I received an email this morning that said "write one person who has helped you a thank you note". Seems simple enough at first, but the more I ponder the thought, it becomes more difficult to choose one person.
Out of all the people who have helped you throughout your lifetime, how do you decide which one to choose? And how do you put a lifetime of gratitude into a short note?
I will gladly follow the words of advice in my early morning email, and write note of gratitude to someone in my life. More importantly, I've been reminded that there are many people who have been instrumental in my life, and I'm sure there will be many more to come. This morning's email has reminded me to take time to thank them, one by one.
“In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it's wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Mick Jagger Said "You Can't Always Get What You Want"
Any Rolling Stones fans out there? I find truth in music so often. I think it's God's way of talking to me - even if he uses the voice of Mick Jagger to speak to me.
We live in a world that celebrates busyness, and accumulation of "stuff". Before you scoff at me, don't get me wrong, I'm busy and I like "stuff", but I've been reminded this week that people and relationships matter more to God. They should matter more to us too.
So when Mick Jagger sang "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." Maybe, just maybe, he was referring to relationships, and not things. I imagine that's what God had in mind when Mick sat down with Keith Richard to write those lyrics.
We live in a world that celebrates busyness, and accumulation of "stuff". Before you scoff at me, don't get me wrong, I'm busy and I like "stuff", but I've been reminded this week that people and relationships matter more to God. They should matter more to us too.
So when Mick Jagger sang "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need." Maybe, just maybe, he was referring to relationships, and not things. I imagine that's what God had in mind when Mick sat down with Keith Richard to write those lyrics.
John 15:13
New Living Translation (NLT)
13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Stitched Together
It's Day 3 of my new adventure. I'm already in awe of the events happening in my life. I have to be honest, I never imagined participating in the #Start Experiment would have such a positive effect on my life.
God has taken something that was planned by Jon Acuff and his staff months ago, and connected it to my life. In turn, as part of my "risk", I've allowed a few people to know what my goal is for this 24-day adventure. I'm amazed at the opportunities that have been placed in my life.
I'm even more amazed at how God stitched all of this together long ago. God put all of these events in motion before Jon thought about the first words in "Start". God had a plan in place for my involvement long before I heard of the #Start Experiment. He laid the foundation for the opportunities that have been given to me this week before I thought about what my risk would be.
God, who is the ultimate artist, stitched all of this together with a plan and a purpose. The highlight of my adventure is going to be where He takes me now.
God has taken something that was planned by Jon Acuff and his staff months ago, and connected it to my life. In turn, as part of my "risk", I've allowed a few people to know what my goal is for this 24-day adventure. I'm amazed at the opportunities that have been placed in my life.
I'm even more amazed at how God stitched all of this together long ago. God put all of these events in motion before Jon thought about the first words in "Start". God had a plan in place for my involvement long before I heard of the #Start Experiment. He laid the foundation for the opportunities that have been given to me this week before I thought about what my risk would be.
God, who is the ultimate artist, stitched all of this together with a plan and a purpose. The highlight of my adventure is going to be where He takes me now.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
New Living Translation (NLT)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Excuse Me, While I Go On an Adventure
I was recently asked to be part of Jon Acuff's "Start Experiment" aka #StartExp. A number of Jon's Facebook and Twitter followers and I were chosen to go on an adventure.
We were all asked to commit to participate in groups of 24 people for 24 days. Within our groups each of us are partnering with another person, assigned to us by Jon's staff, for this time period.
We have each chosen a goal, a risk, an adventure; something we want to do to improve our lives or the lives of others; something fear prevented us from doing in the past; and we have this 24 day challenge to work toward those goals. We also committed to helping our group partners do the same during this time.
To say that this is exciting is such an understatement! We created communities and began relationships even before we were given our groups and our partners. Was that one of Jon's goals in this experiment? My guess is the answer to that question is not just yes, but heck yea!
We are created for community, and given the opportunity, we will naturally gravitate toward others. God knew we needed companionship when he created humans, and He desires companionship with us.
We were all asked to commit to participate in groups of 24 people for 24 days. Within our groups each of us are partnering with another person, assigned to us by Jon's staff, for this time period.
We have each chosen a goal, a risk, an adventure; something we want to do to improve our lives or the lives of others; something fear prevented us from doing in the past; and we have this 24 day challenge to work toward those goals. We also committed to helping our group partners do the same during this time.
To say that this is exciting is such an understatement! We created communities and began relationships even before we were given our groups and our partners. Was that one of Jon's goals in this experiment? My guess is the answer to that question is not just yes, but heck yea!
We are created for community, and given the opportunity, we will naturally gravitate toward others. God knew we needed companionship when he created humans, and He desires companionship with us.
Genesis 2:18, 21-24
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs[b] and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
23 “At last!” the man exclaimed.
“This one is bone from my bone,
and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called ‘woman,’
because she was taken from ‘man.’”
and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called ‘woman,’
because she was taken from ‘man.’”
24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
In the Good Ole Summertime
I can't recall ever having a busier summer. I like being busy and, well, God has a sense of humor some times.
My friend Brooke and I travelled from North Carolina to San Marcos, Nicaragua on June 5th to spend a week with our friends the Martin family. After flying over a tropical storm, we arrived safely in Nicaragua with supplies for the Martins, the local preschool, children at two Compassion International projects, and a quicinera.
Our time in Nicaragua was filled with opportunities to work alongside local the local church and local families; meet new friends and visit with friends we had met before. We were also allowed the opportunity to visit two Compassion projects, where we delivered gifts from families who sponsor children there; and we spent time with the children we sponsor and their families.
We had an amazing week! If you would like to learn more about the Martin family, their local church and their projects in Nicaragua, go to https://www.facebook.com/ImpactNica?ref=ts&fref=ts or http://condestinoanicaragua.blogspot.com/
Less than three days after we returned to the States, Brooke and I, along with several other student ministry leaders and 110 students left NC for Daytona Beach, Florida and BigStuf Camp. There was great music at camp, as always, including David Crowder. We heard Jon Acuff and Bob Goff speak about the amazing possibilities before each of us, if we're willing to step out in faith.
On Thursday, the day before we returned home, 14 people from our group were baptized in the ocean - including two siblings, and a young lady and her dad. There's something special about seeing families baptized together, and it's even more special when you witness baptisms in the enormity of the ocean.
And now, well, that's where God's sense of humor comes into play. I'm participating in #startexp. I'll explain later...
My friend Brooke and I travelled from North Carolina to San Marcos, Nicaragua on June 5th to spend a week with our friends the Martin family. After flying over a tropical storm, we arrived safely in Nicaragua with supplies for the Martins, the local preschool, children at two Compassion International projects, and a quicinera.
Our time in Nicaragua was filled with opportunities to work alongside local the local church and local families; meet new friends and visit with friends we had met before. We were also allowed the opportunity to visit two Compassion projects, where we delivered gifts from families who sponsor children there; and we spent time with the children we sponsor and their families.
We had an amazing week! If you would like to learn more about the Martin family, their local church and their projects in Nicaragua, go to https://www.facebook.com/ImpactNica?ref=ts&fref=ts or http://condestinoanicaragua.blogspot.com/
Less than three days after we returned to the States, Brooke and I, along with several other student ministry leaders and 110 students left NC for Daytona Beach, Florida and BigStuf Camp. There was great music at camp, as always, including David Crowder. We heard Jon Acuff and Bob Goff speak about the amazing possibilities before each of us, if we're willing to step out in faith.
On Thursday, the day before we returned home, 14 people from our group were baptized in the ocean - including two siblings, and a young lady and her dad. There's something special about seeing families baptized together, and it's even more special when you witness baptisms in the enormity of the ocean.
And now, well, that's where God's sense of humor comes into play. I'm participating in #startexp. I'll explain later...
Isaiah 41:13
New Living Translation (NLT)
For I hold you by your right hand—
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
I, the Lord your God.
And I say to you,
‘Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
What’s the Reality for Mothers Around the World?
What’s the Reality for Mothers Around the World?
Please read this sobering article from Compassion International.
Please read this sobering article from Compassion International.
Power
As I'm sitting on the deck of a vacation home we rented on the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, the wind and the waves remind me how powerful the forces of nature can be. A brief storm blew through the area earlier this week, and although it was a simple spring storm, the wind and rain were amazing to watch.
The street behind our house looked like a small pond by the time the storm was over. And although the storm only lasted for a couple of hours, the waves it left behind were incredible! I felt completely safe through all of it though, because I rationalized that if this house had withstood much stronger storms and even hurricanes, then I had nothing to worry about.
Life is like that too. We have storms that come in and out of our lives. We have rainy days, and the wind and waves of life may feel like they are going to overtake us at times. But if we're anchored in our faith, we have nothing to fear. We have the assurance that God will protect us, because we are His creations and he loves us more than anyone ever has or ever will.
The street behind our house looked like a small pond by the time the storm was over. And although the storm only lasted for a couple of hours, the waves it left behind were incredible! I felt completely safe through all of it though, because I rationalized that if this house had withstood much stronger storms and even hurricanes, then I had nothing to worry about.
Life is like that too. We have storms that come in and out of our lives. We have rainy days, and the wind and waves of life may feel like they are going to overtake us at times. But if we're anchored in our faith, we have nothing to fear. We have the assurance that God will protect us, because we are His creations and he loves us more than anyone ever has or ever will.
Psalm 65:5-8
5 You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds,
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
6 You formed the mountains by your power
and armed yourself with mighty strength.
7 You quieted the raging oceans
with their pounding waves
and silenced the shouting of the nations.
8 Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy.
O God our savior.
You are the hope of everyone on earth,
even those who sail on distant seas.
6 You formed the mountains by your power
and armed yourself with mighty strength.
7 You quieted the raging oceans
with their pounding waves
and silenced the shouting of the nations.
8 Those who live at the ends of the earth
stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets,
you inspire shouts of joy.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
When I started this blog, my intention was to post something inspirational on a weekly basis. Then life threw me a curve, and I got busy. Really busy.
Life transformation is a good thing, and the changes in my life have been great! But sometimes we can have difficulty adjusting to changes, especially those we don't choose for ourselves.
When someone or something 'bumps into our happy' and causes us to go through unwelcome change, we sometimes blame that person or entity.
In truth, we should blame God. And no, that's not blasphemy. God brings about change in our lives to draw us closer to Him. God wants us to seek out a relationship with him. So although it requires us to make adjustments in our lives, change is a good thing.
Life transformation is a good thing, and the changes in my life have been great! But sometimes we can have difficulty adjusting to changes, especially those we don't choose for ourselves.
When someone or something 'bumps into our happy' and causes us to go through unwelcome change, we sometimes blame that person or entity.
In truth, we should blame God. And no, that's not blasphemy. God brings about change in our lives to draw us closer to Him. God wants us to seek out a relationship with him. So although it requires us to make adjustments in our lives, change is a good thing.
Ephesians 3
20 Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Can We Have Too Many Choices?
What's for dinner? What movie are we going to see? Which pair of shoes should I wear? Which cell phone should I buy? Where are we going on vacation this year?
These are just a few questions that may cross the average person's mind. As middle-class Americans we have so many choices that our brains are constantly evaluating the options before us. We are blessed to be in a country where food, water, housing, clothing and all the tangible and intangible things that fill our lives are readily available. But do all of these choices make us happier? Are we more satisfied because we have more choices?
Too many choices can result in high expectations, which may in turn, leave us with feelings of regret and worry from missed opportunities. Barry Schwartz, psychologist and author writes, "nurture the things that really make you happy." His statement is so simple.
I've learned a few things from Dr. Schwartz statement. Assess your life and everything in it. Step back and determine what you really like. Then nurture what makes you happy and let go of the rest. You may find that simplifying your life could be fundamental on your road to happiness.
These are just a few questions that may cross the average person's mind. As middle-class Americans we have so many choices that our brains are constantly evaluating the options before us. We are blessed to be in a country where food, water, housing, clothing and all the tangible and intangible things that fill our lives are readily available. But do all of these choices make us happier? Are we more satisfied because we have more choices?
Too many choices can result in high expectations, which may in turn, leave us with feelings of regret and worry from missed opportunities. Barry Schwartz, psychologist and author writes, "nurture the things that really make you happy." His statement is so simple.
I've learned a few things from Dr. Schwartz statement. Assess your life and everything in it. Step back and determine what you really like. Then nurture what makes you happy and let go of the rest. You may find that simplifying your life could be fundamental on your road to happiness.
Luke 12:31
New Living Translation (NLT)
31 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Every Child Matters
Dr. Wess Stafford, President of Compassion International said, "If God places a child before you, and you are too busy to wield either a positive or a negative influence…you just did the latter!"
Every child matters. Whether the child is part of your family, the kid down the street, in your church's student ministry, or in a village across the world, every child desires to feel loved, wanted and that they are special in some way. While you probably shouldn't go around hugging every child you meet -- someone might call the police -- small efforts can go a long way.
Take time to tell the children in your family that you care about them. This doesn't mean that you never say "no" or that poor choices don't have consequences, but discipline is a different subject for a different time. Let your family know that you love them and you care about how they feel.
When you encounter children in your neighborhood, or your friend's children, try to find something positive to say to them. You never know when that word of encouragement is exactly what they need.
If your church offers children and student ministries, get involved. There are many, varying volunteer positions that may be offered at your church. If you don't find something there that is a good fit for you, check out local organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Many schools have mentoring programs that need volunteers to donate their time with students also.
There are also ways you can connect with children from around the world. One method is through Compassion International. By sponsoring a child in one of the 26 countries in which Compassion is located, you can make a child feel loved and wanted by sending letters and pictures of you and your family. You will receive letters from your sponsored child and will watch them grow and mature throughout the years. It's an amazing experience! For more information on how you can sponsor a child go to www.compassion.com.
Every child matters. Whether the child is part of your family, the kid down the street, in your church's student ministry, or in a village across the world, every child desires to feel loved, wanted and that they are special in some way. While you probably shouldn't go around hugging every child you meet -- someone might call the police -- small efforts can go a long way.
Take time to tell the children in your family that you care about them. This doesn't mean that you never say "no" or that poor choices don't have consequences, but discipline is a different subject for a different time. Let your family know that you love them and you care about how they feel.
When you encounter children in your neighborhood, or your friend's children, try to find something positive to say to them. You never know when that word of encouragement is exactly what they need.
If your church offers children and student ministries, get involved. There are many, varying volunteer positions that may be offered at your church. If you don't find something there that is a good fit for you, check out local organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Many schools have mentoring programs that need volunteers to donate their time with students also.
There are also ways you can connect with children from around the world. One method is through Compassion International. By sponsoring a child in one of the 26 countries in which Compassion is located, you can make a child feel loved and wanted by sending letters and pictures of you and your family. You will receive letters from your sponsored child and will watch them grow and mature throughout the years. It's an amazing experience! For more information on how you can sponsor a child go to www.compassion.com.
Psalm 127:3
New Living Translation (NLT)
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
they are a reward from him.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
What Is a Child's Life Worth?
What is a child's life worth? That seems like an obscene question, doesn't it? To anyone with children, or to those of us who have children in our lives that we care for, a child's life is priceless. Unfortunately in many areas of the world, children are regarded as chattel. They are bartered for and used as property. Human trafficking and child prostitution is shocking and sickening to us, but it's a truth we must face if we are to engage in the fight to prevent such horrific behavior.
According to ECPAT International, there are about two million victims of childhood prostitution each year. There are approximately 500,000 child prostitutes in Brazil alone. Most of these victims are under age 12. Each child can be forced to service up to 1,500 "clients" in a year. That's four predators they have to service each day; and this is happening to elementary school-age children!
The abuse has many long-term affects on the children, even after they are rescued. In China, 78% of child prostitutes acquire an STD; in Vietnam, 67% have an abortion; and in Southeast Asia, 90% of these children are infected with HIV. Almost all of these children abuse drugs and alcohol.
Most of the predators who violate these children are American (25%), German (18%), Australian (14%) and British (14%). On average, they pay $5 to abuse these innocent victims.
What can we do to help stop this tragedy? By sponsoring a child through Compassion International, you can help stop the abuse before it starts. Compassion works to prevent the abuse by being in 26 countries where human trafficking is most prominent. Compassion ensures each child that they are loved and protected. The Compassion field employees know the families and neighborhoods of each of the children and they notice when something is wrong. They can step in to stop any possible exploitation and provide safe shelter for children. They can defend the child's rights and restore them.
This is something I believe in strongly. I have been blessed to spend time in the field with Compassion. Their priority is the safety, spiritual, physical and educational development of the children in their care. Compassion works in conjunction with the local church and involves the families and communities to not only change the lives of the children, but their everyone around them as well.
So, what is a child's life worth? Is it worth $38 a month? That's the cost to sponsor a child. I ask that you consider that investment today and join us in preventing childhood prostitution and human trafficking.
http://www.compassion.com
According to ECPAT International, there are about two million victims of childhood prostitution each year. There are approximately 500,000 child prostitutes in Brazil alone. Most of these victims are under age 12. Each child can be forced to service up to 1,500 "clients" in a year. That's four predators they have to service each day; and this is happening to elementary school-age children!
The abuse has many long-term affects on the children, even after they are rescued. In China, 78% of child prostitutes acquire an STD; in Vietnam, 67% have an abortion; and in Southeast Asia, 90% of these children are infected with HIV. Almost all of these children abuse drugs and alcohol.
Most of the predators who violate these children are American (25%), German (18%), Australian (14%) and British (14%). On average, they pay $5 to abuse these innocent victims.
What can we do to help stop this tragedy? By sponsoring a child through Compassion International, you can help stop the abuse before it starts. Compassion works to prevent the abuse by being in 26 countries where human trafficking is most prominent. Compassion ensures each child that they are loved and protected. The Compassion field employees know the families and neighborhoods of each of the children and they notice when something is wrong. They can step in to stop any possible exploitation and provide safe shelter for children. They can defend the child's rights and restore them.
This is something I believe in strongly. I have been blessed to spend time in the field with Compassion. Their priority is the safety, spiritual, physical and educational development of the children in their care. Compassion works in conjunction with the local church and involves the families and communities to not only change the lives of the children, but their everyone around them as well.
So, what is a child's life worth? Is it worth $38 a month? That's the cost to sponsor a child. I ask that you consider that investment today and join us in preventing childhood prostitution and human trafficking.
http://www.compassion.com
Friday, January 4, 2013
No Worries
I had a conversation with someone yesterday who said one of her goals for 2013 was to try to worry less about things that are out of her control. That is a great idea for all of us.
Worrying may add wrinkles, stress and maybe even a headache or an ulcer, but it accomplishes nothing.
A wise man once said if you are worried about something, you should put it out of your thoughts for a week. If the issue still exists after a week, pray about it. He had two points in his statement. The first point was that after a week, whatever issue you were worried about would probably resolve itself. The second point was that if the issue was so big that it wasn't resolved within a week; then you should hand it over to God, and have faith that God will take care of you.
When we pray about our concerns, and then continue to worry about them, its as though we are saying that we don't think God can take care of our concerns, and us. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." So when you pray, have faith that God will take care of your needs. As Beth Moore often says, "Let go, and let God."
Worrying may add wrinkles, stress and maybe even a headache or an ulcer, but it accomplishes nothing.
A wise man once said if you are worried about something, you should put it out of your thoughts for a week. If the issue still exists after a week, pray about it. He had two points in his statement. The first point was that after a week, whatever issue you were worried about would probably resolve itself. The second point was that if the issue was so big that it wasn't resolved within a week; then you should hand it over to God, and have faith that God will take care of you.
When we pray about our concerns, and then continue to worry about them, its as though we are saying that we don't think God can take care of our concerns, and us. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see." So when you pray, have faith that God will take care of your needs. As Beth Moore often says, "Let go, and let God."
Matthew 6:24-33
New Living Translation (NLT)
24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
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