Ezekiel 37

Ezekiel 37:8b. (The Message) "But they had no breath in them."

Too many times, that is how I feel. I have bones, sinews, muscles, skin, but no breath, no life. I look like a person. I am a person, but I'm not alive. I go through the motions. I do what I have to do, but I have no breath.

God, come breathe on me, come breathe life. I want to have life, abundant life. Life overflowing, leaping, joyful.

God, I am trying to choose deep, abiding joy irregardless of circumstances and surroundings. God, I need your help. I need to see your heart, hear your voice. Oh God, "Come breath. ... Breathe life!" (Ezekiel 37:9b. The Message)

Work and Play

We work...

Sifting lime after drying it in the oven.

Orientation day at school... :)

...and the animals play! :)

the Hornings in Honduras :)

Nevin, Denise, Destiny, Marcia, Monica, Austin and Vanessa Horning were able to visit us from August 1-August 6. We had a great time with them!

They were able to visit La Finca several times where they attended prayer meeting, handed out chocolate and some get their hair braided. They were also able to visit the river in Cantarranas, visit the waterfall at the Golondrinas, take a long hike to the top of the mountain behind our house and help us clean up a lot of weeds and overgrown "monte" that took over while we were gone for 5 weeks!

We also played a lot of games.

The flooded river at Cantarranas

Here is the ford that we usually crossed in the truck to go to the "bridge to nowhere".

We invited the local "ex-Finca" young people over for a bonfire w hot dogs, marshmellows, etc.

Berean Church

Danilo, Yaqui, Kelly and Lilian participating at the Berean Church's 31st anniversary celebration.

This the church where several former Finca residents are now attending, including Danilo and Kelly. It was encouraging to see them participating in special singing and dramas, something they had gained experience in at La Finca and can now use beyond the walls of their former home to bless others.

U.S.A

Ok, so I know that our time in the States was longer ago than I'd like to admit (June 10th-July 18th), but here are some of our favorite times..

We actually flew home on Harlan's 41st birthday, but celebrated it later. Some people appear to already have had too much cake...

Going to the beach and getting to hang out with Janelle's family for 4 days...

The above exposure making it look sunnier and more ethereal, below... the reality.

Celebrating Harlan's parent's 50th anniversary and seeing all of Harlan's family...

Henry and Grace Horst

We enjoyed seeing other family members and many friends. Thank you to all who blessed us in so many ways, through gifts, meals and quality time. May God continue to bless his many children who help us bless some of his children here in Honduras.

"suffering"

"Remember, if God wants you to suffer, it is better to suffer for doing good than for doing wrong! Christ also suffered. He died once for the sins of all us guilty sinners, although he himself was innocent of any sin at any time, that he might bring us safely home to God." 1 Peter 3:17-18a (Living Bible)

God may want us to suffer so that he might bring others safely home to him.

As part of my children's school curriculum we have been reading the stories of many different missionaries. God certainly used their suffering to bring many to him. Although my "suffering" is nothing compared to many others', let alone Christ's, may I be willing to be used by God in all circumstances of my life in order to bring others to him.

trees of life

"And he pointed out to me a river of pure Water of Life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, coursing down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew Trees of Life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month; the leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations." Revelation 22:1-2 (Living Bible)

This "Water of Life", the love of Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit, the living water of God, is even now flowing through us. I believe we are to be "trees of life". We are to produce a "fresh crop each month" and our "leaves", our hands, are to be used to heal people, "heal the nations".

Help us, oh God, to be your hands and feet. Help us to be instruments of your power and love. Help us always to remain close to you, our source of Living Water.