tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83636429116881131042024-03-13T07:57:22.663-06:00El Paso ConnectedFind out about things of importance in El Paso, Texas. The place to get connected.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-19541186543353523342010-04-05T07:13:00.002-06:002010-04-05T07:18:17.464-06:00Nicaragua Mission 2010 (Part 2 of 3)<p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Our Spiritual Journey</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Rich and Poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.</i> (Proverbs 22:2)</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">I call this installment “Our Spiritual Journey”, but it is really my journey. Even though many of us shared the same feelings, each member of the team had their own unique experience during our mission. Each of us had to come to terms with our purpose and our own relationship with God. In the next installment I will try to share some of the experiences and reflections of the other team members.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"> </p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">My journey began at <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Western</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Hills</st1:placetype> <st1:placename st="on">United</st1:placename> <st1:placename st="on">Methodist</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> when we had a short presentation one Sunday last summer. The missions committee was looking for members of the congregation to go to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Matagalpa</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">Nicaragua</st1:country-region></st1:place> in March 2010. They showed pictures from the 2009 trip and explained the mission and the tasks they worked on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>At that time I thought it was interesting and that it would be a neat experience. Over the next few weeks, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"></span>I discussed it occasionally with Andi, the team leader.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The more I thought about it, the more the thought that it would be “neat to experience” evolved into a feeling that I had to do it, but I wondered why. Why did I feel so strongly about it? Was I hoping to make a difference or to be a tourist? What difference was I going to make that someone else couldn’t do better? During a phone call to my sister, I mentioned that to her, and she told me that maybe it wasn’t all about that. Maybe in addition to the mission it was God’s way of helping me to find my purpose. Baby sisters can be so insightful sometimes.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">So, even though I didn’t have this blinding flash of inspiration or see a vision, I do believe I was being called to make the journey. I continued to pray daily for guidance, discussed it with my wife, and finally wrote my check.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I, send me!”</i> (Isaiah 6:8)</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">As our departure date drew nearer, we were given a mission journal to help us prepare for the trip. The journal began with 7 days of spiritual preparation, ideas for meditation, prayers and scriptures to read. Each day as I read, it seemed so perfect. The scripture for day one was John 15:16:</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit- fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></i></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Our journal continued to guide us in meditation about blessings, prayer, humbleness, love, life and purpose. It seemed that each day of preparation and meditation made it feel more like I was working toward God’s true purpose for my life. Would I actually find God’s purpose for me on this trip? It was exciting and scary at the same time. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Our days in <st1:place st="on"><st1:country-region st="on">Nicaragua</st1:country-region></st1:place> flew by and each day brought new thoughts and feelings. Our fist encounter with the locals near the airport included children begging for money. We had been instructed not to give in to their pleas, but it was so hard not to. We are, after all compassionate individuals and so we begin our journey with a little guilt for not helping these children.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">In the book, “A Mile in My Shoes” by Trevor Hudson he says that every pilgrimage consists of three essential ingredients: Encounter, Reflection and Transformation. Each day of our mission we encountered a variety of people and situations. In the “busyness” of the day the thoughts and feelings that were experienced got pushed to the back of your mind. Even though Andi was really good about reminding us to remember that we were there for the mission, not the task, it was very easy to get caught up in the jobs we were doing and to place more importance on the job than the people. </span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">Each evening after dinner and before preparations for the next day’s work, we would gather together for a time of devotion and to discuss our experiences of the day. These discussions gave us some insight into the other team member’s experiences and allowed us a time to reflect on our own experiences.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;">The true transformation for anyone only comes after the reflection on the experiences. We must take the time to think about what we have seen and felt. We must ask ourselves what it was that God wanted us to take away from the moment, and that can take time. The lessons may evolve as we continue to reflect, as we look back at our journals, and go over events again. Some things come to you right away, and others take a little more time.</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. </i>(Romans 12:2)</span></p><p style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></o:p></p><span style="FONT-FAMILY: 'Times New Roman'; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-: EN-USfont-family:'Times New Roman';font-size:12;" >Next issue…insights and transformations.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-41669717668895418802010-03-29T04:54:00.001-06:002010-03-29T04:57:54.455-06:00Nicaragua Mission 2010On Saturday, March 6th, 2010, 12 members of Western Hills United Methodist Church in El Paso rendezvoused with team members from California, Mississippi, and Big Spring, Texas for a humanitarian mission trip to Matagalpa, Nicaragua.<br /><br />Our mission: to spread the word of God. Our tasks: medical care, dental care and construction of a feeding center.<br /><br />We arrived in Managua, Nicaragua at about 9 pm and met up with Rafael from Puentes de Esperanza, the mission group we partnered with. We loaded all our gear on the bus and after a quick stop at the local convenience store we set out for our 2 ½ hour bus ride to Matagalpa in the Central Highlands.<br /><br />Sunday morning we got up, ate breakfast and headed down the mountain to attend the Baptist Church services at a church. A previous mission team had done some work there couple years ago. Those present on this trip bypassed the front door of the church to go around back and see that their hard work had been completed. The church now had a grand two story addition in the back.<br /><br />The service commenced with a flourish and with a young man translating for the American guests. He did an admirable job. After the service we had a little sightseeing in Matagalpa and then back to the team house for lunch. In the afternoon some of us went to a nearby coffee plantation for a tour and another group went to see how last years construction project turned out. That evening we all pitched in and put together the supplies for the medical and dental team and made sure all the equipment was working correctly.<br /><br />Each day started with breakfast at 7 and the teams out the door by 8. On Monday the medical and dental folks headed to a rehab center in the mountains and the construction team went to the small village of San Jose. The medical and dental folks went to a different location each day (including 1 day in San Jose) and in total saw 640 patients and the dental team saw 131 patients. That is a lot of people to see in 4 days. They did an amazing job and never wanted to turn any one away.<br /><br />Our construction task was to begin the preparation for a feeding center -just a building with a place for kids to sit down when they eat. The government provides food for one meal a day for the children when they are in school. Sometimes, that is the only meal they get. Currently, they line up along the wall outside the building and eat standing up or sitting on the ground.<br /><br />The construction crew spent the first day cutting down an old set of swing sets and digging out a large area that has to be leveled off for the feeding center. The school children and some parents helped. The kids were great and really put a lot into it. One young man attached himself to us and fast became part of our crew. His name was Elizandro, and he is the second youngest in his family, with 5 brothers and 1 sister. He worked with us all morning and then left for school at 12. A short time later he was back. We never could figure out what had happened with him and his classes.<br /><br />Our second day the medical team joined us in San Jose. They set up in the classroom and the teachers moved the kids into a small shed to continue their lessons. Elizandro and all the other kids were already working on the dirt mound when we got to the site around 8:30. Picks and shovels and wheelbarrows were a blur as the kids ran back and forth moving the earth. Our construction crew then moved over and started putting together the reinforcing bars that will be used to strengthen the concrete pillars of the feeding center. We continued working on the pillars for the next three days.<br /><br />As we worked near the church in San Jose we had the opportunity to speak with many young men and women, boys and girls about our church group and the work we were doing in San Jose. We also became even more attached to Elizandro and it was very difficult to say goodbye on Thursday. We all got together with him before he had to go get ready for school. We were able to give him a Spanish Children’s Bible and to tell him how much we had appreciated his help and his company.<br /><br />Our week flew by and before we knew it we were back on the bus headed for Managua and home. In some ways it seemed like we didn’t do enough. That it would never be enough, but in our hearts we know that even the smallest gesture makes a difference.<br /><br />For photos and more narrative visit <a href="http://www.nicmission2010.blogspot.com/">www.nicmission2010.blogspot.com</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-75541070138458659192010-03-09T17:41:00.004-07:002010-03-09T18:03:19.009-07:00Day 3<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5brmEbEilI/AAAAAAAAAOM/F4KrX9XhKak/s1600-h/101_0001+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446799838606035538" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5brmEbEilI/AAAAAAAAAOM/F4KrX9XhKak/s400/101_0001+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><div>This is Elizando. He has kind of adopted me. He worked his little behind off yesterday. He said that he was supposed to go to school from 12 till 5, but at about 12:30 he showed back up and we never could get him to explain why he wasn't in class. Every time we asked he evaded the subject or ran off with the wheelbarrow. </div><div></div><br /><div>He is 10 years ald and has 5 brothers and one sister. One brother is younger than him (8) and his sister is 23.</div><br /><div>Today I know he went to class in the afternoon, because when we walked by getting ready to leave for the day, he was at the door to the classroom, saying "Ricardo" and waving. </div><br /><div>Omar told me that the school only goes up to 7th grade and then the kids have to go to a different town to school. Most of them don't go.</div><br /><div>The town this school is in is very, very poor, even by Nicaraguan standards and the homes in the area do not have electricity or running water. This house looks like a mansion compared to most of them. Some are made completely of tin and I have even seen one that was just sticks in the ground with plastic tarps around it and a tin roof.</div><div></div><br /><div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5buapDnwnI/AAAAAAAAAOU/99vt4dvyYqg/s1600-h/101_0023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446802940816245362" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5buapDnwnI/AAAAAAAAAOU/99vt4dvyYqg/s400/101_0023.JPG" /></a></div><div>Today we worked mostly preparing rebar for the construction of the feeding center. Tedious work that hurts your fingers and your back. I may be more tired today than after all the dirt moving yesterday. But all is good.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-29916029748135836432010-03-07T16:54:00.008-07:002010-03-07T17:27:13.971-07:00Nicaragua<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RDHrxITfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/TJcDhuK4_Qo/s1600-h/101_0023.JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446051648684707314" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RDHrxITfI/AAAAAAAAAOE/TJcDhuK4_Qo/s400/101_0023.JPG" /></a><br />This is someone's house<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RCHVskrqI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Rzpi5efejLY/s1600-h/101_0015+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446050543248387746" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RCHVskrqI/AAAAAAAAAN8/Rzpi5efejLY/s400/101_0015+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br />Plantains<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RAzvjB1UI/AAAAAAAAAN0/QuJWwnF53NY/s1600-h/101_0008+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446049107078665538" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5RAzvjB1UI/AAAAAAAAAN0/QuJWwnF53NY/s400/101_0008+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5Q-q2xnxkI/AAAAAAAAANs/FvdziTaS9Ac/s1600-h/101_0007+(2).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446046755376842306" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5Q-q2xnxkI/AAAAAAAAANs/FvdziTaS9Ac/s400/101_0007+(2).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A coffee plant<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5Q910yzo1I/AAAAAAAAANk/I2O_JOswv_w/s1600-h/101_0005+(Small).JPG"><img style="WIDTH: 400px; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446045844311876434" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/S5Q910yzo1I/AAAAAAAAANk/I2O_JOswv_w/s400/101_0005+(Small).JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This is the garden area at our team houseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-26909479052254690592010-03-05T05:41:00.002-07:002010-03-05T06:06:40.193-07:00In 1 day we travel.......Everyday people Live.<br /><br />My life is in You, Lord, my strength is in You.<br /><br />We leave tomorrow morning at 11 from Western Hills.<br /><br />For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10)<br /><br />Our construction crew will be working on a feeding center. We will take apart a building, do some work for the foundation and put the original building back together so they can continue to use it until the project is completed.<br /><br />Pray that our team will be filled with the spirit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control during the days of our mission trip.<br /><br />Instead of trying harder to have these qualities in my life, help me to be open to having more of God in my life. God has given me a great opportunity, during the days of the mission trip, to let Him teach me, and fill me with the Holy Spirit.<br /><br />I don't know if I will have time to post tomorrow before I go, but I thank everyone for their good thoughts and prayers. Bless you all.<br /><br />The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1John2:17)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-41956731165338404952010-03-04T18:02:00.002-07:002010-03-04T18:23:34.761-07:00In two days we travel....God's command...Love each other.<br /><br />It would have been so much easier if it was "like", or "tolerate", but it was "LOVE."<br /><br />The prayer in our journal today says, "As you have loved me, Lord, help me to love."<br /><br />I give thanks today for all those who love me and for the prayers from our mission team prayer partners. Pray that our hearts are open and that the love we feel will be shared with those we serve.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-57095811802541313372010-03-03T05:02:00.002-07:002010-03-03T05:47:24.454-07:00In 3 days we travel....Everyday people have a purpose.<br /><br />Show me your purpose, Lord, and help me to live it.<br /><br />A simple prayer that I try to say everyday.<br /><br />Having come to the church later in life I ask myself, and God, what my purpose is. I ask that a LOT.<br /><br />Somehow I feel that this mission trip is closely tied to that. I'm not sure if it's the trip itself that is my purpose, or if the mission is supposed to lead me to that purpose somehow, but I have had that feeling since the first day I heard about the mission. It stayed in my head almost constantly until I made the committment to serve.<br /><br />In his heart a man plans his course,<br />but the Lord determines his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)<br /><br />Please continue to pray for the team. From Paul's letter to the people at Colosse...<br /><br />For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.<br />(Collosians 1:9-12)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-16140343594656623032010-03-02T07:43:00.003-07:002010-03-02T08:17:55.422-07:00In 4 days we travel....The spiritual preparation for today is about humility. To open ourselves to the Lord as his humble servant.<br /><br />I like to think that humble, here, means "not proud or arrogant, modest" as opposed to "insignificant."<br /><br />The scripture in our journal today says, "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1Peter 5:6-7)<br /><br />In preparing myself I thought this was appropriate:<br /><br />My heart is not proud, O Lord,<br />my eyes are not haughty;<br />I do not concern myself with great matters<br />or things too wonderful for me.<br />But I have stilled and quieted my soul;<br />like a weaned child with it's mother,<br />like a weaned child is my soul within me.<br />(Psalm 131:1-2)<br /><br />To experience the prayers of the the congregation this past Sunday for our mission team during the service was a humbling experience for me. To know that so many people care so deeply was amazing. I feel truly blessed.<br /><br />Continue to pray for us this week. Pray that we can all "let go of our own agendas and live the Lord's agenda." Pray for us to be humble enough to be more available to Him.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-32376620997580692482010-03-01T05:49:00.002-07:002010-03-01T06:29:17.344-07:00In 5 days we travel...In 5 days the mission team from Western Hills United Methodist Church will be leaving for Matagalpa, Nicaragua. We are actually three teams, medical, dental and construction. Together we will help spread the word of God and show others that we care.<br /><br />Yesterday we were given our mission journals. The journals are supposed to help us prepare spiritually for our trip. I have decided to share some of that preparation here and then when I return I will post to this blog about the mission.<br /><br />Yesterday this passage stood out to me...Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back -- given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity. (Luke 6:8)<br /><br />And today - Jesus said....You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: love each other. (John 15: 16-17)<br /><br />So, if you are so inclined, pray for us. Pray that we will be a blessing to others, that we will touch lives and make a difference. Pray that we remain safe in our travels. Pray that God will open our hearts and fill them with the Holy Spirit that we may spread His word.<br /><br />And for you today...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-50990684421408288842009-10-27T05:23:00.002-06:002009-10-27T05:30:28.135-06:00Not as Isolated as I ThoughtI am traveling today to Lubbock, and I was thinking about how far we are from other cities.<br /><br />Then I read one of the "<a href="http://elpasotimes.typepad.com/morgue/2009/10/1916-roswell-nmex-only-12-hours-away.html">Tales From the Morgue</a>" from the El Paso Times archives. The story was from back in 1916. It seems that an automobile service was started between El Paso and Roswell, NM. making it possible to travel to or from Roswell in only 12 hours.<br /><br />Lubbock doesn't seem quite as far now.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-13776263121244399102009-01-09T04:34:00.002-07:002009-01-09T04:38:48.855-07:00West El Paso Living<object height="300" width="400"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2765862&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=2765862&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/2765862">West El Paso Living Shopping at the Outlet Shoppes</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user1128274">Rick Snow</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-52076271636857432052008-12-26T08:36:00.002-07:002008-12-26T08:38:27.724-07:00Giving Back to El Paso<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/SVT6OJfuzMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/TQ0yFfj170o/s1600-h/mwap2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5284123383786556610" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_wHVc7Zknc9Y/SVT6OJfuzMI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/TQ0yFfj170o/s200/mwap2.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I have started a new program for 2009, designed to give back to the people of El Paso. I call it "<a href="http://movewithapurpose.org/">Move With A Purpose</a>." I believe very strongly in giving back to the community. There are many ways to do it, donations, volunteer your time, etc... Anything you can do to make a difference.</div><br /><div><br />In 2009 I am going to donate 20% of every real estate commission earned to a local charity. In order to participate and help make a difference just go to my website <a href="http://www.ricksnowsellselpasohomes.com/">http://www.ricksnowsellselpasohomes.com/</a> and click on Move With A Purpose. If you are buying or selling a home, register <a href="http://movewithapurpose.org/">here</a> and help make a difference in El Paso.</div><br /><div><br />I am looking for additional charities to add to my partner list, so if you know of a good cause let me know and we'll get it added to the list. My goal is to give away as much money as I can in 2009. Help me out. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-21491582476832144392008-04-01T06:08:00.002-06:002008-04-01T06:12:33.545-06:00It's Good to be the ChiefCongratulations to Greg Allen on his appointment as the Chief of the El Paso Police department. Chief Allen has been running the department since Dec 2007 while the appointment process was under way. An El Paso native, Chief Allen has been with the EPPD since 1978.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-66623698851124488362008-03-20T15:35:00.007-06:002008-03-21T05:24:19.722-06:00Jim Valenti for PresidentOkay, maybe not president, however congratulations are in order for Jim and his staff at Thomason Hospital. Thomason Hospital was named one of the top 100 hospitals in the US. One of only 7 in the great state of Texas and one of only four public hospitals in the nation. These awards are based on studies of clinical processes and outcomes, patient safety, operational efficiency and financial stability. Our hospital is a great asset for El Paso and we are fortunate to have Jim running it.<br /><br />You can read about what is going on at Thomason Hospital at <a href="http://www.elpasoconnected.com/thomason.htm">www.ElPasoConnected.com/thomason.htm</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-79956257284195739402007-09-12T17:54:00.001-06:002007-09-12T17:54:19.785-06:00My Video Debut<object wmode='transparent' type='application/x-shockwave-flash' pluginspage='http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer' data='http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/46928cc51133af17/46e8765139973d26' quality='high' height='250' width='432' id='W46e8765139973d26'><param value='transparent' name='wmode'/><param value='http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/46928cc51133af17/46e8765139973d26' name='movie'/><param value='' name='scaleMode'/><param value='all' name='allowNetworking'/><param value='always' name='allowScriptAccess'/><param value='' name='flashvars'/></object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-63313306591437051652007-08-21T03:51:00.000-06:002007-08-21T04:16:11.962-06:00New Laws Affect SoldiersDid you see the artyicle in Monday's El Paso Times about new laws that affect our soldiers?<br /><br />Now don't get me wrong. I'm a retired soldier myself and I believe we should help our military in everyway possible, but let's take a look at these new laws:<br /><br />1. Providing cheaper or free registration for concealed handgun permits? I fail to see the benefit here. Perhaps I'm wrong.<br /><br />2.Waiving fees for for copies of birth certificates, marriage licenses, etc... That one I'll buy.<br /><br />3. Expedited enrollment in Medicaid for military families? Aren't they covered under Tricare?<br /><br />4. Allowing absentee ballots to be sent electronically. Okay, but do we actually have the technology in place to let them vote electronically?<br /><br />5. One new measure requires the Texas adjutant general to set up referral programs for physical and mental health assistance for soldiers returning from battle. Do they get this before or after they get their concealed weapons permit?<br /><br />How about if the Texas legislature concentrates on providing some real assistance to soldiers and their families instead of this BS?<br /><br />What a waste of time even standing up and saying, "Hey, let's make it easier for soldiers fresh from battle to carry guns around in the community."<br /><br />Tell your legislators to stop blowing smoke up your, you know what, and to get busy on some real issues.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-75890991153761792552007-08-03T08:07:00.000-06:002007-08-03T08:14:38.429-06:00Website for Soldier SpousesA new website is up and running to assist the spouses of soldiers in their search for jobs. <a href="http://www.elpasojobregister.com/">www.elpasojobregister.com</a> is free to spouses and employers alike. A partnership of Fort Bliss and the El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Paso</span> Chamber of Commerce, the site is designed to put military spouses and employers together to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">form a</span> network that will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">benefit</span> both groups. For more information job seekers should contact Shannon <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Branson</span> at 568-1132 and employers can contact the Greater El <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Paso</span> Chamber of commerce at 534-0543.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-80821620835435157742007-07-30T17:48:00.000-06:002007-07-30T21:56:53.378-06:00Driver Responsibilty LawSenator Eliot Shapleigh wants to review the <a href="http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/drp/drp.htm">Driver Responsibility Law </a>that was implemented in 2003 because so many people face large surcharges for their moving violations. The story in the <a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_6495781">El Paso Times </a>quotes a young lady saying she has 11 warrants that total over $5000 in fines and surcharges for charges that include driving without insurance, invalid registration and speeding. She says she can't pay the fines because, in part, she has to pay to have her car fixed since someone hit her. Well she doesn't need to get her car fixed until she can afford to be a responsible driver.<br /><br />I guess Senator Shapleigh thinks the fact that people don't have the money to pay their fines and surcharges is a valid excuse to just ignore them and continue to drive unlicensed and uninsured.<br /><br />Well Senator, perhaps you would prefer that we just eliminate the traffic laws altogether? That will kill two birds with one stone. No more unreasonable fines for license or insurance scoflaws and drunk drivers and we will be able to stop paying law enforcement personnel to issue traffic citations. <br /><br />How about if we don't worry about whether they have the money to pay and hope they get caught and thrown in jail? It may just drive home the point that they shouldn't be driving if they can't afford the insurance or don't have "time" to get a drivers license.<br /><br />I propose that if you get pulled over and can't show proof of insurance your car be impounded on the spot. Give them 30 days to get their car out of impound after paying the fees and showing proof of insurance or sell it at auction.<br /><br />Drunk driving should result in loss of driving rights for a long time, if not forever. Prison should not be out of the question. <br /><br />Senator Shapliegh, quit trying to give people an out for not being responsible and quit wasting our tax dollars having your staff research how to help them be irresponsible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-51292613510929211012007-07-24T06:53:00.000-06:002007-07-24T07:07:33.106-06:00County Commisioner's CourtWow, that was quick. I thought it would be a few days at least before I got going.<br /><br />How in the world can the Commissioners Court justify approving a contract with a company that was underbid and that changed their bid specifications after the fact?<br /><br />According to the article in the <a href="http://www.elpasotimes.com/election/ci_6448344">El Paso Times</a>, a committee recommended that the county deposit contract be awarded to Wells Fargo, but the court elected to use InterNational Bank against the committee's advice.<br /><br />The county court is out of control. Every contract awarded is suspect right now as it is and when the court makes a move like this it just adds fuel to the fire.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8363642911688113104.post-34038815581738969572007-07-23T19:48:00.000-06:002007-07-23T19:56:08.586-06:00WelcomeWelcome to the El Paso Connected Blog. I will post about business, politics, religion, okay not religion, the state of the city as I see it, the state of the county as I see it(that one may get ugly) and what ever else I feel like. I will try not to offend, but no promises if you are deetdedee.<br /><br />I have several websites related to the El Paso community that I will refer to from time to time and I encourage one and all to go check them out. Let's start with <a href="http://www.elpasotexasgolf.com/">www.ElPasoTexasGolf.com</a><br />and <a href="http://www.westelpasoliving.com/">www.WestElPasoLiving.com</a><br /><br />They are both still in the construction phase so bear with me. I also blog at <a href="http://elpasotexasrealestate.blogspot.com/">ElPasoTexasRealEstate</a> and at <a href="http://therealestatetrainer.blogspot.com/">TheRealEstateTrainer</a><br /><br />Talk at you soon...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13888426858865061160noreply@blogger.com0