What does it mean to be satisfied?
What do you base your satisfaction on?
Think about this:
What would happen to our personal levels of "satisfaction" if we were to stop focusing on only ourselves and what we want, and started focusing on others, putting others before ourselves and serving our family and friends around us?!
Try it.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
Eres Bella
Dear Friend,
I can't say I know how you feel.
I can't say I understand.
I can't tell you it will be better,
But in the storm, I promise to hold your hand.
Broken is what you are, I can't do anything to fix that.
Pain is ever present, I can't make it go away.
All the love in the world can't make time go back
But you're still loved - You're beautiful anyways!
I don't know where to go from here.
I don't know what to say.
I wish you knew that I love you,
and that your beauty still remains.
Damaged is what you may feel, but He can mend the soul.
Hurt is in your heart, but He can make you whole.
All the love in the world is nothing compared to His.
His arms are open wide.
My friend, you are beautiful
I just wanted to let you know.
Don't let the world tell you differently
For the blame is not yours to tow.
Let Jesus carry your heavy heart,
I'll be right here by your side.
Call me whenever you need me,
It doesn't matter, day or night.
Te quiero mucho, aunque no lo sabes y por eso me duele pensar en tu dolor. La unica cosa que se hacer es orar a Jesús nuestro y es lo que estoy haciendo, fervientemente. En sus ojos é en los míos, por siempre sos bella, no importa las circunstancias. No lo dejes cambiarte... segui confiando en Dios. Con mucho cariño, te quiero, te quiero, te quiero.
With all my love,
Mandy
I can't say I know how you feel.
I can't say I understand.
I can't tell you it will be better,
But in the storm, I promise to hold your hand.
Broken is what you are, I can't do anything to fix that.
Pain is ever present, I can't make it go away.
All the love in the world can't make time go back
But you're still loved - You're beautiful anyways!
I don't know where to go from here.
I don't know what to say.
I wish you knew that I love you,
and that your beauty still remains.
Damaged is what you may feel, but He can mend the soul.
Hurt is in your heart, but He can make you whole.
All the love in the world is nothing compared to His.
His arms are open wide.
My friend, you are beautiful
I just wanted to let you know.
Don't let the world tell you differently
For the blame is not yours to tow.
Let Jesus carry your heavy heart,
I'll be right here by your side.
Call me whenever you need me,
It doesn't matter, day or night.
Te quiero mucho, aunque no lo sabes y por eso me duele pensar en tu dolor. La unica cosa que se hacer es orar a Jesús nuestro y es lo que estoy haciendo, fervientemente. En sus ojos é en los míos, por siempre sos bella, no importa las circunstancias. No lo dejes cambiarte... segui confiando en Dios. Con mucho cariño, te quiero, te quiero, te quiero.
With all my love,
Mandy
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
48 x too much = ???
48... that's a comfortable number to fit in the little bus. 7 seats on each side, roughly two to a seat, sounds about right, we should be good.
Tonight is a special night. We are picking up kids and their families (those that want to go) to go to the church for the final program of F.L.A.G. Camp. It's a night where all of the kids, who have been going to camp all week long, have the chance to share what they have learned with their family and friends; a very big witnessing opportunity.
As the sky grows dark, we noisily rumble up the mountain, coming up over the hill, 10 sparkling eyes, contently following the bus as it squeaks to a stop. O Good! I'm glad that this family came. I wonder if any other families will come?
We continue on, picking up this kid here and that kid there. Before long, I turn around and a small crowd has gathered by now in the bus. Nothing too serious, we'll be fine, maybe a little squished...
Two kids turn into four, small families, become larger. The bus is filling, quickly. Will we all fit?
It's gotten to the point now, I think we might have to start turning people away... would Jesus turn people away?... should I just get out and walk?... I'm one person, it's not going to make that much of difference.
We finally arrive at the bottom of the mountain. Not physically being able to turn around, I have to rely on the mirror to see the sea of people standing, sitting and squatting behind me. All of us awkwardly invading the personal space of another.
At the church, I step off of the bus, hot, sticky, drenched in my sweat and that of others. I want to see just how many people we got on this bus.
1 honduran, two hondurans, three hondurans, four...
five hondurans, six hondurans, seven hondurans, more!...
We counted for a number of minutes. I like math, but this was nothing to be solved by an equation, it was pure magic: 116 sweaty people stepped off of that small bus meant for 48!!
On the return trip we took a normal, long bus. Even in the big bus we were packed, people standing in the aisles, definitely still invading the personal bubbles of their neighbors.
On our way back up the mountain, I stood at the front of the bus in awe, shock and unbelief, not quite understanding how we had managed to fit all of these people on the first, much smaller bus!
Discussing it later we could only come to one conclusion: Heavenly Intervention!
I don't know if the bus suddenly became elastic or we all got magically skinnier, or neither of the two, but there was a definite hand of power.
Whether God touched each and every one of those 116 hearts in the church that night, only He knows, but His presence was without a doubt revealed and His power once again un-measureable!
Tonight is a special night. We are picking up kids and their families (those that want to go) to go to the church for the final program of F.L.A.G. Camp. It's a night where all of the kids, who have been going to camp all week long, have the chance to share what they have learned with their family and friends; a very big witnessing opportunity.
As the sky grows dark, we noisily rumble up the mountain, coming up over the hill, 10 sparkling eyes, contently following the bus as it squeaks to a stop. O Good! I'm glad that this family came. I wonder if any other families will come?
We continue on, picking up this kid here and that kid there. Before long, I turn around and a small crowd has gathered by now in the bus. Nothing too serious, we'll be fine, maybe a little squished...
Two kids turn into four, small families, become larger. The bus is filling, quickly. Will we all fit?
It's gotten to the point now, I think we might have to start turning people away... would Jesus turn people away?... should I just get out and walk?... I'm one person, it's not going to make that much of difference.
We finally arrive at the bottom of the mountain. Not physically being able to turn around, I have to rely on the mirror to see the sea of people standing, sitting and squatting behind me. All of us awkwardly invading the personal space of another.
At the church, I step off of the bus, hot, sticky, drenched in my sweat and that of others. I want to see just how many people we got on this bus.
1 honduran, two hondurans, three hondurans, four...
five hondurans, six hondurans, seven hondurans, more!...
We counted for a number of minutes. I like math, but this was nothing to be solved by an equation, it was pure magic: 116 sweaty people stepped off of that small bus meant for 48!!
On the return trip we took a normal, long bus. Even in the big bus we were packed, people standing in the aisles, definitely still invading the personal bubbles of their neighbors.
On our way back up the mountain, I stood at the front of the bus in awe, shock and unbelief, not quite understanding how we had managed to fit all of these people on the first, much smaller bus!
Discussing it later we could only come to one conclusion: Heavenly Intervention!
I don't know if the bus suddenly became elastic or we all got magically skinnier, or neither of the two, but there was a definite hand of power.
Whether God touched each and every one of those 116 hearts in the church that night, only He knows, but His presence was without a doubt revealed and His power once again un-measureable!
Friday, November 6, 2009
Agape Feast Feeds Thousands
This week was the last week of school. Everything was hectic as usual, with chores to be done, food to be made and most importantly, exams to be studied for. With all of the chaos surrounding us, I came up with the idea of an Agape Feast. It seemed to be a good way to bring not only the crazy week to an end, but also the school year and of course, a peaceful way of bringing in the Sabbath.
It had been in preparation all week, different ideas churning in my head, trying to figure out the best way to attack the situation. After a interesting week, a couple shopping trips to San Pedro and a lot of time spent in the kitchen, it was time! The food was ready with a full on spread of breads, fruits, vegetables, crackers and spreads. It was exciting, something a new experience to share with my Honduran family. Everything was perfect, nothing missing. Even the tables were set up just the way I wanted!
On Friday nights it is the schedule to have vespers first with dinner following. The song service for vespers was great, the participation excellent, everything was going as planned!
While the short devotion was being given, without notice, they started coming. First one, two... that's not too bad, it's ok.... three, four, five... a little more than I would like, but no worries... six, seven, eight... hmmm we're going to have to change something... nine, ten... yikes... eleven, twelve! Twelve visitors, twelve people uncounted for. Twelve extra people that I had to figure out how to feed. In preparing for our special Agape Feast, it had never occurred to me that guests might come. Because the food was so special and more expensive than normal, an exact amount had been bought and prepared, there was no way we could feed 12 extra people!
Vespers ended and I quickly went into the kitchen, coldly calculating my next move. I started sending out trays of food, telling the kids to put one of each on each plate, starting with the guests, each time looking at the tray and knowing good and well that there was no way there was enough for 70 some people.
Then a miracle started happening! One by one the kids started coming back, but instead of telling me they had run out, they diligently reported that there were extras! I couldn't believe my eyes, I was in shock. While sitting in vespers I had counted and recounted that food, it was impossible!
In the end there was plenty to eat, so much so that there seemed to be an epidemic of fullness throughout the entire hogar after the meal was done. To say the least, the feast was a big hit and a lot was gained from experiencing it.
Reflecting on it later I realized that this was my version of the well-known two fish, five loaves story. God had created a miracle right before my very eyes! Who was I that I should deserve such an honor? So maybe the Agape Feast didn't feed thousands, not even hundereds, but the fact that a miracle took place is what's most important, the most incredible part about the whole night!
That's the second time this week that God has personally come down and worked in the kitchen with us! He sure must like to cook! haha
What's on the week next week God?...
It had been in preparation all week, different ideas churning in my head, trying to figure out the best way to attack the situation. After a interesting week, a couple shopping trips to San Pedro and a lot of time spent in the kitchen, it was time! The food was ready with a full on spread of breads, fruits, vegetables, crackers and spreads. It was exciting, something a new experience to share with my Honduran family. Everything was perfect, nothing missing. Even the tables were set up just the way I wanted!
On Friday nights it is the schedule to have vespers first with dinner following. The song service for vespers was great, the participation excellent, everything was going as planned!
While the short devotion was being given, without notice, they started coming. First one, two... that's not too bad, it's ok.... three, four, five... a little more than I would like, but no worries... six, seven, eight... hmmm we're going to have to change something... nine, ten... yikes... eleven, twelve! Twelve visitors, twelve people uncounted for. Twelve extra people that I had to figure out how to feed. In preparing for our special Agape Feast, it had never occurred to me that guests might come. Because the food was so special and more expensive than normal, an exact amount had been bought and prepared, there was no way we could feed 12 extra people!
Vespers ended and I quickly went into the kitchen, coldly calculating my next move. I started sending out trays of food, telling the kids to put one of each on each plate, starting with the guests, each time looking at the tray and knowing good and well that there was no way there was enough for 70 some people.
Then a miracle started happening! One by one the kids started coming back, but instead of telling me they had run out, they diligently reported that there were extras! I couldn't believe my eyes, I was in shock. While sitting in vespers I had counted and recounted that food, it was impossible!
In the end there was plenty to eat, so much so that there seemed to be an epidemic of fullness throughout the entire hogar after the meal was done. To say the least, the feast was a big hit and a lot was gained from experiencing it.
Reflecting on it later I realized that this was my version of the well-known two fish, five loaves story. God had created a miracle right before my very eyes! Who was I that I should deserve such an honor? So maybe the Agape Feast didn't feed thousands, not even hundereds, but the fact that a miracle took place is what's most important, the most incredible part about the whole night!
That's the second time this week that God has personally come down and worked in the kitchen with us! He sure must like to cook! haha
What's on the week next week God?...
Monday, November 2, 2009
Where did the fire come from?
One of my daily tasks is to prepare breakfast every morning. Last Friday morning, I was going through my usual, drowsy routine of getting up before light had broken to make the trek to the kitchen. Everything was going on as usual:
unlock front door - √
turn on eating area light - √
turn on kitchen light - √
unlock refrigerator door - √
bring food out of refrigerator - √
light stove -....
As I went to light the stove, there were no matches to be found. I look high and low, in the nooks and in the crannies, over and under, left and right = nothing! I looked in the storage room behind the kitchen, in the bakery, in the storage area again, in the kitchen... still nothing. What was I to do, I needed matches?! Normally such a thing would seem like such an emergency, but with such a tight schedule it was important that food for these 45 kids was ready on time, if the food wasn't ready on time, then the whole groove of the morning would be thrown off. I walked outside again, trying to figure out what it was that I was going to do. I said a quick prayer that God would help me find some matches and headed back into the kitchen again. As I looked up, a small, yellow flicker caught my eye. It was fire! But where was it coming from? The stove! But I hadn't turned on the stove, let alone lit it! I was quickly able to make up for time lost and like every morning, the food was warmly awaiting the kids as they entered the cafeteria.
Who turned the stove on? Where did the fire come from?... what do you think?
I cooked with God this morning :)
unlock front door - √
turn on eating area light - √
turn on kitchen light - √
unlock refrigerator door - √
bring food out of refrigerator - √
light stove -....
As I went to light the stove, there were no matches to be found. I look high and low, in the nooks and in the crannies, over and under, left and right = nothing! I looked in the storage room behind the kitchen, in the bakery, in the storage area again, in the kitchen... still nothing. What was I to do, I needed matches?! Normally such a thing would seem like such an emergency, but with such a tight schedule it was important that food for these 45 kids was ready on time, if the food wasn't ready on time, then the whole groove of the morning would be thrown off. I walked outside again, trying to figure out what it was that I was going to do. I said a quick prayer that God would help me find some matches and headed back into the kitchen again. As I looked up, a small, yellow flicker caught my eye. It was fire! But where was it coming from? The stove! But I hadn't turned on the stove, let alone lit it! I was quickly able to make up for time lost and like every morning, the food was warmly awaiting the kids as they entered the cafeteria.
Who turned the stove on? Where did the fire come from?... what do you think?
I cooked with God this morning :)
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Mystery Woman
"Your mom's here."
The words bounced up and down in my head, he looked back at me with a confused look on his face, wondering if I'd heard the same thing he had just heard.
His facial expression spoke for him.
"Your mom is here."
He quickly jumped down from the truck trying to organize his thoughts, my mind was racing, thinking surely this was a mistake.
I quickly got down from the truck as well, I was not about to let my kid walk up to some stranger who was professing to be his mother. Not wanting to smother, I stayed a good distance behind, but low and behold, it was her.
If you couldn't tell from anything else, it was in her sharp, cutting eyes... I know those eyes... they're just like his.
A woman he had never met before, claiming to be his mother, touching him, hugging him: that was my job, who was she to come in and interrupt his life after so many years. Do I attack or do I stay back?
Minutes seemed like hours, waiting for her to leave; she leaves: what now? Do I act normal, do I ask questions?
Cautiously walking into his room, I wait for him to call, his eye catches mine. Nervous not quite sure what to do, I turn to leave only to hear the precious words: "Mandy, come!"
I go to where he is, trying to read him, but he won't let me in, afraid that this stranger, this mystery woman has forever changed my little buddy, he speaks...
He's confused, not sure whether or not to be happy, sad, excited, mad, shy, talkative.... he doesn't know... and I don't either.
It will take some time. I want to save him, save him from his thoughts, but this is something that he has to do on his own.
Do I hate this unknown female? No
Do I like her? No
Should I? I'm not sure.... I have to wait and see, see where the mind of this little boy takes it all. How will this all turn out? I don't know.
Am I scared? yes, but for him or for me, I'm not sure.
The only thing to do: pray and pray some more, assuring him all the way, that no matter what happens, I will always be here and I will always love him, and always support him. I will never abandon him.
I hope he understands...
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