The Indirect Effect

Panama a country very, near and dear to my heart. My mom is from Panama, which obviously makes me, Panamanian. I've been to Panama on many occasions to visit family. But in the summer of 2008. I left for Panama once again, to visit and celebrate some birthday's. But this trip would be different from the others.

My mom and I would see a certain need that would call us back, to Panama. But for a different reason all together. We saw a possible mission trip opportunity in the future. So, on the plane trip back, we started to brainstorm. Long story, short one year later we came back with a mission team. This Tuesday, we will be going back with our second team.

I can't but help, but think back at the process. But this post is about the indirect effect our team, church has had on Panama. We are on the eve of our second trip. Last trip we had chairs that we worked on, we painted them, sand them down. This time we will be finishing them, these seats will allow little kids to sit down and hear the word. Not only that, but to be educated and further their knowledge. Indirect effect ......

Which leads me, to this. A lot of us, have a indirect effect on people. Whether we know it, or not. Often times, I find myself wanting to receive that recognition, but it's always the little things that matter. Like chairs, like having an idea to start a mission trip to Panama.

Run with it, we all have indirect effects on people. I pray we are humbled by that, and to know God knows.

And that's all that matters in the end. Be the subtle impact

The Finer Details

Details .... Details ....

Just got back from Japan. Where details are important a way of life. Japanese pay attention to every little detail. They do everything with precision, so fast, so efficient.

It got me, thinking about details. We need details to accomplish many things. We need to gather information, or experiences from the details. So that we can have a better understanding. We have shortcomings in our lives, certain strongholds that we allow to build.

For instance, what in your life is something you struggle with? Most times, we pay less attention to details with the things, we struggle with. If we, were willing to search those details. Take it by the horn. We would be much better off.

Everyone has need for finer details to something, it can be small or big. But details are needed to learn more, release us, from bad habits. Details, are always needed for many things.

Like the Japanese lets focus on the details, in our lives. So they we, too can learn and move on.

Japan: Self - Reflection

On my way to fully completely my second trip to Japan. Over the past week I have learned a lot by just observing.

First, Japanese people in nature are quiet. While in Japan, I had the great pleasure of trying to figure out the Tokyo metro/subway/ transportation system. Through all that I have realized how quiet the Japanese culture is. If you take a subway anywhere, in Tokyo its quiet, you can hear a pen drop. You can see their heads move side to side. Their eyes focused, their lips closed. No sound, just the subway. It was quite peaceful and a great way to fall asleep on the train. My week of being surrounded by silence, has reminded me, once again that silence, truly is golden. Silence is a lot more productive then, we realize.

Second, Japanese people are very helpful, they even go out of their way to help. Again, the subway system can be daunting, but on many occasion. I would have a local come up to me, and ask me, if I needed help. Some would walk me, to the station to make sure I got it right, others would walk me through it. Regardless, I was a stranger to them, who spoke very little Japanese, yet they help. They go out of their way to help. They would even, try to do it, in English. There is something to learn from this. Help strangers, and do it with a cheerful heart, something we can all take away from.

Lastly, Japan is a unique country. The culture is, like no other, the people quiet and graceful. The food is good and can lean towards the obscure, some good, some bad. But like any other place in the world, its the people who make it, what it is...

I did most of my reflecting on the subway, from place to place. Also on the 19th floor of the hostel I'm staying at, over looking the skyline of Tokyo.

Simple lessons, yet powerful reminders.... in the land of the rising sun.

At A Loss For Words

As I stare at the skyline of Tokyo, Japan. I'm at a loss of words. Its overwhelming. Words are used to communicate, to express many emotions, desires. But how do we, respond when your at a loss for words?

Back to the skyline, I see all the lights of all the buildings. The night allows the skyline to be even more jaw dropping. In life we have moments, events that leave us, at a loss for words. I'll be the first to tell you, it's ok. That it is good, often times we don't have a lot of loss for words moments.

As I stare and marvel at the skyline of Tokyo. I could try to use words and explain what I'm seeing. But having no words does more justice to the skyline then, what words would do.

The skyline reminds me of the loss of words I have for the love Jesus gives. All that he is, it baffles the mind. I'm reminded of how blessed I am. Humbled, once again.

At a loss for words ....

And the funny thing is, it's ok ....

Impact Is A Two Way Street

A couple of weeks I was given an opportunity to speak in front of a group of college/ career age students. I spoke on planting seeds. I challenged the group to take time, to contact the people who had a major impact in their lives.

I followed through with the challenge I had given. I emailed the three individuals who had a major impacted my life. As I received the emails back from them. They expressed the impact I had on them and still do. It was really humbling to read that. It never occurred to me, that I made an impact in their lives.

Frankly, they poured into me, all the time. I never did anything, or so I thought. Both parties were impacted by each other. The giver and the receiver, both learn from each other. As I reread the emails, I couldn't help, but smile.

Now that I have been in position of the giver. I have been impacted by the receiver, on many occasions.

So thankful, for the blessings of impact.


I now see that, impact is a two way street.

Thank God For The Beatles

I'm a huge fan of the Beatles, easily my favorite band of all time. Bob Dylan in a very close second. I was introduced to the Beatles when I was 13. I remember it, so well, I was in Monterrey, Mexico. My mom bought my Dad the 1 CD for his birthday. He was listening to it, in the car. From that point on, I was hooked.

I started to research the Beatles. I listened to all their music that I could find. I became a huge fan, admirer, of their work. As I continued my quest of knowledge of the Beatles. I saw a trend in their work. The Beatles started out, as the "mop tops" that girls would faint over. But as they got more popular and older they gradually moved from entertainers to artist. They started to smoke, got involved in the politics of the time.

The latter is what I was attracted too. I was curious about the "hippiness" of the Beatles. I want to know, why, when, and where. I started to question, just like the Beatles. I thought more, I sought after literature of all sorts. It led me, in a path, that would ultimately lead me to confusion.

However, after that phase. I realized, how grateful I was for the confusion. It led me, to a life that I live now. Its not the main cog, behind the turn around. But through, that phase. I questioned things, I went through many valleys.

This point in my life shaped me, for the future. I had to hit rock bottom. I was floating around and taking what I got. I was just there, stagnant. I didn't think for myself. I wanted to emulate the thinking patterns of the Beatles. I tried and failed miserably, but it led me to a greater purpose. I embarked on, a journey that, I thought I had taken. But I took the scenic route for a time. The questioning, is what got the wheels spinning. I challenged many things, thought for myself, sought after advice.

With love from many amazing Godly people. I knew God had a plan for me. But I really, believe without the questioning. I would have never, been able to be so broken, to realize my inadequacies in my life.

The Beatles were not the catalyst that brought me, back to Christ. But it got me, looking for answers. I know, I'm loved and my duty on earth. But in many ways, I'm stilling looking like the Beatles did... except I go to a different source.

What's your stage?

Every Christian has an opportunity to present the Gospel.

We all have our own stage. Some of us, its at work, church, or a coffee shop. The stage is used to feature the main attraction Jesus! What is so exciting is, to think of all the different stages. The stage can be anywhere to present Jesus and His message.

So what is your stage? Where could, you present the Gospel? Stages can change, but the attraction does not. Jesus is the brightest of all stars. The best part is, he doesn't charge to be the star. It's free, if anything He rewards us.

Again, what's your stage. Where can you bring the best show on earth Jesus, too? We have our own daily opportunities to let His name be known.

So set that stage... Or if you have one, keep filling it up.

Capacity unlimited.