On My Mind

Human Trafficking Awareness Month

2012-01-30T09:53:00.000-08:00

January has been Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Though January is coming to an end, the reality of human trafficking has not. In Nashville, 28 Somalians are now going to trial for the role they’ve played in child sex trafficking--transporting pre-teens and teens between three states and forcing them to engage in commercial sex acts.
In Dallas/Fort Worth area, the trafficker of a 13 year old girl is going to trial. “This little girl has been sentenced to a lifetime of horrific memories.” (Traffick911). World Vision has advocated for the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act to protect enslaved and exploited children around the world. Unfortunately, politics (US) is playing a part in preventing this Act to go through. I have posted some of these articles if you’re interested in reading more. And don’t get me started on “Superbowl Sunday” when hundreds of young girls and women will be bought and sold for the pleasure of men before, during, and after the game. If you can do nothing else, please PRAY for these children, many who have been forced, threatened, and abducted into these situations. West VA is one of 2 states with no law against human trafficking.

Surgery

2012-01-10T15:35:00.001-08:00

January 9
The fun has begun. Woke up about 6 a.m. to get ready for outpatient surgery--a DNC and removal of a polyp. I never look forward to being “put under” but it is recommended for this procedure.
We ran in to a bit of traffic but made it just 10 minutes late. Well, now the waiting begins. The Women’s Center didn’t send over my orders and there’s no bed available for me. It’s 7:30
I’m nervous as it is and these delays don’t make me feel any better. But on the up side--the bathrooms have toilet seat covers. HA! (something you don’t normally see in the south)
Cory’s been praying Psalm 91 for me, a chapter we’ve prayed for each other over the years. Vs. 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the most high will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. ...He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.”
And another verse that was part of yesterdays sermon--Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, he will never let the righteous fall, 23b But as for me, I trust in You.
8:18 still waiting
This is the year of writing letters to doctors/clinics here. Last week I had to write mom’s doctor because of a rude nurse. I heard right back from someone in the office, then the next day from the director of nurses of Williamson Co. Vanderbilt clinics. She wasn’t happy and was going to take action.
Next I wrote to Cool Springs Imaging (a bit late) because of the scare they gave me last year after my mammogram--saying it was abnormal then saying it wasn’t. The tech pushed the wrong button and therefore sent the wrong letter. Jim talked with 3 other people that weekend, as I waited to get that straightened out, that had similar experiences there. You don’t make a mistake like that for anyone but particularly a breast cancer survivor. Plus, I had another exam a couple of year prior that gave me a wrong diagnosis. So, I will no longer go to that clinic.
8:30--1-1/2 hrs. later--finally checking in. Thing is, my doctor knew I wasn’t a morning person, ha. Well, less time in the room, unless the surgery is moved back.
8:43--finally in my room. No coat hooks and the closet has no hangers. Hook in the bathroom for clothes though. Dressed in good and non-skid sox and layed in bed.
First person in--a young man to do an EKG and one to draw blood. Strange he had a scanner to check my wristband against his info. Then of course the nurses began coming in.
I was wheeled back to surgery at I’m not sure what time--no clocks on the walls. After a short wait the anesthesiologist stopped by and then the surgeon. I was knocked out and taken to surgery at 10:15. I had no idea about anything until I was back in my room at noon. I dozed off and on, the ceiling was moving and the trees outside--and not from the wind. The nurses were in and out every hour and I was able to leave at 3.
The hospital experience wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. I was happy with the staff and the doctor. I rested the remainder of the day.
Thursday--just heard from the doctor--the polyp was benign.
I appreciate all the prayers sent up for me. God is good.

Waiting.....

2011-12-17T19:09:00.000-08:00

Over the past week I’ve been in and out of the doctors. It started with my annual checkup and I’m ending the week with a uterine biopsy. What’s going on? Well, for the past 4-1/2 years I’ve been on three different medicines for my breast cancer. This last medicine, however, has caused some problems that would be from Tamoxifen. From the beginning, doctors wanted me to go on this particular medicine but I was afraid of blood clots (a side effect). The first 2 meds that I was on caused pain and swelling in my ankles and hands; I wanted some relief from that. So about a year or so ago, I decided to give Tamoxifen a try. Well, was it worth it? I’ll never really know, though my hands and feet are better. Not only does Tamoxifen cause blood clots, it also causes uterine cancer (I’m trying to eliminate cancer). So, here I am getting ultrasounds and now a biopsy. They think it’s probably just a thickened lining but there was a 3cm mass. And now comes the waiting.....
Is cancer on my mind? Yeah, sure it is. Am I trying not to go there? Yeah, I am trying. I realize there is always a chance of the cancer monster attacking. But I try not to let it get the better of me. All this to say--I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why do things like this start us thinking?

Since I was diagnosed with cancer, I’ve done some soul searching. Not as much or as diligently as I should have I suppose, but nonetheless. I guess you could say I’m in the winter of my life, or at least the late fall and I’m wanting to finish well. A video posted on my Facebook today once again reminded me that we should be about our Father’s business. Clayton (the boy in the video) did just that. He lived out John 3:16 during his short life of 18 years. He still blesses us, teaches us, and reminds us that God is the answer. So how am I going to finish? Will it be the way I have been for the past few years, doing pretty much nothing? Or will I be about MY Father’s business?

A Heart for Africa

2011-10-27T22:10:00.000-07:00

(Written a while back.)
For the past few days I have been watching videos and looking through pictures of African children. Children in the Kibera slums o Nairobi, Kenya having AWANA. Amazing the number of children that come to hear the word of God and play AWANA games. Then there are pictures of children in Tanzania and Ugand.
I’be been asked to pray for the children of Tanzania as well as all of Africa. It’s awesome to see God working throughout the continent.
Why is my heart being gripped by the children of Africa? What is it about these ids that has such a strong pull?
I think the first country I felt drawn to was Sudan. It was when I heard someone from Voice of the Martyrs speak on the persecuted church in that country. I’ve never had a particular country that I felt I was solely interested in.
When working with AWANA, we adopted a club in Zimbabwe. We corresponded with the AWANA missionary over the years and talked over the phone when he was in the states. We finally got to meet him this year when he stayed with us for a week. He is now Director of AWANA for the entire continent of Africa. (I blogged his visit several months ago.)

California Dreamin'

2011-09-03T21:56:00.001-07:00

I’ve spent the past 3 weeks in CA and I must say I have enjoyed my time. The first 2 weeks were spent at the beach, the pier, Disneyland and with nieces and nephews. This past week I have been catching up with old friends in my hometown of Atascadero and Paso Robles. It has been such a blessing. I have been inspired by a few of them.
I have one friend who just amazes me. She’s battling breast cancer again and going through chemo. However, did that keep her from doing what she loves? No, not at all. She waited by the phone to see if her white blood cells had gone up at all so she could have her treatment the following day. They had and she bounced up to head for Morro Bay so she could paddle with the dragon boat ladies. 22 on the boat, all but a couple survivors of cancer. How exciting that was to watch. The team competes with other dragon boaters around the state. The following morning, before her chemo, she went to 2 exercise classes and the next morning climbed Cerro Alto before coming to say goodbye at the park. She’s such an inspiration. I think I’ll try a little harder to take a longer walk.
Next I visited S. She has been extremely busy caring for her mother, but she took the time to serve lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up and she always has a little encouraging word or food for thought. I think I’ll try a little harder to eat healthier.
I’ve struggled the past few years about what I should be doing with the rest of my life. I have been trying to figure it all out. P has an independent study program set me on the path to doing a little research and putting together some ideas for field trips and science. I think I’ll try a little harder to work on some plans.
These last 2 days I have spent with a dear friend whom I hadn’t seen in 3 years. We did some catching up, shed a few tears, went to the beach twice and took a walk through the manzanita forest on their property. The kids were amazing--a 3 year old telling me about Toyon berries and a little girl that can make a shelter. I think I’ll try a little harder to teach my little guy a more about nature and to take better care of the environment.
I also met a few more at the park. It was nice they could stop by. I got to hear some terrific kids recite their Bible verses they had memorized. Not just 1 verse, but an entire passage. Nice job C family. I think I’ll try a little harder to memorize a Scripture myself.
Thanks for all the inspiration friends. I hope I can stick with it.

Leavin' On A Jet Plane...eventually!

2011-08-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Well, here’s how my day’s been. Got up early to talk to oncologist about the letter I received Saturday from imaging saying my mammogram was abnormal and I needed followup after I was told everything was fine. (is that a run-on sentence) I was reassured there must have been a mistake. They had me fax the letter to investigate. In the mean time, I called the imaging place again and she was all apologetic saying she didn’t know how she could have made such a mistake she was so sorry. I didn’t make a big stink but I’m thinking, this was the 2nd time for me and talking to 3 other people this weekend who’ve had problems, it makes me think they need to do something about it. And of course, I’m freaking out all this time wondering “What if...” Yes, I know what I should have been doing, but still....
Then, there was the problem with my bank. The other night, Cory and I were ordering our Disneyland tickets. The site wouldn’t allow me to purchase them together so after ordering mine, we went back to order hers. For some reason it wouldn’t work, over and over again. So, she used a different account. I then received an email saying they had blocked my account because of unusual activity. They wanted to make sure it was me making purchases. I’m not sure why they couldn’t call me to ask. And of course, this happened over the weekend so had to work it out this morning. That got straightened out.
Then, I had to get temporary insurance cards in case I drive while in California. We never received our new ones. The others expired in May.
To top it all off, we get to the airport only to find our flight delayed. Well, we had an inkling when we looked up our flight status online before leaving. We were to leave at 5:35 pm and were told to be on time in case the delay was adjusted. We went through security early and I had a voice message on my phone from the airline saying we wouldn’t be leaving until 7:10. That’s fine, but that would give us little time to connect in Las Vegas. So, we talk to the attendant and the flight in Vegas would be delayed also so shouldn’t be a problem. I hope not. I really don’t want to spend the night in the Las Vegas airport. Our plane is delayed due to bad weather conditions in Florida. Don’t you think a meal voucher would be nice?
So, here I sit, starting my vacation blog earlier than intended. But no problem, I’ve been wanting something to write about.
Let’s see, what’s going on in the Nashville airport? Oh, watch your step, you might trip over one of those names dropping on the floor. And then I had to move because of the smell of collard greens and mac and cheese across from me. There is live music close by at Tootsies Orchid Lounge. You can also find a Tootsie’s on Broadway, downtown.
Okay, so we finally got to board our plane around 7:15. Cory and I didn’t have any trouble finding seats together, in fact we had an extra seat. Just hope we make it to our connecting flight on time. The flight has been okay. Only once, so far, was there some turbulence and they had to turn on the “buckle your seat belt” sign. We did get a snack and drink, though I opted not to drink my Sprite, after seeing the flight attendant smashing the ice with a can, I figured I could do without. Trying to keep my legs moving. There is plenty of leg room which is nice. The plane has 2 rows of 3 seats each.
This seems to be a long flight. Well, we arrive in Las Vegas and we’re told the next plane was waiting for us, along with several others that need to catch their flights to various places. I was told that the Vegas airport was small, so I’m thinking maybe a little bigger than San Luis. How wrong I was! I think we walked a mile from one concourse to the other. As we were trying to rush, the pilot was there telling us not to worry, they were waiting for us. Besides, there were others that got there after we did. Though quite a bit of turbulence, the flight seemed like 10 minutes rather than 45. We arrived safely, Bennett and Rachel met us at baggage and all of our bags arrived as well.
We talked awhile then I finally went to bed, it was 3:15 a.m. by then, TN time.

California or Bust!

2011-08-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

I’m really looking forward to our trip to California. It has been 3 years too long since I was home. I know home is where the heart is or where the family is; my family is in Tennessee but my heart is still in California.
There have been some good times here in Tennessee. I’ve seen some interesting and amazing things like the Great Smokey Mountains--in the snow, going back in the fall for colors; the Natchez Trace, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Amicalola Falls in North Georgia. Seeing where the Amish live was another interesting place to visit. We enjoy the fresh vegetables in the summer.
I do enjoy the thunderstorms but the tornados are quite scary-especially the ones that hit in nearby states--taking out so many homes. When the sirens go off, it’s in to the closet we go.
We’ve also been able to reconnect with some of mom’s relatives. She’s from Mississippi and Dad was from Arkansas, where I lived in first and second grades. It was fun to see mom’s birthplace, Duck Hill, MS and we even drove through West Memphis, Arkansas where I lived. It wasn’t the same of course.
I think we’ve had more visitors here--my sister and niece came from Hawaii one Christmas, another niece and her two teens from CA and our friend from Alaska.
We got to attend the Dove Awards at the Grand Ole Opry and the after party. Saw Nickel Creek at the Ryman and Peter Andrews at Christmas. I so wish to see Emmylou Harris at the Ryman, and I’d love to see Reba and the Judd’s.
We’ve had some great times with friends Bethany and Shannon throughout the year and some holidays. And of course I’ve enjoyed having Elijah once a week for the past few years, watching him grow up.

The Road To Tennessee

2011-08-08T18:50:00.000-07:00

In 2007 we decided to move to Tennessee. Carey had taken a job with Provident Music the year before and we had driven her car and some of her things out to her new “home”. At the time, Caleb was in L.A. ready to move to Portland and Cory was in Madagascar. Charley was up for it so we thought, “Why not!” California was getting expensive so thought we’d try out life in the south.
Jim could retire from Von’s/Safeway and we could all try to get work once we were in Tennessee. We had lined up a condo to move in to, about 45 minutes from Nashville.
However, as I look back, maybe we shouldn’t have made the move. I’ve thought of that more than once. It could look like coincidences to some, but I think it was more than that.
I believe that sometimes we may want something so badly that God allows us to have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it was the best for us. Let me explain.
We had planned on moving the first of March. Boxes were packed, everything was lined up and we were getting last minute appointments taken care of. I was overdue for a mammogram, so decided to go ahead and get one before leaving. Then on February 27, 2007--two days before our move--I get the dreaded news: “Breast Cancer”. After meeting with a surgeon, we decided I’d go ahead and get the treatment I needed before the move.
Jim called work and was able to keep his job. Also, the landlord let us stay in our condo.
I had a lumpectomy two days later and then went through radiation. Everything went well. When I think about it, this was our first roadblock.
The next round of frustration was in Camarillo--the moving van broke down. We called Penske from the motel where we were staying and they brought another truck to switch out all of our belongings. It took longer than expected so we stayed an extra night. (Roadblock #2)
We made it to Tennesse, just missing one tornado, and we moved in. It was good to see Carey and her friends Shannon and Bethany, who helped us out. Things were going okay, Jim found a job after only 3-4 weeks and Charley soon after.
In October, Cory had to return to the states from Madagascar because of some severe breathing issues. Of course, she hadn’t planned to come back, especially come back to Tennessee, allergy capital of the USA. She had left California, not the deep south. However, she needed treatments and was soon settled in. ( I guess that could be considered sort of like a roadblock.)
Then, in November, Carey lost her job. (Roadblock #3) She found another good job soon after but lost that one less than a year later. (Roadblock #4?) She is now a fulltime nanny.
In December, Mom decided to leave Hawaii and move in with us. So, again we had a house full.
I had good intentions to start some science classes with homeschoolers in the area, but that didn’t happen. A different breed of homeschoolers here I’m afraid. (Struck out again.)
I had also hoped to get involved with Sudanese refugees in the area since they were numerous. I did for a short time--not first hand but by writing a curriculum for their after school program. I don’t even know if it was used. Communication is difficult here I’ve found.
I also tried getting involved with missions but as far as that got me was helping with a Perspectives class when we first got here. My intentions may have been good-but my follow through failed. Maybe it just wasn’t meant to be. Or, perhaps I should have been more persistent.

After all of this, not a pity party, but an account of happenings, here is a list of things that did happen:
helped with Perspectives
wrote the after school curriculum for Sudanese children
wrote four literature workbooks for school children (a flop)
went through a real FUNK for almost a year after our two month journey to Madagascar
thoroughly enjoyed working with Elijah once a week--he brings a smile to my face

There have been some Highlights to our four years in Tennessee:
4 seasons--loving the snow (not the tornados)
Appalachias
Amicalola Falls (in Georgia)
Smokey Mountains
Radnor Lake
Jackson Falls
Natchez Trace
BBQ all over the place
downtown Franklin and Nashville
Ryman Theater
Chattanooga
McKay’s used bookstore
being in touch with relatives after many years (MS, GA, TX)
attended the DOVE awards at the Grand Ole Opry and after party
have spotted several stars around town and a few at church
Grace Chapel in Leiper’s Fork, TN
Amish country

People I would miss:
Shannon and Bethany
Elijah and his family
Gavin and his family
Hayes and his family

So there ya have it. A different lifestyle? Yes, definitely!
Totally a waste of time? No, not really! There have been some good times, happy times!
But I truly am missing the West Coast, my friends, my family, Moe’s, Pepper Plant, Sees, In ‘N Out, Chili Peppers, and of course, the ocean. Not sure how long we’ll be here, but I get to visit CA in a week. It’s been over 3 years so I’m definitely looking forward to it. Can you truly go home? I hope so.

Georgia On My Mind....again!

2011-08-07T12:38:00.001-07:00

Wednesday I got up at 7:30 a.m. (early for me) and got ready to leave for Georgia. Jim came back with a blue Corolla, we packed up and headed south. Around noon we stopped in Ringgold to see the damage from the April tornado that hit--a lot of damage and 9 lives lost.
One stop we made later made me laugh--Biscuits, Bait and BBQ and Tasty Tenders. Now, I love homemade biscuits and enjoy a good bbq, but with bait? I don’t think so.
On the road to Amicalola Falls we ran in to a little rain. We stopped at an Apple Farm for a few peaches and nectarines, along with a couple of delicious apple fritters and the rain poured down.
We arrived at the park around 4, picked up some maps at the Visitor Center and checked in to our room at the lodge. We found a spot close by for a picnic and ate a late lunch.
We decided we’d drive over to Dahlonega, a cute little gold mining town, to look for souvenirs to take back to California. Well, we arrived about 10 minutes before the town closed down, except for the fudge shop and the pizzaria. We picked up some fudge and hot out of the oven garlic rolls drenched in garlic butter.
We headed back to the lodge and Cory and I took a short walk around the loop trail. We watched a little TV then headed to bed.
What is it about nature that is so soothing, so healing, so serene? I love being out in nature, creation. I’m not an avid hiker--though I enjoy hiking. Not much of a camper, but I could be. But still, I love the mountains. I also love the ocean and even enjoy spending time in the flower beds.
It has been terrific seeing mountain ranges that I’ve never seen. I had been to the Rockies and Sierras but now I’ve seen the Smokey Mountains and the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’ve walked on the old Natchez Trace and the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail, and I’ve been extremely close to the Trail of Tears.
For the next 2 days, I’ll be at the Amicalola Falls. I love it here. The view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is covered with a foggy mist. It does give it a bit of a blue haze.
The last time we were here was last October, when fall colors of orange, yellow and red covered the mountains. Now that it’s summer, the trees are green. It’s such a peaceful place. The back porch area is lined with big wooden rockers looking out over the mountains.
Tomorrow we’ll do some hiking on a few trails and enjoy the falls.
Thursday: We woke up this morning with a view of fog, lined with trees. We went down for our breakfast and now Cory and I are sitting on the porch waiting for the skies to clear. It is so nice out. Not too hot or humid yet. We plan to go hiking once we let our food to digest. Later we may go back to Dahlonega and to Helen, a little German town. Jim prefers staying in the room watching TV it seems.
It would be nice if there were bird feeders out on the deck to see more birds of the area. I haven’t seen too many, but did see a couple of squirrels and a deer and two ducks. On our hikes today, I saw a striped lizard, a few bullfrogs croaking loudly, bullfrog tadpoles and a trout being caught.
We went to Dahlonega again. Didn’t find much at the general store but got two glass creamers at the antique mall for $3 and a Disney Chevron car for $7. 2 kids sit in the car with Mickey Mouse ears.
Next we headed to Helen. It was quite hot and humid. We found a picnic table by the river to have a picnic lunch. There were lots of people in the water, tubing down the river, in bright pink and neon green inner tubes. We had seen a group earlier that take off from one destination and a bus picks them up at the end. Little kids--teens--adults--a grandma--some tied together--some singles--some with a stick to push off the rocks.
One little girl got out of her tube after losing her stick. Her friend wouldn’t stop--they were lashed together. She was running down the river trying to catch her inner tube. Fortunately for her, she had on sandals.
We walked around town--similar to Solvang--but German instead of Danish. We stepped into a few shops just to beat the heat and of course we couldn’t leave without a funnel cake to share. Since we never know when the fair is and we couldn’t make it to Paso’s fair, we got our grease saturated treat and went back to the lodge. Well, first we got lost. We took the wrong turn but we ended up finding something to eat for dinner.
We had decided we were too tired to go to the outlet mall or to get anything to eat because we were still full from the funnel cake. But Jim discovered we were going the wrong way back so we stopped for take out before getting back to our room. It’s not always easy to figure out the signs we’re supposed to be following. We ate our dinner out on the back porch of the lodge and then Cory and I just sat and rocked. It was pretty crowded out but still pretty quiet.
Friday: We got up and had breakfast at 9. Each morning we had 2 free breakfast buffets. The first morning, the waitress only charged Cory the child’s price, then this morning, the waitress gave us another free meal because of a wait. After breakfast, we went on the fitness trail--a mile walk through the woods.
Cory and I then sat on the back porch for awhile. It was just so nice, quiet, peaceful with the fog lifting, vultures and hawks soaring overhead. Cory and I enjoy listening to the quiet.
Just before check out, we packed up and headed to the top of the falls for a few pictures. We then drove down to the approach trail to the approach trail to the Appalachian Trail. Now that first approach trail is about a mile up and down the side of the mountain. I would love to walk the second approach trail and actually set foot on the Appalachian Trail. However, 8 miles in and turn around and walk the 8 miles back, and not knowing how strenuous, and getting a permit--well, we didn’t try it.
After our hike, we stopped off at the nature center for one last look then took off. We had to stop off at the Apple Farm to get more peaches in Ellijay. They’re delicious and I’m hoping mom will want to make a peach cobbler. We also got more of those apple fritters and a few other goodies.
Well, I really didn’t want to leave. I love the mountains. Actually, I prefer the mountains to the beach. I do miss the ocean though, now that I’ve lived in a landlocked state for 4 years and haven’t seen the ocean for at least 3 years. So, yes, I’m looking forward to my next trip--California Here I Come.

No Longer a Slumdog

2011-08-06T21:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I ordered my free copy of No Longer a Slumdog by K. P. Yohannan. Some of you may know that Mr. Yohannan is the founder and international director of Gospel for Asia which brings hope to the people of India. The book is filled with stories of children rescued from dark situations and brought into one of the Bridge of Hope centers in their community. Here they learn that they are special in the eyes of the Lord. The children are given an education, basic necessities and health care. The community benefits as well with health education, vocational training and literacy classes. It is a program that we can get involved with by sponsoring a child for $28 per month.
There are 50 million child laborers in India alone and 1.2 million children are trafficked as slaves and prostitutes each year. In Matthew 18:10, Jesus said, “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” The dictionary states the word “despise” means “to regard as unworthy of one’s interest or concern.” Jesus sees, He cares, and He feels the pain of these children.
Calcutta alone is home to more than 100,000 street children. They are left to fend for themselves.
In India, there are 11 million children who have been abandoned, and 90% of them are girls. Three million of these end up living on the streets. (Operation World)
According to UNICEF, more than 1 billion children around the world are deprived of one or more of these essentials: adequate shelter, food, safe water, sanitation, health care or education.
Some of the most disturbing information that I learned from this book was about the Dalit’s or Untouchables. I’ve heard them mentioned before but this gave me a closer look. Dalit literally means “broken,” “crushed” or “oppressed.” They are the lowest rung of the ladder in Hindu society. They are considered to be polluted or unclean. If they touch someone of a higher caste, the upper caste would supposedly become contaminated. How sad to be thought of in this way.
Psalm 10:17-18 says “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, in order that man, who is of the earth, may terrify no more.”
For more information about Gospel for Asia, go to www.gfa.org.

Control or Out of Control

2011-08-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Control--it doesn’t have to be cutting to make us hurt. There can be physical pain of course, but there is also heartache, emotional pain. Voices--or noises--in our head sometimes won’t go away. I’ve had times with no peace in my head. There were many nights I couldn’t sleep. No peace. And I know the biggest peace giver--He gives peace like no one can. But peace was nonexistent.
I’m listening to the song “Control” by JJ Heller and it brings back memories. Me, I’ve come a long way but many nights I needed something to take the place of those “noises” swarming around up there. Music or videos on the ipod had to put me to sleep.
Sleep doesn’t/didn’t often come til 2 or 3 in the morning. I could have spent those hours praying but I was too restless--I couldn’t focus--I couldn’t think. It’s been slowly getting better. Sleep comes easier now.
During that time, I found a church where I felt safe and could heal. The worship was what I needed. The messages touched my heart once again.
“Beauty Will Rise” (Steven Curtis Chapman) from the ashes in the troubles and trials we may go through. “We know joy is coming in the morning....So take another breath for now and let the tears come washing down-and if you can’t believe, I’ll believe for you cause I have seen the signs of spring.”
(“Heaven is the Face” Stephen Curtis Chapman)
“God, you know, I just can’t SEE beyond the door,
But in my minds eye I can SEE a place where your glory fills every empty space.
All the cancer is gone
Every mouth is fed
And there’s no one left in the orphan’s bed
And no more not enough
And there’s no more enemy.”
I love that--every mouth is fed, no one left in the orphans bed. Jesus does care for these little ones, the least of these. He will one day ease their pain. He will one day hold them in His arms. Until then, what are we waiting for? He has given us a job to do. It’s amazing to see others take these little ones into their arms, hearts and homes and give them a safe place to live. A home. Blessed are those who are parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, those who serve in orphanages, in the slums of Kibera or in the dumps of Ecuador.
I love that the cancer will be gone. I lost a brother and father to cancer. I’ve had cancer. My sister has had cancer. It’s a scary thing so we put our hope in Jesus. He is the Healer. He is the Great Physician.
I was on the border of belief and unbelief. I knew in my head I needed to believe but I chose to begin wondering why. And I hear a song that helps me see truth again.
(“I Will Trust You” SCC)
“...And I will trust you, even though I don’t understand,
even then I will say again you are my God
And I will trust you
“Jesus Will Meet You There” because “Spring Is Coming”.
When I first listened to Steven Curtis Chapman’s CD, “Beauty Will Rise”, I cried. I cried through every song. I had also just read, MaryBeth Chapman’s book, Choosing To See. That also helped to put the songs into perspective. This was his first record since his daughter Maria went to heaven. I can’t even begin to feel his pain, or that of his family. But as I listened again yesterday, on the way to the mountains, without tears I might add, the songs spoke another story for me. I’m thankful for music--how it speaks to me personally--how it related on different levels to what I may be going through or a friend or loved one.
That was just “On My Mind”.

Who's Your Neighbor?

2011-07-12T22:24:00.000-07:00

God tells us in John 13:34 to love one another. That may be easy with family and friends. But when we are asked to widen the circle of our loving relationships to strangers in our community or around the world, it may become a challenge. We may ask:
Who is my neighbor?
What does loving them look like?
How do I respond?

If we are to be disciples of Jesus, we must love one another as God loved us. Not only love, but love as Jesus loves us.
People all around us are “our neighbors”, not just the ones that live next door to us. God has commanded us to love our neighbors. Someone in the Middle East suffering from war-induced hunger, needs to be fed. A homeless person asking for money may enjoy a good meal, a shower and a bed. A young boy in Tanzania is denied the opportunity to attend school because he can’t afford the mandatory uniform or school supplies. Perhaps I could provide that uniform and send needed supplies. Many women in developing nations walk miles each day to bring even dirty water to their families. I could raise money for a well or donate to a project of this sort. Two million children a year are forced into labor or prostitution to earn income. Young people like Zach Hunter, a young abolitionist, are freeing slaves by going without a fast food meal for instance. Two thousand children die each day from malaria, which has been eradicated in North America and Europe. So why hasn’t the problem been solved in the rest of the world? Doesn’t anyone care about these children? Governments need to step up and help their people. We can provide mosquito nets for a family for less than $10 which will help save lives. Women and children fleeing domestic violence and living in shelters or on the streets may not have health care. Again, governments and NGO’s need to continue working on this problem. Provide health care for less and provide health clinics in more villages, like Victor and his NGO are doing in Madagascar--training the people to dispense medicine and build small clinics to provide health care. If nothing else, I should be able to advocate for each of these causes. Let others become aware of the plight around the world. I could also do some fundraising and I could go.

Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has annointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed,
What leaves a deep impression on you about Jesus’ life and ministry on earth?

Thoughts on "Precious in His Sight"

2011-07-12T22:16:00.000-07:00

There are over 2 billion children in the world. Half of them live in poverty, living off of less than $1.00 a day. 10,198 children will die from hunger today. Each child was created by God and no matter where they live or what their circumstance, they should be free to be all God intended them to be. They live in their own part of the world and God loves each and every one of them. We have been blessed to be a blessing to these children. How can we help? The numbers are too many. 100 million children have no access to an education--60 million of those children are girls. There are things we can do to help. We can pray for these precious little ones. We can advocate on their behalf--telling others what needs to be told even though, often times, no one wants to hear. We can go to the least of these, care for them, bless them, provide for them, teach them. It hurts knowing there are so many children in desperate situations around the world and even in our own country.
We need to meet their needs both spiritually and physically--simultaneously--they go hand in hand. These children have real lives, real hopes and real dreams. What am I going to do to help meet those needs and help make those dreams come true?

Re-evaluating!

2011-06-03T21:13:00.001-07:00

Life has no guarantees! We need to live life to its fullest while we can. This rings so true to me this week when I heard some devastating news from a friend. I do believe our lives are in God’s hands. He knows the end of our story. However, what can we do to live our lives in a way that is pleasing to the Lord, and one with meaning?
This week I received an email for World Vision ACT:S summer bucket list. Though this group is geared towards college students, I began advocating with them a couple of years ago. They list ideas to get involved in a cause or issue that you are passionate about. One of the suggestions is to make your own “bucket list”. You’ve seen that going around, things you want to do or accomplish in your lifetime. Well, I never thought of doing that before, making a list that is, but maybe I will. It’s interesting that I got this news and bucket list on the same day. Or is it?
For the past few months I’ve been re-evaluating my life. Why? Well, for the past four years (the time we’ve been living in Tennessee), I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time. I haven’t been doing any ministry except for a couple of small projects. I’ve tried to get involved with homeschoolers, to no avail. So, I’ve wondered, “Why am I even here?”.
Since reading and studying David Platt’s book, Radical, and participating in World Vision’s ACT:S ReLentless during April, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking. Thinking about what? Thinking about what I’m doing versus what I should be doing with my life.
I don’t believe that I was put on this earth to sit idly by while thousands of children die each day due to preventable diseases and millions are going to spend eternity in hell because they have never heard about Jesus.
If God didn’t care about orphans, widows, the poor and needy, and the oppressed, why did He bother putting around 2,000 verses in the Bible on those topics? Why should we care? Why should I care? Because God does!
So what will I do with what I’ve heard, learned, read, studied? Well, I believe I should go to God in prayer and ask Him what I can be doing, what I should be doing.
I keep thinking back to a time when I wondered about the children in developing nations who don’t have the opportunity for an education--perhaps they can’t pay for school fees, can’t buy a uniform, books or even a pair of shoes. Perhaps, they must work, or beg, to eat each day. Maybe they are caring for their siblings while parents work. Then, there is a chance that some of these children don’t have parents so they become the parent and must forgo school. Why do they have so little and we have so much? Could it be that God blessed us so that we could bless others? This is still an interest of mine and has been for several years.
Father, help me to be a blessing to someone.

Gardening Brings Peace

2011-05-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

I must say I love to work in the garden. Actually, I don’t have much of one but I do consider my flower beds garden also. I’ve often gone out to pull weeds and dig in the dirt when I’m sad, or angry, frustrated or depressed. It just seems to make me feel better. Yesterday I went out to work the beds because I was a little sad. My yard has the worse case of weed infestation and “devil” grass. I’ll explain later. It’s quite disturbing since the neighbor to the right of me has a lush, thick carpet of green surrounding his house. The yard across the street is similar and down on the corner as well. I love green. I love walking barefoot in soft, thick, grass. However, the landlord didn’t have the same idea. The tradition in the south for laying grass seed, is to put a layer of straw/hay over the top. Maybe that’s like a mulch, to keep the moisture in. However, I’m thinking, where is this straw/hay coming from? From a field someplace that contains weeds? That’s what I’m thinking. Plus, there are a couple of other reasons why I feel I have weeds. Anyway, as I was removing weeds from my flower beds, and trying to remove the “devil grass” (aka Bermuda grass) I began thinking about allegories.
I see the weeds in the yard as sins in our lives or trials we face. They become a pain and left unattended their roots dig deep into the ground (and into our lives). The Bermuda grass is that noxious grass that grows out further and further, laying down roots as it grows. It reminds me of Satan, slithering around attacking us. Each root it lays down is another jab or fiery dart trying to bring us down. So I get a little aggressive when trying to remove this grass from my beds, trying to devour the beautiful flowers and bushes, trying to strangle their beauty. It’s tiring work, and when there is too much it may take days to remove, but it looks so much nicer when finished. God is the Master Gardener. He created all of the beauty of springtime. Yes, he even created the weeds and Bermuda grass. He makes everything good. He’s also our Master Gardener, that is, if we let him. He created us, tends us, prunes us, lovingly speaks to us and wants to keep the fiery darts (or weeds) from choking us. He loves us that much--more than we might love our gardens.

Malaria No More

2011-04-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

No child should die because of a mosquito bite. Together, we can end malaria in our lifetime.
Malaria is near and dear to our family, because Cory has had malaria several times. She lived in Madagascar, Africa for 8 years and contracted malaria for the first time during her first year there.

Many people who live in Africa and other countries as well are susceptible to a mosquito bite.

How can this dreaded disease be stopped? Well, one way is by providing bed nets treated with insecticides. One $6 bed net is large enough to protect 2 children or more for about 4 years.

Why is this cause important? Because more than 2,000 children die each day from malaria. (some sources say 3,000)

Malaria is a potentially fatal infection of the blood that is caused by a protozoan parasite called Plasmodium. An infection occurs when a person is bitten by a mosquito that carries the parasite.

Malaria is preventable and treatable. However, each year, 350-500 million people are infected with malaria. African children under the age of five account for 75% of those who die--that's 3,000 children each day and 20% of ALL childhood deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. (source: UNICEF)

Malaria endangers pregnant mothers and babies. It is responsible for as many as 10,000 maternal deaths a year. Women who contract malaria during pregnancy can run the risk of maternal anemia, spontaneous abortions and stillborn children. Their children may suffer from impaired fetal growth, premature birth or low birth weight.

Malaria symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and joint aches. If left untreated, malaria can develop into cerebral malaria that can cause a coma and even death.

Let's put an end to malaria. Bite Back! Donate $6 per bed net to World Vision or $10 per net to Compassion International!

HELP SAVE A LIFE!

Malaria--Cory's Story

2011-04-25T10:36:00.000-07:00

Since today is World Malaria Day I thought it fitting to post Cory's encounter with the disease. (This is a little different version than last years post.)

I remember when I first got malaria in Madagascar in 1999 on an outreach.
I was with a team of about ten people, and I was the only 'white' person. The outreach had started out fine, until I started to feel sick. I didn't know what it was, but I had the chills, stomach ache, and loss of appetite. After a day or so, I was getting worse and so we called for a doctor. He came and knew right away it was malaria. I was put on some medication and then later a nurse came to start giving me shots. I had to have three shots, once a day. The following days, I still couldn't eat much and I had to pretty much wobble to get to the bathroom (which was outside) since I felt dizzy getting up and was completely weak. During this period, my teammates had to leave for an overnight trip to the bush. I stayed back at the house where a family was hosting us. I remember, as I was resting, or trying to rest, one of the helper guys was peeking in on me through the window. I was thinking, what's up with this guy...I guess he doesn't see too many white people, especially sick ones. So once he left I closed all the windows.
I don't really remember how I slept that night, since I was in a foreign place, I didn't speak the language yet, I was alone in the house, and there was a guy peeking in on me...it must have been all those drugs that I was on.
It took a good couple of weeks before I could regain my strength and feel like a part of the team again, doing ministry.
That wasn't the only time that I had malaria, as it stays in your blood once you get it. I got it again, worse than the first time in 2000. My friends were even saying if I needed to go home earlier (I was due for a furlough two months before I got sick), they would totally release me.
The symptoms were worse than before and I really thought it was going to be my last days. I got so weak that I couldn't do anything...I needed help getting to the bathroom (which was a bucket as I was on the top floor of the house and couldn't go up and down the stairs) and needed help eating, though I didn't eat much because I couldn't keep anything down.
As I lay there in bed, not knowing what was going to happen, being away from my family...people started praying for me more and more. One of the people I was staying with was a 'shepherd' from her church in Madagascar. The ‘shepherds’ go to different villages and pray for the sick and cast out demons. So this woman took her Bible and stood up on the bed that I was laying on and started praying and rebuking the enemy. Seriously, the next day and the days after that, I started to slowly get better. I was able to keep some food down. After two weeks I was able to regain my strength. I think that was the hardest time: being sick and being away from home. But you know, even as I lay there sick, there was a peace also upon me, knowing that if that was my time, it wasn't in vain.
The malaria didn't stop there though, I got it again in Tamatave around 2002. This case of malaria wasn't as bad as the first two but I was to be hospitalized if I didn't get better. Well, not wanting to be in a hospital bed, I prayed for healing and that the medicines would work. Praise God, He healed me once again.

World Malaria Day!

2011-04-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Malaria: A deadly threat with a simple solution
By Heidi Isaza and Peter Warski, World Vision U.S.

Rachel Chuya, mother of five in Zambia, remembers her family's battles with malaria.
"Malaria could not end in our household," she says. "It was like we were just exchanging [it]. When my husband suffered from malaria and he got healed, the next person [to get it] was me. When I got healed, the next [were] our children," she remembers.
"It was very painful."
She recalls the symptoms of this terrible disease -- such as fever, chills, yellow eyes, rashes, and vomiting -- and the terrible toll it took on her husband and children.
"It is difficult when a child is suffering from malaria," says Rachel. "As a mother, you are stuck. You get home [from the clinic], and you have nothing you can do. All that comes to mind is, 'I am waiting for my child to die.'"
Rachel had good reason to worry about her children. "I have seen a lot of people die from malaria," she says somberly.
Thankfully, none of her children died. But they did face consequences far beyond physical illness.
"When they suffered from malaria, they [would] take a minimum of two weeks to heal, and by the time they go back to school, they are left behind," Rachel says.
She knew the source of the problem -- and its solution. Infected mosquitoes that would bite her husband and children while they slept could be stopped with bed nets that cost less than $10 each. But for this struggling family, even the nets were cost-prohibitive.
"It has been a challenging thing to decide whether to buy a net or to buy food for the children," she says. "Of course you choose food, because [with] the little money you have, you just have to buy food for the children," she says, adding that her family can only grow their own food during the rainy season -- and even then, it's not enough.
But thanks to gifts given through World Vision's Gift Catalog, their community received bed nets -- including three for Rachel's family. Now, all of them are protected from malaria-carrying mosquitoes as they sleep.
"This time, we are very much free [from malaria] and my children are healthy," says Rachel. "Even at the clinic they are surprised. They say, 'Mrs. Chuya, you can't be seen here. What's happened?' And I tell them that I have no problems now that I've got the nets."
Lillian, 11, loves sleeping under her net. "I feel more secure because [the mosquitoes] are unable to come and bite us," she says.
And with the nets, the children can again succeed with their education. "Now, I am a proud mother. My children are healthy, and when they go to school, they are getting good results," Rachel says with a smile.
"Thank you so much to the donors who helped me get the mosquito nets. It has been a prayer answered to my household," she adds.
Thank God for bringing Rachel's family healing and relief after a long period of suffering. Pray for other families and communities still affected by deadly malaria, and pray for an end to this preventable, treatable disease.
Make a one-time gift to World Vision's Malaria Eradication Fund. Your donation will triple in impact to fight malaria in Africa with interventions like insecticide-treated bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Give monthly to help fight malaria around the world. Your monthly contribution will help us provide prevention and treatment against this deadly disease, like bed nets, medical care, prevention education, and more.
Send a message to your members of Congress. Ask them to oppose devastating funding cuts to the International Affairs Budget, which provides life-saving assistance to fight deadly but preventable diseases like malaria.

Please help if you can! Check out www.worldvision.org

No Facebook

2011-04-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

This week I decided to take myself off of Facebook for a few days. Actually it was a challenge from my Relentless journey to become forgotten. The thing I miss most I guess is the fact I couldn’t be a voice for the voiceless as readily as I could have been. Of course, I don’t always post intellectual or spiritual posts by a long shot. However, when something comes to mind to share, I enjoy sharing those thoughts. Facebook can be fun, and it does hold a purpose I suppose: chatting with friends and family that live a far away (or even in the same house-ha!), finding old friends and rebuilding relationships, and of course the games. LOL!!! I was able to figure out how to post something without actually being on Facebook--you may have noticed a couple that I posted on Tuesday.
I may never be in a situation like so many children around the world who find themselves living on the streets, in sewers or in orphan mills. And I will never truly know what it means to be completely hopeless and forgotten. But I can be a voice to those who are.
Do you remember who, on that Christmas night in Bethlehem, was told of Christ’s birth? God chose the shepherds--the forgotten and hopeless. He could have told kings or rulers and religious leaders. But he chose shepherds of all people. Shepherds in New Testament times were often despised because they lived with their flocks day and night. They were thought of as ceremonially unclean and not permitted to enter the temple. They resembled the hopelessness of children on the streets. However, Jesus is our HOPE--the hope for these children.
Do you know of anyone who has been forgotten? Pray for children around the world that feel hopeless and forgotten.

25 Hours of Silence

2011-04-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

For 25 years, the Lords Resistance Army has been committing terrible atrocities against innocent people in central Africa. After the LRA was driven out of northern Uganda in 2005, they have been occupying some of the most remote and isolated territory in the entire region. They are attacking communities that have virtually no way to communicate to the outside world. The cries of the victims go silent.
Therefore, on April 25th thousands around the world will go silent, to speak out without speaking.
For more information go to www.invisiblechildren.com
Invisible Children will also be on Oprah tomorrow, Wednesday April 20 if you have a chance to watch.

More Thoughts on Hopeless and Forgotten

2011-04-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt hopeless or forgotten at some time in your life? Do you remember what it felt like? When I was a little girl, maybe first grade, I walked home from school and no one was there. Where had my family gone? Was I forgotten? I felt so alone. I sat on the front porch until my family returned. I felt frightened and knowing me, I probably cried too. I can’t even imagine children on the street that feel all alone, as if no one cared, no one loved them. The orphans living on their own, possibly raising younger siblings instead of attending school or playing with friends--feeling all alone, helpless, hopeless, speechless, voiceless, forgotten, and the list goes on.

The poor and needy search for water,
but there is none;
their tongues are parched with thirst.
But I the LORD will answer them;
I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.
--Isaiah 41:17

Not all of the children on the street choose to be there. They may be kicked out of their homes as Romeo was (previous story), by his stepmother who didn’t want her husband’s children. Perhaps the children can’t be fed or taken care of in the home. Some are sold into slavery, others are on the streets. Maybe, not all children who feel hopeless and forgotten live on the streets. They may live at home and in a family, but for whatever reasons, they still feel forgotten and alone.
Sometimes we may forget; we forget about God or other people in our lives and about ourselves.
For Romeo and each one of us, we can find comfort and peace in knowing God will never leave or forsake us. He will always remember who we are. Even when we feel forgotten or when we fail to remember Him or others around us, remember that God will always be faithful and remain with His people.

(parts of this writing was taken from World Vision act:s Relentless message)

End Malaria

2011-04-17T19:56:00.000-07:00

Tonight 2,000 children will die from mosquito bites and it's entirely preventable. No child should die from a mosquito bite, and if we work together, no child will. Malaria was wiped out in the U.S. only 60 years ago. It took just 5 years. When made a PRIORITY, malaria can be stopped. Malaria is a deadly disease that threatens half of the world's population. (3 billion people) Each year, approximately 250 million people get infected. That is equal to 83% of the U.S. population. Nearly 750,000 African children die each year from malaria. That is equal to all the children in Florida under age 5.
Since 1950
20 million deaths from all wars
25 million deaths from AIDS
41 (to 65) million child deaths from malaria
Who can help? You and your family! Only $6 will buy an insecticide-treated bed net that will save 2 lives and help kill malaria-carrying mosquitoes.
To combat malaria effectively, the United States must increase its funding to at least $1 billion a year. They passed a law promising to do so, but haven't yet followed through. For information on how to contact your elected leaders to persuade your representative to fund life-saving interventions, visit: www.actstoendmalaria.org.
Millions of lives are depending on us. Pray about how you can get involved.
(information from World Vision act:s--www.actstoendmalaria.org)

Hopeless & Forgotten

2011-04-17T14:29:00.001-07:00

Hopeless: By Gerta Hagen, December 2009

Albania

Street children in Albania are hidden, unseen, ignored. The majority of Albanian society either despises them or doesn’t know that they exist. They are the invisible begging, windshield-washing, can-collecting kids that no one knows about. They often fall prey to recruitment into illicit activities and organized trafficking, both inside the country and abroad.

Romeo* is only one of these street children. He is fifteen years old, even though his frail frame makes him look much younger. He is a little shy, but a very sharp child full of life and dreams.

“There [were] five of us that [slept] in this one room. I had just fallen asleep. You know, I didn’t have any money and so I went out and collected cans,”
Romeo recalled, keeping his eyes downcast as he fiddled with his warm soup - the only meal he was having for the day. “I had a bag full of them right next to my bed. But I guess I got too wet and chilled so I was feeling sick. My friend, he comes in late because he was working in a parking garage. As soon as he stepped in the door, I heard the police screaming right after him.

“The police walked right in the room and started yelling and kicking us and telling us to get down. So I told him that I was sick and I couldn’t go out in the rain because I had a fever. He yelled some more and got us all down with very little clothing on. Then he lined us up in the rain and was asking many questions.

“The police do that every time something bad happens in Blloku**. However, I don’t blame them; they have to do their job too, so whenever they don’t find the ‘real’ guy who did the bad things they harass us. I was telling him, ‘But sir we only collect cans or beg. We have not done anything bad.’ Then someone called him on the radio and then he let us go, after he got us all wet.”

Romeo’s mother fled from the Albanian capital, Tirana, to Greece after being brutally beaten by her husband. Romeo’s father remarried and his stepmother no longer wanted her husband’s children to live with her. Both brothers, then aged 13 and 12 respectively, were forced to leave their home.

“I haven’t gone to school since,” said Romeo, quick to add, “But I didn’t leave because I was a bad student, I had really good grades. I love Math but didn’t do very well in English.”

After Romeo was thrown out onto the street, he tried to flee to Greece, to beg and do other odd jobs.

“We went through the mountains, a group of seven boys; we walked several kilometers a day,” he said. “When we went to Greece I would beg, but then this one time I got so hungry, I hadn’t eaten for two days, so I went and handed myself to the police. They gave me food and sent me back to Tirana.”

Life for children on the street is hard. Their undernourished bodies are frequently exposed to the natural elements. Their human dignity is often destroyed by the heels of passers-by who don’t think twice before hitting or cursing them. Their dreams are crushed by their lack of choices and opportunities.

“But I don’t beg anymore,” said Romeo. “I feel ashamed of myself when I do and even when I collect cans. Sometimes people hit you and curse at you on the street.

“My biggest wish is that my friends and I no longer work on the street. I want to learn computer, play football and learn how to be a plumber. When I have my own family, I am going to make my children go to school. What kind of person doesn’t let children go to school?!” demands Romeo, with a big smile that hints of hope in his dark eyes.

* This story is the true account of a street-working child in Tirana. The name of the child has been changed to protect his identity.

** Blloku is one of the most fashionable neighborhoods in Tirana.

REFLECTION:
We might not know what it’s like to live on the street, but this week we will seek to experience the hopelessness of Romeo’s situation through the lens of being forgotten.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Deactivate your Facebook and other social media accounts for the week. Don’t worry; this is not the same as deleting your Facebook account. You can reactivate your account and everything will remain the same. For more information, visit Facebook’s Help Center: https://www.facebook.com/help/?page=842
• Each day this week, go to a different friend’s room and remove everything that is related to you. Keep a pile of the objects in a prominent space in your room and return the objects after the week is over.

If none of the suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to adjust them or come up with your own. Choose something to commit to while remembering that we are giving up some “hope” for this week by doing something to feel forgotten.

--Written by Jeff Shieh and Derek Tang

Speechless--the Conclusion

2011-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:00

Speechless: The Response by Youra Soeum, October 2010

One day, Ka planned and executed a daring plan to escape from her brothel prison: she traded a condom for a cell phone. “I told him, I will not use the condom, but you have to exchange something for me. Would you please let me use your mobile phone?’” she said.

Ka passed the cell phone to one of the other girls, then bravely performed her “duties” while one of the other girls called the police. Two days later, they came.

“I was very, very happy. We felt like we have a new day,” said Ka.

This time things were different. Instead of simply being put out on the street, Ka was taken to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project, also known as the Neavear Thmey--the “New Ship“--where they could start a new journey.

Ka is just one of more than 800 girls and women who have gone through World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Program. She received physical, psychological and spiritual counseling as well as job skills training so that when she leaves the center she will have skills that can help her get a real job.

Things have changed a lot for Ka, now 20. “I have become more mature. I can think about things different now. I can see light coming into my life and I can think about the future,” she said with a smile. “I would like to have a small house, living with my husband. I am sure I will work in sewing things. I could even teach the other [girls] in the community how to sew.”

After several unfortunate cycles, Ka was able to break free from the ring of child prostitution and the Cambodian sex industry, thanks to the help of World Vision. Unfortunately, many girls are not so fortunate. “We are only touching the tip of the iceberg with these kids,” said Joshua Pepall, Technical Advisor to World Vision’s Trauma Recovery Project. “There are kids sitting in brothels because all of the shelters are full. We can’t raid them. We can’t remove them because they’ve got nowhere to go. All the centers are maxed out.”

SPEECHLESS

2011-04-10T18:27:00.001-07:00

In this week’s story, a Cambodian girl finds herself utterly “speechless”: no one listens to her pleas for mercy, no one ever responds to her cries for help, and absolutely no one cares about her rights to freedom and respect as a human being.

Speechless: By Heidi Isaza, February 2010

Cambodia

“My parents were so poor. When I was young, we didn’t even have a house. [We] used to sleep on the street sometimes. Sometimes I slept under the pergola. Sometimes I slept by a nearby grave,” she remembered.

Ka is one of four children. Instead of starting school at age 5, like other children, she started helping her siblings scavenge for cans and other waste that could be recycled and beg for money on the streets. “I help a lot with my mom to find money to support the family. When there was a wedding in the village we would go and beg for the beer cans to sell them,” she said.

As they grew older, Ka’s older brothers got more formal jobs in manufacturing plants but as they formed their own families, their ability to financially support their parents and younger siblings diminished. As a result, Ka felt the need to also find a more formal job that would provide her with greater income. “I left home when I was 16 because of the poverty,” she said. “I left to the Thai border because one of my friends told me that if you go to work over there, you will earn a lot of money. So, I went.”

She started off working in a karaoke club, which are often used as fronts for brothels. Ka wasn’t completely sure what was happening behind the scenes. “I could see many things. It was very complicated,” she said. “I worked as the girl who sold the beer. Some men would touch my body, some men would kiss me,” she said, looking down.

The men who visited the club would often offer—even force—her to drink. After just two weeks she ended up unconscious in the hospital. She decided to leave that club and look for another job. She found one, at another club. “The owner was a man and he was a creepy guy. He wanted me to sleep with him, but I didn’t want to,” she said. “I remember one customer came in, he was Cambodian, and [the owner] asked me to go and sleep with him. When I went to sleep with the guy, I had the opportunity to escape.”

Alone and unemployed once again Ka was approached by a woman. “She asked me, ‘You want a job? You want to work?’ I said, ‘Yes, as long as it is a place with no alcohol and there’s no violence,’” Ka said. The woman took her to lunch and then told her to lie down and take a nap. “I asked her what my role would look like and she didn’t say anything,” Ka went on. “The woman just left me alone. I didn’t know at that time it was a brothel.”

It didn’t take her long, however, to find out. “At that time, I was very young and I didn’t really understand the process. The first day that I came, they bought me a lot of nice clothes,” she said. “It was quite late [when we got back] and there were some guys. They asked, ‘Are there any new girls?’”

The owner said yes and pointed to Ka. “The one in the black t-shirt, she’s a new girl,” the woman responded.

After two days, when Ka realized she was in a brothel, she got up the courage to try to leave, only to find out that according to her “employer” she owed them 25,000 Cambodian Reil, an amount that to her represented a lot of money. She owed about $6.

Ka worked in forced prostitution, serving between five and ten men per night, for more than two years to try to pay of her “debt” before the brothel was raided by the police and the girls were set free.

After two years of forced prostitution, Ka found herself unemployed, alone and on the street—again. “I didn’t have any chance. I didn’t have a job. I didn’t have anywhere to go,” she explained. She was, again, convinced to work in another brothel. This time, however, it was worse.

“When I was in the second brothel, I could see the sunlight, but I could never see the sun,” she said. She and the other girls were never even allowed to leave the building. As if that was not enough, they beat the girls regularly. “I was afraid of my employer. I can remember one time when I was pregnant, the owner told me to do the abortion and I didn’t want to, so they said, ‘If you don’t want to do it, let me do it for you.’ It was very hurtful,” she said. Two weeks later, they beat her up again.

Ka’s hopes for her future were extinguished in that brothel, like a plant that never receives sunlight, she wilted on the inside. “I didn’t even think about future. All I could think about was that I would be dead someday because I wasn’t allowed to go out, I wasn’t allowed to see my family and I was always threatened,” she said.

No matter how hard Ka and the other girls “worked” they could never pay off their debts, especially as they were constantly forced to use drugs. “They gave me drugs because if I don’t take the drugs, I could not do it. I don’t have enough energy to work,” she explained.

REFLECTION:

Ka faced some horrible experiences that oppressed her ability to determine the course of her own life. Do you know what it is like to be speechless?

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Give up your personal decisions / opinions for a week—choose a friend to make all those decisions for you.
• Give up electronics that are not critical for school or work—isolate yourself from all forms of communication and means of contacting the outside world.
• Do not speak about anything not critical to school or work. A variation of this can be to duct tape your mouth shut every day.

Feel free to modify these suggestions as you feel fit, and if none of these suggested experiences work for you, we encourage you to come up with your own creative way of experiencing the lack of control over your own life.

Godless--The Conclusion

2011-04-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

Last week I posted a story from World Vision about Shimelis who was persecuted for his faith in Ethiopia. Here is the conclusion of his story. Though the government thought they could stop the spread of Christianity in their country--God had other plans.
Godless: The Response
By Kari Costanza, July 2009
As the government changed in Ethopia, the prisoners were freed. The church kept growing. Persecution hadn’t been able to stop it. “In the face of persecution,” says Shimelis, who had suffered much in the name of Christianity, “the Christians continued to emerge. People came to Jesus even in the face of persecution.” The church became harder to manage when there was freedom. “There wasn’t adequate administration,” says Shimelis.
Now Shimelis works to keep Christianity thriving in Ethiopia. His time in prison shaped and strengthened him. But one memory he looks on fondly. “While we were in prison, we continued to preach,” he says. “We got 46 people believing in Jesus—including policemen!”
Shimelis’ work is supported by World Vision, especially in the area of community care. World Vision has trained his Hope Team—volunteers who counsel the sick. They use money from the church budget to provide people living with HIV and AIDS with food and support. And each member contributes one Ethiopian Birr a month toward the fund. World Vision gives them material support as well.

Be the Change

2011-04-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

I love reading stories of young people who want to change their world. I've posted about the young boy, Austin Gutwein" who started "Hoops for Hope" (Take Your Best Shot) and the young abolitionist, Zach Hunter (Be the Change). I just read a blog the other day about Mikaela in California who raises money for children with cancer and helps other non-profits working to eradicate poverty, human trafficking, world hunger, and infant mortality. Today I was reminded of another young girl, at the age of 10 who decided to bring hope to the children in the Kibera slums of Kenya by raising funds for education. Every year she holds a 5k run in Nashville with other cultural activities throughout the park. To date, $275,000 has been raised since 2004. I sit back and wonder, "What have I been doing with my life?" I've been asking myself that question for some time now, waiting for an answer. Maybe I should just get up and do something. Something that has been on my mind for years actually. Be the Change is what I want to be.

Barefootin'

2011-04-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Yes, I kept my shoes off all day. At times the ground was cold and I’d step out into the sun. They were even cold at night on the wood floor.
This years Barefoot Day was similar to last years and the year before. Cory, Charley and I set out, barefoot, for town. I stopped off at the library to make copies of a flyer I had written up to pass out, informing people of TOMS One for One campaign. I had no trouble from the librarian. Next we stopped off at Publix (grocery store) to go to the bank and pick up a drink. No problems. Off we went to downtown Franklin. We did see one other person with no shoes. We stopped in to a couple of stores and we were asked why we weren’t wearing shoes. Once they were told they thought that was great so didn’t have a problem with our barefeet, even at Starbucks (Charley had to go in for his free cup of coffee.) A lady at the carpet store told Charley he could use the change from his carpet squares to buy some shoes. Ha! We decided to eat at Mellow Mushroom (pizza parlor) but asked permission before we went in. The hostess was nice enough to seat us, looking the other way.
By the end of our outing my feet were quite dirty and a little sore. However, I was fortunate enough to have warm, running water to wash my feet off when I got home, unlike many children around the world. Then at the end of the day, I could turn up the heat in my comfortable house, put on my cozy slippers, or tuck myself into a soft, cozy bed with 3 warm blankets to keep my feet warm. Yes, I have it much too easy. And I’ll probably take some of these things for granted from time to time, but I will definitely try to remember the many children around the world that have no shoes.

National Barefoot Day!

2011-04-04T20:02:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 5, is National Barefoot Day! We’re going barefoot--how about you?
This is a simple day with a powerful message. There are thousands of people all over the world that have never had a pair of shoes while so many of us have several. Just take one day and walk in their footsteps. Go barefoot and experience life as they do.
Fact #1: Growing Up Without Shoes: In many developing countries, children must walk barefoot for miles to school, clean water and medical help.
Fact #2: Injury & Disease: Hundreds of millions of children are at risk of injury, infection and soil-transmitted diseases that most can’t afford to prevent and treat.
Fact #3: Education & Opportunity: Children who are healthy are more likely to be successful students, and access to education is a critical determinant of long-term success.
Fact #4: A Better Tomorrow: Healthy, educated children have a better chance of improving the future of their entire community.
In regions of Ethiopia, wearing shoes and practicing good hygiene can prevent podoconiosis, a disease that causes swelling of the feet and legs due to prolonged exposure to irritant soil. In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital,

In 2006, American traveler Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina
and found they had no shoes to protect their feet. Wanting to help, he created TOMS Shoes, a company that would match every pair of shoes purchased with a pair of new shoes given to a child in need. One for One. Blake returned to Argentina with a group of family, friends and staff later that year with 10,000 pairs of shoes made possible by TOMS customers.
Tom’s partners work with HIV positive and street children, giving shoes to protect them from the dangerous city streets littered with glass, metal, and even sewage.
As of September 2010, TOMS has given over one million pairs of new shoes
to children in need through Giving Partners around the world.

SEE YOU ON THE STREET--IN YOUR BARE FEET!

GODLESS

2011-04-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

By Kari Costanza, July 2009

Ethiopia

Shimelis Hapte, 43, has seen persecution and has lived to tell about it, but the memories make him cry. He knew as a child that he wanted to serve the Lord. In 1984, the Holy Spirit came upon him while he was in prayer. “I was born again at that time,” he says. “I was very happy.” But that happiness was not to last.

“Starting from 1984,” he says, “the government was opposing Christian life. They tried to destroy it. They took everything—our Bibles, musical instruments, our spiritual books. They took it by force and put Christians in prison.

“I hid to worship. If two people together were reading a Bible, they were arrested and sent to prison. We hid ourselves and joined with underground churches. Especially at night.”

In 1990, Shimelis was caught worshipping. He was imprisoned. “They ordered us to take off our shoes. They tied us together with rope. Our feet were scraped and bleeding. They took us to the police. First they asked about Christianity. They asked us to deny Jesus Christ. None of us did. We passed by the police. They beat us with sticks, one by one. It was painful.”

Shimelis and 15 others were held in a 2-by-2 meter (6.5-by-6.5 foot) room. “People slept on top of people. We were interlocked. After one week we went to the big prison. It was like a concentration camp. Worms entered our skin. Flies got into our legs. And there were lice. One night we counted the number of lice on me—there were 78. In the morning, the lice marched away like marching ants. People died from disease. They cooked our food in rusted metal dishes. Our hands were covered in rashes.” The prisoners included Shimelis’ future wife, Atakilt. Her face still bears the scars of persecution. Her right eye droops where she was beaten during those terrible times.

REFLECTION:

This week we will put away our resources and freedom to worship publicly as we experience what it’s like to be “godless” with the persecuted church.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:

• Hide or put away all signs and symbols of religion in your room, including your Bible
• Hand copy a page of the Bible and use only this page as your Scripture for the entire week
• Don’t attend any religious services or meetings for the week

As always, you can adjust these experiences or come up with your own. Commit to one, remembering that we are trying to step into what it would feel like to be unable to have access to spiritual resources (in Shimelis’ case, it was lack of the resource of freedom to be a Christian and worship).

Also, listen and ask God to speak to you in new ways this week as you leave behind some of the normal means through which you might hear Him. Consider how believers all over the world have a life-changing relationship with Christ even though they may not have Bibles, worship bands, and public meetings. Ask God to challenge and grow your knowledge of Him and faith in Him as He does theirs.

--Written by Sarah Brubaker

Father's Love Letter

2011-03-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

You may not know me, but I know everything about you. Psalm 139:1
For you were made in my image. Genesis 1:27
I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1:11-12
I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139:13
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
And I brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71:6
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17:26
In me you live and move and have your being. Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring. Acts 17:28
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139:15-16
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways. Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. Matthew 10:29-31
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father. Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand. James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs. Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love. Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalms 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you. Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession. Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul. Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me. Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires. Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine. Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart. Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth. Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus. John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being. Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you. Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you. 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love. Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again. Romans 8:38-39

Love, The Father

Careless

2011-03-27T08:10:00.001-07:00

Careless: By Vichheka Sok, June 2010

Cambodia

Sokha is ten-years-old and is a single daughter from a poor family. Her father died from AIDS when she was three years old. Her father passed HIV to her mother, Bopha, a thirty-five-year-old farmer. Sokha suffered disdain for years from other children in the village, her schoolmates as well as her neighbors. “My mother lives with HIV and everyone hates me, and I didn’t have any friends to play with because they were scared of HIV and AIDS,” cried Sokha. “My mother lives with HIV, I love her so much.”

Sokha could not stop her tears while telling her story. She continued with loud sobs, “I remember that my mother was really skinny with itchiness covering all of her body as well as her head. She looked dirty. I really pitied her and I love her so much. I always pray for her to get better soon. She couldn’t move her body, and she seemed to have no energy. She couldn’t go to the toilet herself, my grandmother and I always had to help her to move to anywhere. And every day, I cleaned her body with a wet towel because she couldn’t take a bath by herself.”

Sokha always walked to school and her school is far from home. She walked alone without any friend to walk with and or talk to. “I was really depressed and angry with other children who said to me, ‘Your mother lives with HIV and AIDS,’” said Sokha. “I didn’t want to go to school, and I really wanted to fight those who used those words of contempt to call to me. Yet, I could only cry and deeply pity my mother.”

In 2008, Sokha went to get a blood test to make sure that her mother didn’t transmit HIV to her. Luckily, Sokha tested negative for HIV. She is safe, which makes her mother happy. Her mother has hopes for Sokha’s long future.

REFLECTION:
Life is very lonely for Sokha, who faces ridicule and isolation due to the stigma of AIDS. Sokha lost her father due to the disease and must care for her own mother in her illness; who is there to care for Sokha? Through no fault of her own, Sokha faces much of the hardships of her life alone.

It might seem hard to imagine if you’ve grown up with one or two (or more) caring family members, but many children in today’s world lack that guidance and care. This week, we will be taking time to experience and understand that reality.

Christine's Story Revisited

2011-03-26T08:21:00.000-07:00

Remember the story about little 6 month old Christine who suffers from bouts of malaria? (below, under Helpless) Well, if you read it, here’s more of her story. Christine lives in Uganda. Her mother, Rebecca, walks for miles to receive medicine for her baby when she has the money. Often upon arriving the health clinic has run out of the help she needs.
In Uganda, malaria is the major killer of children, causing about 70,000 to 110,000 deaths annually. (Ministry of Health website) It goes on to say that without treatment a child may die within 24 hours. Going untreated, the child can have stunted growth (as in Christine’s case), get brain damage from cerebral malaria or pass away. Without the full dose, the patient can become resistant to treatment.
Insecticide treated mosquito bed nets play an important role in preventing malaria. World Vision has distributed nets to each of their sponsored children. Other organizations do the same. Unfortunately, Rebecca’s children aren’t sponsored by WV, though they do use an old mosquito net.
Pray for those around the world who are facing “helpless” situations like Rebecca. Ask God to reveal the role you can play in helping in some way. Find an organization, such as World Vision, that helps to alleviate poverty, and see how you can get involved.
(www.worldvision.org)

Remember, World Malaria Day is April 25--the goal is to end malaria deaths by 2015. (www.actstoendmalaria.org)

Who Will Love Them For Him?

2011-03-23T21:24:00.001-07:00

I don't know if you're familiar with J.J. Heller's music or not, but she has a peaceful, sweet voice. Two of her songs can be found on my playlist to the right. Since starting this Relentless Acts of Justice journey, as well as other issues that have been on my mind, one of her songs really opened up some emotions-- "What Love Really Means". You may want to take a listen. As I've thought of the poor, needy, oppressed, and destitute during the past two weeks, I've also thought about the conditions that some of our brothers and sisters live in. The first verse of this song fits so well and then I just penned another verse of my own that asks "who will love them for Him"?

"What Love Really Means" by J.J. Heller
He cries in the corner where nobody sees.
He's the kid with the story no one would believe.
He prays every night "Dear God won't you please...
Could you send someone here who will love me?"

Who will love me for me?
Not for what I have done or what I will become.
Who will love me for me?
'Cause nobody has shown me what love
What love really means.

(My addition)
She's a woman who's scorned
by those all around.
She feels of no worth
And poverty abounds.
Her children are sick and no food to provide.
She must choose to provide before somebody dies.

Who will love them for Him?
Not for where they were born
But from the love that's within.
Who will love them for Him?
Reach deep down inside and see what you find...
Will you love them for Him?

TB Elimination: Together We Can!

2011-03-23T19:04:00.000-07:00

World TB Day is March 24, an event that commemorates the date in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch announced his discovery of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. 1/3 of the world’s population is infected with TB. It is the leading killer of people who are HIV infected.

Tuberculosis, being airborne, is a highly contagious and easily transmittable disease that is treatable and curable, but only for those who know they have it. Each year 9.4 million new cases of active TB are diagnosed and 1.7 million TB related deaths are reported globally; annually. Every day 4500 people die from tuberculosis. TB is among the 3 greatest causes of death among women aged 15-44.
Numbers are high in India and China and the disease mainly affects 20-40 year olds.

(information from World Health Organization, medindia.net)

World Water Day

2011-03-21T19:16:00.001-07:00

Water is one of the world’s most precious natural resources. However, 80 countries regularly experience serious water shortages. Children’s tiny bodies are particularly dependent on clean water and susceptible to water related diseases and parasites.

Every 21 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness.
More than 2.7 billion people have inadequate or nonexistent access to proper sanitation.
When a community gains access to clean water, its child mortality rate drops by half.

Every day, nearly 4,000 children die as a result of drinking unsafe water.
Every 22 seconds a child perishes from waterborne diseases such as typhoid, cholera, and dysentery.
Six million people are blind as a result of contaminated water and bacteria.

To give water is to give life.
Clean water can cut a community’s child mortality rate in half.
It means food for families whose crops are failing due to drought.
It saves livestock.
It gives parents a powerful way to improve the health, hygiene, and well-being of their children.

(Information taken from World Vision's site.)

Helpless: Baby Christine's Story

2011-03-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

This particular story comes at an appropriate time since April 25 is World Malaria Day--Cory's day! She has fought off malaria several times, however, she's been fortunate to have some means to pay for the medicine. A mother shouldn't have to choose between medicine for her baby or food for her family. Read about Christine and her mother's struggles of helplessness. Then, at the end, if you'd like to take part in this weeks experience, there are ideas below.

We’re always told that life is full of choices, and often we have the option of making good choices over bad ones. But what if there was no option to make the “good” choice? In this week’s story, we will read about a mother whose choices in life are severely limited. It’s a different kind of trap.

Uganda

Sitting on a torn piece of sisal mat behind their mud and wattle house, Christine Asobora looks like an ordinary six-month-old baby. Stained by patches of grey soil, her legs are spread out before her. Her eyes, dancing with excitement, follow her three-year-old brother Innocent Murungi as he jumps up in the air, attempting to grab one of the low-hanging branches on the tree under which she is sitting. She tries to move towards him, but she cannot.

She gets bored, sticks her thumb in her mouth, and her gaze wanders to the chicken scratching about in the garden. Unsuccessful, Innocent eventually comes and sits next to Christine, starts making funny faces, and is rewarded with a toothy smile.

Christine is not six months old; she has actually just marked her first birthday. Something that is worrying her mother is her small frame and the fact that at one year she cannot crawl, a milestone that on average babies achieve at seven months. She is also underweight, weighing only 6.5 kilogrammes (14.3 pounds), yet at birth she came at a healthy 3 kilogrammes (6.6 pounds).

“At this age she should be standing or walking, but that might not happen soon,” says her mother, 40-year-old Rebecca Asiimwe.

Christine has just recovered from a bout of malaria. Her small light face is dotted with a skin rash, which has also spread to the rest of her body. Her hair is soft and light, resting flat on her head. Her mother says she gets fever (malaria) very often, accompanied by cough and flu, which has most likely contributed to the slowness in her growth.

“Whenever she attempts to start crawling, she gets fever, becomes weak and cannot make an effort to crawl,” Asiimwe explains.

Christine has stunted growth, caused by frequent malaria episodes that go untreated. She would not be falling sick as regularly if she was getting the right treatment. When she falls sick, her mother takes her to Buhimba Health Centre III, which is about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) away. Not owning a bicycle, Assimwe uses the next available transport option and walks for one and a half hours to get to the health centre.

“I would not mind the distance if my daughter were getting treatment. But many times I take her to the clinic and they just make a diagnosis. They then write for me the medicine and ask me to buy it from the drug shop,” says Asiimwe.

She says that often she does not have money to buy the medicine.

“If I have money, I buy the medicine. When I fail, I just take her back home and when I later get money, I go and look for the prescribed medicine,” she says resignedly.

For a woman whose husband was recently diagnosed with a liver problem, it is easy to understand Asiimwe’s situation. Before he developed complications, John Asiimwe used to work with his wife at their brick-laying business. The money they got would cater for some household needs and school fees for their children. For food, they plant cassava, sweet potatoes, beans and maize, which sustain the home.

John was recently advised to keep away from any strenuous work, leaving his wife to fend for the family.

“I make around 5,000 bricks in six months. From their sale, I get Ush150,000 (US$91). After paying off the laborers who help me, I am left with Ush50,000 (US$30) for us to live on. How then can I buy medicine off Ush10,000 (US$6)?” Asiimwe asks.

Apart from treatment, proper nutrition is important in surviving a malaria attack. Christine is still being breastfed, and, at her age, she needs to supplement this with either formula or cow milk and other solid foods. Asiimwe says she does not have enough breastmilk; the milk comes if she has a good diet, one that is made up of, say, fish, matooke (green bananas) and vegetables.

However, her family mainly feeds on cassava and beans, and when there are no beans, they “simply eat the cassava only.” Cassava is eaten either boiled or in the form of bread – it is dried, pounded and made out of the flour. Christine’s diet is no different.

“She can even spend a month without tasting cow milk because I cannot afford it. When I get money, I buy it for her. Otherwise she eats cassava bread like the rest of us,” Asiimwe says bluntly.

All along, Asiimwe has been speaking with a certain nonchalance, seeming accustomed to accepting things the way they are. However, Asiimwe’s real feelings are revealed when she voices her dreams for her last born.

“I would love to see her not falling sick, sleeping well and eating well like other children,” she says, fondly caressing Christine’s head. “Which mother wouldn’t?”

REFLECTION:
Rebecca‘s impossible choice between buying medication to treat her daughter’s malaria and using the money to provide food for the rest of her family is a choice no one should have to make, but many do. Her situation is essentially “helpless.” This week, we will carry out acts that simulate experiencing helplessness.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK’S EXPERIENCE:
• Take away a tool that you depend on. Some options include: pens, pencils, paper, internet search engines, your cell phone or its apps, text messaging, your car, public transportation, your computer, etc.
• Go without a coat or something else that keeps you physically protected.
• Write some of your computer passwords on a sheet of paper and give copies to some trusted friends. Throughout the week, think about what would happen if they actually used your passwords and saw your entire life without filters.
• Each day, commit to telling a stranger (which also means you must meet a stranger) or a different friend a secret about your life.

You can come up with your own experience, but the common theme of all our acts is that they make us feel vulnerable – something Rebecca feels everyday. And as we go through our “helpless” experiences, let us remember that Jesus, Son of God, selflessly became man and experienced vulnerability in order to restore our relationship with God.

Thanks for taking on this experience of helplessness in observance of Lent 2011.

--Written by Laura Dassama

Laura Dassama is a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Molecular Biology at the Pennsylvania State University. She serves as lead of the Intercessory Prayer Team at Harvest Global Mission Church, and she is a food enthusiast.

My ReLENTless Journey

2011-03-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

This week I started a journey, one connected to Lent. Though it began on Ash Wednesday, I didn’t get involved wholeheartedly because of all that was going on. (Yes, I realize that’s an excuse.) Anyway, I had posted a story about a widow named Sylvie on Sunday. A woman with 2 young children, living in Africa having to dig for rocks to be used for gravel, making a mere $2 a day for her hard labor. Her children had to leave school if there was no money to pay school fees. Her hope is to be self sufficient and take care of her family, send her children to school and feed them twice a day, rather than once.
I woke up this morning (Wed.) thinking, there is no way I've given up enough. Sylvie's children have no blankets; I'm sleeping under 3 between flannel sheets on a comfie California King bed. I have hot running water; they walk, probably, a long way for a bucket of water. Though I'm not using toothpaste this week, I am using a toothbrush thinking that perhaps they at least have that. Think about the luxuries that surround us. When I was asked to list the luxuries in our home, I immediately thought of the furniture, kitchen appliances, washer and dryer, etc. However, as I looked deeper, I'm thinking toothbrush, toothpaste, running water, deodorant, shampoo and other hair accrutements (I love that word and I've probably spelled it wrong.). Along with a toilet (not even a 'squatty potty' or a 'flying toilet'--more on that another time), bathtub and shower. Jesus says we just need food and covering and he'll take care of the rest. Wow! Is it time for me to sell all of my possessions and give to the poor? I'm praying about what He'd want me to do.
The challenge was to live off of $14 for the week, in food and to do without other luxuries that I sometimes take for granted. Well, I started with baby steps. As for the $14 a week for food, I guess my excuse for that is it would be too much of a hassle to figure out how much a bowl of cereal is worth, a piece of bread, etc. I guess I could use a calculator, but hey, isn’t that a luxury? Anyway, as you’ve noticed, I didn’t give up Facebook or the internet yet. Maybe I will try that soon. So for now, I’ll go without a few toiletries, until it gets bad, and will try to add daily to the items I will fast during this season. I will keep you posted along my journey.

Yes We Are Blessed.....

2011-03-15T13:51:00.000-07:00

So What Are We Going To Do About It?

I am reading the book Radical by Dr. David Platt, a young pastor of a megachurch in Birmingham, Alabama. He discusses how we can live a “radical” life for Jesus and bring help to the needy.
Something I just read hit me. I’d like to share it here:
Platt speaking: “One evening I was meeting with an underground house church overseas, and we were discussing various issues in Scripture. A woman who lived in the city and knew some English shared. ‘I have a television, and every once in a while I am able to get stations from the United States,’ she said. ‘Some of these stations have church services on them. I see the preachers, and they are dressed in very nice clothes, and they are preaching in very nice buildings. Some of them even tell me that if I have faith, I too can have nice things.’”
“She paused before continuing. ‘When I come to our church meetings, I look around, and most of us are very poor, and we are meeting here at great risk to our lives.’ Then she looked at me and asked, ‘Does this mean we do not have enough faith?’”
“Every year in the United States, we spend more than $10 billion on church buildings. In America alone, the amount of real estate owned by institutional churches is worth over $230 billion.”
I don’t know about you, but “Ouch”, that didn’t feel so good.
I don’t always think of myself as rich, and I’m guessing you may not think of yourself as rich either. But if we have running water, shelter over our heads, clothes to wear, food to eat, and some means of transportation (even if it’s public transportation), then we are in the top 15% of the world’s people for wealth.

Our Visitor from Zimbabwe

2011-03-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

This past week has been busy and exciting. We were blessed to have a houseguest from Zimbabwe for the week. Someone we’d never met, yet had been in touch with for several years. His name is Stephen Maphosah. (the “h” is silent) He is the area director for AWANA in all of Africa. We first learned about Stephen through the AWANA programs adopt-a-club when Charley was younger. Stephen was an AWANA missionary at the time, in charge of clubs throughout his country.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with AWANA, it’s a children’s club that stands for Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed (of the Gospel of Christ).
The clubs take place in churches (or outdoors) for the most part and teach Scripture memory, games and Bible lessons. In some ways, a discipleship program as well. Since the program involves the parents too, many families have come to know the living Savior. The clubs range in age from preschool through high school.
Stephen was in the states for a couple of months, contacted us and asked to come visit. I was elated. This is someone I’ve wanted to meet for years. Though I expected that to be in Africa, Tennessee would do (the headquarters is in Chicago). (lol)
It was such a blessing to have him with us. I set up a few speaking engagements for him while he was here and was able to attend these with him. He spoke to 2 AWANA clubs, a couple of Sunday School classes, a Perspectives class and a college group.
I believe the college group was one of the highlights, since the leader and her son had been in Zimbabwe for a month and had learned songs in Shona (not sure of the spelling), his native language. He challenged the young people who all have a heart to follow after God and to go to the nations. It’s exciting to know that we will witness every tongue, tribe and nation in heaven, whether or not we are able to go to any of those people or meet them in our own country.
Stephen shared his testimony, which was powerful in itself and he shared what God is doing throughout Africa to bring boys and girls to the knowledge of a living Savior. Though they may not have uniforms or books as we do in our country, they love coming to club. Many walk 1-3 miles to learn from the Bible and to play games with other children in the surrounding villages and cities.
AWANA is located in 23 African countries at this time and they continue to spring up all over. I was totally amazed to hear that there are 60 clubs in the Kibera slums of Nairobi, Kenya. Can you imagine? This slum is home to a million people. It’s as big as New York City’s Central Park, about 1.5 square miles (another source says 2.5 sq. mi.) The population density is 30 times that of New York City, with no multi-level housing.
Another place I was surprised to hear about was Nigeria--there are at least 54 clubs in that country.
While here, Stephen met with a man that wants to support clubs in Ethiopia since he is adopting a child from that country. That’s exciting.
God is moving in Africa! 48% of the population there is under the age of 14. AWANA is raising up a new generation to change their country, their continent, their world.
Please remember to pray for the children of Africa. They too need a Savior.

Worthless

2011-03-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is Sylvie's Story. The job she does seems worthless. Read about her struggles.

Democratic Republic of the Congo: By Alain Masela Mwaku
The quarry of Kipushi is dusty and noisy. Families dig four to five meters deep in order to find gravel layers, then go through the sieve process to get good quality rocks to sell. Aaron Ngandwe, 11, is working in a quarry of gravel with her young sister Marguerite Ngandwe, 9 years old. The dream of these fatherless children is to be happy with life, like other children.

But their sickly mother Sylvie Ngandwe, 38, cannot afford to provide for them as she has no livelihood other than sifting for rocks. "I’m doing this hard job of little worth with my children, seeking to get our daily bread because of lack of available food," bemoans Sylvie. “After my husband's death two years ago, I was sick in my bed three days, home drinking water without food. My children had to work in the quarry for others to get food and I joined them after my recovery."

“Nobody assisted me. First needs, especially food were a big issue. My children did not go to school because of the high fees,” she says.

“Here under the shiny sun, we are digging gravel, which will be sold if a truck comes to buy it. I have to help my mother, putting our common effort together so that we can have a quantity for us to buy food and soap,” states Aaron.

“The job is really hard for me to handpick gravel in the sand as my duty. I would love to stay home and play with my friends. I feel pity to see my mother working herself,” declares Marguerite.

After sifting through a little heap of gravel, Sylvie can earn about two thousand Congo Franc (US$2.20) per day if a buyer comes. She has to fight hard for daily food and to cover a monthly cost of 8000 CF (US$9.00) to rent a house and US$15.00 to pay school fees for Aaron and Marguerite.

“I encourage my children to go to school. But when they sack them for [not paying] school fees, we spend time together here in the quarry,” says Sylvie.

“We start the job earlier in the morning if I do not go to school and we stop at 4pm,” says Aaron. “We suffer coughs and rheumatism regularly because of dust here. We use to take traditional medicines against the illness and dull night pains after the job. We do not have choice.”

The risk for children and their parents in the quarry includes mudslides. “I have scars on my body due to mudslide accidents," Aaron says. The crowd of women and children who meet in the quarry admit that the mudslides killed women and children a couple of years ago. “Working here is for us to get food and avoid our children wandering the town,” they declare.

Sylvie also has to work in the quarry with her last daughter Songa Songa, 3, who has a cold. “I bring her with me here because nobody can keep her at home.”

Sylvie is seeking business capital to sustain her family livelihood instead of the quarry. “As a widow, I dream to buy fish and resell in the market so that I can generate a profit. I’m seeking capital to start this and completely abandon my current job. Indeed, my children will stay home and I would be able to feed them and pay school fees for them. However, I lack money to start,” reiterates Sylvie. “I can also farm crops and potatoes if I get seeds and fertilizers," she adds.

Sylvie’s children are registered to Mwanga primary school but cannot afford school fees, though their mother has provided uniforms and school supplies.

Sylvie would also like to buy blankets for her children as it is cold at night, but her income doesn't allow for it.

The children live a hard life yet have high hopes. “My dream is to become a doctor,” says Aaron. "I will be a dressmaker," says Marguerite. The family eats once a day after the quarry jobs. Marguerite’s wish, however, is to eat twice a day.

(From World Vision's ACTs_

4/14 Window

2011-03-10T21:07:00.001-08:00

The 4/14 Window refers to the world of children between the ages of 4 and 14. The term was introduced in a 1996 publication by Dan Brewster, then program director for Compassion International. Brewster’s article was based on research by Bryant Myers, who showed that “85% of those who become Christians do so between the ages of 4 and 14 years old.” The sad thing is that although children and teenagers make up half of the world’s population, as little as 10% of mission efforts are currently directed toward them. Children are worthy because they are close to the heart of Jesus. Mark 10:14
says, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, because the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
Children are the most receptive to the gospel, and positioned to be a mighty force to bring others to faith in Christ. Children have their whole lives ahead of them to live out and share their faith, and they also have time to be long-term agents of change. It is
vital to reach children while they are young and equip them to make an impact throughout their lives.
Children are important recipients of the gospel, they have tremendous capacity to minister to others.

Questions to Ponder:
Do you and your family, church, or ministry place a high value on children and see them as worthy of ministry?
What steps might you take to ensure that children between the ages of 4 and 14 hear the gospel of Christ and are equipped to be Christ’s ambassadors?
What other ways might you respond to this urgent appeal for a new missions focus on the 4/14 Window?

(Information by Tami Snowden)

ReLENTless Acts of Justice

2011-03-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

I can’t recall a time when I truly participated in Lent. The children and I did something similar for 4 weeks before Easter. It was mainly a giving time to others--letters, cards, meals, phone calls, etc. Perhaps I gave something up for Lent--once. However, this year I noticed that World Vision ACTs (activism network) had ideas for Lent on a daily basis. The event is called Relentless Acts of Justice. I thought I’d give it a try and participate in as many of the activities as I can. I believe the first event with ACTs, we, as a family, took part in was Malaria day when we discussed the affects of malaria and raised money for mosquito nets to be distributed among those that may not have one. This event will be more of a challenge for me but I will give it a try. I’ve recently been listening to the “Radical” series of messages given by Dr. David Platt who encourages us to truly follow Jesus and his teachings. (You may see his sermons online at www.brookhill.org or read his book entitled RADICAL.) I had just finished one of the activities that he shared the other day and it was on today’s Relentless emails: to make a list of your luxuries. If you have a roof over your head, food in your belly, clothes on your back, you’re considered rich in the world we live in. We may not feel like we are rich, but compared to most of the world today, we are wealthy. (Of course I’ve never thought of myself as wealthy--monetarily that is. But I am!) God has blessed us in America. So how can we wisely use that blessing to bless others?

4 Year Anniversary

2011-02-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when things are at their lowest point, the best moments are just around the corner. But you have to venture around that corner. (Suzanne Locklear)

I never had time to be scared or even imagine dire consequences from cancer--I was too focused on conquering it. (Judith Barnard)

Whole days, even weeks, go by now and I don’t even think about it. It’s amazing that after something so terrifying, you can forget. (Nancy Reagan)

My cancer gave me the courage to say yes to life and no to unhappiness...I chose to live. (Elizabeth Miu Lan Young)

It’s a pretty amazing wake-up call. Life is short and I can assure you I don’t waste much time. (Dierdre Black)

Why I celebrate:
Four years ago today, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I’ve always had a fear of cancer because cancer is often looked upon as a dreaded curse. And yes, I thought that way myself for a couple of reasons. However, though I’d often begged God to keep cancer far away from me, I was diagnosed with breast cancer on February 27, 2007. Though a bit shocked, it wasn’t devastating news. During the whole episode, God showed Himself faithful--mainly through the diagnosis. Though it had been 2 years since my last mammogram, I was told that if I had gotten the mammogram on time, the tumor probably wouldn’t have shown up. If I had waited, it wouldn’t have been felt until it had really enlarged. The mass was only 1/2 cm--pea sized. Even though small, cancer can be scary. I was alone in the doctors office when I got the news of the possibility of breast cancer--a terribly lonely time. After the mammogram, a second mammogram, an ultrasound and finally a biopsy, I knew it was my turn for the disease that no one wants but has infiltrated our family. The day I got the call, Jim was at work, Caleb was in L.A., Cory in Madagascar, Carey in Tennessee, and Charley was at home. I immediately called my good friend Cindy and she came right over. She had been through breast cancer the year before. She helped me through those first few minutes of wrapping my head around the news. It wasn’t long before friends and family began sending me words, songs and Scriptures of encouragement. That night, to relieve some of the stress of being overwhelmed, we went to Red Brick Pizza (in Paso) of all places to eat and watch TV (each table is set up with a little TV on it). (that sounds random-lol)
The surgery was on March 2 but the day before is when I really fell apart. Charley soon had me laughing and we decided to go bowling. (What else is there to do in a small town? Ha!)
Encouragement continued to roll in, even at the hospital. Sarah Kate, Joel and Diego came to be there for me and Sarah sang Ginny Owen’s “If You Want Me To”. One of the nurses prayed with me. I am so thankful for all those that shared in this experience with me through prayers, encouragement, Scripture and songs.
After my radiation treatment, we moved to Tennessee and I’ve been celebrating my BC anniversary every year with something fun, unusual, or unexpected. This year, year 4, I’m not sure what I’ll do. A trip to California sounds good to me. We’ll see.

The stedfast of mind Thou will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in Thee. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God the Lord, we have an EVERLASTING ROCK!! Isaiah 26:3-4

I sought the Lord and He answered me. And delivered me from my fears. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalm 34:4

Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. Psalm 56:3

Red Hand Day--February 12

2011-02-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

Children Should Not Be Forced Into Combat

Red Hand Day, on February 12, is a worldwide initiative to stop the use of child soldiers. According to U.N. statistics, there are approximately 250,000 child soldiers worldwide being used in adult wars. The average age is 15-18, however some as young as 7 years of age are forced to participate.
They basically become slaves for their commanders. They fear for their lives so do as they’re told from running errands to becoming victims of sex abuse. They may participate in combat, laying mines or other explosives, scouting, spying, cooking and domestic labor. Some join voluntarily for a sense of survival. About 1/3 of child soldiers are girls doing what the boys do as well as forced to be “wives” or “sex slaves” to the commanders. They may be infected with HIV/AIDS or other STDs and many girls become pregnant. These children live under harsh conditions with little food and little or no healthcare.
In the past decade more than 2 million children have been killed in conflict situations. An estimated 6 million children have been seriously injured or permanently disabled. (World Vision)

Pray for the Child Soldiers!

Superbowl Sunday--Super for ???

2011-02-05T07:56:00.000-08:00

How will you spend your Super Bowl Sunday?

As people around the country meet for food, fun and fellowship--eating to their heart’s content and cheering on their favorite team--young girls are being sold into the superbowl city, in and around Dallas, Texas. Church activities are put on hold because of this big game--one of the biggest human trafficking events in the U.S.A.
“It’s a sad fact that where men and money converge, human trafficking follows. To meet the demand, many prostitutes will be brought in, including children and teens. Many of these will be forced victims, literally being sex slaves for human traffickers.”
“Dallas Cowboy, three time pro-bowler Jay Ratliff has joined the fight against the tragedy of child human trafficking. ‘It has recently come to my attention that American children are being bought and sold for profit and pleasure and I’m mad. Men, I’m talking to you,’ declared Mr. Ratliff.” He states that “real men don’t buy children, they don’t buy sex.”
It is estimated that between 100 and 300,000 U.S. children are trafficked within our own borders each year. (Aaron Russell, Dallas City Buzz Examiner) 25% come through Texas. (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
“Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott noted that there is a ‘looming potential explosion of human trafficking around the Super Bowl.’” He also announced that he would be sending a dozen staff members from his human trafficking task force to assist local law enforcement in cracking down on human trafficking during this years Super Bowl. (John Burger)
Human trafficking is the fastest growing illegal trade and is expected to surpass drug trafficking in the next two years, according to Traffick 911. (Josephine Vivaldo--Christian Post Contributer)
Several local organizations in the Dallas area are joining in the effort to raise awareness and support ground work in recognizing and reporting human trafficking for the Super Bowl 2011. Also, 5 major airlines offered a course last week to teach ways to identify traffickers and their victims.
So while you’re enjoying your wings and nachos--pray for the little ones losing their innocence today.
Other resources:
www.traffick911.com

Some Red Flags:
Scripted answers.
Inconsistencies in story.
Branding or tattoos, especially that reflect ownership or money.
Bruising, including handprints or thin marks like an extension cord or wire. Varied stages of healing with black, purple, blue, yellow shades.
Coming on to several men.
Appears helpless, shamed, nervous.
Malnourished.
Inability or fear to make eye contact.
Chronic runaway; homeless youth.
Dating much older, abusive or controlling man.
Not attending school or has numerous school absences.
Clothes that say, “Daddy’s girl” or inappropriate for weather.

On its own, one of these signs might not indicate trafficking, but 2-3 together are a good indication. The average life expectancy for a child forced into sexual slavery is 7 years. Don’t wait. Call 911 and the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1.888.373.7888, if you suspect something. It’s better to be wrong than not to report it. A life might just depend on it.

"Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves." Proverbs 31:8

Take Your Best Shot

2011-01-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of weeks I have been reading about causes, passion, doing something bigger than yourself. The two books I have been reading would be terrific reads for you and the young person in your life. (I actually posted information about one of the books on my previous blog about human trafficking.)
Austin Gutwein was a nine year old when he watched “Maggie”, a story about an AIDS orphan in Africa living with her great-grandmother. He was so touched by her story that he wanted to do something, but he didn’t know what to do. After speaking with someone at World Vision, he was encouraged to use his interest and passion to bring hope to orphans in Africa. He started “Hoops for Hope” to raise money for this cause. His first event was held on World Aids Day and he shot over 2,000 hoops (baskets) by himself. The next year, hundreds joined him. You can take part in shooting hoops to raise money for Austin’s organization or maybe you’ve got a different passion. There are many needs around the world. Find your passion, take your best shot and do something bigger than yourself.

His book: Take Your Best Shot.

Some Stats:
Every 14 seconds a child is orphaned by AIDS.
Of the 11 million people in Zambia, 1.2 million are AIDS orphans.
Every 14 seconds another African child becomes an orphan because of AIDS.
There are 15 million AIDS orphans worldwide; 12 million are in sub-Saharan Africa.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day (and month)

2011-01-11T20:16:00.000-08:00

I wasn't ready to post this blog yet but decided I needed to, especially after reading someone else's blog on the subject. Think about this: It's been said that the 2011 Super Bowl will be the largest human trafficking event in the history of the U.S. That bothers me--does it bother you? Didn't slavery end back in the 1800's? or even before that? There are more slaves in the world today than there have ever been in history. There are approximately 27 million slaves worldwide. Is there any help? Any hope?
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor: a form of modern-day slavery.
I've been reading a book about a young abolitionist. No, not Harriet Tubman or William Wilburforce. His name is Zach Hunter and he has become a voice for the voiceless. All around the world, including our own country, people are oppressed and enslaved. Zach Hunter wants to see them set free. At the age of 12 he started "Loose Change to Loosen Chains", a student led effort to raise awareness and funds to free slaves. Since then, he has written 3 books on the subject, encouraging young people to become aware and to discover their passion to change the world. Zach is 17 years old and has spoken in front of thousands of people across the country. He works with International Justice Mission, a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. You can learn more on ijm.org.
Zach Hunter's books can be found at your local bookstore:
Be the Change: Your Guide to Freeing Slaves and Changing the World
Generation Change
Lose Your Cool: Discovering A Passion That Changes You and the World

The Starfish Story

2011-01-04T22:33:00.000-08:00

Early one morning a boy was walking along a beach. Hundreds of starfish lay stranded on the shore, having been washed onto the sand the night before by a storm. As he walked, the little boy would pick up a starfish at random and throw it back into the sea. An old man came down the beach, walking in the other direction. He asked the little boy what he was doing. "I'm saving starfish," he answered. "Young man, don't waste your time. There's no way that you can make a difference for all these starfish," the man said. The little boy leaned down, picked up one more, and threw it back into the sea. He looked the man in the eye and said, "I made a difference to that one." (adapted from the story by Loren Eiseley)

Who's the one on the beach waiting for you? Who's the starfish in your life that you need to help? You might think that you are just one person in this world. But to one person, you might be the world.

Your Hands

2010-12-25T22:39:00.000-08:00

I added the following song to my playlist because it ties in with the previous blog: Reminder to Self.

Your Hands
by JJ Heller

I have unanswered prayers
I have trouble I wish wasn't there
And I have asked a thousand ways
That You would take my pain away
That You would take my pain away

I am trying to understand
How to walk this weary land
Make straight the paths that crookedly lie
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine
Oh Lord, before these feet of mine

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

When You walked upon the Earth
You healed the broken, lost, and hurt
I know You hate to see me cry
One day You will set all things right
Yea, one day You will set all things right

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave Your hands

Your hands
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still
Your hands that shape the world
Are holding me, they hold me still

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave You when...

When my world is shaking
Heaven stands
When my heart is breaking
I never leave...
I never leave Your hands

Reminder To Self!

2010-12-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

(Caution: Read only if you are filled with Joy and Love at this time of year, otherwise you may tear up or even cry.)

I began writing this blog containing Christmas cheer at the beginning. However, I decided to post two separate blogs--one of things I like about Christmas and then another as sort of a reminder to myself that not everyone sees this as a joyful time.
I suppose not everyone enjoys Christmas for one reason or another. There are a lot of hurting people in the world--all around us, in our own family, in our church, in the workplace and in third world countries. Stress takes its toll on some of us: loss of a loved one, financial burdens, loss of a job, prodigal son or daughter, family, or poverty and hunger. Whatever it may be, not everyone is enjoying the season. I’ve seen facebook posts of friends losing their “Christmas spirit”, including myself. Perhaps I’m missing family, maybe it’s something else. Maybe I need a heart checkup like the people in the following examples.
The other night I watched a Christmas movie--a man returned to his home town after several years and demanded the nativity on display be removed since it sat on public land.
I just read a quote from the letters of C.S. Lewis when he recounts the time his brother ‘...heard a woman on a bus say, as the bus passed a church with a crib (manger) outside it, _”Oh, Lor’! They bring religion into everything. Look...they’re dragging it even into Christmas now!” (C.S. Lewis, Letters to an American Lady, 29, December, 1958.) I found that interesting.
I saw a billboard (on the news) put up by an atheist group in New York that said ‘You KNOW it’s a Myth, This Season Celebrate REASON!’ Well, in my opinion, Jesus IS the reason!
Not everyone has the opportunity to celebrate the birth of Christ--some have never even heard the nativity story in their own heart language. There are those that have lost all hope. They may be starving. They may see “no light at the end of the tunnel”. They may be homeless and destitute.
Whatever we’re going through, God is right there walking along side of us, that is, if we’ll only let Him. He is our strength. He’ll lighten the load. He’ll make it a little easier. Will we let Him? Will I let Him do that for me this Christmas season?
Why would I dare write a depressing blog? Actually, it wasn’t intended to “be a downer” but a reminder to pray for one another and pray for the world during this special time of the year.
For those that know me, I’ve had Africa on my mind for years, however, Africa is not the only continent that fights the pangs of poverty, famine and drought. Back in the ’80’s--1984 to be exact, a group called Band Aid put out the following song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?”. I’m posting the song to my playlist and will post the lyrics below:

Do They Know It’s Christmas Time?

It's Christmas time
There's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time
We let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty
We can spread a smile of joy
Throw your arms around the world
At Christmas time

But say a prayer
Pray for the other ones
At Christmas time it's hard
But when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dread and fear
Where the only water flowing
Is the bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring
There are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time
Feed the world
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

And there won't be snow in Africa
This Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain nor rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time again
(Here's to you) raise a glass for everyone
(Here's to them) underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time

I do hope you have a wonderful Christmas celebration, remembering the Christ of the season and those hurting all around us.

Christmas Cheer!

2010-12-21T19:39:00.000-08:00

Things I like about Christmas:

Kids being kids up on stage at the Christmas performance--love, love it!
Christmas trees!
Lights strung on the tree, across the houses, even in the bushes (even the moving deer that lights up)!
Stockings hung by the chimney with care--though ours are on the bookshelf!
Christmas music playing on the radio, in the stores, and in the elevators!
Smells of pine trees, cookies baking, cider brewing!
The taste of FUDGE!!! YUMMY!! My favorite!
Children laughing, sizing up and rattling their gifts, trying to “guess” what’s inside!
Christmas carols being sung around the Yule Log--or just around!
Christmas movies--tiring of the same old ones year after year, but watching them anyway!
Christmas decorations, though before Thanksgiving is a bit too early if you ask me!
Making gingerbread houses with the kids. After our kids had grown, I began having the Abdelaziz children over at Christmastime to make gingerbread houses. Of course, my grown kids continued having fun making one or helping the younger ones. After moving to Tennessee, I had to find some more children to come over to make our Christmas decorated houses. Over the past 4 years, we've had several coming over to decorate.
Most of all, I enjoy the nativity scene which represents the reason that we celebrate Christmas. We have 3 in our house. One makes into a puzzle. Jim made it years ago. He’s the only one that can fit it back together. One my niece Jenni made for us. And this year we get to use Carey’s Willow Tree. All reminders of Christ’s birth and childlike faith.

Hosanna

2010-11-16T21:26:00.000-08:00

For the past few weeks I have been sad. Sad for my close friend's loss. It has really hit me hard for some reason. Tears came to my eyes in church the other day as we sang this beautiful song. Of course, it's nice to actually hear the music itself, but the words will do for now. Only He can give the strength to face each and every day. He's the one who washes all our fears away. I lift this family up for comfort and peace.

Hosanna
by Paul Balouche
Praise is rising, eyes are turning to You, we turn to You
 Hope is stirring, hearts are yearning for You, we long for You
 'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day  
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away   

CHORUS
 Hosanna, hosanna  
You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
Hosanna, hosanna  
Come have Your way among us  
We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

  Hear the sound of hearts returning to You, we turn to You
 In Your Kingdom broken lives are made new, You make us new  
'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
 In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away   

Hosanna, hosanna
 You are the God Who saves us, worthy of all our praises
 Hosanna, hosanna  
Come have Your way among us
 We welcome You here, Lord Jesus

  'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day
 In Your Presence all our fears are washed away
 'Cause when we see You, we find strength to face the day  
In Your Presence all our fears are washed away, washed away  

Girl's Road Trip to the Smokies

2010-11-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

Take a ride on the Jurassic Park river boat, visit the Titantic or try to stand in the upside down mansion. However, nothing compares to the drive-thru chapel. What state are we in? Tennessee? Nevada? Confusion?

Today (November 2) the girls and I headed out on a road trip to the Great Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN. What a treat--we were to meet up with our friend Annelyse, her husband Edward and his sister Marta for a few days. A. & E. flew in from Alaska and M. from Florida. We only had about a 4 hour drive.
It was raining when we left home and continued for most of the drive. It did let up after Knoxville. (I'm thinking Knoxville is bigger than Nashville. Not much further we turned off the freeway to our destination. All along the main road through Sevierville was roadwork--widening the roads. Then we hit Pigeon Forge with its neon signs, cheesy stores and tourist traps. Nearly every block had a "As Seen On TV" store. (How many do you really need?) The candy stores were numerous and then we saw a ginormous 3D shark as the doorway to a swim shop. Not to mention several miniature golf courses--from farm life to sea life--and everything in between. There were go cart raceways and any type of eating establishment you'd ever want to see. I wasn't sure if I was in Dolly Parton's Pigeon Forge or at the ol' time Long Beach Pike. All of sudden, Carey hollered out: "Mom, the Happy Days Diner". So of course, not to disappoint, we turned around and headed back for a Dagwood BLT.
Since we had a little time before meeting up with our friends, we headed back to the outlet mall while we were out and about.
I knew there were a lot of attractions here, but I never dreamed to this extent. However, as soon as we entered the National Park, what a change of scenery (well, for a bit). The fall colors were beautiful. We're not too far into the park and we spot the resort where we were staying in the mountains. We meet up with Annelyse, get our room keys and head to our room. We were in a studio with a little kitchenette and bathroom. I noticed a warning magnet on the fridge that says not to put trash out between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. because of the bears. Hmmmm! Thought we'd go on a walk around the property, but quickly changed my mind. We had a nice visit with the friends and then off to bed.
Thursday I got up at 8:30, read a little, ate a p'nut butter sandwich, took a walk around the resort and then we headed off to the Smokies. To get to the park, we had to drive through Gatlinburg which was filled with little shops of everything imaginable. We stopped off at the visitor's center to look around and I picked up a few souvenirs. Then we were on our way to Cade's Cove--24 miles into the park. Cades Cove is a valley surrounded by mountains filled with colorful leaves of yellow, orange and red. It was beautiful. We took the 11 mile loop through the cove that had stops along the way of churches and cabins that once were inhabited.
John Olivers cabin is the first on the loop--1 of 70 historic buildings in the park. Usually the parents, infants and daughters slept downstairs and the boys slept in the loft. However, this may have varied from family to family.
The Primitive Baptist Church was established in 1827. The church closed during the Civil War. Official church correspondence after the war: "We the Primitive Baptist Church in Blount County in Cades Cove, do show the public why we have not kept up our church meeting. It was on account of the Rebellion and we was Union people and the Rebels was too strong here in Cades Cove. Our preacher was obliged to leave sometimes, and thank God we once more can meet."
I've been very interested in the two-door churches since being in Tennessee. The two doors leading in to the front of the Methodist churches, separated the men from the women as they sat on opposite sides during the church service. This particular church didn't follow that custom but the plans were copied from a church that did divide its congregation. The one in the Cove was built in 1902 by J.D. McCampbell, a blacksmith and carpenter. He built the church in 115 days for $115. He later became the minister.
The Missionary Baptist Church was started by a group from the Primitive Baptist Church who were expelled because they favored missionary work. The church began in 1839.
Several of the trails, some of them now roads, were Cherokee trails, walked by many of the Cherokee that lived in the area.
The Elijah Oliver place was a larger cabin than some of the others found on the loop. It had a "stranger room" added to the front porch to accommodate overnight visitors. They needed a "springhouse" to keep milk and butter cool. The smokehouse stored and preserved hams, shoulders and side meat for the year. Pork was easier to preserve than beef. The corn crib was needed to store enough corn for grinding into meal.
The Tipton House was built in the early 1870's by "Col. Hamp" Tipton who served in the Mexican War. The property included blacksmith and carpentry shops, a long shed to house sheltered bee gums, a smokehouse and a wood shed. Across the road stands a double pen corn crib and a cantilever barn. In the 1800s such barns were built to hold tons of hay in the loft and to shelter cattle and other livestock down below where they could mill about without bumping into posts.
Along the loop it began raining a hailing so a few places we didn't get out to get a closer look, but we saw most of the buildings.
We drove out of the park around 5:30 and headed to Pigeon Forge to stop by the grocery store before heading back to our room. We shared a meal with the others after they returned from horseback riding and driving around the Cades Cove loop. We watched some TV and headed off to bed.
Friday we awoke to rain again--and it rained most of the day. That didn't keep us from strolling through downtown Gatlinburg to check out the plethora of shops--Mr. Tablecloth to Fannie Farkle's for a mondo corn dog (no, we didn't have one) to down home moonshine in Ole Hickory Holler. We kept warm in the shops we visited and then warmed up to a cup of hot cocoa and a REAL cake donut. (extinct in the Nashville area--well, I haven't found any yet) We then moved on to the crafters village but after a few stores, we gave it up to a warm cozy room. (I did meet a gal from Vacaville, CA though, that worked at a Native American store doing some leatherwork.)
The others had gone to a play or concert. The girls and I rested for a bit then headed out to the outlet mall in tinsel town and dinner at Mels Diner. A good day.
Saturday I woke up around 8 a.m.--Edward and Annelyse are leaving this morning to head out to Ashville, NC. We'll most likely stay until tomorrow. Not sure what the roads will be like so won't go anywhere til later since it snowed last night. Just a light dusting but still it was snow, and beautiful. It didn't last long though. I did get to hear some beautiful music before they left. Edward plays several instruments and brought his guitar, violin and penny whistle. He and Marta played/sang a few worship songs.
We headed to the "strip" to take pictures of all the crazy sites. Stopped at stores we hadn't been to. A cute little old fashioned area with a grist mill, general store, pottery shop and souvenir shops. We also went to the Apple Barn restaurant, bakery and gift shop (like at Opry Mills). Traffic has been bumper to bumper all day. UGH! We then headed to Gatlinburg to eat at Bubba Gumps. YUM! We shared a basket of shrimp--4 kinds--and some mahi-mahi.
It was so cold out. The town was quite crowded, people all over the place and traffic bumper to bumper again. We headed back to our room to watch Camp Rock II.
Check out was at 10 on Sunday. Marta made pumpkin pancakes for us, we finished cleaning up and headed out. We stopped by the visitor's center across the street to get more postcards and a memory game. It took us an hour and a half to get from Gatlinburg to the freeway--about 15 miles away. Everyone was leaving town. It was a beautiful, sunny day.
What a terrific week.

On the Road Again (to Georgia)

2010-11-08T16:38:00.000-08:00

Last month, we took another trip down to Georgia to drop mom off at Ginger's (my cousin). Left the house at High Noon--with a couple of stops, we're on our way by 12:30 p.m. Nothing exciting--spent my time reading and working puzzles.
We were getting a full-size rental but they upgraded us to a mini-van. Nice! I never thought I'd drive a mom-mobile again, but Dodge Caravans have come a long way. In fact, when I drove over to the Outlet Mall I had to learn how to work everything.
After dropping off Mom at Ginger's, we headed over to our motel a few miles away. Ginger is doing quite well from her hip replacement, no longer in pain. She had been sick earlier in the day but for something she ate, not the flu--Whew!
We settled into our room and then Cory, Char and I headed for the Outlets, 40 minutes before closing. That gave me enough time to spend my Gap card Carey had given me for my birthday.
We had a pretty good night's sleep and were ready for hot waffles the following morning. It's nice to find a motel that serves a decent breakfast--for FREE! So we loaded up before taking off to our next destination, which was Amicalola Falls. That was the highlight of our trip. I definitely didn't want to leave. While waiting for check-in at the lodge, we went on a short hike. Charley couldn't find his shoes so had to suffer in flip-flops. (he later found his sneakers)
(Wow, I didn't write much while traveling, I hope I can remember a few more things that went on.)
The lodge was beautiful, at the top of the falls overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent some time on the back porch, just taking in the beauty surrounding us. There was also another short hike near the lodge. I could have stayed a week, or longer.
Next we headed to Atlanta to visit the aquarium--it was amazing. I particularly enjoyed seeing the huge manta rays doing somersaults in the water and the whale sharks. (Here's a thought, I think perhaps Jonah was swallowed by a whale shark. The Bible says he was swallowed by a fish, not a whale. A whale shark is a fish and the largest or one of the largest in the ocean. What do you think?) I was excited to touch a shark and a little sting ray.
After the aquarium, we got a bite to eat at Johnny Rocket's and couldn't resist walking through IKEA.
We wanted to see the Atlantic Ocean so began our drive toward Savannah. Since we spent a lot of time in Atlanta, we stopped at a KOA along the way to spend the night at one of the cabins. What a mistake, right next to the freeway, crowded and stuffy, which wasn't good for the allergies. We got there after dark so didn't do much. We decided we didn't want to go through another night like that (we had booked a camping cabin in Savannah as well) so decided to head the other direction.
We ended up in Dahlonega, where we had gone on our first trip to GA. We spent longer visiting the shops in the town square and had a really great time.

I Hate Meeses to Pieces

2010-10-30T00:22:00.000-07:00

You may or may not know, but mice--aka RATS!--really creep me out. I can usually handle spiders, lizards or snakes, but when it comes to mice, anywhere near me, I totally freak. The other day, I saw one in the garage and figured it would be building a nest for the winter. I tried to keep it from getting into the house, so every time I needed to go into the garage, I’d first bang the door to keep it away. Well, I’m not sure if it was the same one or not, but I found one in our closet. Now, my closet is my place to get away from it all when I can’t get outside. So for a mouse to be invading my space, well, that’s just not right. I immediately asked Jim to please catch it, which, after several minutes of chasing it around in the closet, throwing it in the air with the dustpan and finally trapping it in the phone book and beating it to death, he got rid of it.
We’ve also heard them in the attic or in the walls. Then tonight, Cory thought she heard something in the kitchen making a scratching sound around the cupboard. Later, I heard a noise in the kitchen as well, I thought someone was in there but no one was.
Since mom is in Georgia for a few more days, I decided to go lie down in her room and read tonight. (By the way, the book is Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life.) Anyway, I was reading and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a mouse scurrying along the wall then behind her bookcase. I let out a scream (it was around 2 a.m.), jumped up on the bed, grabbed a couple of things and I was out of there. There is quite a space between the bottom of the door and the floor so I pushed a towel up under it. I sure hope it didn’t escape before I got the towel shoved under. Will have to wait until tomorrow to get more mousetraps and catch the little varmit.
I guess we need a cat or a snake to get the job done. I will keep you posted on the mouse invasion, but I know I won’t get much sleep tonight. I’ll either dream about rats or keep seeing them out of the corner of my eye.

Road Trip to Georgia

2010-09-19T18:51:00.000-07:00

Last week, Jim took some time off and we took a road trip to Georgia to visit my cousin Ginger. Mom and Cory joined us. I think that was my first trip to this southern state. (Besides the 5 minutes you go through Georgia to get to Chattanooga.) It takes about 5 hours to get there and with stops a bit longer. I forgot my CDs (we got a rental car) so began looking for a radio station--Bingo! an oldie station. It’s been forever since I’ve heard oldies (except for the Dollar Tree). Cheesy 80s music--but HEY! it’s a road trip. Okay, radio stations are out--blah! Got my ipod out. From cheesy music to cheesy Gabe Kaplan in “Welcome Back Kotter” with Bah-bah-bah, bah Bahbarino--John Travolta in his “hey’day”--HA! “You put one end up your nose, and the other end in your mouth and then you blow real hard til your brains fall out.” Vinnie Barbarino (spoken with a Brooklyn accent). Boom-Boom Washington’s “Hi there!” and who could forget Horchak’s amazing laugh? And, of course when he raises his hand in class--oo--oo--oo--oo!!!
Interesting how 20-somethings still in highschool. (Shall we talk about “Grease”?) Well, they were sweathogs! Ha!
Going through small towns, with lots of trees in the foothills of the Appalachias. Leaves are beginning to change. I spot a tree dressed in red. Then another in yellow. Not too many though. Will be great to drive to eastern Tennessee in the fall to see more colors. Passed the Trail of Tears and believe we were barely touching the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m wondering if there is an easier route than we are going. There are so many twists and turns, going through small towns since arriving in Georgia. Kudzu climbs all over, covering trees all along the parkway.
Okay, we’re in Georgia, right? Still in the Bible Belt I believe. We stop for gas at a Chevron station--haven’t seen one of those since California. People magazine? Nope! Women’s magazines? Nope! Any magazines? YUP! At least 20 porn magazines and that was it. (No, I didn’t actually stand there and count them all, that’s just a guesstimate.)
So who needs a tour guide when you have Jim along pointing everything out
and reading the signs. WOW! My dad used to do that when we were growing up. Remember Mel? LOL!
Having a nice visit with my cousin. Tonight I’ve been finding out about some family information that I need to check on, including the possibility of being related to Pocahontas. How exciting would that be? Another cousin has been doing some genealogy research, I’ll check with her tomorrow night.

9/11/10
Today, we got up to a delicious breakfast of praline french toast. We did a little yard work (well, Jim did most of it) then headed off to the Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. The falls are noted as one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders”. They drop 729 feet and are near the southern most point of the Appalachian Trail. (We weren’t sure where that point actually was so missed my photo opt for my feet touching the trail.) I did get a picture of the sign though. Amicalola is a Cherokee word meaning “tumbling waters” and is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi.
After walking around the falls, we headed to Dahlonega which is a small town a few miles outside of Gainesville. We walked around the townsquare, heard some bluegrass playing at a 9/11 memorial event, got some yummy fudge, a cold rootbeer at the General Store and headed back to the house.
We went to Nancy’s for some delicous Georgia pulled pork BBQ. Afterwards, I learned more about my ancestors.

Sunday we walked around the outlet malls and hung around the house.
We took off Monday morning and stopped in Chattanooga. We walked around downtown for a bit, ate BBQ again (what else is there in the south?) and checked out the mall.
It was a great trip--lots of fun!

Perfect Timing

2010-08-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Over the years, Vineyard music has been among my favorite worship music. I particularly like the songs sung and some written by the worship team at the “Burn” in SLO. Below is one of the songs I love, but sometimes hard to live.

We won’t be anxious,
We’ll cease our striving 
We’ll wait on You 
'Cause everyone knows that

You have perfect timing
 You have perfect timing 
Everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

We may wait, but You’re never late
 We won’t worry ’cause everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

And after your testing comes your blessing 
And after your testing comes your blessing 
And after your testing comes your blessing 
And everyone knows that

You have perfect timing
You have perfect timing
Everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

Cory has often said, along with others, God is never early, He’s never late, He’s always right on time. She has seen that in her life. I have seen that in her life as a missionary with YWAM. But sometimes, it’s hard to wait, it’s hard not to worry, and sometimes I wonder about the testing and blessing scenario. However, I know it’s true. It’s just not always easy to grasp.

"Beautiful Things"

2010-08-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

This evening, I heard a new band. (written a few weeks ago) Gungor is the name. Previously known as The Michael Gungor Band. I admit I had expected something a little different. I was expecting a night of worship. And that’s exactly what I got. It just came in a different form. It wasn’t from a “box”. The band was amazing. God was in the house. The Holy Spirit was alive and well. I had heard the following song before-perhaps we’ve sung it for worship. It’s a beautiful song, however, it didn’t hit me until I got home (another “ah-ha” moment I guess) what it was speaking to me. I have a favorite quote from Princess Diaries which goes something like: “I’ve always been invisible and I’m good at it.” (well, you get the gist) I put myself in that place many times, growing up and as an adult. (no, I’m not trying to feel sorry for myself, I’ll get to the point eventually) So, this song, “Beautiful Things” keeps turning over in my head and I’m thinking, God makes beautiful things out of the dust and He makes beautiful things out of us... God created us from dust, from nothing and He continues perfecting us--we are beautiful in His sight. I’ve written quotes from the book Be A Hero (by Wesley Campbell and Stephen Court) in the past and that book talks about invisible people. It tells about how we need to be a voice for the invisible people. Be a voice for the voiceless. That’s how this all ties together for me. For the past 3 years I’ve wondered “What is my place?” I had done the same thing for so many years and now “schools out” at our house. What am I supposed to do? For now, I can be a voice for the voiceless, for the invisible people. I know what it’s like in my mind, but I have NO idea what it’s really like for the invisible people. I can only imagine. However, I need to look at those people like God does--He made beautiful things--people--all over the world. However, because of the depravity in the world, so many are in need, are in the midst of poverty, are hungry, thirsty, and need to be clothed. They need to be visited--the orphans, widows, prisoners, the sick. And when we do this to the least of these, we’ve done it to the Father.

I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Jesus, in Matthew 25:35-36

This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James, in James 1:27

So, until I have the chance to GO into all the world, I will speak up for the voiceless.

Beautiful Things  
All this pain
 I wonder if I’ll ever find my way 
I wonder if my life could really change at all
 All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found
 Could a garden come up from this ground at all

  You make beautiful things
 You make beautiful things out of the dust 
You make beautiful things
 You make beautiful things out of us
   
All around
 Hope is springing up from this old ground 
Out of chaos life is being found in You 
 You make me new, You are making me new

28/28/28

2010-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

So, you didn’t think I’d write a blog about singer/songwriter Keith Green? “He challenged believers to break out of their status quo Christianity and embrace a put-it-all-on-the-line life of faith and action.” On July 28, 28 years ago, Keith Green passed into heaven at the young age of 28, along with two of his children. On July 28, 2010, his wife Melody Green, Loren and Darlene Cunningham (founders of YWAM-Youth With A Mission), and John Dawson remembered a man that challenged the young people of his day. He loved the Lord and wanted everyone else to have the opportunity of knowing the Lord he served. His challenge continues to be of importance today, as the service proclaimed. YWAM is hoping to send out 2100 people in 2010, along with 100 bands from around the world. If you’d like to view the service from Kona, Hawaii, go to www.keithgreen.com to view.
If you think you haven’t “gotten a call”, you “haven’t heard the call”. We’ve been called to “GO” and “Go” means a change of location. (Loren Cunningham) So what does that mean for you? What does that mean for me? I need to chew on that for a bit. If I wait, will I have missed something? I need to do this first, I need to do that.
Melody Green mentioned in her book, NO COMPROMISE: The Life Story of Keith Green: “Jesus wants you to be part of what he is doing too. God is calling forth a radical generation of fierce worshippers. You can be part of the new breed. Don’t compromise with the world. Stand up for what is right. Speak the truth. Show mercy. Befriend the lonely. Defend those suffering injustice. Love the unlovable. Be passionate for Jesus. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. And always remember to show compassion to the young, the poor, the hurting, and the lost. No matter how old you are, where you live, or what you have--you can help someone with a need. You can pour the balm of hope into a heart that has none.”
Leonard Ravenhill wrote: “Keith had a radical New Birth experience plus a Baptism of Fire and became a spiritual revolutionary. God took him, cleansed him, occupied him, and annointed him.”

John 12:24 “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Since Keith’s death, many have gone forward to “change the world”. They don’t want to sit idly by, waiting for someone else to go. They are “Going into all the World”.

Scrapbooking and Thinking

2010-07-23T20:39:00.000-07:00

I haven't done much blogging this summer, though there has been plenty on my mind. It's been a scorcher summer here in Tennessee with plenty of humidity. It hasn't been the best weather for hiking so we've been staying indoors hanging out at home or in stores.
So, I've been doing some scrapbooking--finally putting together my pictures of our trip to Madagascar. I seem to have to be in the mood for scrapbooking but thanks to my dear friend, who inspired me, I am proud to say I completed two scrapbooks today. It took a few weeks, but I'm finished, for now. I figured it's been almost two years since our trip that it was time.
Actually, I've enjoyed reminiscing the "good times" we had while there in September/October, 2008. As I was thining back, I made a list of the highlights of our adventure. I must say our week in Tamatave and Mahambo was the most exciting time of those two months. We were on the Indian Ocean, which was a delight, and spent time with a wonderful family--directors of the YWAM base, where we stayed. Their daughter, Sharone, was a "hit" with all of us. Quite the entertainer, kept us ROTFL. (rolling on the floor laughing) Victor and Douce were quite hospitable--allowing us to stay in the dorms for the week. They live with their two young children, Douce's brother and two nephews. They invited us to dinner each evening and had breakfast available in the early mornings before they began their busy day. Douce and Victor are the directors of YWAM Tamatave. The base is also an NGO with Mercy Ministries. They set up health clinics in villages in surrounding areas. Douce and Victor also host visiting teams from other countries including their own and do a lot of teaching.
On this stop, we traveled by bicycle pousse-pousse (similar to a rickshaw but with a bicycle attached to the front) or we walked. Walking on the beach for a mile or two was a great workout.
Staying in Mahambo for a weekend was a real treat. Though there was no electricity, except for a couple of hours each night, and it rained most of the time, we still had an amazing time. We got caught on the beach in the rain, and while trying to duck under a tree to keep dry, we also had to watch out for the cebu that were coming our way. Then, there was the floating bridge that was partially underwater. If you knew my fear of bridges, you'd realize that having to disembark the bus to walk across without falling in the river.
Here is my list of highlights and I'll add a few pictures. (I have another blog that has more stories and pictures of Madagascar, but these things have been "On My Mind".

Planete restaurant where we found “Mondo Burgers” and fries
The American Cookie Shop with some delicious brownies
Our visit with Mamy in downtown Tana
Enjoying the kids in Itaosy--so full of laughter and energy
Fun with Sam and Rivo and their boys Aaron and Anthony, playing a Madagascar (the movie) card game
Lake Ambatofotsy with the children coming out of the woods, and our day there with Henintsoa’s family and the DTS students
Our meals with Henintsoa’s family and a trip to the Tsimbazaza Zoo
My 60th birthday week spent at the beach in Tamatave and Mahambo was probably the top highlight. Time spent with Victor, Douce, Sharone, Ariel and the rest of the family. Wading in the Indian Ocean. Walking for miles along the beach.
Mahambo was most amazing. Wish we could have stayed longer.
We got to witness a Vodiondry (engagement party), a wedding, a funeral procession and “turning of the bones” celebration.
Meeting the street children and hanging out with mothers on the street, distributing clothes I had collected for a few years

Well, that's what's been "On My Mind" for the past few weeks as I've sorted through photos, scrapbooked and rejournaled my original journal of our trip to Madagascar.

One Day by Matisyahu

2010-06-20T21:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I lay
under the moon
and thank God I'm breathing
then I pray
don't take me soon
I am here for a reason
sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down
so when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around
because

All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
for the people to say
that we don't wanna fight no more
they'll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day

It's not about
win or lose
we all lose
when they feed on the souls of the innocent
blood drenched pavement
keep on moving though the waters stay raging
in this maze you can lose your way (your way)
it might drive you crazy but don't let it faze you no way (no way)
sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down
so when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around
‘cause

All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
for the people to say
that we don't wanna fight no more
they'll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day
one day this all will change
treat people all the same
stop with the violence
down with the hate
one day we'll all be free
and proud to be
under the same sun
singing songs of freedom like
one day

All my life I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
for the people to say
that we don't wanna fight no more
they'll be no more wars
and our children will play
one day

The Child In The Midst Affected By Loss and Death

2010-06-06T07:01:00.000-07:00

Approximately 33 million people were living with HIV in 2008; 2.1 million of
them were estimated to be children under 15 years of age.
• Around 17.5 million children under the age of 18 have lost one or both parents to AIDS. Millions more have been affected, with a vastly increased risk of poverty, homelessness, school dropout, discrimination and loss of life opportunities. These hardships include illness and death
• Of the estimated 2 million people who died of AIDS-related illnesses in 2008, 280,000 of them were children under 15 years old

Ecclesiastes 3
‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to …’
(Read and pray as led by the rest of this passage.)

Pray for -
• More local church families to be open to welcoming HIV/AIDS orphans into their homes or supporting them
• The children who end up being the head of a family, that they would have support, training and encouragement
• The ministries and initiatives who are working to educate people about issues relating to HIV/AIDS
• More governments to follow Uganda’s example by supporting services to give all pregnant women very effective antiretroviral therapy in a bid to stop children from becoming infected
• The strengthening of marriages and family relationships, which encourages commitment to one sexual partner for life thus preventing the spread of HIV.
• Children in other situations where they suffer loss. (War, disease, natural disaster…)

Worldwide Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk

2010-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend is the Worldwide Weekend of Prayer for Children at Risk. I hope that you'll take at least 60 seconds out of your busy schedule to be in prayer for children around the world, including our own country. That includes street children, homeless, hungry, poor, orphans, HIV/AIDS victims, child soldiers, child laborers, etc. If you read some of my previous posts, you will see how you can pray for these families. What a great way for your children to respond by praying.
Lay a world map on the floor, toss a bean bag (or something similar) onto a country and pray for those children.
Maybe your child could pray for a child his or her own age.
Don't let them go unnoticed. For those of you that work with and regularly pray for children at risk, thanks for all the work that you do. May God truly bless you for your faithfulness.

The Child In The Midst Who Suffers Through Hunger or Poverty

27,000 children die every day because of hunger or preventable illnesses and
100 million children live or work on the streets (UNICEF).
• More than 140 million children are malnourished and 5.6 million die every year through starvation
• The International Labour Organization (ILO), estimate that 12 million children are victims of trafficking each year, being moved from one country to another to fulfill selfish sexual needs. In India, children are exploited and end up working as slaves to pay off debts incurred by their families

Matthew 25: 44-45
They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a
stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ He
will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least
of these, you did not do for me.’

Pray for -
• A greater kindness and love to be shown to those who live in poverty
• Governmental practice to improve for better distribution of relief, food and resources so that real needs are met
• Fewer deaths and less suffering through untreated diseases because people commit to giving proper attention to the needs of the poor and hungry
• New and creative ways to be found to help poor communities
• Governments to create laws in favor of children, so that better choices to break away from poverty and lack of opportunity are available
• An increase of faith in Christian communities to experience God’s supernatural intervention where necessary

The Child In The Midst With No Education

2010-06-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

It is estimated that there are 700 million children of primary school age and more than 121 million do not attend school, mostly in South Asia and sub- Saharan Africa where poverty prevents them.
• 50 million babies have started life without a legal identity. With no documentation to prove how old they are or even if they exist, they are likely to be faced with discrimination and lack of basic access to services such as education or health care

‘All your sons will be taught by the Lord, and great will be your
children’s peace.’ Isaiah 54:13

Pray for -
• Children who do not have an opportunity to go to school because of physical or
mental disability
• Children who live in very poor families who cannot afford school uniforms, shoes or books, which means they are excluded
• Children who work during the day and cannot attend school because they must earn money to feed themselves and their families
• The many ministries which are seeking to develop and educate children-particularly
those doing so in line with Godly values and wisdom
• The daily provision of resources both financial and human to give children the
opportunity to learn
• That governments would keep their commitments to provide universal education for all primary age children

The Child In The Midst Of Violence

2010-06-02T12:13:00.000-07:00

According to UNICEF, millions of children run away from home because of violence and abuse. 185 million children under 18 years of age live in Latin America and every year six million suffer extreme violence and some 80,000 die in their own homes.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Pray for -
• Children who suffer physical or verbal abuse from parents or other adults; that these adults would change their ways
• Good teaching and training of parents to discipline children without resorting to bodily harm
• The adults who do not treat children well. That they would be changed and become aware of children’s needs
• Families to give more time to teaching, praying, playing and blessing children both within and outside their own families
Governments to acknowledge the significance of the family unit, to honor marriage
and legislate to protect and help keep families together

The Child In The Midst Who Needs A Family

2010-06-02T12:12:00.000-07:00

UNICEF estimates that the total number of children in institutional care globally is 2.2
million, but they point out that due to under-reporting and lack of regulation this is an underestimate. Studies show that even good quality institutional care can unhelpfully effect a child’s ability to form relationships throughout life. Nothing can replace a real family.
• A child’s first emotional attachment to their main care giver (mother figure) is considered to
be the blue print for all later emotional attachments as the young child learns how to love and
be loved.

‘A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families, he leads forth the prisoners with singing’.
Psalm 68:5-6

Pray for -
• Children who live in institutions in the country where you live
• The many people responding with compassion to the needs of children within Christian orphanages and ministries around the world. When no families are available this is often the only alternative
• Ministries, organizations and churches who are working to help children find families
• Society to respond to the needs of children who need parenting, to prioritize helping children in their communities to find homes and families
• Children to overcome difficulties or challenges that prevent them taking hold of a
better future, no matter what they might have been through

A Prayer For the Child in the Midst

2010-05-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Father God,
We come in agreement today asking that You touch the lives of
children who have never known what it is to receive affection,
warm arms that offer love, or a place of safety and security.
We are sorry because we have not always opened our hearts
or arms to speak and act on behalf of children at risk in order to
serve them and make Your will known in the earth.
We pray that the cries of children who suffer would be heard by
those who carry Your name Lord Jesus. We pray that You would
send more workers into this ‘harvest field’ of millions. We pray for
more intercessors, mothers and fathers to show Your love in this
needy world. We pray that communities would be transformed
as children discover Your love and that the world will know the
good news of Your Kingdom as people work together in unity
and love.
Amen.

‘And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.‘ Mark 10:16

People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10: 13-15

At the time Jesus lived on earth people didn’t fully understand the ‘good news’ message He preached. The disciples tried to stop the children coming to Jesus, yet Jesus did something that must have shocked the local people. He took a child and placed the child in the middle promising them that if they truly wanted to be part of the Kingdom the only way to follow Him would be to become like that child. Jesus modeled important principles; in this same story we are told that ‘He took them in His arms and blessed them.’ We are called to continue Jesus’ mission on earth. We need to pray that we would take to heart in our prayers and actions the millions of children at risk living in our world today. Let’s pray together and see transformation!

The Viva prayer team.

Ah-Ha Moments!

2010-05-29T20:40:00.000-07:00

I've been reading Richard Stearns book, A Hole In The Gospel. The book tells a bit about Richard's life growing up, becoming CEO of some top companies, and leaving it all to become president of one of the world's largest relief organizations--World Vision. Though I've heard some of the stories before, including the Bible stories, they struck me in a different way this time as I read them. This is what I heard:

The good news Jesus proclaimed had a fullness beyond salvation and the forgiveness of sins; it also signified the coming of God’s kingdom on earth (thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven). The kingdom of which Christ spoke was one in which the poor, the sick, the grieving, crippled, slaves, women, children, widows, orphans, lepers and aliens--the “least of these” (Matthew 25:40) were to be lifted up and embraced by God. The perfect kingdom of God was to begin here on earth.
I’ve heard the Lord’s Prayer many times and have even recited it over and over. However, while reading the above passage from THE HOLE IN OUR GOSPEL, I saw something I’d never really thought about I guess. I’m talking about taking care of the “least of these” while here on earth. That makes since doesn’t it? Heaven will be a perfect place, and we can strive to make things a bit more perfect while we’re here on earth. I realize it will never be perfect but we can work towards that. Since God mentions the poor and the needy throughout scripture, it sounds like they’re important to him. In fact, I think there are 2,000 verses that deal with “the least of these”. What can we do in our communities and around the world? What can I do? What can you do?

The story of the sheep and goats was another. (Matthew 25:31-46)
The sheep were put on the right. They fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, invited the stranger in, clothed the needy, took care of the sick, visited the prisoners as if they were doing it for Christ. The goats did none of this and were told to depart. The criterion for dividing the two groups is not that the sheep confessed faith in Christ while the goats did not, rather the sheep acted in tangible and loving ways toward the poor, the sick, the imprisoned, and the vulnerable--while the goats didn’t. Those whose lives were characterized by acts of love done to “the least of these” were blessed and welcomed by Christ.
Here’s another Bible story that I have heard before. However, I never really thought about the sheep taking care of the poor, the hungry, the sick. Maybe I didn’t really pay that much attention in the past. Though I’d heard the story, it really “clicked” with me this time. Taking care of “the least of these” is so important to our heavenly Father.

Faith and works were never meant to be in dichotomy. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) Look at the next verse: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (vs. 10) We are saved through faith alone, the amazing gift of a loving God, but we are saved for a purpose: to do the good works God actually prepared beforehand for us to carry out. We are:
--saved BY faith
--saved FOR works
Now, as for these verses, we were meant for good works. God has prepared these works for us to do. Could it be to feed the hungry, clothe the needy, give the thirsty a drink, visit the prisoners, set the oppressed free--care for “the least of these”?

Though I've heard these things, it was a great reminder for me. Now, I need to get up and get busy.

More of Natchez Trace

2010-05-22T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today’s travels took us further south on the Natchez Trace. There are several stops all along the highway--bluffs, lookouts, trails, campgrounds, etc. Our first stop took us to the Gordon House and Ferry site. We didn’t walk the 1/2 mile to the river but hope to another time. From 1801 until traffic on the trace declined, the Gordons ran a ferry across the Duck River. The small house was built about 1818. The brick house had some flood damage so there was no entry today.
We then stopped at the Tobacco Farm and drive. We drove the two miles down a mostly gravel oneway road but it was beautiful and green on both sides. We ended up back on the paved Trace and drove back down to the tobacco barn. Really old tobacco leaves were hanging from the rafters, tiered to keep from being ruined by mold. Depending on the weather, the large leaves dry quickly.
Sheboss Place had nothing standing but once served travelers along the Trace with an inn.
We stopped at the Old Trace which marked the boundaries of Chickasaw lands ceded to the United States in 1805 and 1816.
At Fall Hollow, trails lead down through limestone and forest as a backdrop to the falls.
The Merriweather Lewis Monument sits at milepost 385.9. Lewis lived in the area and owned a home nearby. He died at the age of 35 from gunshot wounds and is buried on site of a campground there. Nearby is the model of a cabin in which he spent his last night at Grinder’s Stand.
(If you’d like to see other blogs of Natchez Trace, see older posts.)

Flood Cleanup At Our Creek

2010-05-21T19:45:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a month since the 2010 flood of Nashville. Carey drives past a mound of trash daily on her way to work. It gets higher and higher. They are trying their best to get the debris out of the neighborhoods and onto one location before it goes to the landfill. So many homes have been destroyed or in need of a lot of work. A friend's house has been gutted. It received around 5 feet of water rising 2 floors. She's the one trapped in her house over night with her dogs and no communication. With good friend's help, carpet was removed and steps taken out, drywall cut out and the kitchen gutted. Now, she waits and waits for the insurance, FEMA and help. Samaritan's Purse has 2 stations and Hands on Nashville is coordinating volunteers, along with churches and individuals. Today Cory and I decided to take Elijah over to the bridge that was covered with water a month ago. Now there is less than a foot of water in that creek. However, twigs, branches, logs, and other debris covered half of the bridge. Elijah has his two little hand trowels and we took the big shovel over to start some cleanup. We were able to shovel most of it off onto the bank, away from the water. I'll go back with the push broom to finish our job. Only one board came up and stuck on a tree trunk, and a board at the very end of the bridge came off. Other than that, the bridge is intact.

Nashville Flood May 1-2, 2010

2010-05-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

(written May 3)

Middle Tennessee has been declared a state of emergency. Franklin had a curfew from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. this morning. The Cumberland River in Nashville crested at over 50 feet, flooding several blocks of the downtown area. Opryland Hotel is filled with water--over 10 feet. About 3,000 guests were evacuated to a local high school. There has been so much damage all over. People have lost homes, belongings, cars--material possessions all but lives have been lost as well. I think of the father and child that are missing. Haven’t heard if they’ve been found. 17 flood deaths, many elderly people. Carey’s friend, Shannon, the one rescued from her home yesterday (Sunday), had at least 4 feet of water in her house. To get out, water was over waist deep. She did get to rescue her dogs today and work has begun to clean up. Not sure of the damage yet. Schools were closed, colleges and universities were canceling classes/exams, and hospitals cancelled elective surgeries.
Carey couldn’t get in to work today. The family moved to another house until their electricity gets turned back on. So she’s playing it day by day.
Charley spent the day at the church pulling up carpet, throwing it in the dumpster and scraping carpet glue off the floor.
Mom had to delay her trip back to TN until Saturday. She promised me a box of See’s chocolates if I got her home before Mother’s Day! LOL!
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers. Continue to pray for this area of Middle Tennessee.

More Flood Pics

2010-05-02T11:01:00.001-07:00

Tennessee Floods

2010-05-02T10:41:00.000-07:00

I’ve read about floods in the midwest. I know the story about Noah and his ark. However, I’ve never been this close to flooding. So far, 8 people have died because of the flooding and tornadoes here in Tennessee. Watching scenes on the news and keeping tabs online is frightening. We’re hearing stories of friends trapped in their homes with no communication and shelters being set up throughout the area. The national guard is evacuating homes just 15 minutes away from us. Not only are the rains a problem with flooding, but there are tornado watches and warnings. What’s the difference in a watch and a warning? Well, a watch is merely watching out for the tornado. A warning is there’s a tornado coming so get in a safe place--if there is a safe place to stay out of the way of a tornado. Right now we’re having a watch but it could change at any time. The thing is, our warning sirens haven’t been going off. GREAT!! So it’s pretty much keep the news on or the weather website.
Mom is due to fly in from 3 months in California, tomorrow, but I think she’s going to have to change her flight. There are so many road closures, including parts of freeways that I’m not sure we could make it to the airport to pick her up. We’re about 45 minutes away from the airport. Sorry mom.
Carey has been working out of Nashville so moved in with her friend in south Nashville. She comes home on the weekends so she’s safe with us. However, her friend hasn’t been heard from since yesterday afternoon. We’re concerned. The bottom floor of her house was flooding and the mid-floor was ankle deep. She was up on the upper floor with her dogs. (it’s a tri-level house) Her cell phone had gotten wet so isn’t working. She was chatting with us online then nothing. She may have lost her power. A friend tried picking her up but couldn’t get through because of the flooding. We’re praying for her safety.
Pockets of water are covering parts of major freeways and highways. Semi’s are getting stuck in some areas, halfway covered with water. A portable school building was seen floating down the same highway and dismantling before our eyes (on the news). In another town, a shed was seen floating down the road. Two children and their mother trapped in their attic--rescuers are trying to get to them. I’ve read about floodings like this (and worse) but never been this close. Our town has been okay so far. I have heard of a couple of streets in the area closed because of creeks flooding over onto the road. And the creek near us has been washing over the bridge and flooding out the field across the street.
Now we’ve got a severe thunderstorm watch. So the rains aren’t over. Please pray for friends and family in this area.
We stayed home out of the storms today--our church was cancelled and Carey's as well. However, Charley's church didn't cancel and he had to play guitar for the kids for 3 services and now has a meeting. Praying that he gets home safe.

Malaria Day

2010-04-26T19:26:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Malaria Day. We decided to participate in World Vision's "Night of Nets" on Friday Night. This was an opportunity to share how people, especially children, around the world are being affected by malaria. Since Cory has had malaria several times after contracting it in Madagascar, and learning more about the disease, we felt it important to share. However, no on showed up. Maybe I didn't advertise it enough--though I've blogged about it and posted notes and information for the past few weeks. Our family supported my endeavors and we learned more about malaria and watched a 9 minute video on the subject. Malaria is deadly. 350-500 million people are affected by malaria every year. 2000-3000 children die from malaria every day. Malaria was eradicated in our country in 1951, why can't it be abolished in other countries? In 2008 our President signed a bill to provide $5 billion towards malaria, HIV/AIDS, and poverty. 2 years later, only $500 million has been given. One way that malaria can be prevented is with the use of bed nets. $6 will save a life by providing an insecticide treated bed net that will cover 2 or more children and will last up to 4 years.

Malaria Quiz

2010-04-10T16:25:00.000-07:00

1. What percentage of the world’s population is at risk for malaria?
41% of the world’s people live in areas where malaria is transmitted, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Central and South America.
2. Malaria kills more than 1 million people per year around the world. What percentage of these deaths are children in Africa?
90% of those who die from malaria are African children.
3. How often ( in seconds) does a child die from malaria in Africa?
30--In Africa a child dies from malaria every 30 seconds. However, those who survive are not left unaffected. Many children who live through malaria are left with brain damage or learning disabilities.
4. True or False: Malaria infections in Africa have decreased in the last three decades.
False. Although malaria is an easily preventable disease, because of increasing drug resistance and struggling health-care systems, malaria infections in Africa have actually increased during the last three decades.
5. True or False: Malaria infections are contagious.
False. Malaria is transmitted by certain types of mosquitoes that carry a parasite that causes the disease. A person contracts malaria when he or she is bitten by an infected mosquito.
6. How many different types of human malaria are there?
Four types of malaria infect humans, although only two types cause most deaths. Of those deaths, most occur among children under age 5.
7. True or false: Only female mosquitoes transmit malaria.
True. Only the female Anopheles mosquito can transmit malaria.
8. Installing a bed net treated with insecticide decreases malaria transmission by what percentage?
90%. Using bed nets treated with insecticide can reduce malaria transmission as much as 90%. Bed nets are treated with insecticides that are not harmful to humans but are highly toxic to insects.
9. In Africa what time are you most likely to get bitten by a malaria-infected
mosquito?
In the middle of the night. The African malaria mosquitoes generally bite late at night or during early morning, between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m.
10. The word malaria comes from two medieval Italian words meaning:
Bad Air. The word malaria originates from the Italian language and translates literally as “mala aria” or “bad air.” This came from the early belief that the disease was caused by breathing the stale, warm, humid air found around swamps.

Information from World Vision, www.nothingbutnets.net, cdc.gov, and malarianomore.org

Recycled Flip-flops!

2010-04-10T16:23:00.001-07:00

Check these out! What creativity!

Barefoot in the Snow

2010-04-10T16:22:00.001-07:00

Malaria Bites--Bite Back!

2010-04-06T20:41:00.001-07:00

Let's Go Barefoot!

2010-04-06T20:27:00.001-07:00

April 8 is National Barefoot Day. So, we're going barefoot all around town. Why would we do such a thing? Especially in the rain? Today is Tom's Shoes One Day Without Shoes. Tom's Shoes gives a pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair you purchase. They set aside one day a year to emphasize the need to provide shoes for children around the world. They have asked people to go the day, part of the day or even just a few minutes, barefoot, to experience a life without shoes first-hand, and to help spread awareness of the impact a simple pair of shoes can bring to a child's life. Most of us forget about our feet. Imagine a life without shoes; constantly aware of the ground in front of you, suffering regular cuts and scrapes, tending to infection after each walk, and enduring not only terrain, but heat and cold. Wearing shoes and practicing basic hygiene can prevent both infection and disease due to unsafe roads and contaminated soil.Here are some facts:1) In some developing nations, children must walk for miles to school, clean water and to seek medical help.2. Cuts and sores on feet can lead to serious infection.3. Often, children cannot attend school barefoot.4. In Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from PODOCONIOSIS, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil.5. Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes.

Our day started out cooler than it has been all week. It's been raining since early this morning. It's now overcast and wet. Hoping the sun will come out a little before we start our walk through downtown Franklin. However, people all over the world can't worry about the weather. When they need to walk to town, walk to get water, walk to get medicine, they may have to walk barefoot.

Cory and I headed to Franklin and began our walk. By now it had begun to get a little chilly, but we were determined. We got a few stares and could see people reading the signs attached to Cory's purse and my back. We went into Philanthropy and one mother and daughter were disappointed they had forgotten it was April 8th. We suggested she go ahead and take her shoes off right then. She and her sister were afraid her feet would be "stinky" but she sat down in the store and removed her shoes and socks--"way to go"! The only other store we went to downtown was the camping store. No one said anything negative.

We stopped by the civil war park and walked along the asphalt. However, I ended up in the grass because my feet are NOT tough! like so many that walk barefoot on a daily basis. Cory's trying to toughen up her feet though in preparation for her next trip to Madagascar. Of course, she usually wears flip-flops there (and she has the nail scars to prove it).

Next we stopped off at the gas station and on to Target. No problems again. Not everyone has the privilege to go in to a nice store like most we have in America. And they don't always have the shoes to wear once they get there. Most have outdoor market places to shop and there is no need or shoes.

It would be interesting to find out if any schools out there allowed students to come to school today barefoot. In many countries children are not allowed an education unless they have shoes to wear. It saddens me to hear that.

So kick off your shoes and GO BAREFOOT!

Easter Sunday a day late!

2010-04-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Easter Sunday, a day when many take part in Easter egg hunts, dress in their finest, and feast on foods set aside for the holidays. Some make this day their annual pilgrimage to church to celebrate the resurrected Christ--or is it merely to "show off" their "finery"?
However, many do go to celebrate life. Easter does fall at a time when new life abounds--tulips and daffodils in bloom, cherry blossoms (or is it another kind), calves and colts in the pasture along with lambs and kids. What an amazing time to celebrate new life in Christ. Many came to know Christ for the first time Sunday. What a terrific day to find "new life".
Speaking of "new life": for the past few weeks I have begun feeling "new life" once again. 2009 held several spiritual challenges for me. I tend to "hold on to things" a little longer than I should--just ask my family. I know I shouldn't, but that's what I do. Since finding a new church that preaches the truth (not that the other church didn't speak the truth) and experiencing corporate worship, which I hungered for, I feel like I'm being renewed in some ways. I wish I had visited this Calvary Chapel sooner, however, I've been able to see God work. I am once again excited about attending church again. The past year had become a ritual. Sure, once in a while I received something, but rarely. Perhaps I wouldn't allow my heart to accept the message or the song. Needless to say, I was in a "funk" so to speak, but now I'm beginning to rise above that with God's help.
Once again, I'm going to church, worshipping and in the Word. I've also begun to have a heart for the world. Unfortunately, I let some circumstances "stomp" my love for the nations. It had once been my passion. Many of you know that has been my hearts cry for a lot of years. However, this past year that passion died. Perhaps there was a small flame left that just wouldn't die out or maybe the embers of my soul were fanned back to life. In fact, you may be getting tired of my posts. Don't worry, they'll continue. I want to have God's heart for the world once again. My desire is for God to break my heart with the things that break His. I want His eyes for just one second, His eyes so I can see, His arms for the brokenhearted, and His heart for the ones forgotten.
We cannot stay forever on the "mount of transfiguration", basking in the light of our mountaintop experience (Mark 9:1-9) But we must obey the light we received there, we must put it into action. When God gives us a vision, we must transact business with Him at that point, no matter what the cost.
(Oswald Chambers)
Did not our heart burn within us...? Luke 24:32

This blog was inspired by my friend Sandra who asked the other day what's been "On My Mind" lately and what God has been teaching me.

Back to Church?

2010-02-23T17:19:00.000-08:00

This past week, I visited a church that I've wanted to visit for some time now. Wednesday night they had a worship service that I really wanted to experience. I have missed corporate worship. I love to worship, at least I did. This past year has been one with plenty of ups and downs. An emotional, stress-filled roller coaster. I haven't enjoyed attending church or small group. I'd go to church but I really wasn't excited about it. I've heard that worship is a "heart" issue--nothing to do with the song. However, I feel both are important. Wednesday night worship was amazing. I enjoyed it so much. Sunday afternoon's service turned into another night of worship. I was so excited to be going to church. I haven't felt like that in months. I've been watching the podcasts from the past few weeks on the "Musts" for believers. We "must" be filled with the Holy Spirit, we "must" preach the good news to the poor, we "must" heal the broken hearted, we "must" free the captives and the oppressed, we "must" help with the recovery of the blind. From Luke 4:18-19 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." I was looking forward to hearing this last message, however the Holy Spirit was leading in another way. This was what I truly needed and have truly missed. Thank you Jesus for meeting me. What a blessing. Can't wait to go back.

James

2010-02-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

Last night, I chatted with a young girl that I’ve never met and I’ve never chatted with, though I’ve known her family for years. She asked if I would read James 2--she said it was “awesome”. She also mentioned that James 1:2-4 were some of her favorite verses and wondered if I had any to share. I shared one of my favorites from James 1:27 that mentions the religion that God accepts as pure and faultless--to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. I told her I would read her verses later. However, I was drawn to read the verses from the first chapter of James and it hit me, it brought tears to my eyes. It says: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” We’ve all had trials of one sort or the other. I’ve had my share as well. However, how many times have I considered it pure joy? Usually when it happens I tend to get a little hysterical in the beginning--either verbally or inwardly. I realize I need to “give thanks in all things” but it is sometimes hard. Our faith can get us through. Verse 12 says: “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” Because “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (vs. 17)

The more I read, the more interested I became. I’ve read the book of James before and it is one of my favorites but I was given a challenge and just trying to follow through. Plus, the pastor will be speaking on James for the next few weeks. I’ll see what he has to say. Interestingly, since writing the above, the pastor spoke on James 1:1-8 and verse 12 (mentioned above a week or so ago).

GO

2010-02-14T14:13:00.000-08:00

A year ago, I wouldn't have thought of ever "going" anyplace, to help anyone again. However, my heart has changed. I've given God "a little bit of elbow room" in my life and I still need to and want to give Him a little more room. Yesterday morning, as I was getting ready for my day, a song often sung at Christmas time came to mind: "Children Go Where I Send Thee". The first verse says Children go where I send thee--how shall I send thee--I'm gonna send thee one by one, one for the little bitty baby, was born, born, born in Bethlehem." That got me thinking. I should be going for the little bitty baby born in Bethlehem, not just for "me". When I first thought about that verse, I was thinking He was sending me to the babies of the world, FOR the "baby of the world". Which does make sense doesn't it? His true religion is to visit the orphans and widows. (James 1:27) As I thought about the song mentioning "born in Bethlehem", I thought I need to "go" to Him first and foremost. I need to go to the baby in Bethlehem.
John 15:16 mentions "you did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go..."
Paul was devoted to a Person, not to a cause. He was absolutely Jesus Christ's. He saw nothing else and he lived for nothing else. If God chose me, and appointed me, then I need to make sure He is in all that I do.
With Haiti weighing heavy on my mind, and in the thoughts and prayers of many around the world, I feel like I want to do something. Right now I can pray. I can also give. Perhaps someday I can go. Or maybe go to another place. I need to wait on Him. "Expect Christ to come--not in a particular way--but to come." I'm not sure exactly what that means, but I'll wait and see what He shows me.
I see in Galatians an amazing promise: 1:15, 16--"But when God, who set me apart from birth, and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles." I'll keep thinking and praying.

Idioms

2010-01-27T10:01:00.000-08:00

It’s funny how our lives can suddenly get “turned upside down”. It’s as if someone “pulled the rug out from under us”. We may not know why it happens but they say it must happen for a reason; though we might not find out about that for a period of time. They say “change is good”, but what if bad comes out of it? Sure, we can choose our happiness, we can be responsible for it. But what about the times, when we’ve been hurt so deeply that it seems “forever and a lifetime” to heal? We can “let it go” but really, deep down, it still exists. It’s not always easy. Life goes on. People walk past “without an inkling” of what’s going on inside. I mean deep inside. We can “put up a facade” and pretend everything is “a-o.k.” because that’s what we’re supposed to do isn’t it?

Have you seen hopelessness in someone’s eyes? Have you seen it in your child’s eyes? Im sure Jesus has. “Give me your eyes.” I love that song by Brandon Heath. I've posted it before on my other blog but I will post a part of it here as well:

All those people going somewhere

Why have I never cared?

Give me your eyes for just one second

Give me your eyes so I can see

Everything that I keep missing

Give me your love for humanity

Give me your arms for the broken-hearted

The ones that are far beyond my reach

Give me your heart for the ones forgotten

Give me your eyes so I can see

Well, I want a second glance

So give me a second chance

To see the way you've seen the people all along

I have seen hopelessnes--I have heard hopelessness--I may have "thought" I felt hopelessness--so now, what am I going to do about it? What are you going to do about it? What are we all going to do about it?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

A little late. It has been a while since I last blogged my thoughts. Christmas was great--quiet but good. New Year's was spent housesitting and hanging out with Cory while she was housesitting also. Heard lots of fireworks go off but didn't frighten the dog at all. This dog is very mellow. The new year brought us some snow--3 days of it. It was wonderful. I love the snow, especially watching it fall to the ground. It didn't stick much but there was enough to make snow angels on the walking trail across the street. Sections of the creek were frozen and was beautiful.

OAKS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

2009-12-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated, they will renew the ruined cities...

Isaiah 61:1, 3-4

God moves into the the lives of broken people. God meets, heals and transforms.

God calls us to move into the lives of the poor, believing that His power can transform them into "oaks of righteousness."

Now a drug addict or homeless person may not appear to be an "oak of righteousness" (or even a seedling of righteousness!). Perhaps that's why secularists who work among the poor have limited goals for the beneficiaries of their services. Secularists are happy if their programs help a homeless man to get sober, get a job, secure an apartment, and become a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. (which is a good thing, of course) Christians, through their ministries, want the same homeless man to do all that and to become a servant of others--perhaps walking the streets and ministering among the homeless as one who has been there and, by God's grace, made it out. In our labors among the broken and destitute, we envision people whom God can transform into leaders who advance His Kingdom in marvelous ways.

(from "Sharing God's Heart for the Poor" by Amy L. Sherman)

Continue serving this New Year!

Jen Too part 2

2009-12-06T19:13:00.001-08:00

Another song that meant a lot to me after my brothers death was “Daniel”. I’ve posted it below and tried to explain what it said to me personally.

“Daniel”

Elton John and Bernie Taupine

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane

(he’s leaving us and his earthly home)

I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain

(well, he wasn’t headed for Spain, but I could see the red tail lights as he flew out of sight--actually my eyes were quite red)

Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye

God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

They say Spain is pretty though I've never been

(I’ve read about heaven, sounds pretty)

Well Daniel says it's the best place that he's ever seen

Oh and he should know, he's been there enough

Lord I miss Daniel, oh I miss him so much

( I do miss Charley, very much--but it doesn’t hurt as much as it once did.)

Daniel my brother you are older than me

(he was 3 years older than me)

Do you still feel the pain of the scars that won't heal

(he had scars from tests, surgeries--of course, no more pain)

Your eyes have died but you see more than I

(his physical eyes have died, but he sees so much more now that he has perfect eyes to see with. the eyes of Jesus)

Daniel you're a star in the face of the sky

(Charley’s up there in the heavens--a star)

Daniel is travelling tonight on a plane

I can see the red tail lights heading for Spain

Oh and I can see Daniel waving goodbye

God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

Oh God it looks like Daniel, must be the clouds in my eyes

For JenToo

2009-12-03T20:43:00.000-08:00

This evening I was in a bit of a nostalgic mood. Back in the day, 70’s to be exact, I was a big John Denver fan. So much so, my oldest son Caleb’s middle name is Denver. (Yes, I do have an older son. Yes, from the same marriage.) Anyway, I had found a couple of my John Denver cds (Since I no longer have the vinyls--what’s that you say? Ask your mother.). I also pulled out some of his songbooks. Do I play an instrument? Well, that’s questionable. Let’s just say I no longer have callouses on my finger tips and they hurt really bad! HA! So, on the way home from Panera tonight (yes, my favorite hangout) I was listening to “Rocky Mountain High” which brought back memories and a tear to my eye. So what does this have to do with anything? (Remember, this is MY blog and I write about what’s “On My Mind”. LOL) It got me thinking about my brother Charley. Charley passed away in 1973, a month before my first son Caleb was born. So, why didn’t I name him Charley? Well, I found it just too hard. His death was quite a shock to me and affected me for the next several years. His passing near the birth of my firstborn also took its toll on me.

On to John Denver...music often speaks to me, whether a worship song, hymn or pop tune. The following are the words to “Rocky Mountain High” with my attempt to explain what it means to me:

Rocky Mountain High

John Denver

Words by John Denver

Music by John Denver and Mike Taylor

He was born in the summer of his 27th year

(he was “reborn” in heaven at the age of 27--he was a believer)

Comin' home to a place he'd never been before

(he was going home, his heavenly home, he’d never been there before)

He left yesterday behind him, you might say he was born again

You might say he found a key for every door

(he did leave yesterday behind him including a young wife and 2 year old daughter)

(he found the key to his heavenly home)

When he first came to the mountains his life was far away

On the road and hangin' by a song

But the string's already broken and he doesn't really care

It keeps changin' fast and it don't last for long

(When he came to the mountains--heaven--his earthly life was far away. Things are changing fast for him, a new place, a new home, seeing people that have gone before him.)

(the chorus doesn’t have much to do with it but I’ll leave it just the same)

But the Colorado rocky mountain high

I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky

The shadow from the starlight is softer than a lullabye

Rocky mountain high

(though I believe the heavens are a site to behold)

He climbed cathedral mountains, he saw silver clouds below

He saw everything as far as you can see

And they say that he got crazy once and he tried to touch the sun

And he lost a friend but kept his memory

(the site of heaven is majestic, so I’m thinking he saw a lot of this and maybe seemed so close to the sun he could try to touch it)

(he did have some close friends and perhaps he was remembering them)

Now he walks in quiet solitude the forest and the streams

Seeking grace in every step he takes

His sight has turned inside himself to try and understand

The serenity of a clear blue mountain lake

(I’m not sure if there will be forests and streams and lakes in heaven--I hope there are--but this verse reminds me of Psalm 23, so maybe there will be.)

And the Colorado rocky mountain high

I've seen it rainin' fire in the sky

You can talk to God and listen to the casual reply

Rocky mountain high

Now his life is full of wonder....

That’s one song that reminds me of my brother. I loved him dearly. We may not have always gotten along when growing up, but we became quite close after he joined the Army and was shipped off to Viet Nam.

So, 16 years after Caleb, I gave birth to my second son, and he wears the name of Charley.

By the way, Charley (my brother) died from melanoma (so slather on the sunscreen you guys). Well, that was the primary tumor. That caused a brain tumor the size of a plum which was removed. However, without my knowledge (and I think without my parents knowledge) the tumor returned and he actually died from a brain aneurysm (an excessive localized enlargement of an artery caused by a weakening of the artery wall).

More will come later.

I HOPE YOU DANCE

2009-12-02T15:05:00.000-08:00

I love this song. I never really paid much attention to it before but Kelsey sings this in some of her sets and it kept running around in my head. Of course, any of these songs
that I post are better when heard by a performer but just another song that speaks to me.

I Hope You Dance
by Lee Ann Womack

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat, but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance
Hope you dance

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin'might be a mistake but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin'out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
where those years have gone.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

Dance
I hope you dance

Time is a wheel in constant motion always rolling us along
Dance
I hope you dance

Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
where those years have gone
I hope you dance
Hope you dance

My Walk

2009-11-21T00:33:00.001-08:00

For the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking about my breast cancer journey. It hasn’t been heavy on my mind, but I think it’s because my dear friend Cindy is training for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk to help bring an end to breast cancer. I posted Melissa Ethridge’s song again, “I Run For Life” on my Facebook. I’m not sure if anyone is listening, there haven’t been any comments but I love that song. It brings tears to my eyes every time I hear her sing it. Cindy went through breast cancer a year before I did. She was diagnosed at a higher level than I was and she had to go through chemotherapy with her treatment. I was fortunate to only have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. I’ve mentioned before about the day I was diagnosed. I was alone at the doctor’s when I first learned it was “probably” cancer. Then, I received the dreaded phone call to tell me that it was “definitely” cancer--February, 27, 2007. Charley was home with me. Jim was at work. Caleb was living in L.A. Cory was in Madagascar and Carey in Tennessee. Melanie and Mom were in Hawaii. I turned to Cindy and was so glad she was home when I called her. She came right over. She sat with me, talked with me, and told me I needed to let the family know. I was devastated, frightened, scared and afraid. (I know those words are all the same but that’s what I was feeling.) You see, I had always dreaded the word “cancer”. I had begged God more than once to keep cancer away from me. Why? Because I lost my dad and my brother to cancer. My brother was only 27 years old with a wife and almost 3 year old baby girl. He had melanoma. My father died a year or two later from pancreatic cancer. My grandmother died of cancer and my sister has had melanoma removed. So you see, it runs in the family. Well, with support from friends and family, I made it through those first few days of decision making--doctors, surgeons, hospitals, treatment, etc. Susan was there for me as well. What a prayer warrior she is. All of the email notes I received over the next few days were printed and added to my journal that I took to the hospital with me. Those notes of prayers and encouragement meant so much. And precious Sarah Kate and her family came to the hospital and she sang a song that touched me deeply. A nurse came in to pray for me. What a blessing. The doctors, nurses and staff were terrific. Radiation started a few weeks after I healed. That’s when I got my first tatoos. Actually they were just dots on the skin to show the radiologist where to shoot me with the radiation. I contemplated not going through with it, but I decided to go ahead. The techs were wonderful--Christians and easy to talk to. When you are going in weekly for several weeks, you become close. They were the same ones that Cindy had gone to. Today I’m 2 years, 9 months out and have an appointment on Monday with my oncologist. I’m on medication for 5 years which doesn’t really agree with me. The first year I was on one type of medicine which caused aching feet and hands. Now I’m on another with similar symptoms but has gone into my legs--the achiness that is. I’m laying off one of the meds to see if that helps. I’m sure I’ll get it from the doctor. On my 2 year anniversary from my diagnosis, I got my first real tatoo. It’s a pink ribbon on my right hand. I wanted people to see it and either ask or remember the fact that breast cancer is real. It also has my diagnosis date and C4 (C to the 4th power) which represents my four children whose names begin with a “C”. Of course, now they think their “old” mother is “bad”. Ha! I love it! Just wanted to share what’s on my mind and heart. Please remember Cindy. Remember those that have been touched by breast cancer in some way. Remember the survivors like myself. Remember those who have lost the fight. I won’t forget!

Take That Ride

2009-11-19T15:14:00.000-08:00

---by Emmylou Harris

Don't you believe I loved you long enough
Didn't I try to give you all the right stuff
I hung around when the going got tough
Don't you believe I loved you long enough

Where were you when the world turned black
All those nights you never answered back
And I just asked you to cut me a little slack
Where were you when the world turned black

One of these days I'm gonna take that ride
Though there may be nothing on the other side
I'm too old for changing
My true blues have all been tried
One of these days I'm gonna take that ride

Don't believe it's time to let me go
The clock is winding down and I'm moving slow
I could keep on dancing but it's just for show
Don't you believe it's time to let me go

One of these days I'm gonna take that ride
Whatever's waiting on the other side
Had a little glory and I still got my pride
One of these days I'm gonna take that ride
One of these days I'm gonna take that ride
Oh don't you believe it's time to take that ride
Take that ride
Take that ride
Take that ride

Gold

2009-11-19T13:17:00.000-08:00

---Emmylou Harris

Oh the night is growing colder
And the stars have lost their shine
And I have been forsaken
By everything I thought was mine
For in the darkest hour
When the final story's told
No matter how bright I glittered baby
I could never be gold

You gave up your finest treasure
For the one you saw in me
But how could I know the measure
Of all you needed me to be
Though I came with sweet intentions
More my pockets could not hold
No matter how bright I glittered baby
I could never be gold

I finally gave up counting
The ways you said I let you down
When I fell into that river of no return
And you watched me drown
Oh I could sparkle like a diamond
Have silver line my soul
But no matter how bright I glittered baby
I could never be gold

You looked so high and long for heaven
I tried so hard to show the way
But though I flew on wings of angels
My feet were always made of clay
I could come trailing clouds of glory
But you saw nothing to behold
No matter how bright I glittered baby
I could never be gold

No matter how bright I glittered baby
I could never be gold

Concerts and Friends

2009-11-18T21:03:00.000-08:00

Last weekend our dear friend Annelyse came to visit--all the way from Alaska. She was attending a conference here and stayed with us a couple of days. We had a great time. We were able to see Ginny Owens, Shawn Groves and Cindy Morgan in concert at our church to support The Well--a local food pantry. It was great.
The following is a song that Cindy Morgan sang that I just loved.

How You Live (Turn Up The Music)

Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open

Don't hold in your anger or leave things unspoken

Wear your red dress, use your good dishes

Make a big mess and make lots of wishes

And have what you want
But want what you have
And don't spend your life looking back

Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it

Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did, it's how you live

So, go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
And go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night

Don't run from the truth
'Cause you can't get away, oh no
Just face it and you'll be okay

Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it

Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did, it's how you live

Oh, wherever you are and wherever you've been
Now is the time to begin

So, give to the needy and pray for the grieving
Even when you don't think that you can
'Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So, think of your fellow man

And make peace with God
And make peace with yourself, oh yeah
'Cause in the end there's nobody else

Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances and let it all out
'Cause you won't regret it

Looking back from where you have been
'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did, it's how you live

'Cause it's not who you knew
And it's not what you did, it's how you live

Jen's Visit

2009-10-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, my niece Jenni and her two kids, Ben and Rachel, came from California for a visit. We haven’t seen them for over a year so it was a real treat. They were only here for a 4 day weekend so we spent a lot of time visiting one another rather than the sites. I think our old home movies were the hit of the visit, at least for Jenni.
We did make it to Franklin though for a look at Carnton Plantation and the downtown area. Franklin was founded in 1799 and has kept its charming downtown area with brick sidewalks and townsquare. The streets are filled with unique shops including local crafts, clothing and restaurants. We ended our walk through town with lunch at the Mellow Mushroom for delicious pizza.

Franklin During the Civil War
The Civil War brought skirmishes, spies and the burning and raiding of homes. On November 30, 1864 came the bloody and tragic Battle of Franklin, where Confederate forces charged entrenched Union soldiers near the Carter House and died by the thousands. The five hours of fighting resulted in Confederate losses of more than 6,000 and Union losses of more than 2,000.
Carnton Plantation was built by Randal McGavock in 1826. It was inherited by Randal’s son, John, who lived there with his wife Carrie. It became the largest Confederate field hospital as many wounded were brought in for treatment. This story was immortalized in Robert Hicks’ bestseller
The Widow of the South. 2 acres of land was designated a final burial place for confederate soldiers that died during that battle.

Breast Cancer Walk

2009-10-11T18:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday, October 10, was Nashville’s Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure, for breast cancer research. The race was a 5k walk or run in Brentwood. It was a cold and wet day but we headed out around 9, all wearing our pink t-shirts a friend had made for us. Instead of running the race, we visited the booths and observed the end of the walk. When they announced the survivors I lost it. It was exciting to see so many women, men and children of all ages participating. There were pink capes, hair, t-shirts and even a pink goatee. We then headed over to Radnor Lake to participate in our own 1.4 mile walk. It was decided that instead of donating $35 each to run in the 5k we’d rather donate some money to my dear friend Cindy Athon. Cindy is an almost 4 year breast cancer survivor. She’s a good friend, a sister in Christ, and a sister in the fight against breast cancer. Cindy came over right away when I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2007. I was devastated, but she was there for me. (Jim was at work, Carey was in TN, Cory was in Madagascar, my sister and mom were in Hawaii, Caleb was in L.A., Charley was there with me.) She will be walking 60 miles over a 3 day period in San Diego to support the Susan G. Komen breast cancer research fund which provides research, education, screening and treatment. She has been training with her friend Jessica and they each need to to raise $2,300. Cindy is about 82% to her goal. So, our family decided to do something different. Instead of each of us paying the registration fee for the Nashville walk, we had our own walk at Radnor Lake. We will then all donate to Cindy’s walk. As we walked our 1.4 miles along the trail, I thought of Cindy. She loves to hike and backpack. In fact, I’m a bit jealous. She and her husband, Don, and sometimes her daughters, take trips quite regularly into the Sierras and other remarkable places. They recently hiked over Mono Pass at an elevation of 12,000 feet. Amazing! Hope you enjoy the pictures of our walk around the lake. If you think of them, remember Cindy and Jessica on their 60 mile walk to help erradicate breast cancer.