord, here are my plans for today, but fill free to interrupt them as you please."

The first thing I must do is simply stand--stand on God's Word and determine what I must do, or not do, in obedience to Him.

God has so much more to teach me. I will forever be his child that He will humble. I will sit at his feet and learn. He needs not to be just my savior but my role model.

31 days of Gratitude: sight

2011-10-17T10:06:00.000-05:00

Caterin and Cindy came on Friday. It was the first time since the passing of their brother. I was overwhelmed with joy to see them and to give them a huge hug. I pray for God to do a mighty work in their lives.

31 Days of Gratitude:
What would it look like to really see the fullness of life?

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things…” ~Psalm 119:18

Helen Keller insight into sight…

" I, who cannot see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch.

I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf.

I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough shaggy bark of a pine…. I feel the delightful, velvety texture of a flower, and discover its remarkable convolutions; and something of the miracle… is revealed to me.

Occasionally, if I am very fortunate, I place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song….

At times my heart cries out with longing to see these things. If I can get so much pleasure from mere touch, how much more beauty must be revealed by sight.

Yet, those who have eyes apparently see little. The panorama of color and action which fills the world is taken for granted….

It is a great pity that, in the world of light, the gift of sight is used only as a mere convenience rather than as a means of — adding fullness to life.”

31 Days of Gratitude: Brokenness

2011-10-15T12:15:00.003-05:00

Caterin (6) and Cindy (5)

Prayer for Spiritual Strength - Eph. 3:14-21
¹⁴For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, ¹⁵from whom every family^[c] in heaven and on earth is named, ¹⁶that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, ¹⁸may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, ¹⁹and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
²⁰ Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

He's Been Faithful
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
In My Own Suffering
Through Every Pain Every Tear
There's A God Who's Been Faithful To Me

When My Strength Was All Gone
When My Heart Had No Song
Still In Love He's Proved Faithful To Me

Every Word He's Promised Is True
What I Thought Was Impossible
I've Seen My God Do

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me
Looking Back He's Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
And Failed To Believe
He's Been Faithful, Faithful To Me

When My Heart Looked Away
The Many Times I Could Not Pray
Still My God Was Faithful To Me

The Days Are Spent So Selfishly
Reaching Out For What Pleased Me
Even Then God Was Faithful To Me

Every Time I Come Back To Him
He Is Waiting For Open Arms
And I See Once Again

He's Been Faithful
Faithful To Me
Looking Back He's Love And Mercy I See
Though In My Heart I Have Questioned
Even Failed To Believe
Yet He's Been Faithful, Faithful To Me

31 day of Graitiude: Brokenness

31 Days of gratitude: celebrating 2 months

2011-10-13T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today marks my second month of being here in La Ceiba, Honduras. Wow,time has flown by. I am enjoying learning more about the culture, people, and daily life here in Honduras. On Tuesday night I went to my first professional fútbol (soccer) game Honduras vs. Jamaica. Seeing national pride displayed at a sporting event is an experience of a life time.

As I was sitting at the game I laughed out loud at just what a beautiful and wonderful journey with my Lord has been. He has surprised with love, provision, acceptance, patience, grace...just to name a few. I am in awe of the story the Lord is writing. Every day is an adventure with my Lord!

My new favorite fruit, LYCHEE.

31 Days of gratitude: celebrating 2 months

31 days of gratitude: slowing down

2011-10-11T10:55:00.000-05:00

"I was raised in a subculture that insisted I could do anything I wanted to do, be anything I wanted to be, if I were willing to make the effort. The message was that both the universe and I are without limits, given enough energy and commitment on my part. " Parker Palmer

31 days of gratitude Right now I’m writing this entry with itunes silent. I am focused on nothing else but this glowing computer screen, the blinking cursor, and the words appearing in Helvetica. I’m doing this because lately I have had a problem focusing. My brain is all over the place.

Sadly, I realized that mentally I think I am wasting time unless I’m doing at least two things at once. Phone and e-mail. Watching children and reading. Talking with friends while checking Facebook. Watching a movie and sending text messages. What happened to the times when people would have three-hour debates or when people would look at a painting for an afternoon.

Multitasking makes me feel energized, it is like I’m living three lives in the space of one. But I also know I’m overloading my brain. It is hard to think straight. The culture of distraction is rewiring our brains. It is making us less happy and less able to connect with people. Multitasking makes us feel efficient, but it is a delusion. Our brains can’t handle more than one higher cognitive function at a time. We may think we’re multitasking, but we’re really switch-tasking.

I have decided to be intentional about how I focus by slowing down in order to enjoy the simple things of life. I am going to focus on one activity at a time (unitask). Take in more of what is going on around me instead of trying to block it out with my agenda and tasks. Take more time the ponder and reflect of the gifts the Lord has given me. Life is short, I don't want to rush through it and miss out choosing to see God's work in and around me.

Restless

You dwell in the songs that we are singing
Rising to the Heavens
Rising to Your heart
Our praises filling up the spaces
In between our frailty and everything You are
You are the keeper of my heart

And I'm restless
I’m restless
'Til I rest in You
(Oh God I wanna rest in You)

Oh speak now for my soul is listening
Say that You have saved me
Whisper in the dark
'Cause I know You’re more than my salvation

Without You I am hopeless
Tell me who You are
You are the keeper of my heart

Still my heart
Hold me close
Let me hear a still small voice
Let it grow
Let it rise
Into a shout
Into a cry
I am restless until I rest in You
Written by Audrey Assad and Matt Maher

Thanksgiving Chair

(Check out this reflection about taking time to be thankful)

31 days of Gratitude: He gives more Grace

2011-10-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

(majestic view of the mountains here in La Ceiba)

31 days of Gratitude: This morning I was reading in James and was reminded of God grace.

James 4:4 -12

"Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. ⁵Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, "He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"? ⁶But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble." ⁷Submit yourselves therefore to God.Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

But he give more grace...

I don't know about you but that just make me take a moment to ponder what I am so undeserving of. Grace is a humbling, because I don't deserve it. The grace God brings into my life today is hand-tailored and custom-designed for my individual needs. What amazing love is this! First Peter 4:10-11 describes the multi-colored grace of God

^"10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: ¹¹whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."

God's grace is not one-size-fits-all. He relates to you as an individual-a unique person created in his image. It is so easy to fall into the trap of comparing your situation to that of others.
How does God’s grace meet you in your sufferings?
"We can make the right answer sound old hat, but I guarantee this: God will surprise you. He will make you stop. You will struggle. He will bring you up short. You will hurt. He will take his time. You will grow in faith and in love. He will deeply delight you. You will find the process harder than you ever imagined – and better. Goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. No matter how many times you have heard it, no matter how long you’ve known it, no matter how well you can say it, God’s answer will come to mean something better than you could ever imagine." David Powlison

Tell God your specific needs and desires, and he will fulfill them in a way as no one else ever could or that you could imagine. Accept that God will answer them in His way showing you His love. It might not be the way you expect, but He give more grace.

31 days of Gratitude: how do we express our gratitiude

2011-10-08T11:39:00.001-05:00

31 days of Gratitude: A grateful heart

Romans 5: 1-5Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ²Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.

Colossians 3:12-17

¹² Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another,forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

"Gratitude is learning to recognize and express appreciation for the benefits we have received from God and from others." Nancy Leigh Demoss

This means constantly being on the lookout for blessings, making each day a treasure hunt. It means being intentional about thanking God and others for the blessings that come our way.

How would you rate the way you express you gratitude?
• I look at the world through grateful eyes and consistently express my gratitude to God
and others.
• I know I’ve been greatly blessed, but I don’t often stop to actually express my gratitude
to God and others.
• To be honest, I had not thought a lot about gratitude. I’ve got a long way to go to develop a lifestyle of gratitude.
• I’m a whiner! I tend to focus on my problems and I frequently express them to others.

Ask the Lord to cultivate in you a more grateful heart. If you have realized that your expression of your gratitude is not what it should be, confess your ungrateful spirit to the Lord. Ask Him to forgive you and to transform you into a truly thankful person.

Take a moment to listen and reflect upon the words of this great hymn

"Come thou fount of every blessing"

31 days of Gratitude: Lord is my strong tower

2011-10-06T10:48:00.002-05:00

31 days of Gratitude: RUN TO THE STRONG TOWER OF JEHOVAH RAPHA
THE LORD YOUR HEALER

I am so thankful for my Honduran family, they are a true blessing in my life. They have been a huge help these last two weeks. About two weeks ago I starting have intense intestinal pain and last week Friday I went to have some tests done to find out what was wrong. I had 5 different tests done. I got the final results yesterday and I don't have a parasite or any bacteria in my intestines.

I do have Helicobacter pylori, which is a bacteria in my stomach. The doctors think that I did have a bacteria in my intestines, but I was already taking an antibiotic so it killed it before we ran the tests. I don't have any of the symptoms of the pylori bacteria, which is a huge praise. We were just able to catch it before symptoms manifested. So I will start a new medicine in the next couple of days.

Thank you all for your prayers over these last two weeks. The Lord has answered our prayers and has healed me.

31 days of Gratitude: Peaceful

2011-10-05T10:28:00.001-05:00

31 days of Gratitude: being able to rest in the hammock and listen the the rain . As I was listening to the rain I was reminded of the stillness and peacefulness that comes after the rain.

Be still oh my soul - a great hymn
Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

31 days of Gratitude: take time to play

2011-10-04T10:00:00.001-05:00

“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Plato

31 days of Gratitude: Yesterday I had the day off due to a national holiday. I had the opportunity to hang out with the family I live with. David is three years old and he has quite the imagination. He wanted to play cards so I took out my Uno cards, but by the end he invented a new game with less rules and more laughter. In this picture he is explaining how to play.

31 days of Gratitude: life is not easy, but it is beautiful

2011-10-03T09:59:00.000-05:00

Do you have a mental or even written check list of things you would like to have happen in your life? Or maybe you have a bucket list of things you would like to experience or try in your life time?

So often one's life is lived for the big stuff – birthdays, holidays, graduations, weddings, birth of a child, anniversaries, parties, celebrations, big news. Sometimes life can be viewed as just a series of moments spread out between the big stuff. One can often miss living in the days leading up to a big celebration . While "waiting" for the big things to happen it is easy to slack off on life, stop paying attention and really miss everything around you because you are too focused on waiting for the big stuff. We often forgot to enjoy the process because we are staring too far into the future looking for the result.

I have been challenged lately to take time to remember the simple things and reflect upon God's daily loved shown to me. It is so easy to just go through my day and make sure I get my to do list done and forget to look around at what the Lord is doing and showing me.
For the month of October, I’ll be sharing about how I am savoring the little moments, the small, simple wonderful things in life. We all have the things in our lives that make them brighter, more beautiful and help us get through the days. These are some of mine from this weekend : holding little hands on a walk, wearing flip flops in October, and an unexpected hug.

Let’s face it, life is not easy. But it is beautiful.

31 days of Gratitude: - Thankful for the opportunity I have to be able to be here in Honduras and serve at CNI. It is a privilege to get to be apart these kids lives and to share God's love and hope.

Marvin Jossue Lopez (9 years old)- Marvin starting attending CNI in Februrary of 2011 along with his 2 younger sisters. On September 25 Marvin passed away. He was an amazing little boy. He was very kind to his sisters and was always making sure they had eaten and making sure they were behaving. Despite the rought situation he lived in, he was still a child with a sensitive heart and contagious smile.

God Provides

2011-09-19T12:01:00.000-05:00

Learning to trust God Faithfulness.

Last week I received a wonderful blessing. I received 7 tables for my morning class. When I opened the door to show the kids the exciting surprise they all cheered! They no longer have to use their chairs as their desk and the floor as their chair. It was amazing to see a huge difference in the environment of the classroom.

God also provided a home this week to one of the families of CNI through Hogar Total, which is another ministry with the Great Commission Church. I went to the dedication of the house on Saturday morning. This single mom was overwhelmed by the huge blessing God provided for her and her three precious boys. Now they have secure roof over their heads, beds to sleep on, and a place to call home.

El Día del Niño (Children's Day)

2011-09-12T20:39:00.001-05:00

I am enjoying my time here and starting to build relationships with the kids, the staff, and the church community. I can't believe that have been here for a month already. I am starting to learn more about the culture and picking up on some Honduran phrases.

This week is a great week of celebration September 10 and 15 are two national holidays here in Honduras. September 10 is El Día del Niño (Children's Day). This is a time where families get together and celebrate with pinatas, cake, and great food. We were able to celebrate Children's Day with our children at CNI on Monday. September 15 is the independence day for Honduras. I will be celebrating their independence at the church with a concert by the church band. It is going to be a great evening of worship and an outreach event.

Below are pictures that capture our celebration at CNI

"Every child you encounter is a divine appointment." Wess Stafford

Rebecca and Melissa filling the goodie bags for the kids

Stuffing one of the 5 pinatas :)

Today the kids had time to play, color, and read.

I cooked 300 hotdogs for the kids lunch

The kids also enjoyed cake.

The girls cheered for "Jeder (Heather)" to come and break the pinata, so I got to participate too :)

"The soul is healed by being with children." - English Proverb

How are you going to spend your day today?

2011-09-06T18:32:00.000-05:00

My friend Angela recommended that I check out a blog titled "A Holy Experience: Dare to live life right where you are" and the video above really made me think and reflect.

This past Sunday we started a new series at church "The days of my life: the are counted". Our days are counted and we are given the gift to live each day, but how we live it reflects a lot of what we believe. We often rush through life striving for the next thing to cross off our never ending to do list. We forget to slow down, to look and see what God is really doing, to take a breath and relax. Each breath we have is a gift. What you receive a gift what do to do with it? You take the gift. God gives us our breath for life and for each moment, may we not just be just be takers but givers. May we give God the glory in everything we do.

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. ~ Acts:20:24

Last week I started teaching 20 first graders for an hour during our morning session at CNI ( Center of Nutrition for Children). Currently I do not have tables so it has been an adventure of classroom management. The kids have been sitting on the floor and using their chairs as a desk, it is working for now. It is not ideal, but we have to work with what we are given and have. It is very humbling to be teaching these children, I am learning so much from them.

Some lessons the kids and I have learned over this last week:

- have to learn to smile through mistakes

- can't say I can do do this

- patience ( there is one of me and 20 of them)

- " Be kind one to another" Eph. 4:32

Learning to Dance in the Rain

2011-08-29T09:49:00.001-05:00

Played on the new play ground that was built just 3 weeks ago.

One of the volunteer's taking care of little Maria

The children that had good behavior all week had the

privilege to watch a movie this past Friday.

"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...it's learning to dance in the rain."

In the later part of the afternoon it started to rain (down pour).

The children that were still around after the program danced in the rain.

What a great way to end my second week here in Honduras at CNI :)