It's Harvest Wine Festival time. I love the fact that Christ's first miracle was turning water into wine at a wedding feast. He began His ministry with wine and a wedding feast ~ He later shed His blood (symbolized by wine in the rite of communion) at the end of His earthly ministry ~ so when He returns as the heavenly Bridegroom, He will be coming to claim His spotless brides (Believers who have been washed clean by His blood) for a heavenly wedding feast.
Thank you, Lord, for the harvest of wine, for the self-sacrificing act of your Son, and for the unsurpassed beauty of the wedding feast that you have prepared for us/me.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Paradise Lost Until Next Time
Time to leave Lake Tahoe. The hordes of humanity are arriving from big cities and towns to celebrate the 3-day weekend; which means noise and congestion, and no longer pretending that we are away from civilization. But we did discover that Heavenly is hosting its annual ski sale starting this morning, so we will take a quick peak at discounted treasures before we leave the mountains behind and return to the sanity of our own backyard retreat.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of snowy mountains and ski sales.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of snowy mountains and ski sales.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Worth the Trip
Okay, so my husband and I have driven to Lake Tahoe to spend a couple of days with his brother. The weather is spectacular ~ clear blue sky and temps in the mid-80's. A friend tells us we just have to take the hike to Dardenelle Lake. "It's easy," he says, "not far." So the three of us set out. Eight miles, a cooling off of our feet in a pristine alpine lake and who knows how many hours later, we drag our sorry selves back to the car.
It was fairly easy as mountain hikes go, but the long continual hike up in the sunshine and the altitude took its toll. It was worth it, though, because a descent down a switchback trail on the backside of that mountain led to the stunningly beautiful lake where we rested, ate our snacks and enjoyed the complete absence of any other people.
Yes, that aquamarine gem was totally ours for that moment in time ~ okay, we did share it with an assortment of wild critters like the chipmunks who kept trying to steal our trail mix. Obviously, we weren't the only humans to have visited this lovely setting, but for that short precious time it was as if God prepared this beautiful, refreshing resting place just for us.
Thank you, Lord, for creating natural beauty that restores our soul.
It was fairly easy as mountain hikes go, but the long continual hike up in the sunshine and the altitude took its toll. It was worth it, though, because a descent down a switchback trail on the backside of that mountain led to the stunningly beautiful lake where we rested, ate our snacks and enjoyed the complete absence of any other people.
Yes, that aquamarine gem was totally ours for that moment in time ~ okay, we did share it with an assortment of wild critters like the chipmunks who kept trying to steal our trail mix. Obviously, we weren't the only humans to have visited this lovely setting, but for that short precious time it was as if God prepared this beautiful, refreshing resting place just for us.
Thank you, Lord, for creating natural beauty that restores our soul.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gathering of the Groovies
The Groovies met last night. It's so refreshing to be with a group of women who can be honest, unpretentious and noncompetitive with each other. We are each cherished for the unique person that we are.
As unique as we may be, though, our every day struggles are not so different, because in our humanness we are the same. Our kids may be different ages but we still have conflicts, worries and joys. Our marriages may be of different lengths but we still have husband-wives issues. Our ages may be different but we still battle an assortment of health concerns.
All but two of us are in second marriages and we spent a considerable amount of time last night talking about blended families ~ the mistakes we've made, and continue to make; the agonies and delights of meshing two families into one; the fears that our children will be negatively impacted in their own adult relationships. We grieved and laughed at our humanness, and thanked God for His protection over us and our families.
And to be truthful, I went to bed that night saying an extra prayer for my son, sort of like an insurance policy. I do know one thing, regardless of how my first marriage turned out, I am eternally grateful for the terrific son who was the fruit of that marriage.
As unique as we may be, though, our every day struggles are not so different, because in our humanness we are the same. Our kids may be different ages but we still have conflicts, worries and joys. Our marriages may be of different lengths but we still have husband-wives issues. Our ages may be different but we still battle an assortment of health concerns.
All but two of us are in second marriages and we spent a considerable amount of time last night talking about blended families ~ the mistakes we've made, and continue to make; the agonies and delights of meshing two families into one; the fears that our children will be negatively impacted in their own adult relationships. We grieved and laughed at our humanness, and thanked God for His protection over us and our families.
And to be truthful, I went to bed that night saying an extra prayer for my son, sort of like an insurance policy. I do know one thing, regardless of how my first marriage turned out, I am eternally grateful for the terrific son who was the fruit of that marriage.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Monday, August 25, 2008
Can't Get This Out of My Mind
A daughter abducted and forced to do things no woman should have to submit to, let alone a 14-year old girl should have to endure. Will I have to do this until the day I die?
A son stolen away from family and beaten if he stops doing manual labor for just a moment because his back is hurting. Will I die in the mud in the middle of my labors?
An anguished mother's cry. A defeated father's pain. Where is the hope and the justice?
$92 billion human trafficking "industry" worldwide
27 million people enslaved against their wishes
2 million of them children
Life torn down to a commodity to be exploited for the gain of others.
Some of the help:
www.ijm.org
www.tassatags.org
A son stolen away from family and beaten if he stops doing manual labor for just a moment because his back is hurting. Will I die in the mud in the middle of my labors?
An anguished mother's cry. A defeated father's pain. Where is the hope and the justice?
$92 billion human trafficking "industry" worldwide
27 million people enslaved against their wishes
2 million of them children
Life torn down to a commodity to be exploited for the gain of others.
Some of the facts:
Israel Sex Trade - Ranked by UN as #1 in world for Sex Trafficing
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3062297,00.html
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3062297,00.html
Slavery in Africa - Just scroll down to Sudan
Some of the help:
www.ijm.org
www.tassatags.org
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Path or Highway
Newfound questions I'm asking myself these days:
Am I in a Christian cul-de-sac in my spiritual walk (mediocrity not excellence)?
Do I walk down a path for my own spiritual growth, or am I seeking a highway that will touch others with the Truth of God's love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption?
Am I in a Christian cul-de-sac in my spiritual walk (mediocrity not excellence)?
Do I walk down a path for my own spiritual growth, or am I seeking a highway that will touch others with the Truth of God's love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption?
Friday, August 22, 2008
That Explains It
I've always been much better at remembering faces than names. It's particularly disheartening when I meet someone new and then I realize moments later that their name has slipped my mind. I'm sure it's partly because I'm looking intently, rather than listening intently, when the introductions are made. My mantra always has been, "I may forget your name but I will never forget your face."
Well, now there's scientific evidence that there is a place (two actually) in the brain that appears to be devoted specifically to identifying and reacting to faces. Neuroscientists located the "fusiform face area" by using MRI technology. It seems that these pea-sized and oddly named twin locations near the bottom of our visual cortex are dedicated to face recognition help us to determine friend or foe.
So not only do I feel a whole lot better about my inability to remember names, but I now understand my highly honed ability to recognize dissatisfaction on my husband's face if I do or say something that is highly annoying to him. That's a good tool to have in a marriage survival toolbox!
Well, now there's scientific evidence that there is a place (two actually) in the brain that appears to be devoted specifically to identifying and reacting to faces. Neuroscientists located the "fusiform face area" by using MRI technology. It seems that these pea-sized and oddly named twin locations near the bottom of our visual cortex are dedicated to face recognition help us to determine friend or foe.
So not only do I feel a whole lot better about my inability to remember names, but I now understand my highly honed ability to recognize dissatisfaction on my husband's face if I do or say something that is highly annoying to him. That's a good tool to have in a marriage survival toolbox!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Day 3: I Speak Therefore I Am
The power of the spoken word. That was a major focus of today's third and final day of the conference. It reinforced the idea that carefully chosen words spoken within a properly delivered framework have the power to inform, transform, reform.
God clearly understood the power of the spoken word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
He knew we needed to keep all that power under control because we have a tendency to let the wrong things slip out of our mouths. That's why He provided the etiquette of speaking long before Emily Post wrote her book on manners.
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverb 2:6)
Listen to just one dreadful thing that an unchecked mouth can do.
For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter...sharp as a two-edged sword. (Proverbs 5:3-4)
Ah, but a mouth that is kept in check.
In a multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)
The tongue of the wise promote health. (Proverbs 12:18)
I speak, therefore, I am. Whatever comes out of my mouth reveals my heart. And I know I need to stay plugged into the maker of words so that my lips do not become like a two-edged sword.
God clearly understood the power of the spoken word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
He knew we needed to keep all that power under control because we have a tendency to let the wrong things slip out of our mouths. That's why He provided the etiquette of speaking long before Emily Post wrote her book on manners.
For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. (Proverb 2:6)
Listen to just one dreadful thing that an unchecked mouth can do.
For the lips of an immoral woman drip honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil; but in the end she is bitter...sharp as a two-edged sword. (Proverbs 5:3-4)
Ah, but a mouth that is kept in check.
In a multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise. (Proverbs 10:19)
The tongue of the wise promote health. (Proverbs 12:18)
I speak, therefore, I am. Whatever comes out of my mouth reveals my heart. And I know I need to stay plugged into the maker of words so that my lips do not become like a two-edged sword.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Day 2: Here a Story There a Story
Writers and speakers often agonize over the topic of their next article/story/book/blog but today we learned at day 2 of the conference that there are stories littered everywhere for the taking if you just remain Alert To Life.
Jesus remained Alert to Life. He was a great believer in using parables for His speaking ministry. He was alert to the hurts, the hopes, the joys, the trials, the decisions, the mistakes ~ the stuff of life that people dealt with on a daily basis. Although they may have been spoken and written about 2,000 years ago, they remain alive and relevant today for our times. His Words still comfort, teach, rebuke, encourage and love because He relates to us where we are at this very moment in time..
Jesus remained Alert to Life. He was a great believer in using parables for His speaking ministry. He was alert to the hurts, the hopes, the joys, the trials, the decisions, the mistakes ~ the stuff of life that people dealt with on a daily basis. Although they may have been spoken and written about 2,000 years ago, they remain alive and relevant today for our times. His Words still comfort, teach, rebuke, encourage and love because He relates to us where we are at this very moment in time..
Monday, August 18, 2008
Day 1: On Personality Types and Connections
It's the end of day one of a three-day writer and speaker's conference and my mind is fried. They presented so much helpful information by lunchtime that I was ready to go home and take a mid-day nap. I still had 5 hours to go.
While the focus was on perfecting the craft of communication through speaking and writing, it began with an exploration of personality types. The group that presented this seminar didn't invent the concept of personality types, but after years of working with people and doing a bit of psychological testing, they came up with their own theory on how our personalities dictate how we receive and present information. These types are true whether you are male and female, and have little or nothing to do with the communication barrier between the sexes.
We all think we are speaking the same words and are hearing the same words, but we communicate through different filters. Which means we have frequent misunderstandings over the meaning of our words.
God knows that. His Bible is full of words that do not reveal their intended meaning to us until we are individually equipped to understand. The equipping comes through the Holy Spirit, which opens our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the power and purpose of God's Word. In effect, God's Word becomes customized for our personality type.
While the focus was on perfecting the craft of communication through speaking and writing, it began with an exploration of personality types. The group that presented this seminar didn't invent the concept of personality types, but after years of working with people and doing a bit of psychological testing, they came up with their own theory on how our personalities dictate how we receive and present information. These types are true whether you are male and female, and have little or nothing to do with the communication barrier between the sexes.
We all think we are speaking the same words and are hearing the same words, but we communicate through different filters. Which means we have frequent misunderstandings over the meaning of our words.
God knows that. His Bible is full of words that do not reveal their intended meaning to us until we are individually equipped to understand. The equipping comes through the Holy Spirit, which opens our eyes, our ears and our hearts to the power and purpose of God's Word. In effect, God's Word becomes customized for our personality type.
New Adventure
I'm off for a three-day writing and speaking conference. I'm excited and nervous. It's one thing to write, it's another to be critiqued, but being open to constructive criticism and teaching is one of the best ways to grow. So I am off to get watered and fertilized.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Ladies Read This and Weep
Michael Phelps eats 12,000 calories per day
After he retires from swimming, Michael Phelps might want to try his hand at competitive eating. The Olympic star recently said he consumes 12,000 calories per day, or 9,500 more than the FDA recommends for an active, young male.
Phelps has to keep his intake up in order to compensate for all the calories he burns during the 30-hours per week he spends in training. He told NBC that an average day might have the following menu:
Breakfast: 3 fried egg sandwiches, 2 cups coffee, 5-egg omlette, bowl of grits, 3 pieces of french toast, 3 chocolate chip pancakes
Lunch: 1 pound pasta, 2 ham and cheese sandwiches, energy drink (1,000 calorie)
Dinner: 1 pound pasta, 1 large pizza, energy drink (1,000 calorie)
Three years ago, Phelps told an interviewer:
I eat pretty much whatever I want. I don't have a strict diet. It's all about cramming in as many calories into my system as I possibly can. To be honest with you, I have a tough time keeping weight on.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Love
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. (1Corinthians 13:4-6)
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Love the One You're With
Okay, so now I've had time to sit with my ranting about war and killing and not understanding God's logic about it all. As I sit with those thoughts, a larger, even more incomprehensible thought takes over my mind. God loves everyone. He is a non-discriminatory God. His love is freely given to --- everyone. As are forgiveness, mercy, grace.
Love. As a follower of Christ, I am commanded to love everyone with no qualifications for their love-worthiness. That means even the Russians and Georgians who are fighting and creating even more instability in the world. Even my president, George Bush, who is making posturing sounds about the unacceptability of Russia's actions.
Jeeze. I gotta love everyone? It's not my place or position to judge their actions since I don't know their hearts? And even if I knew their hearts, I haven't been given the right or responsibility to judge? I'm just supposed to love.
To quote Annie Lamott in her book Plan B, "Jesus kept harping on forgiveness and loving one's enemies, so I decided to try. Why couldn't Jesus have commanded us to obsess about everything, to try to control and manipulate people, to try to not ...pay attention, stomp away to brood when people annoy us, and then eat a big bag of Hersey's Kisses in bed?"
Love. As a follower of Christ, I am commanded to love everyone with no qualifications for their love-worthiness. That means even the Russians and Georgians who are fighting and creating even more instability in the world. Even my president, George Bush, who is making posturing sounds about the unacceptability of Russia's actions.
Jeeze. I gotta love everyone? It's not my place or position to judge their actions since I don't know their hearts? And even if I knew their hearts, I haven't been given the right or responsibility to judge? I'm just supposed to love.
To quote Annie Lamott in her book Plan B, "Jesus kept harping on forgiveness and loving one's enemies, so I decided to try. Why couldn't Jesus have commanded us to obsess about everything, to try to control and manipulate people, to try to not ...pay attention, stomp away to brood when people annoy us, and then eat a big bag of Hersey's Kisses in bed?"
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
The Russia-Georgia Entanglement
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven..... a time to kill and a time to heal...a time for war and a time for peace." --- Ecclesiastes 3:1,3,8
If you are a child of the 60's/early 70's, you recognize these words from a song sung by the Yardbirds during the anti-Vietnam era. Yet, they were originally written over 2,000 years ago by Solomon, reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived. So what does he mean by a time to kill and a time for war? It seems like mankind has been embedded in the killing and war parts since time began.
Clashing ideologies, religions, cultures, I-want-what-you-have, you're-mine, you're-worthless, I'm-stronger-than-you-are, My dad is bigger than your dad and can beat him up. Jealousy, envy, greed, power. Not reasons for killing or war.
But if there is a time for killing and war, what is it? Defense? Righteousness? Justice?
The conscientious objectors avoided serving in Vietnam because they said their personal religious beliefs prevented them from taking a life. Does that mean they wouldn't defend their children if they were being attacked? In the Old Testament, God wiped out whole nations. But then His thoughts are not mine and beyond my understanding. This is the stuff that messes with my mind.
If you are a child of the 60's/early 70's, you recognize these words from a song sung by the Yardbirds during the anti-Vietnam era. Yet, they were originally written over 2,000 years ago by Solomon, reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived. So what does he mean by a time to kill and a time for war? It seems like mankind has been embedded in the killing and war parts since time began.
Clashing ideologies, religions, cultures, I-want-what-you-have, you're-mine, you're-worthless, I'm-stronger-than-you-are, My dad is bigger than your dad and can beat him up. Jealousy, envy, greed, power. Not reasons for killing or war.
But if there is a time for killing and war, what is it? Defense? Righteousness? Justice?
The conscientious objectors avoided serving in Vietnam because they said their personal religious beliefs prevented them from taking a life. Does that mean they wouldn't defend their children if they were being attacked? In the Old Testament, God wiped out whole nations. But then His thoughts are not mine and beyond my understanding. This is the stuff that messes with my mind.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Devil Made Me Do It
The world is at it again. This time it's Georgia and Russia. I mean people, people, people, when will you/ we/ I ever learn that war is not the answer? Are we going to point the fingers of guilt at ourselves or whine that the devil/ energy supplies/ tribal hostilities/ a headache made me do it? Is love simply too much to ask? Oh my gosh, I am morphing into a 1960's hippie Jesus freak! Peace be with you.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Grace
perfection tainted by sin / our sin / my sin
free will / in love we were given
You knew we'd fail / I'd break your heart
yet You love us / me enough to let me go
and set in motion a plan / a love that surpasses all
because you loved us enough / free will to choose
we / I chose death
but You gave back life
on my knees in gratitude / I choose again
freely
life
free will / in love we were given
You knew we'd fail / I'd break your heart
yet You love us / me enough to let me go
and set in motion a plan / a love that surpasses all
because you loved us enough / free will to choose
we / I chose death
but You gave back life
on my knees in gratitude / I choose again
freely
life
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Are You Coming My Way?
I can feel another zippety-do-da day coming along! Are you coming my way? Sunshine is heading our way. Enjoy our day.
A Continuum in My Universe & Time Theory
There was another ripple today in my universe. Another juncture between me and the confluence of similar but not related people and organizations that has been impacting my time/space continuum. (I don't know if I really just said something in those two sentences but it sure impressed the heck out of me!). I picture all these connections meeting at a pinpoint on the horizon -- but that point is so small right now that I simply do not know what God is cooking up for me. And then, maybe I'm just being egocentric and it's not about me at all. I'm just trying to be patient in waiting for Him to reveal His will.
Friday, August 8, 2008
The Oxymoron of Strength
Here's another oxymoron for you. When I give completely of myself physically, I get wiped out and need a nap. However, when I give completely of myself spiritually, I gain more strength. In both cases I am draining my resources, but one depletes me while the other fills me to overflowing. And to add to that, I can be physically strong for a sustained period of time, like a couple of days hiking in the woods, but my spiritual strength needs replenishing daily.
That's because my physical strength is my own and I can build it up, but it's expendable and ultimately nonrenewable. Ah, but my Spiritual strength comes from God whose power is infinite. He knows, however, that if He turbo-charged me like the Energizer Bunny to keep on going and going, I wouldn't need Him and I would eventually cut off my spiritual power line. So He gives me spiritual strength to make it one day at a time, and to lean on Him for a recharge in the morning. Now that's what I call a renewable energy source.
That's because my physical strength is my own and I can build it up, but it's expendable and ultimately nonrenewable. Ah, but my Spiritual strength comes from God whose power is infinite. He knows, however, that if He turbo-charged me like the Energizer Bunny to keep on going and going, I wouldn't need Him and I would eventually cut off my spiritual power line. So He gives me spiritual strength to make it one day at a time, and to lean on Him for a recharge in the morning. Now that's what I call a renewable energy source.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The Oxymoron of Choice
First of all, I have to say that I really like the sound of the word oxymoron. I get a visual of a big, dumb oxen lumbering down the road. I envision this big guy just ambling through life without a care in the world. I even like saying the word oxymoron. It just swirls around my mouth and rolls off my tongue so nicely.
The dictionary has a little something different to say about this word. It comes from the Greek oxumoron and means a rhetorical figure in which an epigrammatic effect is created by the conjuntion of incongruous or contradictory terms; for example, "a mournful optimistic." Say what? The second definition is a clever remark, more pointedly witty for seeming absurd or foolish. Okay, that I get.
As I walk deeper in my faith, there appears to be all sorts of examples of the first definition of oxymoron Take John 15:16 where God says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." But I thought that's what freewill was all about. He lets me choose whether or not I want to believe in Him, follow Him, trust in Him, spend eternity with Him. Ah yes, but here's the rub. He chose me first because He created me. He wrote my name down in the book of life. He wanted me first, but I had to take the active step of choosing Him before He could act on His choosing me first.
So what at first appears to be an oxymoron actually is not. I must choose Him to know that He already chose me. Sounds like a celestial board game. Checkmate!!
The dictionary has a little something different to say about this word. It comes from the Greek oxumoron and means a rhetorical figure in which an epigrammatic effect is created by the conjuntion of incongruous or contradictory terms; for example, "a mournful optimistic." Say what? The second definition is a clever remark, more pointedly witty for seeming absurd or foolish. Okay, that I get.
As I walk deeper in my faith, there appears to be all sorts of examples of the first definition of oxymoron Take John 15:16 where God says, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you." But I thought that's what freewill was all about. He lets me choose whether or not I want to believe in Him, follow Him, trust in Him, spend eternity with Him. Ah yes, but here's the rub. He chose me first because He created me. He wrote my name down in the book of life. He wanted me first, but I had to take the active step of choosing Him before He could act on His choosing me first.
So what at first appears to be an oxymoron actually is not. I must choose Him to know that He already chose me. Sounds like a celestial board game. Checkmate!!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
A Theory of the Universe and Time
Do you ever have those times when it seems like related things are coming at you from the cosmos but you haven't quite figured out what or why? I having one of those months. Of course, the director of my universe is God so I know He has a plan behind His celestial show, He just hasn't let me in on it yet. I'm not trying to be coy or evasive about this --- I really don't know what the connection or purpose is, if any, between a series of people and organizations that I have been meeting lately. But I must say that my Father in heaven sure is faithful in answering my prayer for more patience!!!!
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Enlarging My World Vision
I have been praying that my life be more than about me and mine.
I heard Gary Haugen of IJM say that God loves each person He creates so much that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son so every one of us could spend eternity with Him. That's what I call a big world vision. So when Gary said that he had realized his own love was only for his small world of me and mine --- I was tracking with him when he asked, "How can I open the borders of my heart to embrace a larger world vision?"
I don't have a definition of what my larger vision would encompass, but the Lord has been bringing organizations and opportunities my way in an ever quickening pace. Most of them have to do with poverty and injustice preying on helpless women and their children. The statistics are alarming. An estimated 27 million people are held as slaves worldwide -- 2 million of them are children who are forced into prostitution. These people need justice and a hope for the future.
The Biblical definition of injustice is the abuse of power, the taking away of the basic things that God had intended for each of us --- life, liberty, joy and hope. God intended for us to defend the helpless against injustice. "He has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
One small step I can take in reaching out is through organizations that are on the forefront of the battle. Trade As One is an organization that has partnered with 16 companies around the world to provide fair wage and dignity to oppressed women and children. By simply purchasing some of their beautiful wares I am able to help these people live with dignity, freedom and hope. (See my blog post under Connections, July 1, 2008.)
TassaTags, is a nonprofit that sells luggage tags to help fund the fight against sexual slavery and trafficking worldwide. The tags are made by rescued victims who are now paid a fair wage for their work and a hope for the future. (See my blog post under Connections, August 4, 2008).
International Justice Mission (IJM), is an organization that uses legal means to fight the oppression and persecution of poor women and their children. Their legal casework includes bonded slavery, illegal land seizure, unprosecuted rape, sex trafficking, citixenship documentation, illegal detention and police brutality. IJM's four-fold purpose: (1) victim relief (2) lawful accountability and consequences to the prepetrators (3) prevention of future abuse (4) services to help the victims transition to new, sustainable lives. At the very least, I can pray for God's intercession through IJM and provide some financial support to this much-needed organization. (www.ijm.org)
What started for me as a feel-good means of adjusting my buying habits to include fair trade items, has become a deepened desire to take a stronger stand. How can I not, when my very God in heaven has admonished me to do so?
"Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; Your will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear. To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more." (Psalm 10:17-18)
I heard Gary Haugen of IJM say that God loves each person He creates so much that He was willing to sacrifice His own Son so every one of us could spend eternity with Him. That's what I call a big world vision. So when Gary said that he had realized his own love was only for his small world of me and mine --- I was tracking with him when he asked, "How can I open the borders of my heart to embrace a larger world vision?"
I don't have a definition of what my larger vision would encompass, but the Lord has been bringing organizations and opportunities my way in an ever quickening pace. Most of them have to do with poverty and injustice preying on helpless women and their children. The statistics are alarming. An estimated 27 million people are held as slaves worldwide -- 2 million of them are children who are forced into prostitution. These people need justice and a hope for the future.
The Biblical definition of injustice is the abuse of power, the taking away of the basic things that God had intended for each of us --- life, liberty, joy and hope. God intended for us to defend the helpless against injustice. "He has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)
One small step I can take in reaching out is through organizations that are on the forefront of the battle. Trade As One is an organization that has partnered with 16 companies around the world to provide fair wage and dignity to oppressed women and children. By simply purchasing some of their beautiful wares I am able to help these people live with dignity, freedom and hope. (See my blog post under Connections, July 1, 2008.)
TassaTags, is a nonprofit that sells luggage tags to help fund the fight against sexual slavery and trafficking worldwide. The tags are made by rescued victims who are now paid a fair wage for their work and a hope for the future. (See my blog post under Connections, August 4, 2008).
International Justice Mission (IJM), is an organization that uses legal means to fight the oppression and persecution of poor women and their children. Their legal casework includes bonded slavery, illegal land seizure, unprosecuted rape, sex trafficking, citixenship documentation, illegal detention and police brutality. IJM's four-fold purpose: (1) victim relief (2) lawful accountability and consequences to the prepetrators (3) prevention of future abuse (4) services to help the victims transition to new, sustainable lives. At the very least, I can pray for God's intercession through IJM and provide some financial support to this much-needed organization. (www.ijm.org)
What started for me as a feel-good means of adjusting my buying habits to include fair trade items, has become a deepened desire to take a stronger stand. How can I not, when my very God in heaven has admonished me to do so?
"Lord, you have heard the desire of the humble; Your will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear. To do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, That the man of the earth may oppress no more." (Psalm 10:17-18)
Monday, August 4, 2008
Tag You're It
I've come across another organization that supports fair trade. This one, TassaTag, in partnership with ECPAT USA, offers a life of dignity and freedom for children who have been held in bondage as sex slaves. The company encourages travelers and travel agents not to engage in this sordid industry (its name stands for travelers-against-sexual-slavery).
TassaTag sells brightly colored luggage tags that are easy to spot in the airport luggage carousel, and are hand-embroidered by women in the affected countries. The price is $12 and well worth it. I bought one for my suitcase and another for my purse, since the latter will provoke conversations from others who see it and, thus, I can spread the word.
They make great gifts. And TassaTag is working on a proposal to partner with companies who want to put their company logo and contact information on the back of the tags (where the traveler's information is written).
Go to www.tassatag.org or www.ecpatusa.org for more information.
Happy Anniversary
241 years. That's the sum total of my parents had Dad lived to celebrate their anniversary. Mom (92) + Dad (86) + 63 years of marriage = 241 years. He remains her guardian angel and still sends her flowers on important occasions, like today, the anniversary of their marriage 63 years ago.
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Back in the Saddle Again
Mom and I took yet another trip to Pleasanton's finest midnight spa (a euphemism for emergency room). I tell you, it's bad when the staff recognizes me as much as they recognize Mom! I just sit in the corner and try to stay out of their way. But then, when you spend hours in the ER, you strike up conversations. At this rate, I will know everyone's life story. (ha!ha!)
This time the phone rang at 3:30 a.m. It's jarring, annoying and frightening to be awakened at that hour. By now, we know it's her and we know what the rest of the evening/early morning brings. But this time we had a pleasant surprise when the doctor said they weren't admitting her into the hospital for observation. She was stable and would do better with a good night's sleep at home.
Of course, the problem with that scenerio is that they gave her an additional dosage of lasix before she left the spa. The drug is designed to release fluids that start pooling in the body when the heart isn't doing its job. Yes, ladies, it's a pill for excessive water retention but it's to prevent congestive heart failure, not fat thighs. So, needless to say, restful sleep was not possible with hourly visits to the bathroom.
At this point, these trips to the ER seem inevitable and are getting closer (last one was mid-June). So I would appreciate prayer not just for her health, but for her salvation. I honestly don't know if she "knows" Jesus Christ. She doesn't like to talk about it because she was raised across the street from Catholic nuns and that has colored her entire outlook on "religion." She's more than happy to encourage others to go to church, or to seek out God, but she's tight-lipped when it comes to herself. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
This time the phone rang at 3:30 a.m. It's jarring, annoying and frightening to be awakened at that hour. By now, we know it's her and we know what the rest of the evening/early morning brings. But this time we had a pleasant surprise when the doctor said they weren't admitting her into the hospital for observation. She was stable and would do better with a good night's sleep at home.
Of course, the problem with that scenerio is that they gave her an additional dosage of lasix before she left the spa. The drug is designed to release fluids that start pooling in the body when the heart isn't doing its job. Yes, ladies, it's a pill for excessive water retention but it's to prevent congestive heart failure, not fat thighs. So, needless to say, restful sleep was not possible with hourly visits to the bathroom.
At this point, these trips to the ER seem inevitable and are getting closer (last one was mid-June). So I would appreciate prayer not just for her health, but for her salvation. I honestly don't know if she "knows" Jesus Christ. She doesn't like to talk about it because she was raised across the street from Catholic nuns and that has colored her entire outlook on "religion." She's more than happy to encourage others to go to church, or to seek out God, but she's tight-lipped when it comes to herself. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
Friday, August 1, 2008
On Jesus Christ and My Human Nature -- Part III
Am I willing to reduce myself down to simply "me?" Am I determined enough to strip myself of all that my friends think of me, and all that I think of myself? Am I willing and determined to hand over my simple naked self to God? (My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers 7/22)
That question falls like bare feet on scorching hot pavement.
That question falls like bare feet on scorching hot pavement.
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