Woman Sings How Great Thou Art Inside of Grain Silo
Right at present that word joy may asphyxiate you...For anyone, newly grieving, to accept even this commencement step is as difficult equally learning to walk for the starting time time. You are, in fact, back at the beginning of learning to live again, to part, to participate in life. Yous are learning to live the second role of your life, and then be patient with yourself. Eugenia Price, Getting Through The Night
As the family filed out of North Metro Church this past Th at Dr. Rick Greyness'southward Commemoration of Life Service, the instrumental music played loudly "Crown Him With Many Crowns". My girlfriend Sandy and I, and the residuum of the congregation stood reverently by. Especially during unpredictable and devastating circumstances, many ask, "Where is God?" There is no doubt that Rick Gray and his family unit, forth with our love friends, The Reads, in Virginia, who accept faced unimaginable tragedy in their son's passing, believe in their gut that God is on His Throne. As painful every bit loss is, we believe in a God who is not but enlightened of what has happened, but he is worthy of our honour and praise regardless of our circumstances. We recognize that it is not something we tin see with our eyes, but information technology is a truth we have intentionally chosen to believe.
We call it Religion.
With Holy Week upon us, my Father-in-law is still in the hospital. We are hopeful he will brand a full recovery, but we obviously practise non know what the future holds in this precarious situation. Donny's Dad is a man of faith, believing in things he cannot run across. This very personal organized religion gives him hope for his future, regardless of what his hereafter might hold.
Nosotros do not stand alone in this conventionalities. We belong to an enormous family unit of religion. My ADPi Sisters, a grouping of 9 of us have been getting together for a weekend every single twelvemonth since 1979. Nosotros all have Cookeville'due south Tennessee Tech University in common. We exercise life together. We laugh, we cry, we telephone call, we e-mail, we text, nosotros gloat, nosotros mourn together, simply most importantly, we share a common and rigorous religion in God.
We stand up shoulder-to-shoulder in our faith journeys, sharing prayer requests with each other year in and year out. For something dissimilar in 2015, nosotros decided to read the aforementioned devotional week after week together: The Joshua Code.
Together, we start a new chapter each Lord's day.Ironically, the reading post-obit Taylor Read'south recent passing reminded united states: of the promise in Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." This week's reading is called, The Proof is in the Pudding.Co-ordinate to this devo, the evidence in our personal religion in a God is 3-fold: inward, upwardly and outward. Inwards evidence (see Ephesians 5:19) is seen when we choose to take a "song in our center" regardless of our state of affairs. Upwardly prove (see Ephesians five:twenty) is seen when nosotros continually choose to have an attitude of gratitude to our God. Outward evidence (run into Ephesians 5:21) is seen in our service to those in our path.
Through the generations, many have asked the question"Where is God?" Two of these who accept lived during my lifetime are C.South. Lewis and Lee Strobel.
Christians can have doubts and they can take questions, and the unhealthy way to deal with that is to keep them inside where they fester and grow and can undermine our faith. The salubrious way to bargain with information technology is to talk about it and exist honest about it. Lee Strobel
I do know enough of atheists, agnostics and skeptics who take become Christians through the years. In fact, several of my friends were in one case strong atheists but are now committed followers of Jesus. Lee Strobel
C. Due south. Lewis, (1898-1963), writer of Mere Christianity, amid many other books, and best friends with J.R.R. Tolkien., fell abroad from organized religion in his youth, merely returned at age 32 for the residuum of his days.
After his married woman's conversion, Lee Strobel, (1952- ) one of the most well known atheist-turned-Christians and writer of The Instance For Christ, became a believer at the age of 29 afterward he did extensive research on the prove for Jesus.
IN MY 56 YEARS HERE ON THIS EARTH, I Take CERTAINLY KNOWN SORROW, WITH BOTH OF MY PARENTS HAVING GONE ON Ahead OF ME, ALONG WITH MANY MUCH-LOVED FRIENDS AND RELATIVES, INCLUDING A PRECIOUS NEPHEW, BRAD. I FIRST LEARNED OF MY FAVORITE Book ON GRIEF THROUGH THE PASSING OF A GIRLFRIEND, JIL CAIN ON Baronial 5, 2005, A GRACE DISGUISED: HOW THE SOUL GROWS THROUGH LOSS, By, GERALD 50. SITTSER. I KNOW WHAT It FEELS LIKE TO HAVE THAT PHYSICAL ACHING, ANGUISH IN MY Center After HEARING OF THE PASSING OF SOMEONE I DEARLY LOVE, AND I BET YOU HAVE FELT THAT, TOO. I THINK GRIEF FEELS A LOT Similar THE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY BEFORE THE FIRST EASTER Dominicus. AS JESUS WAS BEING HUNG ON THE CROSS, SURELY HIS Female parent, MARY, ALONG WITH HIS DISCIPLES, AND COUNTLESS OTHER FOLLOWERS HAD ACHING HEARTS AND WANTED TO LOSE ALL HOPE IN THEIR FUTURE. BUT THEN Sun CAME! I AM LEARNING THAT There IS A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THOSE WHO GRIEVE WITH Hope AND THOSE WHO GRIEVE WITHOUT Information technology. THE READ FAMILY CHOSE THE POWERFUL ANTHEM, Lift UP THE CROSS, TO WALK OUT OF THEIR Church building TO. THIS SONG ILLUSTRATES HOW THEY WERE GRIEVING THE LOSS OF THEIR BELOVED SON, Blood brother, NEPHEW, AND GRANDSON THIS IS RELATED TO A PERSONAL Faith JOURNEY.
It is both ultimately and intimately between each created human being and God.
Where are you lot and I in our journey today?
How is there inward, outward and
upward prove of faith in our lives?
Despite the fact that I had been a Christian for many years before the accident, since and so, God has become a living reality to me as never earlier. My confidence in God is somehowquieter just stronger. I feel piddling pressure to print God or show myself to him; notwithstanding I want to serve him with all my eye and strength. My life isfull of bounty, even as I continue to feel the pain of loss.Grace is transforming me, and it is wonderful. I have slowly learned where God belongs and accept immune him to assume that place—at the middle of life rather than at the periphery."
Gerald L. Sittser, author of A Grace Disguised
In faith in that location is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't." Blaise Pascal (1623-1662) a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, writer, and Christian philosopher, Pascal had poor health specially after his 18th twelvemonth and his decease came simply two months after his 39th birthday.
Save Salvage
Whether things are sailing smoothly or the lesser has dropped out, He is always trustworthy. You tin can count on the Almighty God to keep His everlasting Word." Charles Stanely
Click on each reference below to read a few scripture verses that Rick asked the Pastor to share at his Celebration of Life Service held on March 26, 2015: Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 46:x, and John xiv:27.
Click here to run into a cursory You Tube video explaining the story behind the song, It Is Well With My Soul. Thom Grayness, Rick'south brother sang this familiar song so beautifully at his brother's service yesterday.
A volume that has helped me so much when I take experienced grief and loss is A Grace Disguised: How The Soul Grows Through Loss, Past, Dr. Gerald L. Sittser. You may desire to take a copy sent to yous by clicking here.
2014 was definitely a whirlwind year for the states. This time last year, we were making plans to attend Scott and Leah's Rehearsal Dinner, half-dozen weeks from our son's college graduation 24-hour interval, and simply 11 weeks away from Walker and Jessica's wedding twenty-four hours. We also historic the births of 6 new great nieces and nephews in 2014!
With Hymeneals and Graduation season upon us again, these memorable occasions cause united states of america to consider more than ever, the benefits and blessings of our days, forth with the rapidity of LIFE! Weddings and graduations mixed with new babies…picture after glorious picture show of how apace these little ones are flourishing, really do crusade united states of america to ponder the gifts in our lives.
Adding recent passings of some very important people in our journey, forth with Commemoration of Life services, causes even more than musing. This reminds me of a quote I heard at Walker'due south graduation commencement last year, giving u.s. three things to consider.
Graduations are like weddings and funerals because they brand united states think of three things:
one-Where nosotros've been.
two-Where nosotros are today.
3-Where nosotros are going."
David Iglesias-Outset Accost May 2014 Wheaton Higher, Wheaton, Illinois
Our community celebrated the life of one of our physicians yesterday and hundreds gathered at Northward Metro Church building here in Marietta, Georgia to pay tribute to a life well lived. Dr. Rick Grey, a local Oncologist, just barely age 59, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2015 with his family at his bedside from complications of float cancer. A few remarks that were shared at Dr. Greyness's service coincide with the in a higher place 3 things:
~Our grief speaks to how much the deceased was loved.
~How are you stewarding this gift called YOU?
~The intersections of our lives have continued us with this much loved deceased one.
~The more than nosotros invest in a deep friendship, the sweeter it becomes.
~And finally, a life lesson his Dad taught him, which Michael Gray, Rick'due south oldest son, bravely shared with the congregation: "Life is sweeter when we put aside fright and doubt, replacing it with LOVE."
All of this leaves behind a question for y'all and for me:
"As I walk through my days, how am I being a potent steward of this gift
chosen 'You lot' and 'ME'?"
Click hither for lyrics to the song shared past Rick'south blood brother.
There is then much stuff to focus on, so much to grab our attention in our daily lives, EACH and EVERY day, there are millions of things, it seems. Long ago, I tried "goal-setting" and was never very successful with really writing down goals and so achieving them, checking them off. Now, decades after a few failed attempts at goal-setting, we have 2 grown, happily married children, a fun, committed marriage, much loved friends & family, along with a strong faith foundation. Though in some ways it seems I accept "wandered" through my days, I am learning to count each and every day as a God-given blessing.
To see a earth in a grain of sand and sky in a wild flower, concur infinity in the palms of your mitt and eternity in an hr."
William Blake
In the winter of his ninth year, Frank Lloyd Wright (built-in Frank Lincoln Wright, June eight, 1867 – April 9, 1959 , an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator, who designed more than 1,000 structures, 532 of which were completed.) was walking beyond a snowfall-covered field with his reserved, no-nonsense uncle. As they reached the far end of the field, his uncle stopped him. He pointed to his own tracks in the snow, straight and true every bit an arrow, and so to young Frank'south tracks, which meandered all over the field.
"Notice how your tracks wander aimlessly from the cattle to the forest and dorsum once again," his uncle said. "And see how my tracks aim directly to my goal. There is an important lesson in that."
Years later, the famous builder relayed how that experience affected his outlook on life. "I determined right so," he said, "not to miss most things in life, as my uncle had."
So, yes, goal-setting is important, for sure, but let's retrieve to also "meander like young Frank did" as nosotros journey through this life. Oh, and let's put upwardly our prison cell phone when other beating hearts are around…I am afraid we are missing something , peradventure something large, while staring at our fiddling screens.
The swell affair in this world is not so much where we are, but in what management we are moving."Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
Annotation: Ideas from this post were taken from a contempo devotion published by New Life Ministries, a daily devotion I subscribe to and proceeds much from every bit I read it each day.
Sustaining grace does not hope the absence of struggle, but the presence of God."Max Lucado
The day was a sunny Sunday morning, March 15, 2015. I walked and walked in the beautiful urban center of San Diego, California, while my husband, Donny, attended a briefing. As I moved along, I hummed a favorite song, seeing the lyrics in my mind: Brave, by Sara Bareilles. Carrying my Bible close to my heart, my plans were to find a Presbyterian Church building almost one mile from our hotel and worship there at the 11:00 service. I shortly discovered that instead, my day would exist spent in "a church" on the streets of San Diego and not inside the walls of a edifice. Heavy-hearted, with my husband's honey Dad on my mind with his contempo hospitalization in the CCU with pneumonia, paired with grief over the very contempo passing of the son of our precious friends the Reads, I sat on a bench to balance right exterior The Old Spaghetti Factory, at the corner of fifth and K in the Gaslamp District. Weeping quietly, I took this picture of my Bible, my loving cup of hot coffee, and a San Diego map.
Just afterwards taking this movie, as I glanced to my right, I saw this adult female continuing alone right next to my bench. Homelessness is a business organization in every big city across our great big world, and sunny San Diego is no exception. In fact, locals this past weekend told usa countless times that the reason for their multitude of homeless folks is because of their year-round pleasant climate.
I am not my mistakes. I am not my old habits. I am not my PAST. I am a beautiful reflection of God. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am free. Shanel Cooper Sykes
To assistance minimize panhandling on every corner, the local San Diego community installed meters similar this one to collect pocket change to aid those without a home. I thought this was a expert idea to share with folks at MUST Ministries back in Georgia who work tirelessly to assistance the downward and out in our hometown customs. Many humans have similar thoughts regarding the homeless population, wondering how they got there, are they alcoholics or addicts, is mental disease a part of their day, and isn't it "their fault" that they are in this situation? Raised past such compassionate parents, my heart has ever been tender towards these souls in demand. In fact, dorsum in 2002, when Leah was in 8th grade, I taught her form all I knew nigh this subject field, using Phil Collins' Another Twenty-four hour period in Paradise as a springboard. And after recently reading Yankoski's story in the volume Under the Overpass, my heart has become even softer towards these folks in demand, believing "every heartbeat has a story."
I am similar a pencil in God's hand. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be immune to be used. Mother Teresa
So when this adult female showed upwardly adjacent to me, my response was not a surprise to me. And when she shared her proper name, Pamela, I smiled through my tears, agreement intuitively that her being there was no accident. Pamela is my niece'southward proper name, the sister of my late nephew Brad (Brad's story is here: 525,600 Minutes, Remembering Brad Today, Celebrate Me Home). Though Pam, all solitary in this big city, did not approach me, I invited her to have a seat as I moved myself and my things over. Note: I am not looking for accolades with my story, I merely followed my heart similar I do in most every circumstance I find myself in these days. Pam was not the only one who was in demand, I was in demand , as well, and I believe that was the reason she was placed in my path that 24-hour interval. (See two recent past posts to understand this better: Choose Not To Be Blue and Cull Non To Be Blue: Part Two.)
Showtime things first, I figured she was hungry. She nodded. Waiting for our table at a quaint sidewalk buffet, I was moved past the irony of this pleasant immature woman who would soon escort us to our table, quietly folding napkins for the many guests who would exist by for a meal on this Sunday.
As we sat beyond from each other, Pam told me her story. She was stranded in San Diego and needed to become back to Austin, Texas, she had no money to her name, and in that location was a condom home for her in Texas with her boyfriend and his mother. Though I did non tell her this, and I certainly wasn't sure how the twenty-four hours would play out, I knew by the fourth dimension we finished our omelets that my husband and I would be her ticket back to Austin.
With a full stomach and a good break in the cafe'south clean restaurant bath, Pamela and I hitting the sidewalk, outset purchasing her a big backpack and and so heading to nearby Macy's. Nosotros went through several different departments, finding her new lingerie, t-shirts, jeans, and socks. Each fourth dimension we made a purchase, the employee would snip off the tags, and Pam would sideslip back into the dressing room to change into her new things, coming out with an appreciative, apprehensive smile on her face. Later, when Pastor Ike called me from Georgia, and I burst into tears telling him all about our friends who had lost their son and Donny'south Daddy, Pamela was the one who was consoling me, putting her arm around me and whispering how sorry she was for my sadness. I shared with Pastor Ike about who was standing next to me and he said, "Joan, that is exactly what I spoke about in my message this morn." (Click Hither to hear Pastor Ike Reighard'south message Passion For Pity.)
Nosotros packed her backpack full, including her old, used, soiled things which went into a plastic bag until Pam would be able to notice a way to launder them. An affordable ticket was purchased at a nearby Greyhound Bus Terminal and I left Pamela to wait until the 10:45 p.m departure. Only before 10:30 p.yard., Donny and I were strolling around downtown with some friends from Georgia when I realized we were only a few minutes from the last. We said proficient night to our friends, and walked a few more minutes arriving in fourth dimension for Donny to run into Pamela and for united states to bid her adieu. Pamela's trip would take 36 hours arriving mid-morning on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, and Pamela would call me to permit me know she had arrived safely.
In one case once again, I am reminded of The Boy and The Starfish Story, (click here to read information technology). Information technology was an indisputable fact that my husband and I could non solve the huge problem of homelessness in San Diego, California, but we made a difference for that one beating eye—which at the same time made an even bigger difference for our own hurting hearts.
Yes, weeping may suffer for the dark, merely JOY does come with the morning. Psalm 30:v
Psalm 30:5 came true on the following day equally the sun rose on Monday, March 16, 2015, starting with a long phone visit with my grieving friend in Virginia, Kelly, as I walked forth the water, stopping in the loveliest places for a moment of serenity reflection and prayer.
Later, I was thankful to meet pictures of my precious Tennessee Tech sisters loving our friends The Reads, equally they represented our group at Taylor'southward Celebration Service which I was able to watch on livestream.
That afternoon, though his married woman, Annie had to work, our nephew, Evan, and their 14 calendar month sometime son, Noah, was able to drive a curt distance to see the states at the beautiful Torrie Pines Reserve. Once more I was struck by irony: grieving with our friends over the loss of their son…while watching this beautiful boy's journey begin.
Every bit we continue to pray for healing for our Dad, Don, and peace for our friends The Reads, our faith reminds us to be dauntless.
How is your journey calling for bravery today?
Is it a health decision, a relationship that needs mending,
a mettlesome conversation that would exist difficult, only beneficial for all?
I have been pondering a great and devastating mystery this morning. The mystery of the unanticipated passing of a loved i. 1 matter I know for certain is that the sharp and unexpected death of someone nosotros love is globe-shattering. The event volition make yous numb and send you reeling into shock when information technology happens.
I also know that in that location is a difference as wide every bit The Grand Canyon, between those who grieve with faith and promise and those who do not. We saw this illustrated inside the walls of a Virginia home this past calendar week. On Midweek, my hubby and I traveled over 600 miles round trip to the quaint, historical town of Abingdon to sit down with best friends we accept been shut to for 38 years. Their son passed away on Sabbatum, March 7, 2015. Our hearts are agonized and we are trusting that we tin can somehow be an encouragement in the days, weeks, and months alee as nosotros walk this unfamiliar path with them. When I planned my last post entitled, Choose Not To Be Blue, and now this Part Ii post, the sudden death of this much-loved swain, Taylor Heston Read, had not yet happened. This mail service is not virtually our best friends' son leaving us so all of a sudden—that subject is far too raw and heartbreaking merely at present. Our constant prayers for comfort prevarication with the bereaved, Paul, Kelly, Megan, 5 grandparents, and the endless others who knew and loved this kind and gentle soul. Thank yous for joining united states of america in this prayer. Remainder In Peace, Taylor, and nosotros will come across you lot again.
Rather, I volition share a story that is dear to my centre which in my view, demonstrates so well the important life lesson my Mama stressed to us equally we were growing up: When you are feeling down and out, help someone.
The date was August v, 2005, when my dearest friend Jil drowned in an Alabama lake while her family unit was with her. They were delighting in the final hazy, lazy days of summer when she slipped away. Jil was 40 years one-time. Jil Cain was one of those humans who inspired others to laugh and dear. Jil is still remembered and missed past multitudes of people, even nigh 10 years following her passing. Jil left a memorable legacy behind for her family and friends. A life-irresolute book was shared with me only after Jil's passing: A Grace Disguised.
My retention bank holds many, many sweet images of Jil, one of which was our participation, forth with my girlfriend Kathy, in an Avon 3-Day 60 mile Breast Cancer Walk together in 2000. With the help of my friend, Jules Furr, I was able to enhance over $half dozen,000.00 and I walked in memory of my education friend, Debbie Ledford who had died in late 1999 of cancer. Leah and Walker fifty-fifty held a domestic dog-wash to heighten funds. : ) Throughout this weekend in 2000, Jil, Kathy and I were surrounded past survivors at every turn. The 60 mile journeying was an incredibly inspiring experience. A stirring of the soul.
An feel that inverse our lives forever.
Later in the calendar month, soon after Jil had died, I was driving frantically down the route. Our children were at Midweek night youth group, my husband was working, and I was falling into the depths of despondency as I grieved the loss of my 40-yr-old girlfriend.
Suddenly, I remembered this important lesson that my mother had always told me. Mama had often modeled this lesson every bit well. Tragically, Hurricane Katrina and the broken levies had only flooded New Orléans. In the nearby Boots Ward Recreational Center, there was a Carmine Cross shelter, a condom haven for some of the Katrina evacuees. I collection straight to this center and institute out that in that location was a volunteer position bachelor for the following Mon, vi-10 a.thousand. I signed upwards and felt the sadness start to ease.
The following morning, I arrived at my appointed fourth dimension, unaware that someone was about to be placed in my path who would change my life. I soon met Sarah Fifty. Johnson, a Katrina evacuee who had resided in New Orléans her unabridged life. Sarah was 85 years old, had never married, and had no children. Funny, she said she had ever wanted to visit Atlanta, only didn't realize she would come like this. The story of how she got here is a story in and of itself. Afterwards the initial evacuation, though there was a power outage, Sarah and her fellow residents were returned to their apartments. When she heard banging on her door, she glanced out the window only to see water rushing into the streets and rising rapidly. We now know that the levies had broken down, but at that fourth dimension, the residents had no thought what the rushing h2o was from. They were hurried to the roof of the building where they stayed overnight until a helicopter could pluck each one of them off the roof. When boarding the helicopter, in all the confusion, this 85-year-old adult female lost her walker, her glasses, her shoes, and worst of all Sarah was separated from a friend who was holding all of her IDs for her.
Sometimes our greatest disappointments are God's appointments to be a blessing in someone else's life. A friendship before long developed with Sarah which would change my life for evermore.
When I first met Sarah, she was only waking upwards in the Ruddy Cross Shelter. I helped Sarah with her laundry, got her breakfast. She talked with me almost her strong faith in God and how surely God had a plan for her fifty-fifty in this crazy state of affairs. Feeling more encouraged, at the terminate of my shift, I gave her a hug, thinking I'd never see her again this side of heaven.
A few days later, I received a telephone call from my friend, Vicki, who had worked at the same shelter, telling me that Sarah needed to run across a cardiologist and could I aid her to go in to meet someone. I had the privilege of taking her to a dr. the very next day. Her heart was just fine and this was the showtime of a sweet friendship, one that I will forever cherish. After four weeks at the shelter, Sarah moved to a wonderful nearby assisted living facility where even though she was the only African American woman in that location, she was embraced past the other residents. She worshipped with us at our church and even gathered at my sister's home for a huge family tiffin! She shared her heart with me and told me why PSALM 27 was her mainstay scripture. Mama and I took her to the Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta and she told Mama and me all most her personal and vivid memories of the Civil Rights Motion.
Later, Sarah was happily returned to New Orléans to her same offset floor apartment. I believe that our God gave me this opportunity to serve and help Sarah during a time when my heart was broken over the loss of my precious friend Jil.
So if you are feeling downwardly and going through a great disappointment today, look up and all around. Watch for the appointment that may be waiting around the corner for you lot to exist an uplifting messenger to someone today.
Jeremy Military camp'due south song: No More Tears brings tremendous comfort…
The day was sometime in March 1950 when the small family of three, including a seven-month-old son, were dropped off at the port in New York City and boarded a big ship to set sail for Western Europe, Belgium, leaving all that was familiar to them back in rural Kentucky. Linguistic communication and other mission work training would be a part of the next yr after their lengthy trip across the world. Post-obit training, they would continue their long, arduous journey south, with Mama now expecting child number two, Mary Ann, as they started their medical missionary consignment in the heart of Africa. They would live at that place for nigh iv years and have ane more child, Amelia Kathryn, while serving the people in the Congo. I have often wondered what it would have felt like for their parents, their siblings, and friends to send them off and then far away for such an extended amount of time. They were immature, my Daddy, historic period 30, Mama, historic period 23, and my big brother, John Wade, barely walking by the time they began to plant their roots in the bush land. Though I know they were thankful for their dedication and decision to serve, I am quite sure there were days when their family back abode, missing them, were blue about these circumstances. My sister Mary Ann and her family can relate to this as my niece, Amy lived for years in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as a medical missionary from January 2003-January 2006.
One of the most crucial life lessons my Mama taught me is uncomplicated: If y'all notice yourself feeling sad, blue, or even a little depressed, assist someone out. Fifty-fifty a grin can turn someone'south day around. You lot can make a deviation in another soul'due south day.
You can choose to not be bluish.
My friend, Melissa, and her family, had to make this intentional pick very recently when she helped her girl, Lauren prepare for a mission assignment in South East Asia. Lauren and 8 other immature adults will be sharing The Gospel while serving in Thailand. The team, who will be working under the direction of Launch Global, arrived there merely a few days agone to begin their work. Join me in praying for them. Their squad members include: Lauren & Brady, Beth, Enoch, Lauren, Warren, Steven, Jenn, and Kimberly.
Every bit nearly three dozen women came together in our home this by Th nighttime to bring their Freedom Numberless, Melissa shared with me how much this process of shopping and filling this purse had encouraged her as she had been reflecting on how far away her daughter is at present living. Lovingly selecting a new shirt and pants, comb/brush, a soft throw, chapstick, socks, a journal, etc. and knowing these items would go directly into the hands of a young and violated woman brought Melissa joy beyond measure out. Melissa made an intentional choice to become up, show upward, and do something for another person and the outcome was exactly what my Mama taught me information technology would be: Melissa felt ameliorate and more accepting of her family's electric current circumstances.
What will you practice for someone else the side by side time you observe yourself feeling blue?
"No 1 is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of some other."Charles Dickens (1812-1870)
Allow us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, simply they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
Mother Teresa
As a female parent, I cannot quit thinking about the issue of man sexual activity trafficking and I know, I only know, that there is something we can do to take a direct bear on on this horrific upshot. That is just how I roll these days. Each one, accomplish one, one day at a time. Acquire, so listen for means i can make a difference.
Later attention the Justice Conference in Atlanta on January 31, 2015, I decided one way we could positively encourage and help some victims of this crime is to put together Freedom Bags that are being collected past Operation Liberate. This is a huge undertaking, merely my Mama taught me to dream big, so I am asking for as many of you as possible to come on board to bring together me in this huge project. more than about Operation Liberate: "Doing What Is Required", click here.
Since it may cost an estimated $150.00 to buy the bag and all O.Fifty. is expecting to have included in each bag, this could be a great joint project between 2-4 girlfriends, mothers & daughters, a small group Bible Study, a Book Club, a Tennis Team, the ideas of means to achieve this goal are limitless!!!!
Operation Liberate helps rescue women and girls with nothing but the clothes on their backs. They desire to be able to bless each of these precious ones with a unique pocketbook created with honey and prayers to encourage these victims on their starting time step to recovery. Considering of an upcoming big-scale rescue, Performance Liberate is trying to collect equally many Liberty Bags as possible past March 15th.
If y'all are "IN," please allow me know, so that I can count you as a "YES." Exercise non hesitate to contact me with your questions.
Nosotros are on a tight schedule as these numberless need to be pulled together betwixt now and my goal engagement of Thursday, March 5th.
The deadline for Operation Liberate is March 15th.
PLEASE Come across BELOW THE INFORMATION THAT WAS SENT OUT BY Performance LIBERATE:
"Cheers for your involvement in helping Operation Liberate serve the many women and girls that the Lord is going to complimentary in 2015!" To give each girl a special, 1-of-a-kind Liberty Bag, please only fill your bag with NEW, unused items. If you are unable to pack an entire back yourself, consider partnering with your small group or church.
Equally you lot assemble your bag, please pray over the girl who will receive information technology – she'll exist so encouraged to know that she was prayed for. If you lot have questions or would like to get others involved, email Rachel at operationliberate7@gmail.com. Thanks for sharing Jesus' love with these precious ones!
Instructions for Packing a Freedom Bag – Please READ Carefully
Please select a NEW feminine tote, duffel bag, or backpack that is sturdy and roomy enough to serve as an overnight/weekend bag. Heavier items should become in the bottom. Clothing and blankets should be neatly folded. For smaller bags, clothing and blankets may fit better rolled. Toiletries that might leak should be packed in Ziploc numberless. Apply any pockets for smaller items, like lip balm or travel-size deodorant. Pack anything brittle, similar sunglasses, last.
Impress the following information on an index card and pin to the outside of the bag:
Woman (17+), teen (thirteen-17), or child (nether 13) & clothing size (XS, S, M, 50, not numeric sizes)
If you'd like, sign the card "Paw-packed with love by [your first name]" or "With love from [church or ministry]"
Once your pocketbook is assembled, please contact Rachel at operationliberate7@gmail.com to accommodate a time for information technology to be dropped at Midtown Church Past MARCH 15th.
Make full your bag with the post-obit NEW items
Toiletries:
Remember this is a gift intended to prove the dear of Christ, so treat it similar y'all would a care package for your own child or best friend in their first semester away at higher. PLEASE ONLY PACK FULL-SIZE TOILETRIES to guarantee that each survivor receives similar items.
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, & floss
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Gentle face wash
- Trunk wash
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Paw sanitizer
- Hair brush or rummage
- Feminine pads & tampons
- Travel pack of Kleenex
- Hard candy or glue
Clothing:
Delight ensure that all items in your bag are the same size (small, size ii/4, etc. While we need mostly xs, s and medium, there is likewise a demand for Large.)
- Sweatpants
- Sweatshirt or thermal tee
- one-two pairs of socks
- 1 pack of panties
Special touches:
PLEASE PLACE YOUR Note IN AN OUTSIDE POCKET OF THE BAG, every bit each note must be reviewed before existence given to a survivor.
Every pocketbook will include the Life Recovery Bible, which nosotros believe is the most important element of the Freedom Bag. If yous would like to cover the cost of the Bible for your bag, PLEASE INCLUDE A Check FOR $ten Fabricated OUT TO MIDTOWN CHURCH. YOUR CHECK SHOULD Be PLACED IN THE SAME POCKET As YOUR Annotation.
- Handwritten alphabetic character or prayer
- Journal
- Pens
Fun items:
Please include three or more of the following so each daughter feels special and loved:
- Nail polish
- Lip gloss
- Cross necklace
- Small stuffed animate being
- Lightweight scarf
- Sunglasses
- Hair ties, clips, etc.
- Colored pencils & sketchbook
- Coloring volume & crayons (tin be smashing therapy even for adult women)
- Slippers
- Small, soft blanket or throw
- Travel-size pillow
Click this link for a printable list for Liberty Bag Instructions.
If yous have fabricated it to the end of this long list of needs, I hope that means you have decided to make a difference in simply 1 immature pain woman'south life.
Contact me today, and remember, this can be accomplished with a grouping if only i person will step upwardly like-minded to be in charge of each bag, delegating needs to the rest of the group.
I can encounter you anywhere in Metro Atlanta to pick upward your Freedom Pocketbook.
One time upon a time, there was an former man who used to become to the body of water to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the embankment every morning before he began his work. Early on 1 morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.
Off in the altitude, the sometime man noticed a small-scale boy approaching. Every bit the boy walked, he paused every so oftentimes and as he grew closer, the man could come across that he was occasionally bending down to pick upwards an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the human called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"
The young male child paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the sea. The tide has washed them up onto the embankment and they tin't render to the bounding main by themselves," the youth replied. "When the sunday gets high, they will dice, unless I throw them back into the water."
The former human being replied, "Just there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I'm afraid yous won't really exist able to make much of a difference."
The boy aptitude down, picked up nevertheless another starfish and threw it equally far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said,
"Information technology fabricated a difference to that one!"
adapted from The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)
As I recently thumbed through Chicken Soup for the Adult female's Soul, I came upon a notation fabricated by my Mama. Recognizing her penmanship, I knew it was her annotation, marked with a P.W. for Polly Walker, dated 12/nine/97, and furthermore, she jotted that she had read this page to Leah and me. Knowing Mama held my book and read this aloud to the two of united states dorsum in 1997 warms my heart! My Mama was really skillful virtually having a pen in manus whenever she opened a volume, whether it was her Bible, a favorite cookbook, or an inspirational read. I love finding a notation in her own unique handwriting. Often, along with her notation would exist a date equally well equally her initials, indicating that "I was here, in this book, on this 24-hour interval and here you volition read my very thoughts nearly what I was reading."
The written remarks are mostly brief…"succulent! perfect for a oversupply" or " I want to do this more," she might have written next to a devotion that spoke to her heart on a item twenty-four hours. Mama loved sharing things she idea were of import and meaningful and the memories of her passing on wisdom to me and our children comes back to me over again and again. Funny, I told a friend recently that I recall of my Mama every single day, even though she passed away in October 2006, now over viii years agone. "That's a good thing, Joan." my friend speedily responded. "Because that means she's with you every day, also!" I believe this is true.
This reminds me that I want to make notations in cookbooks, in my Bible, in books I read, in devotions I meditate over. Dated notations which may be seen by generations to come. I am developing this aforementioned habit and I love it! I enjoy using a dictionary (or dictionary.com!) to look upwardly words that I might run across in a devotion, not considering I have no thought what they mean, but because I want to have a greater understanding of how the writer intended to apply that detail give-and-take to get his/her message across. I most E'er date and proper name the event that I took the fourth dimension to prepare a special recipe for. It is fun to look back, and call back those times when we sat effectually the table laughing, loving and yes, enjoying that favorite recipe!
And, my Bible is full of dates and thoughts and notes that I have dashed off through the years. These, too, bring back addicted memories of days gone by…a baby dedication, a particularly inspiring message from the pulpit, a engagement for my reading of one chapter of PROVERBS each solar day. These notes remind me that I am on the right and best path for me at this fourth dimension.
Just as my female parent took the fourth dimension to make her notations along her life journeying, I desire to give this souvenir to my children and grandchildren, as well. I want them to read a jotted notation by me, grin, and say : "That was important to my MOM on that day!"
As I read over this advice Mama shared with the states 18 years ago, I believe it bears repeating, especially now with two married kids:
Matrimony Advice from 1886
Allow your love be stronger than your hate or acrimony.
Acquire the wisdom of compromise, for information technology is better to bend a footling than to intermission.
Believe the best rather than the worst.
People have a way of living up or
down to your stance of them.
Recall that truthful friendship is the basis for any lasting human relationship. The person yous choose to ally is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Delight manus this downwardly to your children
and your children's children:
The more things change the more they are the aforementioned.
Jane Wells (1886) Submitted by Ballad Abbs
Since Mama's notation was about union, of course my memories flew to the 2014 weddings our family unit had last year. Even though my parents were together in heaven when both our children married their all-time friends, I believe they were with us in spirit and I trust that their legacy of true love volition live on in our children and in generations to come.
How about you lot?
What notation will you make today?
What does dearest look like? It has the hands to help others. Information technology has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to come across misery and desire. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what dear looks like."
Saint Augustine
But 1 month ago, as we started this new year, I put upwards a post entitled From Broken to Cute, nigh a very tough subject: Human Sex Trafficking. You tin read my mail service by clicking here.
Since attending the 2015 Atlanta Justice Conference this past Saturday at Perimeter Church building, in Johns Creek, with my friend, Debby, I feel compelled to write a follow-up post about this horrific subject. Allow me start out by maxim in that location is hope in ending this violent criminal offence towards minor women and men considering I believe that awareness is a great kickoff step to solving the problems in our globe. Awareness and then asking ourselves: "What can I practise?" As you become more than aware of this issue, I trust you lot and I will take a step of action towards changing this.
Mr. Vernon Keenan, Director of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation shared a few facts with the states :
- In the past year, 200 officers were added and trained to make upwards a Task Forcefulness that deals specifically with this upshot in Georgia.
- In 2013, human sex activity trafficking was found to profit more than than $290 1000000, 3 times more than the 2013 Atlanta Falcons budget.
- The GBI'southward experience is that these cases involve GA kids, not out-of-state kids, and not international kids.
- 1/3 of those involved were starting time homeless considering of abuse in the domicile, and within two-iii days of existence homeless, the child was approached by someone who would then pull them into human being sex activity trafficking.
- The average age for children who are led into this is 11-14, middle schoolhouse age.
- 70-90% of domestic small-scale sex trafficking (DMST) victims report theywere abused at home (or near their domicile) where they should feel safe and protected.
Electric current GBI Director, Mr. Keenan enlightens the audience near the offense of human being sex activity trafficking in our communities.
In a recent written report specifically in Atlanta, Georgia, 42% of the cases were found in North Atlanta, north of The Perimeter, and a loftier correlation was plant between young girls being sexually exploited by those with a disposable income.
What tin 1 do?
First and foremost, we can pray for the victims of human being sexual activity trafficking and learn more than near this issue. This costs us nothing and can take an enormous impact on the despair in the hearts of these young women. Second, become involved either financially, by volunteering, or just sharing what you learn and starting a dialogue in our communities. There are many organizations we can connect with that are standing house against this crime, such every bit Wellspring Living, Operation Liberate, End Information technology Now, Street Grace, Urban center of Refuge, Out of Darkness, and Haven ATL. Tertiary, you can get to the Georgia Land Capitol on Thursday, Feb 12, 2015 and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with others who want to accept a positive stand against this law-breaking. For more data most the DMST Foyer Day 2015, go to Street Grace.
Many of you, similar me, may be wondering how nosotros can protect our hereafter generations, our children, our grandchildren? Sadly, nosotros know that along with many positive benefits, the cyber earth has too brought some hazards into our homes. For instance, if someone in a habitation has been looking at something pornographic privately in their own homes, and so a child in that aforementioned habitation goes to the p.c. to piece of work on homework, that child is ane click abroad from existence exposed to graphic porn at a young age.
The answer is to "immunize" our kids about sexual activity through teaching and conversation Earlier they ever have the chance to see it or be exposed to it on the web.
I will close with something for the precious men in our lives. I am learning that the availability of internet pornography is the starting point for many men who then find their style into the evils of human sex trafficking. Nosotros cannot end that availability of internet porn, only men tin can brand the choice to cease looking at it and participating in it. This is a supply and demand issue. Street Grace has begun a digital campaign to help men in making this intentional choice. Information technology is called F.A.C.E. and stands for Fathers Against Child Exploitation. By simply going to Street Grace men are asked to consider coming on board and making a difference in their sphere of influence by agreeing to 3 statements in a pledge:
- WALK IN INTEGRITY by non purchasing sex.
- EXHIBIT COURAGE by raising sensation, speaking out against DMST and reversing today's distorted perception of sex.
- LEAVE A LEGACY past mentoring the next generation to walk in integrity and exhibit the courage to eradicate DMST entirely.
What will we do now that we know?
"I learned that courage was non the absence of fear, just the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fearfulness.
Nelson Mandela (1918-2013
With vi married kids and a boatload of grands, my Mama was a true prayer warrior. She would call fear and worry "concern" or "guarded optimism".
In that location is a great post written this past calendar week by a wise young friend of mine, entitled "The Weight of Worry", click here to check it out.
In light of our contempo local and sad news here in Cobb County, I desire us to consider worry and fear today. For those who accept not heard, a Georgia couple in their tardily sixties, Bud and June Runion, took a short road trip s this by Thursday, excited about plans to purchase a '66 red convertible Mustang similar the one Bud had upon his return from Vietnam. The Runions are grandparents and loving parents to three grown daughters. Mr. Runion had made contact with a guy through Craig's List who promised to run into them, let them take a look at the motorcar and potentially sell them the Mustang. After The Runions went missing for a few days, tragically, they were both plant shot in the caput. This guy has been picked up as a suspect for their deaths.
These folks are the face of our parents and grandparents.
How does our community, our state, our world, move forwards after such an event? We can consider following the example laid out by one of the Runion daughters, Virginia, in a television interview just before the bodies of her parents were discovered:
Over the weekend, the Runion's three daughters spoke out about the disappearance of their parents.
"Nosotros are a Christian family. If someone has taken them we have forgiven that person — love and forgive. It will certainly take time, it will be a long process, but we will forgive them. Only through God can we do this." said Virginia Owen.
The gift of forgiveness may seem an unlikely and unpopular response for many of us, but consider what "not forgiving" does. Non forgiving a person who has wronged you or your loved one ends up causing you impairment. The bitterness, anger, and hatred grow within your heart, eroding your very soul. I adore Virginia Owen and her sisters' courageous responses to this devastation involving their beloved parents and the grandparents of their precious children. We don't go to cull what happens to us, simply we practise get to choose our response to our circumstances
Can we move frontwards in fright of others in our community?
Did you know that the directive "Fearfulness Not" is in our Bibles 365 times?
One for each day of the year.
While I am sure, especially as a Vietnam Vet, that Bud Runion did all he could to protect his wife and himself, I believe we all can be more proactive and wise regarding our daily choices. However, to live in fear gives our power over to the evil ones.
Let's motility forrard starting today! Continue to talk to your children and immature adults most cocky-safe. Use the buddy system whenever possible. Text or call your loved ones every bit yous travel from Point A to Point B. These text letters tin can go out a trail to follow if needed. Last nighttime's news suggested that the parties meet at a Police Station if nosotros must run into someone we do non know to substitution monies for merchandise. If they don't want to run across us in that location, then let's just stay domicile.
We must take accuse of our own rubber.
Click hither for more ideas on how we can do simply that.
At that place IS proficient in this earth!
"Don't be afraid, because I'k with you; don't be anxious, because I am your God.
Isaiah 41:ten
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Source: https://joanwpage.com/tag/faith/page/13/
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