I really think that all things just come down to this simple exercise of the mind. What is going on around us should not consume, destroy, or distract from the fact the God is in control. Trust him, but not just with your lips. Trust him in the way you walk and live. I need to live in the same way all the time no matter the circumstance. Sure fear and doubts will be thrown at us all the time. Ephesians 6 talks about standing firm against all the strategies of the enemy. We are not alone. Believe that all things can and will work out for good to those that love God. Walk with no shadow of doubt creeping up behind you. Train you mind to believe. Let your renewed heart motivate you. Let your feet feel the confidence that is within you. 
Blessings and have a wonderful summer!

"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!" (Isaiah 26:3)

"Fix you thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are worthy of praise." (Phil. 4:8)

1 archaic : tuneful sound : melody 2 a : the combination of simultaneous musical notes in a chord
3 a : pleasing arrangement of parts : congruence b : agreement, accord c : internal calm : tranquility
4 a : an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative b : a systematic arrangement of parallel literary passages (as of the Gospels) for the purpose of showing agreement or harmony

This is the definition for harmony that I found in Merriam Webster. A couple parts that I want to focus on are: "pleasing arrangement of parts, internal calm, and interweaving". I have noticed recently and in the past that often when someone has a point to make or an idea to add, people do not take what is being said in the right way. This could be in an office, classroom, or in a home. We need to understand how God works.

Bringing notes together in a unique form creates a pleasant and soothing sound that can even calm a troubled soul. A pleasing arrangement of harmony not only comes from music, but can also be created by a unique arrangement of gifts and attitudes. We should have this way of thinking in our homes and groups that we may be involved with. God uses this concept of harmony with us. He may give someone an inspiration that needs to be sounded out at home or your group. God will work through that person who he has inspired with a bountiful thought to feed those near to form a great idea. Often we receive this inspiration with rejection or contempt because it was not my idea. God wants us to work in harmony so that the ideas become an inter-weaved plan that all participate in. Receive inspiration as it comes. God will bring harmony when we learn to hear his heart that often comes from a mouth we may not expect. When we learn to work together in this way, at home or where ever we are, harmony will touch those around. True harmony is an idea transformed into a marvelous plan by a group of persons that have learned to receive and work with what God has given to them. Sweet music to God's ears.

A few weeks ago I was with my son Joshua in the main plaza in Tepic. We bought a snack to munch on while we sat watching the activity in the plaza. There were allot of people walking around and persons selling all kinds of things. Although there was much going on all around us it was an expected and enjoyable time sitting there. Life can be like park full of activity.
Life though does have unforeseen things than can be nice or sometimes unpleasant. I have read and marveled at many parts of the bible where Jesus knew what was going to happen. In my mind knowing future events is impossible so there is that little battle of unbelief. Over the years I have learned to trust in God even in times when I am not prepared for something that happens. Trusting is designed to be a hard and challenging thing that will come into our lives. Know that God is there giving you a chance to trust.
When I was talking to my son and enjoying a snack in the town plaza to my surprise a blackbird landed on my shoulder. I assumed that it came for some of my snack so I gave it a piece and the blackbird grabbed it and took off. We continued talking and eating and after a short time the bird returned to my shoulder. I was quite amazed at its boldness and lack of fear. The blackbird also showed impatience as our amazement took up too much of its valuable time and it pecked at my lip maybe seeing a piece still there. I felt the spot where the bird pecked at my lip for a few days and that has made the story a bit easier to remember.
Life will have many moments "black birds" that we did not expect, and some might be unpleasant. God is there and he knew that the thing would happen. In everything give thanks the bible reminds us. Go with what comes into your life and see what God has in it for you. God bless and have a wonderful day.

Loving your own child or a grandchild is a natural thing. It is like a very pleasant aroma of a home cooked meal that you just can't wait to enjoy. Just like not everyone knows how to cook, not all are good parents. Unfortunately our parents can cause damage to our hearts, and that pain can later affect our ability to love ourselves, others, and even our own children.
I remember doing a lot of camping when I was young. It was always a challenge trying to cook over an open fire. Too many times I recall eating food that was not ready to be eaten. In the same way having a family is not always a fully cooked meal. When we are camping we enjoy our time together; rain or shine, good food or not so good food, etc. Life and parenting is a process and an adventure that we should enjoy regardless. Doing so will make a big difference, there will be healing in our hearts, and our days will go much better.
Getting better at being a parent and learning more of what love really is becomes our trek in parenthood. I love hiking in the woods, especially near a stream. I have grown to love the outdoors, and as well in my walk have enjoyed learning more of the depth, width, and height of God's love. Loving my own child, or a child that is not my own have become adjacent parts in my heart. As you walk through life let love grow. Don't let a uncooked meal ruin a wonderful weekend. Life is full of opportunities to expand the capacity of your heart. Don't miss them. In time love does become easy.
                                                               Have a wonderful day!

I enjoy participating in a quinceañera when I know the young girl involved. At Casa de Niños we have done many over the years. The last few I have been able to share a message for the young girl. I see it as a wonderful privilege as I get a special opportunity to say words that will stick with them for a long time. Girls tend to remember this event because it is so special, so this creates a perfect opportunity to speak positive words into their lives. I myself cherish these times and as I look at this picture I feel a warm feeling in my heart. This picture is just from last month and I get usually daily opportunities to connect and give love to this precious life. Just one of the joys of serving God at Casa de Niños here in Tepic Mexico.

In my many years here at Casa de Niños my wife and I have had several opportunities to care for very young children and babies. As they need special care and attention we become their mom and dad for the time needed by the welfare agency to resolve the legalities of the situation or rehabilitate the parents. These have been some of the most challenging and rewarding times my wife and I have spent here. This particular child in the picture was with us for several months along with his two older brothers and a sister. Because of his age and condition we took this little guy home with us when our day ended. One weekend my wife had school so we went up to work on some land that I had. I put a blanket in a wheelbarrow and moved him around to where I was working. We had a good time and this picture has a special place in my heart. This was many years ago and the family was reunited. My wife and I have visited the family many times to continue being a part of their lives. Memories and good times are important in all of our lives. We all have special memories that we cherish and they are important things that we save in a special place of our hearts. These children that spent longer periods of time with us were very difficult to let go, but now they are among those very special memories that we cherish and often talk about remembering the times that they were with us. God bless you all and have a wonderful day!

​ There is an old dead tree on the Casa property that has been dead for a long time. It should have probably been cut down a long time ago, but it has been performing a special function for a long while…. It holds up one end of a hammock! The people that use the hammock are loath to cut it down, because it really is a great spot to have a hammock! There is ample shade, usually a light breeze and it has a great view of the Orphanage soccer field, part of the city, and the mountains beyond! 
 One day I had a few spare minutes before I needed to round up the boys and head to soccer practice. So I lay down in the hammock to rest my bones! As I enjoyed the shade, breeze and view, and listened to the birds sing, I suddenly noticed a small green spot on the tree that I hadn’t noticed before. I had to get up for a closer inspection! Yes! My eyes did not deceive me. There it was, a green shoot coming out of this long dead tree! It almost brought me to tears as I reflected on the many lessons to be learned from this!
 First, as a Christian I was reminded of the verses in Ephesians 2. As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world…. we were by nature deserving of wrath.  But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
 We, like that tree were dead! Used up! Fit for nothing but the fire! Then when all hope was lost, God’s love gave us new life through Jesus Christ!
 
 Secondly, those that are involved with Casa de Ninos have been afforded the great privilege of seeing this kind of thing happen with children! They often times come to us completely broken and used up. A mere husk of what a healthy child is supposed to look like. You look after their physical needs, feed bathe and clothe them, and during it all, you show them love! As they feel this love and care being lavished upon them (often for the first time in their lives!), they begin to transform into something beautiful! It chokes me up to see a child running and laughing, who just a short time ago was withdrawn and hurting.
 So, take a lesson from an old tree, and thank God for His mercy and grace towards us who are undeserving!
 
 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17                                                                                                                                                                                                  God bless!  ~Kevin~

I believe that God has a plan for each life. Knowing what that is then is one thing, sticking to that plan, or staying on track is just as important. We often find a niche in life that seems right for us, but later on in the course of life get distracted or led off that segment of our life that felt right. That special thing, activity, calling, or whatever you might say it is could be a multitude of different things, like for example; sports, cooking, writing, music, helping others, ministry, etc. The point here is not a particular thing but rather something that God has put within us, His plan, where we feel right doing that particular thing. Now on with my point. I personally have been in God's plan for my life for many years here in Casa de Niños a children's home for abandoned and abused children. My simple calling has been to love these special lives that God has sent through these doors, some for a short period of time and others for many years. In this process of walking in this seemingly simple calling I have found myself many times off the path. There is always too much to do in life and the important things often and unfortunately get put aside for something that is much less important but there in front of us. The picture here is of a girl that was with us for a year or so and came to us from a mountain village. Her condition was caused only by a lack of nourishment. God used her life to help solidify that which He wanted me to do, and/or the passion that was inside of me. Mariana liked to sit outside in the day enjoying the beautiful outdoors, and she loved to be loved. When I would go by her in route to complete a task she would call out my name. There were some occasions that I was in a hurry to get something done, and hearing her calling me, inside I would want to pretend that I did not hear her voice calling me. In one of those times I felt so strongly God speaking to me as I tried to rush past her, "Russ, what have I brought you here to do?" I immediately knew what He wanted to show me. I stopped and returned to spend some time sharing love with her. Mariana was a special child to me. My wife and I had her at home many times and we enjoyed greatly the time God gave us with her. I still can hear her voice calling me in the night to come and help her change her position in bed as she did not have the strength to do even that. God gave us great joy in loving her and many children that have been here. I believe true joy is found when we have learned to stay on track!

Blessings to you from Tepic Mexico! I have been away physically from Casa de Niños with back problems though connected in heart and with the blessings of technology. A cute picture from my confinement at my home. Something is putting pressure on the sciatic nerve to the point that I have not been out of bed for almost 2 weeks now. I have been getting medical attention and do ask for your prayers.
It has been around 27 years that I have been serving God at Casa de Niños. I remember very well what God spoke to my heart when I was questioning His reasoning in placing me in this place. I like many was looking at what I wasn't, and with that perspective it did not make sense. God though knowing a bit more than myself, knew what he was doing in putting me in a place where he could first of all transform my life and then at the same time accomplish wonderful things through my life.
"Just love them." Those were the words that were literally engraved in my heart in those first days at Casa de Niños. Simple words that have come to mean so much more as these years have gone by. I believe I have been faithful to His calling on my life in loving. That process has brought through a lot of things that have allowed me to understand much better what love is. As I have this pause in my life so to speak I have had an opportunity to think, pray, meditate, dream, and so on, and it all brings me to the feeling that God has great things ahead. Knowing that even though I am on my back He is working and moving around me and in me. As I lay here at times responding to messages from persons I see that love flows, and that it has no limits, barriers, or walls. If there are hindrances when it comes to love it is only because we have allowed them there. Love may only have four letters but is lived with a life of words and actions. Have a wonderful day!