As I mentioned in my previous post, I went with a group of Young Adults from our church on a mission trip to Tuscaloosa, AL. April 25-28th, a storm system, producing more than 330 tornadoes, ripped through the Southern states leaving broad swaths of once hilly, tree- or house-covered land completely flatten and bare. Amazingly, there were so many areas where one building would be completely unrecognizable, yet the building across the street appeared relatively unfazed. In one evening so many lives were changed forever. Many of the people we met, and worked with, lived miles from where the tornadoes hit. So many times we heard these volunteers say, "we often talk about our lives as before the tornadoes hit and after." J was a laid off employee, now she spends 5 days a week practically from sun up to sun down, repairing damaged homes and roofs and working with volunteer teams. M was a school teacher and spends her days coordinating an entire ministry. C was a stay at home mom and is now the "interior decorator" of the group- making sure paint colors and furnishings match so that people don't just have a hodge podge collection of donated stuff, but actually have a place that "feels" like home. There were many other people, with many similar stories.
As I've been thinking about on the trip, that phrase, said almost jokingly by these people, has continued to stick with me. Their lives, their purposes, their goals are radically different than they were 3 months ago. How they think, how they spend their time, their money, their resources stands in stark contrast to what they did before April 27th.
I wonder how often we, as Christians, view our lives that same way. The life I had before Christ and the life I have after. Is it different? Can we talk about our lives in the same way- with the same dramatic changes to our goals, our purpose? Do we spend our time, our money, our resources differently than we did before we came to believe in Jesus? Are we different people from the inside out? Would other people notice a difference in us if they knew us before and know us now?
Can we say, "we often talk about our lives as before Christ changed me and after"?
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Mission Trip Reflection
When you're doing the Lord's work, satan will do everything he can to distract and dissuade you. Case in point: June 22-26, seven folks from our church's Young Adult ministry went on an extended weekend mission trip to Tuscaloosa, AL. We helped in a distribution center, worked on a few damaged homes, toured the devastation that was (and is) still incredible- even 2 months after the tornadoes stormed through tossing about cars, store fronts, and entire buildings as though they were weightless, and spent an afternoon handing out food, toys, and drinks to area residents. Seems straight forward enough, right?
EXCEPT
Less than a month before the mission trip, we were told by another organization we had been planning with since the tornadoes hit that there wasn't any work currently available and we'd need to find a different place to serve.
The DAY OF the trip, we found out that the lodging that was set up for us wouldn't work and we no longer had a place to stay that night.
Halfway down, heading South into hotter and hotter weather, the A/C in the 12 passenger van we were riding in completely died; leaving us zooming down the Interstate with only the front two windows completely rolled down for circulating air.
BUT GOD
totally worked it out that within hours we found Project Blessings in Tuscaloosa, AL and they were MORE than happy to have us come down to volunteer.
totally worked it out that within hours we found a free place to stay the first night and MUCH more fitting accommodations for the remainder of our time in AL (minus the ticks, roaches, and snakes).
gave everyone wonderful, positive attitudes, maintained a sense of humor and unity within the group, and kept complaining about the heat to a bare minimum.
In our lives, satan does so much to break us down, turn our focus inward on ourselves, blind us from seeing the Lord's hand and will for us. But God has so much more in store for us if we're able to see from His perspective. We can't often change the circumstances or situations that we're in in our lives, but, with the Lord's help, we can change our perspectives and our responses to them.
Blessings!
EXCEPT
Less than a month before the mission trip, we were told by another organization we had been planning with since the tornadoes hit that there wasn't any work currently available and we'd need to find a different place to serve.
The DAY OF the trip, we found out that the lodging that was set up for us wouldn't work and we no longer had a place to stay that night.
Halfway down, heading South into hotter and hotter weather, the A/C in the 12 passenger van we were riding in completely died; leaving us zooming down the Interstate with only the front two windows completely rolled down for circulating air.
BUT GOD
totally worked it out that within hours we found Project Blessings in Tuscaloosa, AL and they were MORE than happy to have us come down to volunteer.
totally worked it out that within hours we found a free place to stay the first night and MUCH more fitting accommodations for the remainder of our time in AL (minus the ticks, roaches, and snakes).
gave everyone wonderful, positive attitudes, maintained a sense of humor and unity within the group, and kept complaining about the heat to a bare minimum.
In our lives, satan does so much to break us down, turn our focus inward on ourselves, blind us from seeing the Lord's hand and will for us. But God has so much more in store for us if we're able to see from His perspective. We can't often change the circumstances or situations that we're in in our lives, but, with the Lord's help, we can change our perspectives and our responses to them.
Blessings!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Timeline D'Appendix Stay
hey friends... please keep Adam in your prayers. He's back in surgery right now losing weight (they're removing his appendix). I'll keep you updated!
January 31 at 9:15pm
Doctor just came out and said the surgery went well. The appendix hadn't ruptured but it was really icky (my words, not hers). So, PTL that everything's good so far! He'll probably be at the hospital overnight and then milking it for all it's worth the rest of the week.
January 31 at 10:20pm
hospital rooms are so bright and noisy. Sheesh!!! In other news, Adam's in his own room at the hospital, they were finally able to get his pain managed, and he's snoring away. Thank you Jesus!
February 1 at 3:39am
Well, we'll be watching it snow from our private suite tonight. Adam has been running a fever this morning, so they'll be monitoring him until tomorrow. Pray the fever goes away, and stays away, and that there will be no other complications.
February 1 at 9:57am
Thanks for your prayers, friends! They are felt and appreciated. Adam's been doing pretty well- he's been on several leisurely strolls, eaten gourmet meals, had a luxuriously warm shower, and a harem of women are catering to his every whim. Other than the serious pain, it's the good life. ;)
February 1 at 4:58pm
We just can't get enough of this place- or maybe they just love Adam so much they don't want to see him leave yet. Either way, he's here again tonight and maybe tomorrow. He's getting an xray of his chest right now to make sure there's no pneumonia setting in to his lungs. His white blood cell count is a little too low and he was running a fever last night. So, we're here if you want to come say Hi. :)
February 2 at 12:58pm
hey friends, just wanted to let you know that I won't be having lunch at SAU tomorrow. Adam's acting a lot better today- more awake, eating some, acting like he feels a bit better- but we're still in the hospital. Hope you're all having a great week!!
February 2 at 10:21pm
We're here until Saturday, so come on down!! :) Adam's white blood cell counts are too low, so he's in for another night of antibiotics. Then she wants one more day here off the antibiotics. If he doesn't need them tomorrow night, we'll go home Saturday. Otherwise it's antibiotics day +1 until whenever. Vegas is looking highly unlikely. C'est la vie- I just want him better.
February 3 at 9:24am
Yeah, it was gangrenous (which apparently is just as bad as if it had perforated). So, we're here hanging out. As long as nothing else crazy happens, once his white counts go back up we'll be able to go home. Low white count runs the risk of sepsis, so they want to make sure that doesn't happen.
February 3 at 9:47am
It's been tiring, but not too terrible. Mornings have been the worst; I'm usually not worried or stressed about anything, but when she comes in with some sort of bad news reason he has to stay- it's not so fun and takes a few minutes to regain perspective. The prayers are appreciated!!
February 3 at 11:33pm
The Dr came in this morning and Adam's white counts have risen slightly, but they're still too low. He's not symptomatic of sepsis or abscesses in his abdomen at this point and he's already on a heavy dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics, so they're going to start treating him tonight ll! (by adding another antibiotic) for possible pneumonia. We're here until Sunday/Monday or later.
February 4 at 9:00am
Who knew sitting around a hospital could be so tiring?! ;) Adam had a really good day today- he was awake, walking around, feeling pretty good overall. He's coughing less and less. YAY! I actually snuck away for about 7 hours today to get a lot done that I hadn't been able to get to yet. We'll be here tomorrow- visitors are definitely welcome!
February 4 at 11:24pm
nurses came in and did vitals this morning. Adam got a shot in the tummy. Now we're just waiting for the Dr. to come in. Well, I'm waiting; Adam's sleeping. ;)
February 5 at 8:57am ·
Praise the Lord- white counts are normal!! Adam's off antibiotics for today; they're still keeping him tonight to make sure there aren't any complications from being off the meds. He'll be discharged sometime tomorrow afternoon- enough time to watch the Super Bowl on something other than a 9" screen, but not soon enough to get to Vegas. Yay and boo! :)
February 5 at 12:06pm
WE'RE GOING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29 hours short of a week of being here and we're finally free! Thank you Jesus that everything's normal!
February 6 at 11:19am
January 31 at 9:15pm
Doctor just came out and said the surgery went well. The appendix hadn't ruptured but it was really icky (my words, not hers). So, PTL that everything's good so far! He'll probably be at the hospital overnight and then milking it for all it's worth the rest of the week.
January 31 at 10:20pm
hospital rooms are so bright and noisy. Sheesh!!! In other news, Adam's in his own room at the hospital, they were finally able to get his pain managed, and he's snoring away. Thank you Jesus!
February 1 at 3:39am
Well, we'll be watching it snow from our private suite tonight. Adam has been running a fever this morning, so they'll be monitoring him until tomorrow. Pray the fever goes away, and stays away, and that there will be no other complications.
February 1 at 9:57am
Thanks for your prayers, friends! They are felt and appreciated. Adam's been doing pretty well- he's been on several leisurely strolls, eaten gourmet meals, had a luxuriously warm shower, and a harem of women are catering to his every whim. Other than the serious pain, it's the good life. ;)
February 1 at 4:58pm
We just can't get enough of this place- or maybe they just love Adam so much they don't want to see him leave yet. Either way, he's here again tonight and maybe tomorrow. He's getting an xray of his chest right now to make sure there's no pneumonia setting in to his lungs. His white blood cell count is a little too low and he was running a fever last night. So, we're here if you want to come say Hi. :)
February 2 at 12:58pm
hey friends, just wanted to let you know that I won't be having lunch at SAU tomorrow. Adam's acting a lot better today- more awake, eating some, acting like he feels a bit better- but we're still in the hospital. Hope you're all having a great week!!
February 2 at 10:21pm
We're here until Saturday, so come on down!! :) Adam's white blood cell counts are too low, so he's in for another night of antibiotics. Then she wants one more day here off the antibiotics. If he doesn't need them tomorrow night, we'll go home Saturday. Otherwise it's antibiotics day +1 until whenever. Vegas is looking highly unlikely. C'est la vie- I just want him better.
February 3 at 9:24am
Yeah, it was gangrenous (which apparently is just as bad as if it had perforated). So, we're here hanging out. As long as nothing else crazy happens, once his white counts go back up we'll be able to go home. Low white count runs the risk of sepsis, so they want to make sure that doesn't happen.
February 3 at 9:47am
It's been tiring, but not too terrible. Mornings have been the worst; I'm usually not worried or stressed about anything, but when she comes in with some sort of bad news reason he has to stay- it's not so fun and takes a few minutes to regain perspective. The prayers are appreciated!!
February 3 at 11:33pm
The Dr came in this morning and Adam's white counts have risen slightly, but they're still too low. He's not symptomatic of sepsis or abscesses in his abdomen at this point and he's already on a heavy dose of broad-spectrum antibiotics, so they're going to start treating him tonight ll! (by adding another antibiotic) for possible pneumonia. We're here until Sunday/Monday or later.
February 4 at 9:00am
Who knew sitting around a hospital could be so tiring?! ;) Adam had a really good day today- he was awake, walking around, feeling pretty good overall. He's coughing less and less. YAY! I actually snuck away for about 7 hours today to get a lot done that I hadn't been able to get to yet. We'll be here tomorrow- visitors are definitely welcome!
February 4 at 11:24pm
nurses came in and did vitals this morning. Adam got a shot in the tummy. Now we're just waiting for the Dr. to come in. Well, I'm waiting; Adam's sleeping. ;)
February 5 at 8:57am ·
Praise the Lord- white counts are normal!! Adam's off antibiotics for today; they're still keeping him tonight to make sure there aren't any complications from being off the meds. He'll be discharged sometime tomorrow afternoon- enough time to watch the Super Bowl on something other than a 9" screen, but not soon enough to get to Vegas. Yay and boo! :)
February 5 at 12:06pm
WE'RE GOING HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 29 hours short of a week of being here and we're finally free! Thank you Jesus that everything's normal!
February 6 at 11:19am
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Sleep
Lately sleep has been elusive... I don't know why, but for the last several weeks, I can't fall asleep before 3am. It doesn't matter if I go to bed at hours before or stay up later, I still can't sleep until then.
I feel like a college student.
On the plus side, I have caught up on past Seasons of 'Psych' and am back to 'Bones'.
Maybe I should have gone into criminology...
nah.
I feel like a college student.
On the plus side, I have caught up on past Seasons of 'Psych' and am back to 'Bones'.
Maybe I should have gone into criminology...
nah.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
One of the greatest orators of this century was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In memory of him I thought I'd post several of his famous quotations. His sermons are worth hearing and his words are worth committing to memory:
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". - Written in a letter in 1963 from a jail in Birmingham, AL.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -"Strength to Love"
"Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people."
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend."
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"
"And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream."
Thank you, Dr. King, for the dream you fought for and the dream that continues today. May we continue to "lift every voice and sing, til earth and Heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty;... Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won".
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere". - Written in a letter in 1963 from a jail in Birmingham, AL.
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." -"Strength to Love"
"Courage is an inner resolution to go forward despite obstacles; Cowardice is submissive surrender to circumstances. Courage breeds creativity; Cowardice represses fear and is mastered by it. Cowardice asks the question, is it safe? Expediency ask the question, is it politic? Vanity asks the question, is it popular? But conscience ask the question, is it right? And there comes a time when we must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because it is right."
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.""Not only will we have to repent for the sins of bad people; but we also will have to repent for the appalling silence of good people."
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy to a friend."
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?"
"And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream."
Thank you, Dr. King, for the dream you fought for and the dream that continues today. May we continue to "lift every voice and sing, til earth and Heaven ring, ring with the harmonies of liberty;... Facing the rising sun of our new day begun, let us march on till victory is won".
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Deals, Deals, and More Deals
I've recently taken up the "art" of coupon and bargain hunting. It's amazing how much money can be saved on daily groceries, restaurants, gifts, the list goes on. For almost anything you could ever want, there seems to be a deal going for it, just expired, or just getting ready to begin.
This is GREAT because it means I can be a better steward of our money. I can buy more, for less. I can create a mini-stockpile (I don't have anywhere to store anything bigger than mini). I can use that same stockpile to give items to friends who are having a rough time financially or give things to the local homeless shelter. It's so exciting to see how much money is NOT coming out of our pocketbooks each month for things we need and use.
This is BAD because I find myself buying things we don't necessarily need. I have more shampoo than I can use in a year and yet I catch myself feeling drawn in to buy more because it's on sale and I have a coupon and it will be less than 50 cents; never mind that I have absolutely nowhere to put it and by the time I get close to needing new shampoo there will have been a dozen similar sales between now and then.
January is one of the BEST months for cheap items and I almost can't resist stocking up for next Christmas. It's especially difficult to refrain from buying things when it's been something I've been looking at for awhile and now it's really cheap. The problem is that after Christmas, we NEED to buckle back down again... and yet I'm surrounded by deals that I've "just gotta have".
MODERATION
Isn't that the key?! I read a rather sad article recently about self-discipline and our lack of control. (More on this topic tomorrow)
Deals are great; saving money is a wonderful thing. However, spending money on things you don't need, just because they're on sale, is still spending money that could be better used elsewhere.
This is GREAT because it means I can be a better steward of our money. I can buy more, for less. I can create a mini-stockpile (I don't have anywhere to store anything bigger than mini). I can use that same stockpile to give items to friends who are having a rough time financially or give things to the local homeless shelter. It's so exciting to see how much money is NOT coming out of our pocketbooks each month for things we need and use.
This is BAD because I find myself buying things we don't necessarily need. I have more shampoo than I can use in a year and yet I catch myself feeling drawn in to buy more because it's on sale and I have a coupon and it will be less than 50 cents; never mind that I have absolutely nowhere to put it and by the time I get close to needing new shampoo there will have been a dozen similar sales between now and then.
January is one of the BEST months for cheap items and I almost can't resist stocking up for next Christmas. It's especially difficult to refrain from buying things when it's been something I've been looking at for awhile and now it's really cheap. The problem is that after Christmas, we NEED to buckle back down again... and yet I'm surrounded by deals that I've "just gotta have".
MODERATION
Isn't that the key?! I read a rather sad article recently about self-discipline and our lack of control. (More on this topic tomorrow)
Deals are great; saving money is a wonderful thing. However, spending money on things you don't need, just because they're on sale, is still spending money that could be better used elsewhere.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Officially what I've been for 2+ years
YAY!!! As of Monday, I'm officially the Director of Young Adult Ministry at church. Seems strange to be so excited about this since nothing really changes- I don't get more hours, or a raise, or anything like that.
BUT what I do get is more of my weekly hours allocated to the Young Adult Ministry; and the bigger thing is that it's an acknowledgment of the value of the ministry itself. For any ministry of a church to really succeed it needs the support of the church, especially from the lead Pastor. Being given a title and not just "if you have free hours during your work week" tells me that this ministry is seen as important and worth investing in.
So, even though most people have already been viewing me as the Director of Young Adults and in this capacity, this is huge to me and a definite cause for cheer and celebration!!!
YAY!!!!
BUT what I do get is more of my weekly hours allocated to the Young Adult Ministry; and the bigger thing is that it's an acknowledgment of the value of the ministry itself. For any ministry of a church to really succeed it needs the support of the church, especially from the lead Pastor. Being given a title and not just "if you have free hours during your work week" tells me that this ministry is seen as important and worth investing in.
So, even though most people have already been viewing me as the Director of Young Adults and in this capacity, this is huge to me and a definite cause for cheer and celebration!!!
YAY!!!!
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