Hillsong - Beautiful Exchange

Honduras: Day 3 and 4

It is definitely the rainy season in Honduras. We are on our way to the Lily of the Valley Church in La Ceiba on our bus and the rain and humidity are intense. I am not sure how I am going to get through the day because I already feel sick to my stomach. As much as I want to blame it on the weather, I am a little nervous of what our day will bring.


We arrive at the church and are met by members of the church and many children. It is a simple but beautifully decorated building with a small stage and several small rooms for the children. More children join us and we begin singing songs and playing games with them. The joy on their faces lights up my heart and I begin to start feeling better. The morning continues as we do a program for them full of mimes, stories, music, and crafts.

It was so cute to watch the young children decorate crosses made out of Popsicle sticks. Many of them end up taking the sticks apart and just coloring all over. They didn’t care about the craft; they were excited that we came to spend time with them. It reminded me that it is not about the “end product” but it is truly about the journey. As we go through life, we are continually growing in Christ and it is the journey that He takes us on as we follow Him every day that really matters.



After having lunch at the nicest Pizza Hut I have ever been in (and I’m really serious) and watching the US play in the World Cup, we set up for the afternoon at a park in downtown La Ceiba. Several of us walk around the park handing out tickets to people and telling them we will be giving out free prizes where the music is playing. At first, many are taken aback that we would actually give away anything free, but many join us to see what all is going on.


It is truly powerful to see people stand up and give their lives over to Christ. The mimes are my favorite part because the music and imagery truly transcend all language barriers.

Today Cassie, Tata, and I get to visit with the church in La Masica for Sunday services. The children are so happy and excited to see us back and I am completely filled with joy walking into the church. It is so nice to see many familiar faces and even a few new ones. As we begin service they read from Psalm 121.

I look up to the mountains- does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.

As I listen to this verse, standing in a little church with no air conditioning, in the middle of summer, in a country struggling with violence, drugs, and severe poverty, God places on my heart that He is always watching and protecting me. I have no reason to fear anything no matter where I am.

Later in the service we take the kids for a Bible lesson, songs, games, and crafts. Every now and then I find myself just watching them as they sing as loud as they can and as they memorize a Bible verse. Words cannot describe the passion and love they share. We begin to take pictures with them and they absolutely love to see themselves on our cameras. They are fascinated by it and enjoy taking over hundred pictures of all of us.

We enjoy an authentic Honduran lunch at an outside restaurant with Pastor Roger and then head out to make home visits with families in the community. We visited many people coming from many different backgrounds and situations and invited them to our evening service. One older woman we sat with had severe foot problems which made it very hard for her to walk. She talked with us about her struggles and her children that are living in America. God really used us to talk with her because she made it to church that night.


The worship leaders in the church are two young Godly men that have a real passion for people and it is truly contagious. They lead us in several Spanish songs. Without even knowing the words they were saying, I knew exactly what God was teaching me because His presence was all around me. My heart was completely consumed by everything He is and I was reminded that love is our universal language. I have never felt so close to Him and was overtaken by an amazing peace and security.


Before the night was over, Tata sang a rap tune for the congregation and I was able to speak through an interpreter with the pastors’ daughter, Ester. She is a beautiful young lady inside and out with a heart for God. It is her dream to be able to learn English, visit England and meet a princess. I told her my dad is from England and that I have visited the country twice. We were so thrilled to be able to share this connection with each other and just began to cry.

This was by far the hardest day, physically and mentally. However, God used it and we had the most incredible experience with the people of La Masica. Leaving that night, we knew we would probably never see them again here on earth, but we knew that one day we will see them all in heaven.

Honduras: Day 1 and 2

I’ve been blessed with many opportunities to travel to several different countries in my life so far, but this time it was going to be quite a different experience. I found myself on a plane heading to Honduras for my first mission trip, eager yet nervous, not knowing what to anticipate. Our team prepared for many weeks to get to this point. We met to rehearse songs, mimes, and to prepare our plans for the work we would be doing. We covered everything we could but with Him in control, you never know what is going to happen. In the week and a half before leaving, I seemed to go through a whirl-wind of emotions from arising situations that overwhelmed me. I double and triple checked my material packing list, but it wasn’t as easy to put a check mark next to my heart and mind being all in order.


After an early morning getting to the airport, we board the plane and I eagerly try to learn as much Spanish as I can from a team member on our fairly short flight to the international airport in San Pedro Sulu. The pilot welcomes us to Honduras as my heart starts to beat rapidly and my mind goes racing 100 miles an hour. We had our first dose of reality in the airport going through the customs and immigration lines, followed by making it safely onto our bus that would take us to La Ceiba. The thought that ran through my mind was “we are definitely not in Kansas anymore.”

We were graciously welcomed by our new friends that would be with us for the week and we started our journey to La Ceiba. Almost instantly, I bubbled with excitement and peace came over me. The scenery, the quietness, the wind blowing through my hair came together as I met with my Father on what would be just the start of an incredible journey. I was comforted by the hospitality of the local pastors we would be working with and the site of an air conditioner in our hotel room. I quickly fell peacefully asleep meditating on 1 Timothy 2:1-6:

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peacefully and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity - the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave the world at just the right time.

It was our first full day in Honduras, and we traveled to a small town called La Masica. Upon arrival, we step into the church we will be working with for the day and take a deep breath. The building is made up of 4 concrete walls with many openings that serve as windows with lace coverings as curtains. There are simple wooden pews painted teal and many overhead fans that help to cut through the heat and humidity. We are welcomed by a warmth of hospitality from the leaders of the church and then make our way to a local park.

We are greeted by many young children that are eager to see us. We set up under a large gazebo and begin to sing Spanish children’s songs, do a puppet show, mimes, share the Gospel, and watch as many children accept Christ for the first time. I am filled with joy interacting and playing games with these children and even though we speak different languages, love shows through much brighter.

The town is abuzz with talk about the World Cup because Honduras is playing today. We travel to a local diner for an authentic Honduras lunch while proudly watching the game. As afternoon approaches, we are back at the park with even more children this time. Many have returned and brought friends along with them. This time they are even more eager to sing along with all our songs and hang on everything we say and do. They crowd around our bus as we leave for some we will not see again.


Evening service at the church for me was an experience that cannot be put completely into words. Two different cultures coming together to worship and share God’s word was a humbling and exhilarating experience. I was reminded that this life is not about what He can do for us, but who we should become to glorify Him. I have begun to see the first glimpses of God changing my heart.

When the Enemy Attacks

Summer is officially here and whether I think I am ready or not, I am about to embark on a journey that God has been preparing me for. Over the past month and a half I have kept busy substitute teaching, leading my small group, serving on leadership in our ministry, and preparing my heart and mind for a mission trip Honduras and Beach Retreat. I have experienced some amazing joy, as well as several struggles, big and small.



The enemy prowls and attacks right at times when God is working the most in my life. The enemy tries to keep me from achieving what God has for me and brings me down with fear and doubt. The enemy brings up things from my past that continue to haunt me and make me feel insecure in myself and in my relationship with Him.


I have been attacked time and time again. I was stricken with fear and doubt over a past relationship that I never should have been in. I was told I would never be good enough and I started to believe it again. I spent days feeling like I didn’t belong, like no one loved me, like I was all alone again. I knew God was there with me, but the enemy didn’t want to let me go.

The Lord is my light and my salvation so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident. The one thing I ask of the Lord, the thing I seek most, is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come; he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock. Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of job, singing and praising the Lord with music.

Psalm 27:1-7

God reached out His hand and pulled me out. He sent me the support of friends that lifted me up, encouraged me, and reminded me of what He has done in my life and how He is using me in ministry. My joy could not be taken away from the attack of the enemy. I had to trust that my God was bigger than my past and all my fears and insecurities. I had to close the door, be still, and let God fight for me (Ex 14:14).


This summer God has an amazing mission for me that has been planned since He created the world. He appointed me for great things. This summer I will be stretched in insurmountable ways and taken out of my comfort zone so that the only one I can rely on is Him. I know that God will change lives during this time, but I can’t even begin to fathom how He will change my life this summer.

My Confidence Is Not My Own

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God…..Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not! The only letter of recommendation we need is you yourselves. Your lives are a letter written in our hearts; everyone can read it and recognize our good work among you. Clearly, you are a letter from Christ showing the result of our ministry among you. This “letter” is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life.
2 Corinthians 2:14-15, 3:1-6

Confidence is a funny thing…. Many women struggle with being confident in themselves, myself included. It is a daily challenge for women everywhere to know that we are loved, valued, and beautiful just the way God made us. We have self-doubt and insecurities, but have to know wholeheartedly that our confidence comes from Christ alone.


In the last two months, God has literally taken my life and stretched it far beyond what I thought would ever be possible. He has placed me in situations that are completely uncomfortable. Again, in these times I have to remind myself that God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.


God has called me to begin leading a women’s small group which caught me way off guard. It has been such a blessing though and I am learning and growing more and more each week. But it didn’t just stop there. At the end of June I will be going on my very first mission trip….Honduras to be exact. God didn’t just say go to San Antonio and make my name know, but He said go to a foreign country in Latin America and show them the love of Christ. My first thoughts were “who am I to do this” and “why me.” I questioned my ability to minister to others with just my beginning knowledge of the Bible and I felt nowhere near confident to take on such an opportunity. However I find myself preparing for a journey far beyond my imagination, to a place far away, where most people speak a language I don’t know at all.

God gave me the confidence and courage from scripture, but He also gave me friends to encourage me, build me up, and show me that I was made to bring others to Him. I was reminded that it is by the spirit that I have full confidence and ability to share Christ with others. I am also fully qualified because I am a child of God and Christ is written on my heart. The thought of having to get up in front of a group of people and give my testimony, act out a skit, or lead a devotional at a moment’s notice scares me beyond belief, but I know now that it will be a time where I have no choice but to put my complete faith and trust in Him to speak through me.

Just recently I was challenged to think of Philippians 4:13 in a different way. Instead of just thinking “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” think of it as “I can do nothing without Christ who strengthens me.” I have to rely solely on Him in everything I do, now more than ever. I have completely seen Him in a new light and am so excited to see how He will use me this summer in Honduras. I might not be able to see the full results of my work there, but I know that God has chosen me for a specific reason to minister to people there that no one else can minister to. I’m looking forward to my week-long experience and what God will teach me while I am there.

Breaking Free

I have always been more on the quite side. A little shy and slow to show my true self. I’m reminded of situations in life where people have disappointed me, left me, or said hurtful things and my fears overwhelm me. I feel insecure of my friendships, opening up to people and showing my true self. But God is always faithful and is pushing me in new directions and breaking down the walls I have built up for myself.

Now we see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

1 Corinthians 13:12

He knows me completely: all my fears, all my failures, all my desires, everything I have done, and everything I will do. He gives me piece of mind and is pushing me to break free of my comfort zone. In the past, I have been afraid to truly opening up to the people He has placed in my life, letting people help me, and sharing my triumphs and struggles with others. I like to be a people pleaser, making sure I do nothing wrong and never wanting to let people down. I am overcoming and realizing I can’t do it alone. I can’t do it without God, but more importantly I can’t do it without the support of my sisters and brothers in Christ.

I truly believe that God has placed certain people in my life that will mentor me, grow me, push me, challenge me, and love me just for who I am. It took me awhile to figure it out, but now I see what I was missing. I feel the weight lifted off that I have been carrying around and I feel free to just be me.

“God doesn’t call us to be comfortable. He calls us to trust Him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if He doesn’t come through.”

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Over the last few weeks I’ve been pushed out of my comfort zone, been placed in situations that challenge me, and been given opportunities that I have previously thought were beyond my capabilities. I literally sat in my car last week before making a bold move, praying “Lord, You commanded me to be strong and courageous. Don’t let me be afraid! You are with me now and always!” He delivered and I broke down a barrier.

Every day I see my spiritual gift of teaching becoming stronger and stronger. People see my talent for working with children and teaching and it truly amazes me how they see that in me. I am reminded that each and every person is given a different gift and we have to come together to make a complete body of Christ. With one person missing, we cannot excel in building up the church for what God has planned.

I am so thankful for the people God has placed in my life. People that will push me, challenge me, grow me, walk alongside me, and encourage me. With God all things are possible, but He works in marvelous ways through our friendships and fellowship with others. I am free to be me, free of my fears, free of my insecurities.

It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subjected again to a yoke of slavery.

Galatians 5:1

I am not ashamed!!!!

Spiritual Running

Since I was in elementary school, I have always hated running. I remember so vividly our PE teacher, Mrs. Meyer saying “Today we will be running outside and you have to get your 5 Popsicle sticks.” We would have to run around a very large grass area right outside our school and each time we went around we would pick up a Popsicle stick to show how many laps we had completed. I dreaded these days because I was a horrible runner. In junior high, it was even worse. Now we had a large park to run around 5 times, although we didn’t have to pick up the Popsicle sticks anymore. Those 5 laps seemed so daunting, so miserable, and I had no way out of it.

Some might say I have a fear of running and would be shocked to know that I am running in the 5K Rodeo Run this Saturday. What started out as just wanting to work out more somehow became a passion and resolution for me to run a 5K this year. So I’ve been on the hunt, in pursuit of something that I have never done, but in the midst of it all I found out it’s not me that is really running. It’s not me that is hitting the pavement. It’s not me running the distance to say I finished a 5K.

This past week on my way to the gym to run, I was given a challenge to memorize 1 Cor 9:24-27 from a friend. I knew right away that God had placed this on my heart to do and I agreed to the challenge not even knowing what the verse said. That morning I ran but I had no purpose and no drive for what I was running for. All I wanted to do was just be able to finish it.

Immediately when I got home I opened my Bible to 1 Cor 9:24-27 and stopped dead in my tracks…..

“Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win. All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”

I felt God just pick me up and start to shake me, saying “Hello, run after me! You can do anything with me! Trust me! Grow with me!” I was instantly taken aback and knew it had nothing to do with running the distance or for a time. It’s all about running after Him and building endurance. I need to be constantly pursuing Him, communicating with Him, and growing in Him. I need to be more disciplined in my everyday life to continue in my growth and in this journey set out before me.

Since then, every day I run is a special time just between me and God. He gives me strength, endurance and courage and I continually run to seek Him in everything I do. I run with a new purpose for His eternal prize before someone or something can take it away from me.

"Awakening" - Chris Tomlin - Passion 2010

This is the most powerful song I have ever heard. When I first heard it I cried out to my Father to awaken my soul! For the last few weeks, God has grabbed a hold of my heart in a new way and my heart aches for His will to be done in my life. I have been meditating over Psalm 63:3 which says "Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." Many people go through their Christian walks thinking they know God, but never truly experience an authentic relationship with Him and understand His complete and unconditional love. What are you waiting for? He has so much more planned for you if you just give your WHOLE life over to Him and seek an everlasting relationship with Him.

1 John 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched - this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.

Time is a Gift from God

There are 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, and 52 weeks in a year. It might seem like a long time, but in reality it goes by in a flash. Today especially, we consume our lives with so many activities and obligations that can sometimes take over our lives. It is important to take a step back and question whether our time is being used in the best way.

We all have goals that we set out to achieve each day, but many times they don't get accomplished. It is hard to prioritize everything for our day between our work, school, church and social activies, quiet times and bible reading, and our own personal down time. Do you seem to start something but then get distracted by something else? Do you find yourself being consumed by all the technology we have today? Everyone is guility of this at sometime or another and some more than others. The key is to remember that our time on this earth is precious, God-given and we must find a place of balance.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from all believers who live idle lives and don't follow the traditions they received from us. For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you. We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you. We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow. Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: "Those unwilling to work will not get to eat."

2 Thessalonians 3:6-10

The Bible says explicitily to not live idle lives and to work hard day and night. We cannot live out a life of stress or unambition. We have to actively seek the Lord in finding a happy medium in all of our activites. We have many obligations to our work, school, families, churches, and ourselves. We simply cannot work 60 hours in a week nor can we spend that same 60 hours volunteering. We have to play a game of give and take. In either situation we will get tired and burned out and not be able to live out a life for Christ and share our faith with others if we are not taking care of our overall wellbeing. We need an equal need of success in the workplace, a healthy body and mind, spiritual strength and nurishment, social interaction, and volunteer opportunites. The only way to accomplish this is by putting Christ into the center of our lives and praying for balance in our lives.

God's Enormity

I am currently reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan and absolutely cannot put it down. It is so full of insight into how big and powerful our God is. Just in the first few chapters there is so much to take in, reflect on, and think twice about.

God created our entire universe, the earth, the galaxies, the land, the water, the skies, and He also created you and me. Can you even grasp the idea that the God that created the whole universe also created you? He is the One that loves you unconditionally and is always with you. It is really hard to take in and comprehend, but once you do, you'll look at God radically different.

In our relationship with the creator of the universe, why do we always ask Him to speak to us? Rather we should sit patiently in awe of His divine creation and worship His works.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work or his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4

When He created the world, He also decided that you would one day walk this earth, proclaiming His love, and doing His work. He knew millions of years ago how your life would be lived.

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

before you were born I set you apart;

I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

God sought you out and marked you as His. He had a plan for your life from the beginning of time. He wanted you to live a life proclaiming His son as the one who came to earth to save us from our sins. He is the great and mighty One. The Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Revelation 22:13 You are here with a purpose to live a life for Him and spread the works of His son. In everything you do, worship Him and He will lead you to a path of righteousness and a complete and fulfilling life.

Our Generation is Worth Nothing

There is an overwhelming stigma in our society regarding our generation. Many people believe that young people today are consumed by technology, social medias, and have no fear of our actions. Many older adults see us just as crazy kids, having no goals for our lives, and incapable of making our world a better place. While there is some truth to this, I believe they are not seeing the whole picture.

The media plays a major role in how the world sees us and they report mainly on how there are some young people that make mistakes from time to time. What they don't show are the many young people that truly are trying to make a difference in our society. It can be seen in the young lives being lived out for Jesus Christ. All across our country and the world, our generation is gathering to worship, learn, transform the lives of others, and give back. It is this that gives us hope for a bright future.

There is one piece of scripture that comes to mind in all of this. Something that gives our generation and all young people a reason to continue helping to change the lives of our peers.

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given to you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

1 Timothy 4:12-14

When I first heard this, I was astounded and in awe of God's love and compassion for young people. It reminds us all that our generation lives in this lifetime for a specific purpose and we truly can make a difference. We have to put our focus on Him though and live out a life that serves Him. We have to "set an example" for our peers and all of society. In doing so, God will use you for His marvelous works. I've seen it first-hand through many young people and even through me. Don't let anyone tell you that our generation is worth nothing or that we can't make a difference because with God you can do anything.

We were all put on this earth with specific gifts and talents. There will be some people who will become teachers or pastors, some who will become doctors or lawyers, some who will become famous inventors or musicians. We were all created differently and will leave a mark on the world in different ways, but when we come together in the light of our Lord amazing things will happen. Lets change how society thinks of us and reach out our hand to our peers that desperately need unconditional love and salvation.

2010

It is 2010 and I have made a resolution to start a blog. So here I go with a new adventure. To start off here is a list of my other resolutions for this year!

Grow a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ

Go to the gym on a more consistent basis

Train to run a 5k

Finish my year Bible reading plan that I started in August 2009

Pass my teaching certification tests and complete my student teaching

Impact a child's life

Read some of the many books I have bought including: Crazy Love by Francis Chan, Captivating by John and Stasi Eldredge, The Complete Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer, True Colors by Kristin Hannah, The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks, The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski, Completely His by Shannon Ethridge, Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom, Vision in White by Nora Roberts, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay, and Second Chance by Jane Green

Volunteer for Beach Retreat 2010

Learn to play 5 new songs on the piano

Be a better Sweet Adeline performer by rehearsing 4 days a week

Take a vacation to somewhere I have not been before

Grow in my leadership positions