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Encounter

When you go on a mission trip, to church camp, to a worship conference, or even just to regular Sunday morning service, there’s an expectation that you’ll meet with God. We should expect to encounter God through these events! But we should also expect to experience God’s love in the daily, simple moments at home. […]

Sabbath on a Mission Trip

If you’ve been around my corner of the internet for even a few days, you’ve probably read something about slowing down, rest, or Sabbath. This is perhaps the only spiritual practice that I lean toward legalism on. But for me, this is necessary.  An intentional time each week of resting with God is as necessary […]

BOGO Fro-Yo

I’ve been in Costa Rica for one week now, and I’ve noticed a few things seem to be loved no matter the culture: Wednesday is BOGO day at one of the local frozen yogurt shops! So my friend Victoria (read her story in the EMPOWERED journal), my friend Jenny (one of the FSM staff), and […]

Rainbow

Everything in Costa Rica is beautiful. At every turn there’s a mountain, tree canopy, cotton candy clouds, and vibrant flowers.  Yet I’m still amazed at the neverending gifts of God through the nature he created here.  A simple rain shower is more beautiful against the backdrop of luscious greenery.  The setting sun sets the sky […]

Guava Bread

My friend Ute and I walked to a local bakery to pick up a variety of sweet breads. One was filled with cream cheese and sprinkled with coarse sugar. One was filled with a strawberry jam and some kind of cream. The final one was filled with a guava jam. Locally it’s called guayaba. So. […]

Today I Saw Myself

Today I saw myself.  You probably saw yourself today, too. We see ourselves often–everytime we look in the mirror. What’s interesting to me about my reflection is that it’s not actually what other people see when they look at me. It’s the inverse. My face is flipped.  We cannot look in the mirror and see […]

Satisfied

I woke up and had one of my favorite breakfasts – empanadas!  One of the things I remember most from my time in Costa Rica last October was the food. We had fresh pico de gallo, homemade tortillas, and a variety of flavorful spiced rice and bean dishes every day. Plus fresh, tropical fruits like […]

Relatable

Walking through San Ramón I saw a nurse heading into the hospital for work. She was about my age. White scrubs. Long blonde balayage hair in a high ponytail with a slight wave to it. Small gold hoop earrings. And a Stanley cup.  Some things are not so different even thousands of miles away!  We […]

Surrounded

Less than three hours in the country and already beautiful things are happening! Our flight was smooth; about three hours with little turbulence. The in-flight snacks were tasty. And even though I was in the middle seat, I didn’t feel squished! On one side sat my friend Cheryl who created and runs Faithful Servant Missions. […]

Plane & Simple

I love planes! I love flying. I love the energy of the airport, full of curious and excited people ready for adventure! The restaurants and shops are so fun, too, even though they are often overpriced. And I love planes themselves – even the cramped seats and bathrooms. I’m a bit of a romantic about […]