My favorite poem simply because I am reminded who is in control.

Trees


Sergeant Joyce Kilmer
165th Infantry
Killed in action July 30,1918

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.

A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;

A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;

A tree that may in summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;

Upon whose bosom snow had lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.

Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree


Sergeant Joyce Kilmer

Seargeant Joyce Kilmer and his wife found comfort in their faith after learning their newborn Rose had polio and would be paralyzed. "When faith did come, it came, I think, by way of my little paralyzed daughter. Her lifeless hands led me; I think her tiny feet know beautiful paths."

Costa Rica 2011

July 21-29 A piece of my journal on my flight back to the United States


I'm on the flight back home and Im estatic at what God has done this past week. This trip was an oppurtunity I do not take for granted. Im honored that God has allowed me to share his goodness with the others. I saw a church hundreds of miles away with the same spirit as my own in San Antonio. San Jose is in the middle of revival filled with on fire teenagers, what a wonderful thing. I cant wait to see what God has in store. Limon has the ablity to burst with their powerful few. God is moving in Costa Rica!

Hermosos son los pies..del que publivca salvacion. Isaiah 52:7 The people of Costa Rica dont have much so when a sister from the San Jose church gave me a wooden bookmark with the words above painted on it, I was extremely touched. This is one of the most sweetest gifts I have ever recieved.

This is mi amigo Guillermo! He loved to sing LOUD and clap on the buses, church song after church song. He pretty much got everyone on board! Talk about a high energy old man! Easily put me to shame. HA! This was Richard Lantz best friend. Im pretty sure they didnt understand a word that was exchanged. Guillermo didnt know a lick of english and well Richard is white as heck but whatever they did IT WORKED!

This is his wife and she is a lovely woman, quiet and sweet. For the life of me I cannot remember her name but I do remember that while Guillermo was  running around witnessing to EVERYONE, she quietly followed while humming a tune AND guillermo witnesses to everybody.. Literallly everyone he spoke with, he led them into the sinners prayer. It was amazing!

Meet Patricia! My dear friend! Her and I were instant friends and joint at the hip. Somehow through my broken spanish we were able to communicate, however it was the laughter that connected us. We laughed about everything I dont even know what!  I'll never forget our last day she invited me to her home and cooked for us. She made the best Chicken Soup! MMmm I can taste it as I write. She lives with her mom, her sister, and her little boy and their apartment is so tiny I dont even know how they all fit in it. Craziness! But what a sweet beautiful spirit she has. I miss her.

My Roomies

THE TEAM!                                                         Had alot of fun with this amazing group of people. Por Vida Costa Rica!! Evangelism Works folks.

Boot Camp

As the Believers Boot Camp approaches, I am reminded of the wonderful things that have taken place at the camp. Every year the camp host almost three hundred teens from different parts of the world and from all walks of life. It’s an arena that allows teens to face the reality of who they are. A camp that strips them of their past, challenges them to move forward, and most importantly discovering a mighty God who forgives and saves! I know this, because I was that teen. My name is Rachel Moriel, and for the past nine years I’ve had the privilege in participating in this event. Every summer from the time I was 13 to 18 I was a Boot (participant). My first year at camp was surprising. Because I grew up in church and had good parents who gave me a moral foundation, I felt I didn’t need to change. I knew about God and thought that as long as I was good and stayed out of trouble, I was alright. How quickly I discovered I was completely wrong. All my "teachings" since childhood, were just that- teachings. It made me think I was better than others because I already knew right from wrong. But I was brought to my knees when I realized my own heart was cold and I was living a lie. My selfish lifestyle spoke loudly as I realized I only cared about myself, wanted to be like my friends, and desired nothing of God and only what the world had to offer. But on a Tuesday night in 2003, I had an encounter with God and he showed me who I was. I was ready to change and more than anything I needed to change. At the end of the night a counselor named Nora prayed with me and led me to Christ. I left different, free of my past. I was given the chance to start over because I had been forgiven. Throughout my years as a Boot in the boot camp I have learned to work as team, overcome fears and push through obstacles while learning to encourage others. The Drill Instructors took sincere interest in my life challenging me to become a better teen, a better woman. At 15, I attended the camp with my younger brother. One particular Drill Instructor DI Yo took us aside and expressed the importance of praying for each other. Little did I know how right she was until years down the road when my younger brother was bound by alcohol and drugs. There were many nights I didn’t know where he was, and those words spoken about prayer were all I remembered. So I would pray. And When I was 18, I felt like I was carrying the weight of many failures; my mind was bombarded with discouragement and worry. DI Sandoval helped me understand that life is a fight. She told me no matter what happens we cannot give up. Her words stick with me to this day. Everything at this camp is if for the sole purpose of leading youth to Godliness and righteousness. Now, as an adult I continue to make it a priority to go back to this camp as a counselor. The difference it made in my life has compelled me to serve with those who once served me. So when I arrive now as a counselor and put on my red shirt, or talk with the teens, or lead an activity I am not merely serving from my own but with the understanding of sacrifices made by those who once served me. What an Honor it is.

OJ

Hey OJ,

I love you so so much and I miss you . Theres so much I want to tell you. The day you left a part of me left too. Its hard walking by your room. Hey guess what Jesus loves you! COME BACK...okay. Man I miss talking to you, you are such a great listener. You nod and laugh at all the perfect times and your tender to your very own sister. I miss you most in my car when you would ride next to me. You let me be crazy and scream music, never would I sing. Its better to shout! You let me be who I am. The weekend before you left was the most speacial to me. I hold it with everything I have. Its crazy how both of our busy schedules allowed us to spend that time together. Life stopped and we had so much fun! You took me to get my nails done eventhough that chinese lady did a crappy job haha and Taco Cabana that night. We made fun of the picture of the guy hanging on the wall and we sat under the red light.I think im learning alot about God, a part of him I never knew. I think we all are dad, mom, and me. Love reaches far, Gods love espeacially. I love you so much and I can imagine how much more he does. Dad loves you too! You know what I think ..one day your going to get radically saved. I mean so radical that youll put all of us to shame boldly spreading Gods word. Thats why the devil is trying to rip away your youth. He knows what you can do for Gods glory. I believe it ...and Ill believe it till it happens. Gods good OJ. Your NEVER too far gone and you can always come back. Im praying for you dude and I wont stop. Bye OJ I love you and I cant wait to see you!!

something new to do

So I will begin....