The holidays and how educational software on laptops can spark children in learning

December 29, 2008: Monday, 4:55pm – Burbank, California, USA
It’s been a great busy time to say the least. I have been blessed to connect with so much family and friends and have some great conversations and sharing about our lives and our faith that I am overwhelmed with joy and awe at how Jesus works and moves in all our lives whether we are aware or not. Ton to post, just trying to find time to sit down and type after work is all done.


My 6-year-old niece Maya and my brother Rex

Below is a video to show what my 6 year old niece Maya has learned from going online and browsing and clicking around for something she bought called a Webkinz. This gave great insight on how children can adapt to technology and how quickly they can learn various topics. I’m excited to see what bringing laptops with educational software can do in the communities that me and friends spend our time in every Saturday. If you’re in the Philippines, come join us some time and see for yourself how lives can change with a little time and love.

Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMv8atjrn2Y

God connects us with each other, to help and encourage

Wednesday, 1:34pm – Burbank, California, USA
The list of people that God has connected me with to share my love for Jesus and faith in God, to lift up, and to receive help back. In the past week and a half.

Mom
Rhett (sister)
Austin
Kengi
Rocky
Nick
Angelica
Monisa’s Dad
Monisa’s Uncle
Jonar
Aaron
Steve
Star
Small group (Gary, Allen, Paul, Noah, John, Ali, Gio, Nate)
Grace
Lauren
Emily
Rich
Ryan V.
John C.
Mark
Arul
Edwin
Moina

Insight shown for:

• How God is working to move us to connect with each other
• How to speak to people depending on there spiritual level or where they are at in life
• Knowing that God is working in every relationship and every situation, and being at peace knowing that only those people can choose to turn to God and that God is the only one that can make their relationship grow
• Seeing how certain people have opportunities to connect with people that no one else has access to depending on their background, how they grew up, and how they are today with their spiritual life and just openness to love
• Selfishness turns us away from the Lord. Learning how to be selfless is one aspect that brings us closer to Jesus or is a by-product of having faith in the Lord
• Learning how to remain quiet or still when someone is sharing. What you say may turn them away.
• Learning how to love others and lift them up in prayer, also for me to pray so that I am not judgmental but always loving to have others improve in their lives. It’s not about me.
• The Holy Spirit fills me to change up my personality and style of talking depending on who I am talking to. A strange feeling I have come across frequently recently about seeing myself, as if I am floating and watching myself interact with others.
• Another strange thing that has been happening is that I feel like I know everyone. New people I meet I feel like I’ve known them for a long time or that I have spent my life time with them. As if God is making me comfortable with these people I meet so that I can engage with them.

Christmas Event for Pook Arboretum community, December 13, 2008

Although I wasn't able to attend because I flew back to the United States, I had the honor of serving God and his children by helping to prepare for this event. We usually serve about 50 kids. This day 200+ came out plus the parents and families of many. I really wanted to witness this day and see the joy and love but I know it was there so I don’t have to see it. It is a blessing serving any way possible.

Thank you very much for all the volunteers, sponsors, Extra Mile Foundation, Victory, UNYAP and Kids Church for all the help and support to make Arboretum gift giving possible. Around 200 plus kids, parents and youths were blessed that day through the gift giving, Kids Church presentation, midget show, and snacks.

This ministry for the community started on October 18, 2008 with the kids. Volunteers from Extra Mile Foundation conduct Kids Ministry for an average of about 50 kids every Saturday afternoon. The plan for next year is to focus on youth and women through sports, leadership training, functional literacy, computer literacy, livelihood activities, health, and other programs depending on the need of the community.

Praise the Lord for loving us and allowing us to show and give love back to everyone.

James 2:14-18, NIV
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.