God at Work in Mexico-1

Last week I had the opportunity to go on a Mexico mission’s trip with a small team from my church. It was an incredible time seeing God at work with the Tarahumara and Pima Indians. The trip was strenuous in many ways but was worth every mile and every step. Our trip gained the nickname, a roadtrip through Mexico, as we drove many miles. In 9 days we spent about 64 hours in the car driving throughout the countryside and mountains of Mexico. Our trip began on a beautiful Sunday morning attending Pastor Joshua’s Mexican church in El Paso, before we crossed the border, stopped by the Bible Institute and headed for Rio Chico. Pastor Tomas and Brenda joined us in El Paso before we crossed the border. After sleeping at Rio Chico, loading up the trucks, and praying for a good week; we headed for the rim of Copper Canyon. As we drove through various small Mexican towns we stopped for groceries, hay, supplies, and fuel. Hence, Monday turned into a long day of driving before we finally arrived at Antonio’s casa, our base camp, for hiking into the canyon. Tuesday we awoke to clouds and light rain, but were thankful for the cool hiking weather.

The hike into copper canyon was the steepest hike I’ve ever done. In five hours we dropped 3200 feet to the river, crossed the river, and hiked 1200 feet back up the other side of the canyon. Copper Canyon, in comparison to the Grand Canyon, is in every sense a larger canyon and having no well-established trails. The intense sheer drops along with the amazing flora and fauna is breathtaking. Streams and waterfalls dot the landscape. Even though it is rugged, the canyon is beautiful far beyond what words can describe. The creation of our God is a stunning sight.

To be continued...

A look back...and forward

Stop.

Look.

Listen.

Ponder.


Do you ever take time to reflect on what you have learned from your past experiences and think about how it will impact your life in the future? Do you ever take time to cast a vision for your future? Or do you go through life aimlessly going about your day with little thought for the future?

Often this time of year we hear about New Year resolutions and how we are going to change our lives, but how many of us truly keep those more than a couple of weeks? Maybe your most recent resolutions are already fading into a distant memory.

I believe the start of a new year is a great time to take a day or two and truly ponder your future. Cast a vision, set some specific achievable goals, and then put a plan into place to actually do it.

One year ago I did some of this vision casting in my own life. Looking back on the recently concluded year, I see some wonderful change and accomplishments in my life. In February I committed to running a marathon in October. After many months of training I was able complete the Chicago marathon by the grace of God. At the beginning of 2008 the Holy Spirit re-kindled a flame within me to help start a college and career ministry at our church. After much prayer and several meetings/discussions with like-minded young adults, ignite was born. And to this day I give praise to the Lord for how he has blessed this ministry...far beyond what I ever imagined.

I share with you these examples for two reasons. One, to bring glory to God through what HE has accomplished thru me the last 12 months. Two, to encourage you to set some specific goals and a plan for achieving them in your life for 2009.

The last couple of weeks I have been pondering this question for my life in 2009. What would the Lord have me focus my time and energy on? Among other things I have come up with three goals for the upcoming year:

1. Learn how to play the guitar
2. Read through the Bible
3. Go on a missions trip
   

How will you redeem your time in 09?

Think about it.

Slow Fade

I heard this song(Slow Fade by Casting Crowns) on the radio as I drove home tonight. Listen to the words. Is the message of the song correct? Is it a "slow fade?"

Drive 65

COLORADO SPRINGS - Sunday morning, CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation) officially began raising the speed limit on I-25 through the city from 55 to 65 MPH. The change became effective at 8 a.m.

The first speed limit sign to be replaced was northbound just before the Cimarron Street exit. A crew of workers needed only a few minutes to make the switch. Workers planned to replace all 22 speed limit signs along the city stretch of the Interstate by the end of the day.


For someone who drives many miles, this story makes me a happy citizen! Anyone up for a round of the hallelujah chorus?

2009

Happy New Year!

Busy, busy, busy. That has been the story over the past several weeks. In the upcoming months I hope to continue to post some things that have been mulling in my mind. Simply haven't had too much time to write blog posts recently. Among other things our church moved into a new building which meant many hours installing/learning new A/V equipment. There is still much to do but so far things have been smooth. Praise the Lord!

Three blog topics I hope to cover this month are:

• A look back...and forward
• Casting a vision
• Plugging in

Stay tuned...