Back to class

The counseling classes are in full swing again. We had 19 students in class today. It is so exciting to see people learning and growing personally. It's such a joy to know how many lives can be changed through these students as they reach out to help others.

Baptism highlights...

Last Sunday we had 10 people get baptized out at the Palacio family farm. 

Here are a few memories from that beautiful day!

Afterwards we had a barbecue and there was plenty of time for swimming in the creek.

Bloom where you're planted!

As I was pulling into our driveway this little flower caught my eye. Tucked into the rocks but still growing. What a metaphor for life. The setting for this flower is not ideal and yet it is blooming. Have you ever been in a tough spot like this before? I know I have. And somehow, some way, in His timing, by His grace, and in His strength, we survive. This is the secret Paul talks about in Philippians 4. And like Paul we can learn to thrive under less than perfect conditions through the lessons God provides. We find a way to adapt to our environment and we move forward.

Next time I'm feeling like I'm in a jam I will think of this flower and use it as inspiration to bloom!

Catching up...

I'm so far behind with giving updates on our work and life here. Please forgive me. It's been a bit hectic lately. Here are a few snapshots of what we've been up to!

Tom and I had a fun night celebrating with other couples at a dinner on Valentine's Day.

Our church is in it's new building and we're growing!

Tom and I are enjoying getting to know Pastor Han and Sarah. 

Sarah prepared a wonderful Korean dinner for us.

 Bulgogi, kimchi, potato pancakes, tofu, served with rice & veggies.

CDF had it's annual Women's Conference

A new counseling class is in session

We got to deliver shoes, socks, and underwear to needy kids

 

And all of that was just in the past few weeks!! 

Something old, something new

On Sunday after church Tom and I found a little Indian place tucked back among the stalls across from the bus station.  The smells and tastes of the food brought back memories from our time in India.  Each Sunday after church we would walk a few blocks to George's and enjoy their awesome food.  

We weren't quite sure what to order. And I cannot even tell you the names of everything we ate. There was a young man sitting at a table enjoying his lunch so we asked him what he was eating and then ordered what he had!! I love it when people are excited to share their culture with others. He directed us to a table and ordered the food for us. Everything he ordered was tasty and I'm sure we'll eat there again.  

This little place has been there for years.  We just hadn't ever walked back there before.  So we got to experience a new place that wasn't exactly new!

Pray for Ukraine

Tom and I visited Kiev, Ukraine many times during the five years we lived in Russia. Often we would stay for 2 or more weeks at a time for Tom to teach there and for us to renew our Russian visas. Our youngest son, Spencer, lived there for a year. We have friends there. We know missionaries serving there now that attended language school with us in Russia.  Last night several of our friends were posting on Facebook about the young man in the photo.  He was 20 years old and was killed by the police. Protests have been going on in Ukraine since November. But, last night they turned deadly.

You can read about the violence here:

CNN:   Ukraine protest movement: At least 4 killed in clashes with police

Reuters: Ukraine opposition say they'll brave bullets after talks with Yanukovich fail

Washington Post: Ukraine’s protests are back. Here’s why.

Buzzfeed: World Economic Forum Drops Ukrainian Prime Minister As Protesters Die In Kiev


I won't print anyone's name, but, one friend said that things are getting worse and not better.  One said that it is very scary there.  One friend reported that television signals had been turned off and fears that they will lose their internet connection as well.  And yet another said that their only hope is in Christ and the prayers of believers.  All we can do from afar is watch and pray.  Please pray with us for Ukraine, her government, and her people.

treasures of darkness...

 

Along the journey of life there are treasures in darkness and there are riches to be gleaned.  Late one night back in November I was feeling like there was very little light in my life. I was grieving over some personal losses, feeling like there was not much hope, and was unable to sleep. God spoke to me in the midst of my sorrow and out of that darkness came the treasure of a song.

I made a recording that night so that I would not forget the tune. And then I got a little bolder and sent that rough recording to a music producer for Roots and Honor Records here in Belize. Tom and I met with him a few days later and during that meeting the producer, Mervin, encouraged and challenged me to write more songs.  We met again last week and I sang him several of the songs that I've written over the past few months.  It was nerve-wracking and exhilarating at the same time to sit there, vulnerable, just my voice and my words, baring my soul before the people in the room. However, I am thrilled to be able to say that we will begin working on my first CD in February!  

My precious daughter-in-love sent me the above verse after she heard that my word for this year is Hard.  I am so grateful for the prayers and encouragement to look for the treasures inside the challenges of life that I face.  It is because of this verse that I can look back at November and see that out of a very rough patch came the beginning of the realization of  lifelong dream.  I started singing in church when I was 10 years old.  I've been performing for 40 years. After experiencing the absolute joy of singing at Spencer and Meesha's wedding reception I knew that I wanted to do more with music while I still have a voice left to sing with.  I am so grateful for all that brought me to this point.  

Do you want to know the title of the song I wrote that dark night in November?  It's called 'He's Still There'. And let me tell you...He is still here, right beside me, guiding me every step of the way!

honey from the rock...

I've had this verse from Psalm 81 on my mind for a while now.  The thought of getting honey from a rock fascinates me.  After reading more about this I've learned that this a reference to honey hidden in the crevices of rocks by wild bees.  And the only way to find it is by listening to the sound of the bees.  That tidbit of info aids me in understanding the verse.

Let's put it in context:

"If My people would be listen to Me, if Israel would follow My ways, how quickly would I subdue their enemies and turn my hand against their foes!  Those who hate the LORD would cringe before Him, and their punishment would last forever.  But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.  Psalm 81:13-16

There is a reward for listening to God.  Listening to God brings us in line with His plans.  Being in line with His plans brings out the blessings He has to offer.  I'm not suggesting that we obey only to get something from Him. I'm focused on the treasure of intimacy...the sweetness of relationship...that comes from time spent making Him a priority.  Only He can satisfy the longings, the heart desires, the need for oneness and completion that I have. To me, He is the honey hidden in the rock.  And I am determined to listen for His voice and fall in step with His plans and follow Hard after Him.

One Word...Hard.

I  haven't made New Year's resolutions in a very long time.  There was a period where my only resolutions were to live, love, and laugh.  Three things that I knew I could do without fail. But, since the end of 2010, myself and several friends have prayed and listened to God's voice for one word to meditate on and learn from throughout the year.  

In  2011 my word was Joy:

After a year of grieving over leaving Russia unexpectedly I felt God promise that we would experience His joy.  We opened up a counseling center with CDF, Tom began teaching at Belize Bible Center, and we found our current church home at Bethel Disciples International Church.  We had Tom's parents come and visit us and late in the year Spencer lived with us before moving on to work at the YWAM base not far from our home. It was a joy-filled year of making friends and planting roots in our new home.   

In 2012 my word was Surrender: 

After receiving confirmation in late 2011 that all of our boxes containing our personal items and mementos were stolen, along with several thousand dollars of money we paid to have them shipped, it was time to learn how to surrender it all. It was a year of drawing closer to Him and realizing how many areas of my life I had yet to give over completely to Him. 

In 2013 my word was Embrace:

There were many highlights and a few lowlights to my year of Embrace. Tom's first group of students graduated from the two year Christian Counseling program at Belize Bible Center. I was one of those graduates. We were thrilled to have time in India with our youngest before his wedding to our new daughter-in-love, Meesha Sharp!  Embracing the fact that both of our children have left home for good to make their own way in the world.  Embracing each lesson, each hurt, each thrill, each adventure as the year progressed.  We even embraced turning 50 with a short trip to Paris before going to India for the wedding! 

For 2014 my word is Hard:

My desire for this year is to be intentional about following Him...to follow Hard.I feel led to love Hard, pray Hard, seek Hard...and so on.  I know that God will have some unexpected lessons and blessings along the way.  And I'm eager to learn what 2014 holds!

it's not too late...

If you have not celebrated Advent this year...it's not too late.  Here are all four weeks of videos done by Ann Voskamp to help pave the way and prepare room in your heart for Him this Christmas.  Enjoy!

the heavens can't contain Him...

The heavens can't contain Him

Yet Mary held Him in her arms

Pondering the mystery in her heart.

He chose to come earth

In weakness and in strength

A living Sacrifice for you and me.

As I think about Mary and Joseph being able to hold Jesus in their arms, I am amazed.  Amazed that God allowed His son to come to earth to be our Savior.  Amazed that though the heavens couldn't contain Him, He was able to walk this earth.  He chose to be a Living Sacrifice for you and for me.  As the day of celebrating His birth draws near, I am in awe of Him and of who He really is and of what He has done for us.

The heavens couldn't hold Him

Yet, He lives within our hearts

Covering the whole earth with His love.

Without His hope as anchor 

I'd be lost on stormy seas.

His precious gift of life would not be mine.

holding hands in Paris....

Today we celebrate 32 years of marriage.  Thirty two years of joys and heartaches.  Thirty two years of memories. I am so grateful for the life we've shared...the good and the bad...the 'for better' and the 'for worse'. I wrote this poem one night after looking at photos from our travels this summer. It was such an incredible blessing to be able to celebrate our 50th birthdays holding hands and walking the streets of Paris.   

Holding Hands In Paris

I thought this day would never come

from house to home we've wandered far

Two hearts aglow with flame

Two hearts aglow with flame

You've always been there holding my love

safe in the palm of your hands.

Now side by side and heart to heart

We're holding hands in Paris.

I thought this day would never come

through stillborn love in the Kansas heat

Two hearts impaled with grief

Two hearts impaled with grief

You've always been there holding my love

safe in the palm of your hands.

Now side by side and heart to heart

We're holding hands in Paris.

I thought this day would never come

now here we stand now here we stay

Two hearts enthralled with joy

Two hearts enthralled with joy

You've always been there holding my love

safe in the palm of your hands.

Now side by side and heart to heart

We're holding hands in Paris.

seeking, waiting, and hoping for joy

 

A gift born in a manger
A Bright and Morning Star
Joy came to the world that silent night
Enthroned in heavenly peace
Mercy wrapped in newborn clothes
Glory, Hallelujah, pure Joy is mine! 

Joy is deeper and more fulfilling than happiness.  Happiness depends upon circumstances or moods.  Joy, however, is able to sustain us through the darkest of  nights.  As we seek His face, as we wait on His touch, as we hope on His name...may His joy fill us, renew us, and restore us day after day.  May pure Joy be ours during this season of Advent and throughout the New Year.

White Chocolate Peppermint Bark

 

A friend of mine posted a photo on Facebook of this holiday treat.  It's a simple recipe in theory.  All you do is melt the chocolate and sprinkle crushed peppermints on top. I know, I didn't pulverize all the candy.  I left some of it in chunks...I liked it that way!!  

I had some white chocolate here at home I decided to give it go.  But, then I read about how difficult it is to melt white chocolate.  Since we don't own a microwave my first attempt at melting white chocolate had to be done using the double boiler method.  It seized up on me because some water got into the chocolate. Thankfully, Google helped me figure out what to do... so I followed the advice to add small amounts of butter until it was back to the right consistency.

I only made a small batch for my test run but it was too rich for Tom and I to finish it off in one sitting.  So it had to be stored in the fridge because the chocolate gets very soft if left at room temperature here in Belize. I will be trying this again.. it was very tasty!!

in memory of Nelson Mandela...

 

May he rest in peace.

a simple advent tree...

 

I do plan to have an actual Christmas tree...but for right now...I am keeping it simple.  

As the celebration of the Birth of Christ approaches, I am Seeking, Waiting, and Hoping.  I am seeking a deeper connection with the True Spirit and meaning of Christmas, I am eagerly waiting to see how that unfolds, and I am hoping for this season to teach me more about Him.  

In the Christmas carol, 'Joy to World', we find the words, "Let every heart prepare Him room".  O, how I long for Him to find that there is indeed room in my heart for Him.  As I seek, wait, and hope I am reading a couple of Christmas devotionals.  One of which is focused on Christmas carols and the other is focused more specifically on Advent using Ann Voskamp's latest book called, 'The Greatest Gift'.  These ornaments on my little tree came as a free download when I purchased Ann's book.  Each day there is a devotional thought, an ornament, and a verse to go with it.  

Living abroad and being so far from the rest of our family at Christmas time is hard.  As an empty-nester the holidays seem to magnify the absence of Nathan and Spencer all the more.  Mom and Dad (Tom's parents) will be coming to Belize to celebrate with us.  This will be our first Christmas with them since we left the states eight years ago. It thrills me a great deal to get to spend Christmas with family!  But, at the same time it will make Spencer and Nathan's absence all the more prominent as this will be our first Christmas with the grandparents without the grandkids being here as well.  

Following Mary's example of pondering things in her heart I am choosing not to meditate on my losses but on the blessings in these life lessons.  Our children are supposed to grow up and find their own places in the world.  When they get married they are supposed to leave and cleave to their spouses. And we have not been abandoned here... God brought us to this country for a reason.  He has blessed our efforts here in Belize.  We have a home, we have a church family, we have a growing ministry, and we have each other.  And along with the Birth of our Savior these are things worth ruminating on and celebrating!  

HOPE under construction...

Bethel Disciples International Church

not all of the outside walls are finished but the doors are beautiful!

There is a cross in the front of the church and at the back...

Jeremy and Jose setting up a makeshift screen for powerpoint...

It takes all of us to get things set up for the service...

just had time to take a photo of one side before the service started!

Our pastor is still out of the country but members of the congregation stepped up to fill in while he was away.  We were blessed by a word from our brother, Lemuel, yesterday!

The first candle of Advent is Hope.  We felt the Hope of this season as our church gathered for Sunday worship in this unfinished building. The church is just a shell right now and there is much to do before we move in to the space permanently.  A short term mission team is here from the states to do some work on this project and it was a blessing to have them in the service with us.  

During this season of preparing room in our hearts for the coming of Christ may we each seek eagerly after Him.  I trust that this Christmas won't be all about the gifts or lack thereof under you tree because no matter how much or how little you have He is the reason we celebrate!!

A very Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!

 

What are you grateful for today?!

If you're blessed to be with family today add that to your list.  For those of us living abroad these holidays separated from family can be hard.  We miss our sons, our parents, and our siblings but are so grateful to have a community of American friends that we can celebrate the US holidays with. Have a Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

End of Semester work...

Tom is grading homework and final exams! 

We had 35 students finish the semester.  It is exciting to see the changes in the students over the past six weeks.  And to hear about lessons that they've learned in class being implemented at their churches, organizations, and in their personal lives. 

The next semester begins in February...if you're here in Belize come on out and join us!