Cultivate Greater Simplicity...

True happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works.If men would give less attention to the artificial, and would cultivate greater simplicity, they would come nearer to answering the purpose of God in their creation. Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that God has placed within the reach of all.

[daretobeadaniel]

Prime example of living simply. Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado True happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works.If men would give less attention to the artificial, and would cultivate greater simplicity, they would come nearer to answering the purpose of God in their creation. Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that God has placed within the reach of all.

[daretobeadaniel]

Count your blessings when you're feeling small and sad. When you think of all the sorrow you have had, just remember all the wealth of love and the friendship you have known. You may find your living in the promised land. Arches, NP Utah.

[daretobeadaniel]

Worry is blind and cannot predict the future, but Jesus sees the end from the beginning. In every difficulty he has his ways prepared to bring relief. Worry is blind and cannot predict the future.

[daretobeadaniel]

We should not take the testimony of any man as to what the Scriptures teach, but should study the words of God for ourselves. If we allow others to do our thinking, we shall have crippled energies and contracted abilities. Steps to Christ, p. 89

[daretobeadaniel]

The effort to bless others will react in blessings upon ourselves. This was the purpose of God in giving us a part to act in the plan of redemption. Steps to Christ, p. 79.

[daretobeadaniel]

I am a pilgrim a voyager

[daretobeadaniel]

Daniel dared not trust to his own moral power. Prayer was to him a necessity. He made God his strength, and the fear of God was continually before him in all the transactions of his life. Prayer, p. 20.

[daretobeadaniel]

1 Timothy 3:2

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

[daretobeadaniel]

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Breaking wave along the Belize, Barrier Reef during a tropical storm, Tobacco Caye, Belize.

[daretobeadaniel]

Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

[daretobeadaniel]

This place and these children have really touched my heart. Please hold them up in prayer. They are in need of many things. The school accepts the poorest of the poor and some of them cannot afford uniforms or even shoes. They are all very loving and eager to learn, but resources are limited.In the short time I've been here I've been able to pray with them, teach them and play with them and I'm becoming quite connected! My heart is grieved for their condition. Please pray for them and if there is anything else you can do to help please feel free to contact me for more information.

[daretobeadaniel]

[God's] heart of love is touched by our sorrows and even by our utterances of them. Take to Him everything that perplexes the mind. Nothing is too great for Him to bear, for He holds up worlds, He rules over all the affairs of the universe. Nothing that in any way concerns our peace is too small for Him to notice. Prayer, p. 11.

[daretobeadaniel]

The gospel is to be presented, not as a lifeless theory, but as a living force to change the life. God desires that the receivers of His grace shall be witnesses to its power. 

[daretobeadaniel]

I am but a stranger here... Heaven is my home.

[daretobeadaniel]

True happiness is found, not in the indulgence of pride and luxury, but in communion with God through His created works.If men would give less attention to the artificial, and would cultivate greater simplicity, they would come nearer to answering the purpose of God in their creation. Pride and ambition are never satisfied, but those who are truly wise will find substantial and elevating pleasure in the sources of enjoyment that God has placed within the reach of all.

Ellen G. White

Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve, Belize

[daretobeadaniel]

There are conditions to be observed by all who would preserve health. All should learn what these conditions are. The Lord is not pleased with ignorance in regard to His laws, either natural or spiritual. We are to be workers together with God for the restoration of health to the body as well as to the soul. Desire of Ages, p. 824

Sunrise over the Caribbean. Dangriga, Belize.

[daretobeadaniel]

Well, I've arrived in Belize. Totally surreal. All the research I've done couldn't have prepared me for what I'v experienced thus far.The culture shock was far greater than I had imagined. They said Belize city and the bus station would be pretty sketchy, but that was an understatement. The only white people there... total targets carting a ton of gear with plenty of people willing to "help" you carry it. One has to be on their toes in Central America.

The 4 hour bus ride through the jungle and the maya mountains to Dangriga was breath taking. I didn't take any photos because I didn't quite feel safe pulling out my fancy camera on a bus PACKED FULL of locals. It wouldn't have done any justice anyway so I just felt blessed to enjoy the ride and feel the cool breeze along the Hummingbird Highway. Being separated from my gear was my only concern, but the reggae music being played and the laid back, friendly locals put me at ease. Slowing down a bit is a necessity here.

Once, arriving in Dangriga checked into the VERY basic accommodations at the Chaleanor Hotel ($12 US a night) and went to check out the town. It didn't take me very long to find the adventist school which was the real reason why I'm here. Seeing this place really helped me solidify the fact that I am right where I need to be when I need to be here. Belize is a rather poor country, but to consider it poverty stricken would be incorrect. On the surface the streets look pretty run down, but I think for the most part the people are content with what the have and live simpler lives. The local people are great and super faithful. A lot of people telling me to be blessed and doing simple random acts of kindness( different than in Belize City). The Caribbean culture in whole is very love oriented. I am excited for the work  that God has set forth for me in Central America.  I was also able to check out Island Expeditions who I'll be doing some work for while I'm here and the people there are very helpful and friendly! I am so blessed to have the opportunity to come down to Central America and excited for the next chapter of my journey.

I know you all are expecting white sand, turquoise water and palm trees, but that is not quite how it is In Dangriga. That will come when I head out to the Islands... for now, it's time to string up the Hammock and enjoy the Caribbean sunshine and the cool breeze.

PS there was a copy of the Great Controversy in the lobby of the hotel :)

Be blessed.