Positivity!

One of the biggest things I struggle with is negativitiy.  I don't normally have the "cup is half full" opinion of life.  I call it living in reality but truth be known it probably more like being negative about life.  I bring this up because I have just finished reading a book about the power of God's word and how to use it.  For example,  God says He does all things for our good and if we have even the smallest amount of faith we can move mountains.  My thought is if I continue to walk around being "in reality" but talk negativily about life then I am going against what God has said in the Bible.  I am challenged this week to realize no matter what is happening in my life God is working for my good.  That means even when I don't see it, I should be worshipping, praising and thanking God for what He is doing because it is for my good.  I pray that God will change my "cup" from half empty to half full.  I long to be a positive person and be able to show the world all the great things God has done, will do and is doing in my life.  I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

1 Timothy

I have started an interesting Bible study this past week.  The topic is 1 & 2 Timothy.  I am excited to find out more about these books and learn from the speaker.  It seems fitting to study these books because we are also studing the history of the church with the kids.  You know, we moved many times in my life growing up and I never thought it affected me much.  However, I married a man who lived in the same house his whole life.  He is very rooted, so rooted that the street they live on is named after his family.  I have come to appreciate what he grew up with more and more.  I long to give my children a foundation and roots that go deep into God's word.  Everything in this world will pass away but if I ground my children in eternal things, I am hopeful they will stay strong through it all. 
The first chapter of Timothy which is the focus for this week has taught me many things.  I want to share with you some of the versus to think about as well.  He is talking about the false teachings happening in the church and is asking Timothy to stop the people who are teaching wrong information about Jesus.  He says, "They promote contraversies rather than God's work-which is by faith.  The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith."  Faith is a very difficult thing to obtain.  It is hard to hold onto.  Yet, God says if we have faith like a mustard seed we can move mountains.  I was just talking with a friend down here about this idea of faith.  I liked his idea that we focus too much on the size of the seed and forget the message.  The message God is giving us through this passage is that we are to believe that we can do anything.  Instead of saying, "move this mountain" I would encourage you to fill in the blank with your troubles or anxieties.  For examply, you could say, "heal my son" or "bring my family closer to God" or any number of other things you could ask God for because we have the faith but sometimes forget.  God is in the business of doing miracles and when we limit Him to only what we think is possible we are short changing God's power. 
Now back to the Bible study comments......
Two things, if you keep reading in the passage you discover God came to save everyone.  He lists many different groups of people here.....lawbreakers, rebels, ungodly, unholy, sinful, murderers, adulterers, abusers, liars, slave traders and more.  I think sometimes we forget it was not for the righteous that Jesus came but for the unrighteous.  It seems if we are not wearing the right clothes, saying the right things and have the right stuff we are sometimes not accepted by our peers and even in our churches.  We need to remind ourselves the reason Jesus forgave us was so that we could do the same for others no matter what or who they are.  I was talking with my children about this scripture and Kyle said to me, "so next time we go out on the street and give away food we should give food to everyone."  My heart was warmed by his comment because he not only was beginning to understand what the scripture is saying but he is also realizing the need of the people. 
The last comment I have about the passage this morning is from the 12th verse on.  Paul is writing about the fact that he was such a terrible person before he knew Christ and after he received Christ on the road to Damascus he was forever changed.  I had a lady here in Nicaragua share with me her testimony.  It was a very difficult life she has had to lead from a young age.  Later, she asked me if what she had shared had made me no longer want to be her friend because of all the difficulties she had to go through.  I told her without a doubt, when someone shares their life story it only draws people closer not pushes them away. Tears welled in her eyes.  I just don't think there are many people who have welcomed her as a result of her testimony.  I am learning there are certain people and activites here in Nicaragua that are frowned upon by the majority of people and if for some reason someone ends up having to do those things they are ostresized and rejected by the people.  I am learning that perhaps God has brought us down here to undo some of that dislike and rejection.  I continue to spend time with this lady and care for her and love her.  I want her and many others to realize just because we have done bad things in the past doesn't mean we should send people away.  If that were the case, then there would have been no reason for Jesus to die on the cross.  If fact, I feel so strongly about the whole thing, I believe that is just about the only reason Jesus came.  He wanted to save people just like my friend and me.  Everybody has a story to tell, some stories may not be as dramatic but in the end we are all sinners and Jesus came for that very reason.  His sacrifice on the cross was our path to eternal forgiveness and redemption.  If we as Christians can not accept the people who are sinners(which would be everyone) then we are missing the point of scriptures. 
I would encourage you to think about the people you come in contact with daily.  Are they the people whom Jesus died for?  If so, share with them about what Jesus has done for you.  Give them an opportunity to meet the King eternal, immortal, invisible, only God and see how it will change their lives and yours. 

Victory in Christ!

Psalm 60:4-12
But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow.  Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.  God has spoken from his sanctuary: 'In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth.  Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine: Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter.  Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal: over Philistia I shout in triumph."  Who will bring me to the fortified city?  Who will lead me to Edom  Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies?  Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless.  With God we will gain the victory, and he will tramply down our enemies.

Proverbs 11:14
For lack of guidance a nation falls, but  many advisers make victory sure.

I Corinthians 15: 50-58
I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.  Listen,  I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed--in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.  For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.  For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality.  When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."  "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?"  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Psalm 20
May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.  May he send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion.  May he remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings.  May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.  We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God.  May the Lord grant all your requests.  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.  O Lord, save the king!  Answer us when we call!

Well, so I guess I was needing some encouragement from the Word about the topic of Victory.  It has been an amazing and difficult roller coaster to live in a different country and try to accomplish tasks we feel God asking us to do.  The cultural differences has been such a challenge.  Living as a family has been a difficult challenge.  Simply finding foods to eat that we are familiar with has been a challenge.  I know without a doubt that Gods' Word promises us Victory but as I have been studying the different passages in the Bible regarding this topic I am beginning to understand that the Victory God talks about is not earthly.  Our Victory is heavenly.  We will receive our reward at the end when Jesus returns.  I am grateful and thankful to God for allowing me to be forgiven and very thankful I know I will spent eternity in heaven. However, that victory which I am to look forward to is so far away.  I have Victory and I know I will receive my Victory in Christ but just like the Jews 2000 years ago, I was hoping for a more concrete and visual Victory I could feel and understand now.  The Jews were so ready for a Messiah.  They had been waiting for Him for a long time.  The Roman Empire was at peace and the stars in the sky were "lined up."  Even the magi from the east could see the signs that He was coming.  The problem was no one was expecting a "still small voice."  Jesus was not what they had hoped for and in fact he was so different from what they were hoping for that they didn't even see Him as  the Messiah.  They accused Him of being a heretic and more.  As I continue through my own life and struggles, I wonder if I am even looking in the right place for help?  I turn to God, that much is true, but am I really looking for God to answer me or am I looking for an answer from God.  The answer I think I am looking for is my answer, not Gods'.  I turn to Him during difficult times, I trust Him to order my life, I even have faith that He is in control and is leading me but when I look to Him for needs in my life, I don't believe I am looking at the same God.  I believe I am looking at a God I have created and not the one of the Bible.  It is such a struggle to keep the God I worship true to the God of the Bible.  Many times I assume God will answer my prayers, my way when in fact, He answers with what is best for me.  It is a difficult process and one that I will probably spend my life learning.  As I study Him more and continue to get to know the God of the Bible I will perhaps begin to see and hear the God I truly worship, the God of the Bible.  How about you?  Do you pray to the God of the Bible or the one you think you know in your head?

Encouragement!

Encouragement is one of those illusive things.  We can be encouraged by others or by God but somedays it just seems like everything is against us and no amount of encouragement helps.  I was looking my Bible the other day for verses that would help me to feel encouraged.  I think the one I liked best was
Hebrews 3:13.  The reason I like it so much is because is says to encourage one another so long as it is called TODAY.  I don't know of any day that is not called today.  It is good to know that encouragement is something even God thinks we need to have everyday.  It certainly isn't always easy to give or to receive but it is something that is very necessary for our lives.  So with that being said, I would like to encourage others today.  My prayer time today will be for all those who are hurting, struggling and having a difficult time in life, that they will truly feel God's presence lifting them up today.  God is the best encourager and I will have to rely on Him to encourage those close to my life since I am so far away from them.  May God be with you in a very real way today.

rejuvinated!!

Wow, what a summer it has been.  The last time I posted was in June and now it is already September.  We have been quite busy with teams and activities and I thought maybe today would be a good day to catch up on things and start blogging again.  It seems our schedule is more manageable again.  So here goes.......
Let's start back in July.  We worked with three teams in July.  The first one was a Vacation Bible school group and we were able to have two sessions per day for four days with 60 children in each session.  It went so smoothly.  The kids had three stations to go to and we were able to keep them in their stations and get all the activities done.  On the second day Lenin decided it was necessary to feed the children after each session so we began feeding them as well.  It is always so rewarding to feed children who are in need.  We were very thankful to God for keeping away the rain and providing for what these kids needed.  At the end of the week we passed out little stuffed turtles and the kids loved them. 
The second week was a group of young people who wanted to put on a sports camp.  We reserved the center area of La Paz Centro and with the help of the police we blocked off the roads.  We then used the area to play soccer, volleyball and even some young children's circle games.  We worked with children as young as maybe 4 all the way up to 18 year olds.  There were tournaments for soccer and each team had a turn playing against another.  In addition to playing sports with the kids we took some time to share the gospel with them.  It was a very hot week but we were able to touch many lives.  We also did a feeding distribution of 50 bags of food.  Each member of the team took several bags of food and with the help of a translator passed out bags of food and shared the Gospel.  It was a very rewarding time. 
The third week was a medical group that came to treat the people of La Paz Centro.  We saw over 1000 patients that week.  It was a busy time and many people were treated and had medicine provided for them.  Again God kept the rain away when needed and He also provided all the medicine we needed.  We didn't run out at any time!!!!  I am always thankful to God for what He does when teams come.  There are so many different things that need to happen for a medical team to come to Nicaragua and God always seems to open the right doors at the right time. 
As we worked our way into August, the teams left and we began schooling the children here at the house.  One of the biggest struggles for me is to know when God wants us to serve Him outside the house and when it is time to serve Him inside the house.  We homeschool our children and have been doing so for 5 years now.  It is a very rewarding and difficult job.  Here in Nicaragua, we have to learn to balance serving people outside the house and doing what we need to do inside.  We have really focused on school these last few weeks.  It is so important for the kids to have a routine and know what to expect from one day to the next.  We school monday through thursday and then on friday we do ministry outside the house.  We continue to feed families and teach classes on that day.  On Saturday we also do one more day of school at home but it is a shortened version of the week.  
Our feeding has grown this week to 22 families.  We continue to pray the prayer of Jabez and anticipate God continuing to provide the extra money for us to pass out bags of food.  The bags of food include rice, beans, onions, tomatoes, peppers, plantains and potatoes.  Sometimes we substitute yuka and carrots for the plantains and potatoes depending on the price of each in the market.  It costs about 5-7 dollars per bag of food.  The bag of food lasts the family depending on how many about 2-4 days.  It certainly doesn't provide for all their needs but we are here only to help and this is a very practical way to help.  We really don't want them to become completely dependant on us because they also need to do their part to provide for their families but it is good to help out a little bit each week. 
The second week in September we needed to return to Costa Rica for our visa requirements.  That trip is always enjoyable and a nice break from the day to day.  We continue to pray God will open doors for us to obtain a residency here in Nicaragua so we no longer have to leave every 180 days. 
Our spanish is slow in coming.  We just celebrated our first year here in Nicaragua and I really thought we would know more spanish.  The kids really don't communicate in spanish but they are learning words.  We know many words in spanish but speaking the language is much more difficult than I thought it would be.  I suppose it is a good thing and a bad thing.  We are able to continue to pay someone to translate for us which gives him a job but communication is very slow. 
Well, that brings us to now.  It has been a whirlwind of a time but we are slowing down and getting back into a routine.  I think now my mind is clear and I will be able to post again more often.  I pray for you, our supporters, and hope that this update finds you well.  Thank you to everyone for all your prayers these last few months and I pray God will richly bless your lives for you support. 

Hunger and Ideas

When we came down here we understood we were going to be doing God's will.  As we have lived here, we have begun to see exactly what the will of God is for our lives.  We are beginning to see the vision of how we will be helping the children of Nicaragua.  Many of you know we dreamed of started a children's home here in Nicaragua but many doors have been closed in that direction.  We still pray for God to open doors but are willing to follow where God leads and because of our willingness to simply  GO  we have seen God to many amazing and miraculous things.  When we bring food to the hungry families and see the relief on their faces because the children will have food for a few days, it is such a blessing.  God continues to put motivation in our lives to continue with the feedings at all cost.  Maybe it is because of the scripture in Matthew that I feel so driven to feed the kids.  Maybe it is God pushing us in this direction.  What I do know for sure is, we could not live down here and JUST share the Gospel.  There are so many physical needs down here.  We certainly can not reach and fulfill them all, but we are commanded to feed the hungry, to give the thristy something to drink and clothe the needy.  Sharing the Gospel is the most important thing we do down here because without it these people will have no future.  We want Nicaragua to become a changed country for God and that will take the changing of the hearts of the next generation.  We pray as a family that God will continue to allow us to have a children's home so that we can change the hearts of the next generation but in the mean time, we are finding that bringing food to these many needy families is exactly what God has for us to do.  We have about 6 months left of this year and have decided to ask God to expand our territory.  We are going to do as Jabez did in the Bible.  We feed 60 families each month at a cost of $225.00.  At the end of this year we would like to be feeding 120 families.  We are going to need lots of pray for this to happen.  As we daily pray for God to provide for us, we are asking all our supporters, prayer warriors, friends, family, neighbors, churches, and strangers if they would join us in this prayer.  Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.  We so much want God to be with not only us but each of you that read and enjoy this blog.  God is a great and awesome God.  No matter how many doors man closes in our lives, God is waiting for us to turn to Him and He will open a mansion when we are willing to follow Him. 
For the last two months I have really struggled down here.  I haven't been able to blog or even right for the newletter.  I have been in turmoil.  I have spent many nights praying for guidance and understanding of what is happening in this world.  I am beginning to feel  closure to some of the problems we have been dealing with and a sense of freedom about what is ahead.  My prayer is that God will continue to make it very clear to us where we are to go and continue to lead us in His direction.  A direction, I have discovered, is far better than any we were trying to plan ourselves.  I thank everyone for all your prayers for the last few months.  I know they are making a difference in our lives and without it we would not still be here doing God's work.  I can not say thank you enough for your prayers that go up on our behalf. 

Scripture for today!

Phillipians 1:21
For me living is Christ and dying is gain.

I continually learn to humbly give my life to God everyday.  Many times it is more than I can handle but with the grace of God, He is helping me to let Him guide and direct my life, my marriage and my children.  I pray today for strength and peace as our family makes decisions and deals with life.  I pray also today for our many friends and family around the world who are serving Christ and walking in His path.  I also pray for those we know who do not know Christ.  I pray their hearts will be opened and God will place in their paths today someone who is willing to share the Good News of Jesus Chrsit with them. Amen

Measured as one of the best days yet.

Wow, what an amazing day we have yesterday.  You see, Nicaragua celebrates Mother's Day on the 29th of May.  I have two days to celebrate now, because we also as a family celebrated mother's day on the 10th.  Anyway, I want to share why yesterday was so great.  We started out with the work of cooking a meal for all the mothers.  The cooking began at 10 and we finished at 4.  It was a lot of work but I was able to fellowship with many ladies from the church in La Paz and we had a great time cooking together.  I stopped in to visit a little girl who has been recovering from surgery and is having a hard time of it.  We gave her medicine, took her temperature and talked with her about how to better care for herself following the surgery.  We had fun running to several different places to try and find some food for us for lunch and ended up finding a place that makes fried chicken.  It was delicious.  We returned to the church to help with final preparations for the mother's day service.  Lenin and Sara prayed for my daughter as last night she preached her first sermon to the whole congregation.  I had tears in my eyes.  She spoke on the visible truths of Jesus excistance.  The topic was her choice and she did all the preparations herself.  She spoke confidently and God was filling her with the words she needed to say.  I think she talked for about 25-30 minutes.  I knew God was going to use our children for His glory but I didn't expect this.  God is such a great God.  I am glad He is in charge of our lives because His story is so much better than any life story I could create for myself.  Praise the Lord, To God be the Glory.

Growing in Faith

I have read posts on facebook lately about many people struggling in life.  I can't agree more.  Life can be very difficult at times.  As I also struggle here in Nicaragua to do God's will and live a life that will honor and glorify Him, I look to the Lord for help.  It is always one thing to talk about letting God take care of us and trusting Him with all our needs, it is quite another to actually do it.  I have memorized and understand Hebrews 13:5 which says Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you, but taking that extra step to put my faith in Him has been such a big struggle.  I know the bible says count ourselves blessed to be persecuted but since I have lived in the states the majority of my life, persecution hasn't really been a big part of my christian walk.  As I talk with the local pastors here and see and learn how they live and what they experience, I know their faith is stronger.  The spirit world forces them to either sink or swim.  Without faith they would sink and therefore as they swim their faith grows deep.  The persecution and evil they believe in and experience creates a life of daily faith in God.  Poverty and uncertainty of the future create a daily faith in God.  I have never had to wonder if I will eat again today or whether I will have food for tomorrow.  I don't always rely on God to provide for my needs because I have been able to go to the grocery store if I needed food.  It's not that I don't want to have a deep faith in God, it is just that without trials, persecution, and difficulties in life, my faith doesn't grow.  Reading the bible, praying, singing, going to church, they are all wonderful activities but their main purpose is to educate us about God, not really instill in us a deeper faith.  My prayer today is that God will enlarge my territory and protect me from harm but also to deepen my faith in Him so that I can count myself blessed.  My prayer for our family and friends in the states and around the world is for God to lift each one up and be the Great Comforter to all.

Boxes and Change

As John and I with the family continue to serve God here in Nicaragua there is much time for self reflection and inner soul searching.  I would venture to say that when this is all over I will have a much better understanding of who I really am and how people really see me as a person and representative of Jesus Christ.  I find myself constantly telling the children to mind their behavior.  The thing is, down here the only reputation we have is the one they see.  We are unable to explain ourselves, our words, or our actions. What we do and how we do it is the only connection the people here have with us.  It has boiled down to the simple behaviors we really didn't think much about in the states.  If one of the kids talks with a rude voice, or pushes another, or retaliates against a child who is getting on their nerves.  All these actions or reactions are watched and looked upon and judged by those around us.  We are supposed to be servants of God.  I have always wanted our children to behave well, but it was for different reasons.  Now, I am having to teach the kids the message of their behavior affects what people think about Christianity.  The last thing I want to do down here is become the stumbling block for a new believer or unbeliever.  Once again, I am humbled at what God has asked us to do here in Nicaragua and am continually being reminded that it needs to be for His glory.  In our weakness, God will be shown stronger. 
To God be the Glory!

Humility

One of those traits that are really hard to learn because of the nature of the beast.  These last few days of been ones of learning humility.  I don't really think I came down here with pride but even in my understanding of where I stand in my Christianity, I realize that I am still so young.  The people in ncaragua have such a greater faith and understanding of who God really is.  The spirit world here in Nicaragua is real.  I am real.  When we lived in the states, I understood in my head the Holy Spirit existed but I really never tried to wrap my brain around it.  I kept my thoughts on the side of the fact that God is good and therefore so is the Holy Spirit.  The problem I didn't really think about was the fact that there is another spirit that is also very real and alive and causing trouble in the world.  Whether we want to believe it or not, Satan is real and so are his host of angels.  He is constantly working in our lives even when we don't think so and he is constantly looking for ways to destroy any joy and hope we might have in the One True God.  He is just as real and the Holy Spirit and when we choose to ignore that fact we are living a very one sided life.  Casting out demons, speaking in tongues, praising the Lord without inhibitions, and simply just showing God how much He deserves our worship is real.  Before I lived here in this type of culture, I always knew those things were real in my head but now I am beginning to see them for myself and actually experience some of them.  I pray that God will continue to open my eyes to the real battle we are facing every day and for peace that He will continue to protect not only my family but the many believers and unbelievers here in Nicaragua. 
On a very different note, I wondered if there are any people out there that would be willing to help an 11 year old boy get surgery.  He fell off a wall when he was two, they didn't set his leg and now his leg is so distorted and bent that he can't even walk.  We met him this afternoon walking on two arms and one leg while his damaged leg just hung there.  We are going to start the process of getting him to a hospital and making arrangements for the surgery but from what we understand because the injury was so long ago they will charge him to make it better.  I am told it will be very expensive and as we begin this process we will very quickly learn exaclty how expensive it will be and will gladly share the total cost of the surgery with those who are interested in helping to make him better.  Please pray for him, his name is German.  He is eleven years old and without the help of those who can, he is destined to live a life of poverty because he is unable to stand and walk.  We need your help to get him surgery.  Please prayerfully consider helping with the cost of the surgery and let us know at jvspeigle@hotmail.com.  Thank you for your prayers in this matter.
To God be the Glory!

Food for the hungry? have you eaten today?

We look forward to bringing food to 15 families this morning.  Many of them will only have food for as long as the bag lasts.  We put 2 lbs. of rice, 2 lbs. of beans, oil, tomatoes, green peppers, onions, carrots, and potatoes in the bag.  It really only lasts about 4 days if that.  We bring food again the following friday but I wonder how they make it through the other days.  I was talking with David a friend of ours that we bring food to about the brooms he was making.  They are hand made and probably take about one hour or more to make smooth on the handle.  I asked him how much he would get for the brooms, he said $.50.  I couldn't believe it.  For all the work he will put into one broom his wages will be only .50 cents.  I don't believe it is possible even in Nicaragua to live on that low of an income.  He is supporting 2 small children and a wife.  He told me a wonderful story that really helped me to keep in perspective what life is truly about.  David is a believer and loves the Lord.  His wife is sick most days and wonders around La Paz all day.  David is solely responsible for the children and providing for their needs.  Martha is the wife and she does come home at night but not every night.  David thinks she has cancer but her mind is not able to understand such concepts and so doesn't seek help from the medical clinic.  I was overwhelmed by all that he has to deal with and told him I would pray that God would help him and Martha.  He said,"don't worry about my poverty.  Jesus was a very rich man and he was born in a poor stable.  If Jesus can be poor so can I.  I would rather you pray for Martha and the children.  I know the things of this world that I have or don't have won't matter and when I die I will be rich in heaven."  David really understands what matters in life and as I looked at his situation and thought how unbearable and unbelieveable it was, I realized his perspective on his life is a blessing from God.  I ask that as you go about your day today, you whisper a prayer for David and Martha and the kids.  They so badly need help with very basic things in life.  Food, clothing, water, keeping the kids clean and healthy, and for Martha to understand how much she really needs to go to the doctor.  This family has been blessed by God and now it is our turn to bless them phsically and spiritually by supporting them in prayer.
To God be the glory!

God is so amazing!

What a wonderful day!  The breeze kept us nice and cool, the people were comforting and loving, the service was a tear jerker, and all my kids are now asleep in bed.   We shared the movie "Facing the Giants" with the church in La Paz this evening.  It was a spanish version and even though I couldn't understand most of it, I have watched it in english several times and every time I watch it, it is a tear jerker.  God is just so big and strong and amazing.  He can really bless us if He chooses and our lives are just not the same without Him.  I pray that many people who watched the movie tonight will be encouraged and feel God's love in a real way this week.
To God be the Glory!

Different Culture, Different World

Well, as our family continues to learn and grow here in Nicaragua we often get eye opening experiences.  I know that all humans have similar tendancies but when faced with a different culture it can be amazing how different we can also be. 
We had a wonderful time today in La Paz Centro.  They have dug close to 150 holes for the plantain trees and about 10 feed into the well.  You know everything, and I mean everything, is done by hand.  They said the well would end up being about 20 meters deep and that again is going to be dug all by hand.  I keep asking John if there is an easier way but unless God blesses us with a huge amount of money, by hand is the way it will be done.  I look at some of  the projects that the people here in La Paz are working on to better their lives and think to myself, this task is impossible.  Yet, when I look at the people working, their faces and body expressions say they can do it and will prevail in the end.   I am humbled by what I see.  So many times in my life I see a project and decide before I have even started whether I will be able to do it or not. Often if I think it is too difficult I won't even start it.  I believe after learning so much in this culture about life and perserverance, I have really been missing out on many blessings because I have chosen not to start. 
We also had the priviledge of attending a civil wedding.  That was interesting to say the least.  I was surprised when the lawyer began talking about why two people might get married and that is should be for life and not just for a few months.  He even talked about how God will bless them and take care of them.  I thought civil weddings didn't include God.  Another new experience to open my eyes to different cultures and different worlds. 
Today Natalie turned two.  Some of you may remember her.  I talked about her back in February. She is the one that has a head smaller than my hand.  She was in a bicycle accident last thursday.  Her ear was split by a barb from a wire fence.  I gave her some ointment for her ear and prayed it would heal without trouble.  I saw her today and her ear is almost completely healed.  I am so thankful her mom knows how to care for her so well. 
I am just extremely thankful for all God has allowed us to do and see here in Nicaragua.  He has truly blessed us and I pray continually that we will be a blessing to those around us.  We came down here to share God love with others and to make a difference in their lives. 
May God receive all the Glory!!!!!

Praises and Thanksgivings

True Worship

I know something that I have really started to take for granted down here is the way worship is done here in Nicaragua.  The people pour out their hearts no matter what other people think.  The arms wave in the air, the feet dance and praise our Lord, even the children shake tamborines and ribbons.  There are so many beautiful things about worship when it is true and free of constrictions.  We sing many different songs at church and the style of the song varies from quick paced to quiet and worshipful.  I think my two favorite songs I know most of the words to are:  Lavanta mis Manos (Raise your Hands) and Dios esta Aqui (God is Here).  Yesterday Caleb and I went through our worship songs we can play on the guitar and worshipped God for about one hour.  It was the most precious thing I could ever have done with my son.  He is so talented and his heart is so pure.  He sang all the songs and played the ones he could and just put everything he had into it.  I pray that as he continues to grow and difficult times come into his life he will rely on what talents God has given him to get through. To God be the Glory. 

Busy schedule

Wow time just keeps on flying.  Just when I commit myself to blogging every day for the month of May, I miss several days.  Okay this time I will be more careful and really try to blog everyday. 

We have had such a wonderful week and have a very full schedule ahead of us.  This week we will begin a clothing ministry, continue with the feeding ministry on fridays, begin to work on finding plants and trees for the property, help the farmers dig a well and begin to prepare the fields for planting, somewhere in all of this squeeze in school and build a set of bookshelves for our school books, help a little girl get her surgery done here in Leon, and follow up on a pregnant lady who needs prenatal vitamins.  Not real sure if we will get it all in but certainly have to try.  God is good and He will provide a way for us to get done what needs to get done in His timing.  Thank you Jesus for your constant help and assurance.

Lost and Found

This week has been one big roller coaster.  We started out this week excited about the new team that was coming and planning on doing a medical.  Lots of hours go into a week like this and we were very thankful we had a few nurses that had done it before.  We saw over 1200 patients this week and many people made confessions of faith.  However, during the week John and I both lost things that were precious to us.  John misplaced his wallet at the beginning of the week and Sydney misplaced her bag of favorite clothes.  We did lots of praying and asking around for help to find the stuff but without success.  Finally, today we had both things found along with an amazingly cool day from a very refreshing down pour of rain all night last night. 
One of the team members almost was drowned at the ocean today and the story is just amazing.  God truly does use us in mysterious ways.  The gentlemen that pulled her out of the ocean and got her breathing again didn't know Jesus Christ as his saviour and when she told him she wanted to see him in heaven with her someday because of what he had done to save her life he said he also wanted to be there and accepted Christ as his saviour.  There have been many things and people lost this week and God has redeemed them all.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is watching over us and taking care of us down here.  He has sent a very special lady this week to help us with Kyle.  Sometimes when parents are at the end of their ropes God will send a redeemer and that is what He has done this week.  I can not thank Him enough for what He has done for our family this week.  Not only for helping us find the stuff we had lost but to bring redemption and grace back into our family.  I will never forget this week and what Molly has done for us.  May God richly bless her life for what she has done.  To God be the Glory

long time without writing

Well, life seems to be settling down again into a routine I can live with so that I am able to give some thinking time to blogging again.  I apologize to all those who have wondered what has happened to me in the last few months.  Blogging takes thinking power for me and these last few months have required a lot of thinking for me to get through them.  So many things have happened in the last few months.  Just to name a few.....John was in the states, we have helped with several different teams, many difficult decisions we being made by our family and the kids have been missing their friends.  It really all adds up to excuses for me not writing about what is going on but I have decided it would be better to share some of my thoughts with you regardless of how busy life gets down here.  We came down here to serve God and share with our many friends the wonderful and powerful things God is doing in Nicaragua.  I vow to continue to do that no matter what Satan tries to throw at us.  I thank everyone for your prayers and care during these past few months and the ones that follow as well.  I know we are being lifted up in prayers and without that we would not be able to stay here in Nicaragua.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  May God richly bless you as you also serve Him in prayer for us.  To God be the Glory.

Feeding the five thousand?

I now understand a little of what Jesus did with the 5 loaves and 2 fishes when he was feeding the 5 thousand.  We were given a gift of 50 lbs. of rice and 50 lbs. of beans.  With joy and excitement we have been able to feed 16 families for the last two weeks.  We added onion, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and oil to the bags of rice and beans.  We have enough rice left to probably do it one more week. The big bags of rice and beans cost 40 dollars each.  The cost of the veges was about 25.  That would make it possible to feed 16 families every week for about 30-40 dollars.  Isn't it amazing how far food can go down here.  I know we don't have much to give away but they say it lasts them about 4-5 days.  They are so good at stretching the food so it lasts and using every part of the meat or vegetable they are using.  Nothing down here goes to waste.  When they eat chicken or fish the only thing left on the plate is a very small pile of bones.  Not even the grissel is left.  
Having mom here and for God to allow her to be a part of the feeding has been so pleasant.  I'm glad we were able to share those moments with her.  She is heading home this week and then it will be just 4.  What a strange and quiet house we will have before John and Kyle return from the states.  We covet your prayers of protection on travelling for mom, John and Kyle.