Hand of God

I still have lots of thoughts and feelings swirling around from the weekend ~

Saturday I spent the day serving in the Tenderloin ~ a square mile of the inner city, home to 30,000 disenfranchised human beings; some homeless, some substance abusers, some mentally ill, all poor, and all needing hope and help.  It would be disingenuous to think that 550 volunteers could change things in the course of 8 hours, but miracles do happen.  It would be more realistic to think that we simply touched lives that day with a hot meal, a haircut, some clean clothes, basic medical services and a message that they, too, are God's beloved.

The word that stood out to me that day was dignity.  These people want to be treated with a little dignity because they, too, have value as people, despite their circumstances.  I went expecting to hear a great message from Francis Chan and to serve.  I came home with my heart full of the people I met and the ardent hope that I treated them with the dignity they deserve as children of God.

Saturday night I returned to my safe, clean neighborhood and spent the evening with friends.  It was bit surreal after the day's experience, but I honestly welcomed the return back to my normal.  We saw a movie about 30,000-year-old cave paintings in France that were discoverd fairly recently and have never been seen by the general public.  The director had convinced the scientific/government community to let him make a documentary about this incredible vision back into the heart and mind of paleo man.

The beauty and the artistic flair of these cave paintings are stunning.  As I watched the story unfold, I couldn't help but think about the lives of the painter(s).  They must have had some of the same survival challenges that the 30,000 folks from the Tenderloin meet on a daily basis ~ food, clothing, shelter, safety.  And they must have faced these challenges both individually and within their community.

It's clear to me that the strongest link between the "tribes" of the Tenderloin and paleo man is their need to know and believe in their self-worth as more than another creature struggling for survival during their brief sojourn on earth.  As the documentary came to a close, the scientists were speculating about the "why" of the paintings.  Why did paleo man need to paint on walls of caves that were obviously not their homes?  Why were they done with such incredible beauty and craftsmanship?  Why were they done throughout the length of the 1,400 foot cave in the dark with only fire torches for illumination?  Were they, just as we are today, looking for meaning; for a connection to something far greater than ourselves?  Were they, too, reaching out for the hand of God?

On Saturday, I pray that the Tenderloin residents, the Reginalds and the Daryls, that I spoke with, gave food to and prayed with felt the hand of God on them, even if it was but for a brief moment.

Steppin' Out

Today I'm out of my comfort zone.  Today I'm going to serve the homeless or helpless in a neighboring community.  I've been a real team player when it comes to tithing money for someone else to actually go and help the poor or disenfranchised, but I've kept my hands clean, so to speak.  I figured it wasn't my gifting.  You know, the phrase that Christians conveniently hide behind when they don't want to step out of their comfort zone.  Well, today I'm steppin.'

No applause please.  God forbid, no applause.  I wish I could say my motives are completely pure but that would be a lie.  Francis Chan is in town and I'm excited to hear him speak.  I didn't realize that he came with acts of service attached to him.  That means a day of Chan's teaching, some awesome worship and then streaming out into the city to love on the less fortunate ~ as Christ admonishes us to do ~ display our love for Him by how we treat His people.

"'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" ~ Luke 10:27

"...(Christ) will say...'Come you who are blessed by my Father...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?'"

"(And Christ) will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." ~ Matthew 25:34-40)

This is the Day the Lord Hath Made

a month of giving

I feel such a sense of peace and calmness today. It's a lovely feeling. As you prepare your hearts and minds for the new year, take time to slow down and reflect about what it is you really want from the fresh, new 365 days that 2009 brings.

Last night my husband and I were talking about my wonderful birthday celebration and the plans that lie ahead. When we got to March he said it was time to close the calendar as we were getting way too ahead of ourselves. Plans are good, but not at the loss of the present.

So give yourself the gift of the here and now. Find the joy and gratitude that each day presents to you if you are willing to accept it. Breathe in and experience today.

Thank You for Giving

a month of giving

Thank you for giving to the Salvation Army through my virtual red kettle. My goal was $125 and you generously donated $150. Giving is a good thing.

Santa Scored the Big One

a month of giving

Santa and his elves scored big this year with my 92-year-old mom. She played piano for years and when she moved here three years ago, she was unable to bring her piano with her. She has been wanting to replace it but the timing just hasn't been right. But this Christmas, the timing was more than right so her kids and grandkids ~ oops, I mean Santa and his elves delivered a piano on Christmas night. We had tons of fun surprising her. When Mom walked in the door of her apartment and saw her new piano she was crying and screaming at the same time.

Gotta love it! This giving thing is the best ever.

Merry Christmas

In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you."

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High."

"How can this be," Mary asked the angel, "since I am a virgin?"

The angel answered, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God." (Luke 1:26-38)

"Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of ~ He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate ~ God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord's birth was an advent ~ the appearance of God in human form." (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest)

Merry Christmas to you!

Love, Peace, Blessings

a month of giving

Yesterday, my husband finally came home mid-afternoon after leaving early in the morning for last minute Christmas errands. His comment as he dragged his weary self into the house, "The mall is controlled chaos. The grocery store is just chaos."

I hope on this Christmas Eve that you are having the opposite experience ~ that you have not let the calendar nor the clock drive you into chaos and frenzy. It's not about the giving of things or the perfect decorations or the gourmet dinner.

Instead, may you and your family experience the true spirit of Christmas ~ the love, peace and blessing of God the Father and His Son's impending birth ~ a reminder of the greatest love story ever told.

It Was Well Worth the Effort

a month of giving

The packages are wrapped (the gifts that I have bought anyway), the greeting cards are sent (well, at least the 10 or so that I have finished writing out), the house is decorated (lots of unopened boxes remain in the attic, out of sight, out of mind), tasty treats are in the oven (a dozen or so cookies) and food has been prepared for the upcoming Christmas feast (thank goodness for pre-baked, honey glaze hams). I am sooooooooooo ready!!!

And I am ready because my son flies in tonight for a week of celebrating Christ's birth with family. It doesn't get much better than this. He makes all the holiday effort worth it.

I'm sure Mary felt that way. She didn't deck the halls or get out the plum pudding ~ no her celebration was much different. She gave birth to the Son of God, Emanuel, Christ Jesus in a lowly stable ~ and it was all worth the effort. While her son may have been of God, she experienced the intimate joy that a mother feels at the birth of her child.

Thank You, Lord, for bringing Your Son to the world from the womb of a woman. Mothers all over the world can relate and rejoice.

Winter Solstice and Christmas Light

a month of giving

Ohmygosh! Yesterday was winter solstice ~ my favorite day of the year ~ okay, one of my umpteen favorite days of the year! And why am I so groovy on winter solstice? Well, because it's the shortest day of the year. (Scholars tell me that it's actually a handful of days on either side but who cares?)

Now, for those of you who know me, I am a daylight fanatic. My idea of a fab vacation was Norway last summer when it never got dark. Darkness is just not my thing (although I do love a clear, cold starry night or big fat snowflakes falling in the light of the street lamp ~ but I digress.)

No, give me sunlight and lots of it. So why do I get excited about the shortest day of the year? Because now the days will get a teeny bit longer until we reach the longest day of the year. Do I hear a "yippee, hooray?"

And another reason I get so excited about winter solstice is that although our world has grown to its darkest point of the year, in just a few short days the Light of the world will be born To me, it is fitting that the deep darkness is juxtaposed next to intense brightness.

...because of the tender mercy of our God...the rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. (Luke 1:78-79)

Through Him all things were made...In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood....The true Light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. (John 1:3-5, 9)

His Love Endures Forever

a month of giving

It's Christmas week. The emotions are spinning, the excitement is building. The beauty of celebrating a month of giving is that the spirit of Christmas doesn't fall just on one day. Whether you experience the Christmas scenario of your dreams or not, my hope is that the love that is Christmas fills your heart and your home. Receive this special gift not just on this one special day or this one special week, but on-going and daily, despite circumstances. Let the God of love give His love to you.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34)

Ring-aDing-Ding Redux

a month of giving

Last weekend I rang the Salvation Army bells with the Groovies. Today I'm ringing them with my husband. It has become a part of our annual Christmas celebration. We get a big kick watching people as they come towards our door. Some smile and nod as they pass by. Some look at the ground for fear that eye contact will mean they are obligated to give. Some actually stop and dig some change or even a few dollars out of their pockets.

But it's the kids we really enjoy. Some eagerly rush to the kettle and some step up shyly, but they all give from their heart. When they step back from the kettle and a wide grin flashes on their faces, well, it just lights up our day and we experience once again the true meaning of Christmas.

Won't you please give to my virtual kettle? As of yesterday, $150 in donations have been received. I know that you have many financial strings tugging at you this holiday season, but even $5 adds up when many people give. Thank you to those of you who have already given, and thank you to those who have yet to give.

A Gift of Peace

a month of giving

I would like to share with you a portion of an email I received from Gail Gilpin, Director of Disciple Ministries at our church. She reminds us that the Prince of Peace came for us all. Accept it as His holy gift to you.

# # #

The Prince of Peace arrived in a humble stable at a time when nobody but the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies – once a year. Yet the angels proclaimed the Messiah’s arrival to lowly shepherds and encouraged them to go see the baby. Imagine – little boys were permitted into His holy presence. The Lord is There welcomes us all into his presence. He came with gifts for us – including his blessed peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

He has created a covenant of peace with his people (Is 54:10). He tells us to love truth and peace (Zechariah 8:19) and even commands us to seek peace and pursue it (Psalm 34:14). You know how to do that . . . Seek him first and his righteousness!

Tell everyone who needs to be reminded and encouraged – let’s spread his Peace this Christmas. May the peace beyond understanding dwell in your hearts and bless you and your family.

Gift Exchange

a month of giving

I'm the one who is supposed to be giving this month but instead the giving happened to me. I hosted a dinner party last night for the women in my Bible study. It was my Merry Christmas gift to them. When they left I realized how much joy and pleasure they had given me in return. It was a wonderful gift exchange.

Giving Meaning

a month of giving

I have a Christmas poem to share with you today. I don't know the author but I can credit my source ~ an email from a family member. Forgive me if I have stepped on someone's toes in the plagiarism department.

Please read this poem in the spirit in which it was intended ~ the spirit of giving and receiving the real reason for this "holiday" season.

*Twas the month before Christmas*
*When all through our land,*
*Not a Christian was praying*
*Nor taking a stand.*
*See the PC Police had taken away,*
*The reason for Christmas - no one could say.*
*The children were told by their schools not to sing,*
*About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.*
*It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say*
* December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.*
*Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit*
*Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!*
*CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-pod*
*Something was changing, something quite odd! *
*At Targets they were hanging their trees upside down*
* At Lowe's the word Christmas - was no where to be found.*
*At K-Mart and Staples and Penny's and Sears*
*You won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.*
*Inclusive, sensitive, Di-ver-si-ty*
*Are words that were used to intimidate me.*
*Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf Blitzen*
*On Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!*
*At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatter*
*To eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.*
*And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faith*
* Forbidden to speak of salvation and grace*
*The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded*
*The reason for the season, stopped before it started.*
*So as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'*
*Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.*
*Choose your words carefully, choose what you say*
*Shout MERRY CHRISTMAS ,
not Happy Holiday!*

The Giver of Gifts

a month of giving

God has been doing the giving the past several days with cold rain in the valleys and white snow on the hills. It's a gift we have been needing and hoping for, so it's terrific that He "came through."

That's how we think about God sometimes, isn't it? He's our Santa Claus, our sugar daddy, and we expect Him to give us everything we ask for. Thankfully, He's a good daddy who knows our needs, and knows the appropriate when and what to gift us.

And right now I'm just enjoying the gift of spectacular white cumulus clouds racing across our sky because I know those clouds bring more precipitation, and with it a refreshed earth and snow-packed mountains for skiing. Yippee!

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has been donating to my red kettle. I am $25 away from my $125 goal but I'm going to keep asking you to help me blow the top off my kettle and surpass my goal. You are such wonderful "givers."

A Child's Lesson of Giving

a month of giving

I ran into a friend (not literally, of course) at church on Sunday who shared with me the giving heart of her young daughter, Cosette. Concerned about the plight of empty coffers at Open Heart Kitchen, a local food bank, Cosette decided to do sell her clothes in order to raise money. She did it in a very ingenious way and in the end raised $300+ for OPK. This has spurred her on to do something about the plight of starving kids in Africa.

This is another one of my let-me-stop-right-here moments. Here is a child relating to another child's plight. A child who knows if Open Heart Kitchen closes there will be many kids in the Tri-Valley Area who will go hungry. A child who knows in her heart what an empty stomach feels like to a kid in Africa. And here's a child who is willing to step out and take action.

Please go to her blog and read how Cosette is making a difference. Through the generosity of a retail store, she has been able to open Cozy's Closet as a source of funding for the needy.

And that's the point of giving. It doesn't have to be big. It starts small, like a tiny mustard seed, and grows. It starts with our own talents and gifting. So my hat is off to Closette and all the other people in this world who see a need and don't wait for someone else, or some other organization to do something about it. They take a stand and take action. Even if action means something as small as dropping a few dollars in a Salvation Army red kettle or something a bit bigger like opening a kid's resale boutique.

http://cozyscloset.wordpress.com/

An Intangible Gift

a month of giving

Sometimes we get so caught up in the actions of the holiday that we lose or never even capture the spirit of the season. So today Cinderellla and I, along with our husbands, are taking our annual Christmas afternoon in the city. It will involve food, shopping, lots of laughter, and oh, did I mention food?

Christ came in love and commanded us to love one another. What sweeter way to celebrate His birth than time spent with beloved friends? It truly is one of the best ways to capture the true meaning of this Christmas season.

The Big Give

Dynamic fundraising meter for your Red Kettle campaign.

a month of giving

I'm giving a ring today. Not the gold kind that goes on your finger but the golden kind that goes in your ear. I'm going to ring the bell in front of a red kettle for the Salvation Army. This is an incredible organization that truly puts money where it's needed ~ not in the pockets of the administrators but in the mouths of the needy. Over 90% of their donations go to help feed, clothe and shelter the less fortunate, and they do it worldwide.

Now lest you conjure up images of boring bell ringing, let me tell you how the Groovies do it. We're starting at 10am with breakfast at Ted's house, who just happens to be a fabulous cook. Then we head over to our local mall where we will take over two main entrances to Macy's. And I mean take over. We will sing. We will laugh. We will open doors for the busy shoppers. And after we are done, we will head home full of good cheer to get ready for a Christmas party with our husbands. Oh yes, this is a wonderful season of giving and giving can be lots of fun.

And you can join me! Well, at least in the giving part. Taking a cue from Lorri Steer who has a virtual Salvation Army red kettle on her blog, I have decided to ask my readers to give virtually as well. Yes, I know, two days ago I asked you to give to the Sandra J Wing Healing Therapies Foundation. Well today I am asking you to also give to the Salvation Army. Yes, also. It doesn't have to be an either or situation. So often we think we have to give a lot, when in fact in many people gave a little, the end result would be alot!!

So pull out your dollar bill or ten dollar bill or more and give from your heart. Because this is the season for giving and the poor economy is no excuse for playing Scrooge. And I need your help, too, because Lorri challenged me. Now dear readers, all dozens of you, Lorri has a readership of hundreds. I just can't compete in numbers but I can compete in reaching my donation goal ~ or better yet, in surpassing it. I have set a modest goal of $125. Please help me blow the lid off my kettle!

Thank you for giving. God Bless!

Fine Linen and Good China

a month of giving

I'm giving a dinner party tonight in celebration of Christmas and friendship. It's not as fancy as it sounds but I do ask my guests to dress up a little, bring a pre-arranged dish and expect to have fun. Did you notice how I snuck in the phrase pre-arranged dish? Yes, you could say that I am hosting a fancy potluck tonight. Oh but what a wonderful potluck it will be. I will get out my table linens (not plastic), cloth napkins (not paper), good china (not everyday dishes) and fine crystal (not unbreakable tumblers). The house will be decorated. The music will be of Christmas cheer. Yes, it will be a festive affair and I'm really looking forward to it.

I Give Time, You Give Money ~ We're a Team!

a month of giving

I am giving of my time and marketing "expertise" to help a friend launch her new nonprofit ~ The Sandra J Wing Healing Therapies Foundation. She is dedicated to "helping bring cancer patients new hope and healing in their battle with cancer" through the funding of alternative healing therapies such as massage, accupuncture and visualization. Sandra is in the fund raising stage now and hopes to distribute funds to her first recipient by July 2009.

I have no hesitation in asking you to make a financial contribution to her foundation this Christmas season. How nice to know that the gift we give is making a difference in someone's walk with cancer.

www.healingtherapiesfoundation.org (for a direct link go to my Web Resources on this blog)