I'm back in Oklahoma! Shall I stop blogging? I shall not!
With my mom partying with Jesus in Heaven, I'm livin' it up with the boys at home. My blog is not only about the "dirt" around the world. It's more about the well being of souls. In Mark Jesus teaches about the hearts of people and likens them to the soil. Hence my blog title. Right now, the "soil" I'm concerned with is at home.
So for the foreseeable future I'm stuck watching action/adventure movies. If you're a girl and we hang out, you better be okay with chocolate and a chick flick. Just sayin'.
But, I wouldn't change my circumstances for the world.
Yesterday I was wearing heels and my brother dropped me off at the door of our church instead of making me walk through the newly graveled parking lot. Without me asking, mind you. These are the little things I treasure.
Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that blogging must go on!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Plans Altered
What's new? My plans change every five seconds.
Friday night Shannon let me know I was teaching Sunday school at a new church Sunday morning, but it should be more like VBS and less like class in Catulaca. Lesson, games, crafts all made up in less than 24 hours. Expecting 15 children, I handed out candy to over 20 by then end of our time together. Needless to say, crafts didn't happen.
I taught them the story of creation and how God made Adam and Eve. Prepared with a white board drawing of each day of creation, I told the story while Kristi translated. Afterwards, one of the older children led us in some children's songs and then we played a game.
It was lunch before we got back to Gracias, so I went out to eat with the Hopkins' and Jessica. This was followed by taking the kids to get ice cream and watching them in the park until their parent's finished errands in town.
By the time I got home, made a few phone calls, and packed for Sunday night's lesson (a completely different lesson) it was time to go to Catulaca.
Tyler, the 10 year old son of Shannon and Kristi, helped me tell the lesson! There is a good chance he knows the Bible better than me. He often gets frustrated when I have the kids read the scripture in Spanish, because he still has a hard time at Spanish. Having him tell the story in English allowed him to take part in the lesson he usually ignores. It also helped that I had English worksheets for both him and his sister yesterday.
I helped the 2 English speaking Hopkins' kids while Kristi took the remaining 10 Spanish speaking kids. I can't help them, okay! Don't worry, I give Kristi the answers to the worksheets in Spanish. She just gives them hints. Anyway, this worked great for me. I'll have to see about Kristi's thoughts. She's the one with 10 kids.
I got home late, slept a few hours, got up early, and moved into another room.
I'm resting for the next 24 hours, okay maybe just the rest of the morning; taking my Sunday rest time on Monday.
All this said, I wouldn't change a thing. I love what I do.
Friday night Shannon let me know I was teaching Sunday school at a new church Sunday morning, but it should be more like VBS and less like class in Catulaca. Lesson, games, crafts all made up in less than 24 hours. Expecting 15 children, I handed out candy to over 20 by then end of our time together. Needless to say, crafts didn't happen.
I taught them the story of creation and how God made Adam and Eve. Prepared with a white board drawing of each day of creation, I told the story while Kristi translated. Afterwards, one of the older children led us in some children's songs and then we played a game.
It was lunch before we got back to Gracias, so I went out to eat with the Hopkins' and Jessica. This was followed by taking the kids to get ice cream and watching them in the park until their parent's finished errands in town.
By the time I got home, made a few phone calls, and packed for Sunday night's lesson (a completely different lesson) it was time to go to Catulaca.
Tyler, the 10 year old son of Shannon and Kristi, helped me tell the lesson! There is a good chance he knows the Bible better than me. He often gets frustrated when I have the kids read the scripture in Spanish, because he still has a hard time at Spanish. Having him tell the story in English allowed him to take part in the lesson he usually ignores. It also helped that I had English worksheets for both him and his sister yesterday.
I helped the 2 English speaking Hopkins' kids while Kristi took the remaining 10 Spanish speaking kids. I can't help them, okay! Don't worry, I give Kristi the answers to the worksheets in Spanish. She just gives them hints. Anyway, this worked great for me. I'll have to see about Kristi's thoughts. She's the one with 10 kids.
I got home late, slept a few hours, got up early, and moved into another room.
I'm resting for the next 24 hours, okay maybe just the rest of the morning; taking my Sunday rest time on Monday.
All this said, I wouldn't change a thing. I love what I do.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Greetings (My Take on Paul's Letters)
Meagan, a fervent follower and servant of Christ Jesus,
To my family, my friends, and to the people who surround us in your prayers:
Greetings.
I thank God for you continually. Not a day goes by that I do not count myself blessed because of you. You continue to persevere and keep the faith. The community found in you has no equal. You encourage each other daily, just as all believers are called to do. You meet the needs of those around you, going out of your way to make someone's day brighter.
I only wish I could be there with you in person. For now Father has called me to be away- called me to minister to His children in Honduras. Nonetheless, I am with you in spirit keeping you in my prayers. Prayers that are unutterable and only God, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, can understand.
Because through the perfect life of Jesus, His suffering on the cross, and His resurrection from death we are no longer separated from our loving and merciful Father. God hears our petitions and His peace that surpasses every thought can guard our hearts, no matter the situation. Our joy can only be made complete in Him.
I long to be among you once again, cooking you new recipes, baking you delicious chocolate chip cookies, reminding you to take your medicine, watching movies, and cleaning up the never ending mess that accumulates over a day's time. But more than anything, I wish to be with you so I can hug you tight and say "I love you." So I can see your smiling faces and sit with you in silence knowing that being in your presence is enough.
Keep strong in my absence. Grow together in love. Continue to run the race set before you with endurance. Remember that God hears your prayers, your wordless moans. He is your portion forever. His mercies are new every morning and His love never fails. Encourage each other, even in times of utter discouragement.
My prayer for you is to love and accept the love of others. To share your faith even in hard times. Look for those who need an extra boost and find a way to give them something special. But above all else, let your love for Christ and His love for you shine like the brightest star.
Please keep me in your prayers, that I might find comfort while we are apart and that I might be a comfort to someone as well.
May the grace of Christ Jesus be with you all.
To my family, my friends, and to the people who surround us in your prayers:
Greetings.
I thank God for you continually. Not a day goes by that I do not count myself blessed because of you. You continue to persevere and keep the faith. The community found in you has no equal. You encourage each other daily, just as all believers are called to do. You meet the needs of those around you, going out of your way to make someone's day brighter.
I only wish I could be there with you in person. For now Father has called me to be away- called me to minister to His children in Honduras. Nonetheless, I am with you in spirit keeping you in my prayers. Prayers that are unutterable and only God, through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, can understand.
Because through the perfect life of Jesus, His suffering on the cross, and His resurrection from death we are no longer separated from our loving and merciful Father. God hears our petitions and His peace that surpasses every thought can guard our hearts, no matter the situation. Our joy can only be made complete in Him.
I long to be among you once again, cooking you new recipes, baking you delicious chocolate chip cookies, reminding you to take your medicine, watching movies, and cleaning up the never ending mess that accumulates over a day's time. But more than anything, I wish to be with you so I can hug you tight and say "I love you." So I can see your smiling faces and sit with you in silence knowing that being in your presence is enough.
Keep strong in my absence. Grow together in love. Continue to run the race set before you with endurance. Remember that God hears your prayers, your wordless moans. He is your portion forever. His mercies are new every morning and His love never fails. Encourage each other, even in times of utter discouragement.
My prayer for you is to love and accept the love of others. To share your faith even in hard times. Look for those who need an extra boost and find a way to give them something special. But above all else, let your love for Christ and His love for you shine like the brightest star.
Please keep me in your prayers, that I might find comfort while we are apart and that I might be a comfort to someone as well.
May the grace of Christ Jesus be with you all.
Praise You in this Storm
"Praise You In This Storm"
Casting Crowns
Casting Crowns
I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining
As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You
But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away
I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth
Monday, October 1, 2012
Autumn Smiles
I was just sitting here sipping on lemon water (because someone on pinterest said everyone should do it) in a large mason jar (because I love mason jars), and decided I should do something productive like blog. Blogging is productive, right?
I wasn't hesitant when I left Oklahoma to come back to Honduras, but one thing was for sure- I wasn't leaving Oklahoma without bringing a taste of Autumn with me. So, I went to Wal-Mart and hit the clearance isle...and the non-clearance isle. Okay, pretty much every isle that may have had fall items on the shelves. I was on a mission.
What did I bring back with me you ask? Or maybe you didn't ask. I'm telling you anyways.
Oh! Wait, wait, WAIT! First I have to show you what I came home to.
I wasn't hesitant when I left Oklahoma to come back to Honduras, but one thing was for sure- I wasn't leaving Oklahoma without bringing a taste of Autumn with me. So, I went to Wal-Mart and hit the clearance isle...and the non-clearance isle. Okay, pretty much every isle that may have had fall items on the shelves. I was on a mission.
What did I bring back with me you ask? Or maybe you didn't ask. I'm telling you anyways.
Oh! Wait, wait, WAIT! First I have to show you what I came home to.
An empty hamper with clean clothes folded at the foot of my bed. Who has the best landlady around? I do! This just plum made my day.
Back to Autumn bliss and drinking lemon water from a mason jar.
New in the kitchen...
Happy Harvest sign!
Cork board(s) decorated with scrapbook paper, fall decorations, and pictures of adorable people. Shout out to Aunt Debbie for taking the pictures. Now I'm wishing I was brave enough to get a picture with you know who. There's always next time. *Sigh*
A deep red (cranberry?) coffee cup alongside a plate from Better Homes and Gardens. Yes, I eat off it. Yes, it makes me happy. Have I mentioned how I love fall?
Sorry for the poor picture quality on this one. But of course I couldn't miss seasonal drinks. Mint hot cocoa, double mocha cappuccino, herbal tea, and mocha mint coffee with york patty coffee creamer (not pictured). I'm really sad I don't care much for pumpkin. There will be a caramel apple cider experiment later this month. Using ingredients found in Honduras.
Now for my room!
Another sign. This one obviously says "Give Thanks."
Pumpkin Spice candle which I think the ants like.
Another decorated cork board. There are four total. Two in the kitchen and two in my room. I brought back scrapbook paper that looks more Christmas-y for after Thanksgiving.
I'm rather glad to be back in Honduras, despite their unchanging seasons. I'll leave you with a quote from a couple friends of mine.
Native Minnesotan- "Have you ever seen snow before?"
Native Honduran- "Yes. In the freezer."
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