Tortillas, part 2

Here's what the tortillas look like after they're shaped and cooked. Yummy! =)

Okay, they're not perfectly round, but they still taste good!

Tortillas!!!!

Okay, so when I was in Guatemala for a month, mostly in August, I learned how to make tortillas. Well, really I watched and tried to make tortillas, but they didn't turn out round and beautiful like the ones the women made who were showing me how to do it.

Well, this week we ran out of bread- so Sam and I decided to make tortillas. The first time was somewhat of an experiment to get the right amount of mix and water combined. From there I was amazed at how round the tortillas turned out! I was so happy they weren't falling apart and as oddly shaped as before. I'm sure there were several that didn't make the circle shape complete- but I was satisfied with my work. And they tasted good too! =)

So, here's some of what it looked like when I was making tortillas...

Windows of Opportunity

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect," 1 Peter 3:15

"You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Deuteronomy 6:7

There are opportunities to speak into the life of a child, or really anyone for that matter. Sometimes the opportunity comes in the form of a question. Sometimes in the form of a comment. 

For example, I was reading my Bible to one of my students. He recognized part of the armor of God because of a song we sang in class. I was able to tell him how when he speaks the Word of God it's like a sword. The example I used was Ephesians 6:1, which he also recognized from a song, to illustrate if he was being tempted to disobey, he could say, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." to fight as a sword against the enemy.

There are little windows of opportunity to speak into the lives of those around us. Keep your ear tuned to the Holy Spirit and be aware of the opportunities that arise.

Enjoy the journey!

~Rebecca

Hidden in Christ

A First Mission Trip...

It's been a while since I posted, so here's a bit of what has been happening...

I've been taking care of the boys, aka my students and their older brother, for a bit over a week now. Thankfully, one of my best friends, Samantha, is here helping me! I am soooooo glad she's here!!!! (I can't emphasize that enough.) So, I'm going to take a moment to talk about her. =)

This is her first mission trip, and I'm excited it's with me! She has been helping me by taking care of cleaning, cooking, laundry, and also playing with the boys when I need a break. (It's a lot I know.) Beyond that she is helping me by just being here. Having a friend here helps so much- because laughter is good like medicine. =)

I am so thankful that she's here!!! (I did mention that, right?) She has been encouraging me and help me get some things back on track. God is speaking through her into my life- reminding me of things I've known and helping me see things that I couldn't see. Again, I'm so thankful for her coming and helping me! =)

[Sam, you're such a blessing to me!!!! Thank you!] =D

A Quick Packing Job...

It is so interesting to me how quickly I can pack when I have less stuff!
So, since I'm staying up with the boys while the Dvoraks are in Africa, I had to pack for a month. When I came for a month in August I had a packing list WAY ahead of time and took at least a day to pack.
So, yesterday I decided I should pack. So, in the morning I put a few things out. Then that afternoon I pulled some more things out on the bed. Last night I put everything into a suitcase and grabbed everything else- except what I should throw in this morning. It probably, in all, took about 2 hrs! I like that so much better than spending a ton of time on it. =)
Today, I brought it all upstairs. It seems funny to have to pack for a month when I just moved up the hill- but it's true.
I'm heading into a month of filling in as mom, I guess you could say, for 3 children- really 2 children and 1 teen. I know that God will help me- so I know it will be good. =)
And life is just easier with less stuff- quite a lesson to learn coming from the western culture.
Well, that's all for now...
Hidden in Christ

Strength...

*This picture really has nothing to do with this post, besides that it was something I ate while here in Guatemala. =)*

Lately I've really been needing God's strength. And I've seen some things in familiar verses that I hadn't noticed before. So, I thought I'd share it with you...some is just me thinking, but here it is:

"that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man," Ephesians 3:16

Strengthened with might through His Spirit according to the riches of His glory. It's not strengthened according to how much I do what I'm supposed to do- how much I read the Bible and pray (though they're important and strengthening to the spirit.)
I'm not strengthened according to how much I do everything right.
I'm not strengthened based on how I feel about myself, if I'm confident and outgoing.
I am strengthened according to the riches of His glory!
The riches of His glory are immense, far reaching, beyond me- far beyond my need.
His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, strengthens my inner man, or my spirit.
Praise God for His strength!

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," Ephesians 3:20

According to the power that works in us. That could be according to the level we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us. Or it could be according to the power, which is of the Holy Spirit. It must be according to the power of God, which is at work in me also, because according to this power He does exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. The power available doesn't appear limited in any way. So, this unlimited power is at work in me and can do exceedingly, abundantly, above all I ask or think!

To Him, indeed, be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen! (verse 21)

His power is at work in me. And He can do exceedingly abundantly above all I ask or think. So much more than I ask, God is able to do. Much more than I even think, God is able to do.
So, He says, ask and it will be given to you. (Matthew 7:7)
And whatever you ask in My Name I will do it. (John 14:14)
The ability is unlimited. I need only ask! Praise God!