This Compassion blog post was something that I began to understand about my work with Compassion, but I realized it in a new, truer way when I went to Peru.
Bring an Empty Cup
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Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Sweet little nothings
Since the kids have been out of school and our normal evening activities are on a summer hiatus, I have been really enjoying the little things in my life. Here are just a few of the little things that have been making my life sweet.
1. We had a family day at Josh's work and there was a comedy show. When we went into the show, Bella asked what the word "comedy" meant. I told her that it was when something was funny. At one point during the hilarious show, she looked at me bright-eyed and smiling from ear-to-ear and said, "Now that is comedy!"
2. The kids have been taking swim lessons in the mornings and the other morning Elias kissed me on the cheek before running off with his friends to play. It was really unexpected and it warmed my heart to know he's not too big yet to show me affection in public.
3. A couple weeks ago, Josh told me that the song "Just the way you are" by Bruno Mars reminded him of me. I have put on a little weight this past year, which has been a little tough on my self-esteem. I thought automatically that he meant to convey that he loved me just the way I was, no matter what I looked at, which was sweet enough. But before I could say anything, he said that he especially thought of me when he heard the line, "When you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while." Now, I am not delusional and think that even one other person stops and stares when I smile, but it was so sweet of him and it reminded me of why I fell in love with him in the first place. Now every time I hear that song, it makes me smile and warms my heart.
4. My kids have recently become authorities on zombies. They have never seen a zombie movie or show in their lives, but they have found some very reliable sources for zombie information at their swim lessons. So now they go around acting like zombies and eating brains. I sent a text to Josh today that read, "The kids just ate my brain. But at least they shared it!" (I have tried to curtail the zombie talk, but I figure it will run its course. Every time they act like zombies, I give them a stern look, but I am not too worried that their futures will hold any zombie aspirations.)
5. I cut Elias' hair in a mohawk a few days ago and I think it really looks adorable, especially with his multiple missing teeth.
6. Josh and I have always thought very similarly, but lately it is uncanny how often we can read each other's thoughts and the kids often wonder what we are laughing about when we say things that to them don't seem funny at all.
7. My kids are old enough to play in the pool by themselves, so I can read a book poolside this year for the first time. I tend to miss them, so I will get in every 20 minutes or so. I want their memories of going to the pool to include me being there with them. After the swimming lessons, Elias is an true swimmer and I am proud of both the kids progress.
8. I had a yard sale last week. I made a little money, which is a positive, but I am most excited to have my house back from the clutter!
9. I had a friend from small group e-mail me out of the blue to see how I was doing and to tell me that she was thinking and praying for me. It was such a nice surprise in my inbox!
10. (Since 10 is the magic number for lists, I guess I must end here!) Last week at the end of swim lessons one of the lifeguards gave Elias a Frisbee. She said that she only had a few, so she told him not to tell the other kids that she gave it to him because she didn't have enough to go around. A few minutes later another boy from the lessons was talking to Elias and said, "I want a Frisbee." I could see Elias' thoughts working, but he kept his mouth shut. But then the boy asked him where he got it and you could see the struggle in Elias' face. He wanted to be honest, but he didn't want to tell on the lifeguard. After about 20 seconds, he said, "I got it from the lifeguard, but I wasn't supposed to tell because she doesn't have enough for everyone." I was very proud of him for choosing to be honest on his own, even if he thought the lifeguard might get upset. I have seen him do this at school and in other situations when he thinks that I don't see and it makes me happy to see that he is making wise choices without me around. Bella is starting to do this too, even though she is still young.
Bonus little thing: My kids have played almost the entire day together without once saying they were bored or turning on the television or getting in a fight. I am not sure what happened to my children, but I will appreciate it while I can (and get some cleaning done in the process!). I love watching them be kids.
There are so many other little things, like all the big words my kids continue to use and read, the campfires in the backyard, and walks around the neighborhood. But you can only have one bonus item to a list, its the rule!
1. We had a family day at Josh's work and there was a comedy show. When we went into the show, Bella asked what the word "comedy" meant. I told her that it was when something was funny. At one point during the hilarious show, she looked at me bright-eyed and smiling from ear-to-ear and said, "Now that is comedy!"
2. The kids have been taking swim lessons in the mornings and the other morning Elias kissed me on the cheek before running off with his friends to play. It was really unexpected and it warmed my heart to know he's not too big yet to show me affection in public.
3. A couple weeks ago, Josh told me that the song "Just the way you are" by Bruno Mars reminded him of me. I have put on a little weight this past year, which has been a little tough on my self-esteem. I thought automatically that he meant to convey that he loved me just the way I was, no matter what I looked at, which was sweet enough. But before I could say anything, he said that he especially thought of me when he heard the line, "When you smile, the whole world stops and stares for a while." Now, I am not delusional and think that even one other person stops and stares when I smile, but it was so sweet of him and it reminded me of why I fell in love with him in the first place. Now every time I hear that song, it makes me smile and warms my heart.
4. My kids have recently become authorities on zombies. They have never seen a zombie movie or show in their lives, but they have found some very reliable sources for zombie information at their swim lessons. So now they go around acting like zombies and eating brains. I sent a text to Josh today that read, "The kids just ate my brain. But at least they shared it!" (I have tried to curtail the zombie talk, but I figure it will run its course. Every time they act like zombies, I give them a stern look, but I am not too worried that their futures will hold any zombie aspirations.)
5. I cut Elias' hair in a mohawk a few days ago and I think it really looks adorable, especially with his multiple missing teeth.
6. Josh and I have always thought very similarly, but lately it is uncanny how often we can read each other's thoughts and the kids often wonder what we are laughing about when we say things that to them don't seem funny at all.
7. My kids are old enough to play in the pool by themselves, so I can read a book poolside this year for the first time. I tend to miss them, so I will get in every 20 minutes or so. I want their memories of going to the pool to include me being there with them. After the swimming lessons, Elias is an true swimmer and I am proud of both the kids progress.
8. I had a yard sale last week. I made a little money, which is a positive, but I am most excited to have my house back from the clutter!
9. I had a friend from small group e-mail me out of the blue to see how I was doing and to tell me that she was thinking and praying for me. It was such a nice surprise in my inbox!
10. (Since 10 is the magic number for lists, I guess I must end here!) Last week at the end of swim lessons one of the lifeguards gave Elias a Frisbee. She said that she only had a few, so she told him not to tell the other kids that she gave it to him because she didn't have enough to go around. A few minutes later another boy from the lessons was talking to Elias and said, "I want a Frisbee." I could see Elias' thoughts working, but he kept his mouth shut. But then the boy asked him where he got it and you could see the struggle in Elias' face. He wanted to be honest, but he didn't want to tell on the lifeguard. After about 20 seconds, he said, "I got it from the lifeguard, but I wasn't supposed to tell because she doesn't have enough for everyone." I was very proud of him for choosing to be honest on his own, even if he thought the lifeguard might get upset. I have seen him do this at school and in other situations when he thinks that I don't see and it makes me happy to see that he is making wise choices without me around. Bella is starting to do this too, even though she is still young.
Bonus little thing: My kids have played almost the entire day together without once saying they were bored or turning on the television or getting in a fight. I am not sure what happened to my children, but I will appreciate it while I can (and get some cleaning done in the process!). I love watching them be kids.
There are so many other little things, like all the big words my kids continue to use and read, the campfires in the backyard, and walks around the neighborhood. But you can only have one bonus item to a list, its the rule!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
New Music from Shaun Groves
Shaun Groves is debuting a new CD after several years of traveling and speaking (often for free) as a Compassion representative. He also leads trips of bloggers who go to Compassion programs to document what they discover there (uncensored). He is a self-proclaimed "mommy blogger" and I am big fan of what he does outside of the music studio, but I also love to hear him sing. You may be familiar with his most popular track from a few years back (See how I did that, huh?...Yeah, I am a songwriter in the making) "Welcome Home"
Below is his most recent blog post where you can listen to the entire CD. I have already pre-ordered my copy, but wanted to give you an opportunity to hear his music and possibly pick up your own copy of his new CD.
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Third World Symphony
Well, folks, here it is. Third World Symphony is done! And you can hear the whole thing right here. And, if you like what you hear you can spread the word by sharing any of the widgets below on Twitter, Facebook or your own blog. You can also buy this album at shaungroves.com/store or wait until August 30th and buy it from iTunes or Amazon.com.I know. I know. So many options. So much to do! Well, you better get started. Enjoy.
Third World Symphony by shaungroves
Third World Symphony by shaungroves
Spread The Word!
Don’t know what to say on Facebook or Twitter? Here’s a suggestion or three:Listen to ALL of the new album Third World Symphony by @shaungroves here: http://bit.ly/ThirdWorldSymphony #3ws
Listen to Third World Symphony from @shaungroves here: http://bit.ly/ThirdWorldSymphony #3ws
New album from @shaungroves. Listen here! http://bit.ly/ThirdWorldSymphony #3ws
And thanks. For making this music with me. For funding and encouraging and correcting me the whole way. Thank you!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I am second
My husband shared with me an on-line video the other day with the title "I am second". It turns out that the video was just one in a series of videos where people of notoriety give their testimony to why God is first in their lives and they are second. These videos are very interesting and powerful to watch. I ended up watching about 10 of them in all. There may be others made by "average Joes" but the ones I saw were all actors, professional athletes, musicians, etc.
But one thing I found interesting was how many of them came to Christ through an acquaintance or an employee who sort of "stuck their neck out" to witness to them. It wasn't initially a ministry or a pastor, but an "average Joe" who was doing their full-time job, but willing to be a Christian and leading others to the salvation of Christ through their daily lives.
For instance, Stephen Baldwin had a cleaning lady who sang songs about Jesus while she worked and when she was asked why by Stephen's wife after working there for only 2 weeks, the cleaning lady said, "You think the only reason I am here is to clean your house," and she went on to tell her that she and Stephen were going to become born-again Christians and have their own ministry.
Another example is Brian "Head" Welch, who was witnessed to by his real estate broker. This is a man who was very lost in drugs and the things of the world (and fairly intimidating-looking), and this acquaintance was willing to say, "I don't mean to be weird with you. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I felt this scripture jump out at me. I have never done this before, so I really don't know how to do this, but I felt like this would mean something to you..." And then he invited him to go to church, where he eventually became a Christian and was able to quit using drugs and his band "Korn".
I think probably the majority of us came to Christ by someone initiating a conversation in a real way with us. So we don't have to "quit our day job" because our lives are the conduit where grace and mercy, love and wisdom can flow. All we have to do is admit that "We are second".
But one thing I found interesting was how many of them came to Christ through an acquaintance or an employee who sort of "stuck their neck out" to witness to them. It wasn't initially a ministry or a pastor, but an "average Joe" who was doing their full-time job, but willing to be a Christian and leading others to the salvation of Christ through their daily lives.
For instance, Stephen Baldwin had a cleaning lady who sang songs about Jesus while she worked and when she was asked why by Stephen's wife after working there for only 2 weeks, the cleaning lady said, "You think the only reason I am here is to clean your house," and she went on to tell her that she and Stephen were going to become born-again Christians and have their own ministry.
Another example is Brian "Head" Welch, who was witnessed to by his real estate broker. This is a man who was very lost in drugs and the things of the world (and fairly intimidating-looking), and this acquaintance was willing to say, "I don't mean to be weird with you. I hope you don't take this the wrong way, but I felt this scripture jump out at me. I have never done this before, so I really don't know how to do this, but I felt like this would mean something to you..." And then he invited him to go to church, where he eventually became a Christian and was able to quit using drugs and his band "Korn".
I think probably the majority of us came to Christ by someone initiating a conversation in a real way with us. So we don't have to "quit our day job" because our lives are the conduit where grace and mercy, love and wisdom can flow. All we have to do is admit that "We are second".
Monday, June 6, 2011
"To dream of who you wish to be is to waste who you are." – Sarah C. Ruiz
It is great to have dreams I want to pursue and improvements I'd like to make to my character, but if I forfeit who I want to be today to the "who" I want to be tomorrow, then I really miss the mark.
Contentment with a person's place in life is unfortunately frowned upon in our culture, even sometimes in Christian circles. It is seen as settling or lack of ambition.
There have been many things I have wanted in my life or many ways that I wish I could change, but I have realized that
1. I must be living with God on a daily basis, not just wearing the Christian label
2. I have to be willing to say, "If this never happens, it will be okay. There must be another path for me."
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Contentment with a person's place in life is unfortunately frowned upon in our culture, even sometimes in Christian circles. It is seen as settling or lack of ambition.
There have been many things I have wanted in my life or many ways that I wish I could change, but I have realized that
1. I must be living with God on a daily basis, not just wearing the Christian label
2. I have to be willing to say, "If this never happens, it will be okay. There must be another path for me."
1 Timothy 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Finding a remedy for sighing
I sigh a lot. Not a sigh of contentment, but sighs of feelings and thoughts that roam around in me and need some outlet. I also mumble to God, audibly enough to be heard, but not outright words either.
I am not sure if I have always done it as much and have just now taken notice of it because the kids will ask, "Mom, why are you sighing?" or "Who are you talking to?", or if it has been something that has become increasingly more common.
The source of my sighs are often frustration with myself, over something I have done, didn't do, shouldn't do, couldn't do, or wish I could do. I have a list that is unending. I can be spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread for my kid's sandwich and a thought will hit me and the sigh will escape. Meanwhile, my kids are at the counter chattering and saying, "Mommy, did you hear that?" and I will have to admit that I didn't. Because where was I? - Trapped inside my own thoughts again. Sometimes creating problems where they haven't yet formed or may never be.
I know that to dwell on these things helps no one. I can't do anything when I am so busy thinking. Yesterday, as I was sorting laundry and churning over some heavy thoughts, I realized that Satan must be laughing at me. Because he had me doing exactly what I shouldn't be. I was so busy worrying about what I had or hadn't done in a situation that I wasn't praying for the situation, I was thinking only of myself. I was creating division in my mind and feeling like I knew just what people must think of me (and it always seems to be bad). At that moment, I stopped and said a prayer. I know we all come from different perspectives on prayers and theology, but I prayed an old school prayer asked God to help me rebuke and overcome the negative thoughts and take the power away from Satan that I had given him and asked him to work in the situation and with the people involved as he saw fit, not in a way that would make things good or seem right for me.
I am not exaggerating at all when I say, instantaneously I felt the oppressive weight of my thoughts lifted from my shoulders.
I told Josh recently that I think the reason that I sigh a lot more now is because I am older and more aware of my mistakes (and I have a lot more mistakes to account for!) and of the depravity and hurt there is all over the world. But I really think that the reason is that I feel that I have to have the responsibility to do everything in my own power and I don't lean on God's power enough. When I was younger, I wasn't just ignorant of my mistakes or of all the problems that were around me, but I also knew then that I could do nothing about them because I was just young and inexperienced - definitely not the one who was expected to do much about anything important.
I will always face difficulties and criticism, but the most brutal criticism that I ever receive comes from myself. I think these self-critical thoughts stem from external criticisms I have accepted when I was young. I let them enter my heart and mind and they have grown there almost like an auto-immune disease. These diseases often can be treated and symptoms lessened by healthy living, but can flare up when a person gets tired or weakened. In the same way, when I am Spiritually weak, these criticisms flare up and can grow and spread.
Jon Acuff wrote this about criticism in his blog today, and I thought it was very poignant.
excerpt from The Words I Would Say by the Sidewalk Prophets
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
I am not sure if I have always done it as much and have just now taken notice of it because the kids will ask, "Mom, why are you sighing?" or "Who are you talking to?", or if it has been something that has become increasingly more common.
The source of my sighs are often frustration with myself, over something I have done, didn't do, shouldn't do, couldn't do, or wish I could do. I have a list that is unending. I can be spreading peanut butter on a slice of bread for my kid's sandwich and a thought will hit me and the sigh will escape. Meanwhile, my kids are at the counter chattering and saying, "Mommy, did you hear that?" and I will have to admit that I didn't. Because where was I? - Trapped inside my own thoughts again. Sometimes creating problems where they haven't yet formed or may never be.
I know that to dwell on these things helps no one. I can't do anything when I am so busy thinking. Yesterday, as I was sorting laundry and churning over some heavy thoughts, I realized that Satan must be laughing at me. Because he had me doing exactly what I shouldn't be. I was so busy worrying about what I had or hadn't done in a situation that I wasn't praying for the situation, I was thinking only of myself. I was creating division in my mind and feeling like I knew just what people must think of me (and it always seems to be bad). At that moment, I stopped and said a prayer. I know we all come from different perspectives on prayers and theology, but I prayed an old school prayer asked God to help me rebuke and overcome the negative thoughts and take the power away from Satan that I had given him and asked him to work in the situation and with the people involved as he saw fit, not in a way that would make things good or seem right for me.
I am not exaggerating at all when I say, instantaneously I felt the oppressive weight of my thoughts lifted from my shoulders.
I told Josh recently that I think the reason that I sigh a lot more now is because I am older and more aware of my mistakes (and I have a lot more mistakes to account for!) and of the depravity and hurt there is all over the world. But I really think that the reason is that I feel that I have to have the responsibility to do everything in my own power and I don't lean on God's power enough. When I was younger, I wasn't just ignorant of my mistakes or of all the problems that were around me, but I also knew then that I could do nothing about them because I was just young and inexperienced - definitely not the one who was expected to do much about anything important.
I will always face difficulties and criticism, but the most brutal criticism that I ever receive comes from myself. I think these self-critical thoughts stem from external criticisms I have accepted when I was young. I let them enter my heart and mind and they have grown there almost like an auto-immune disease. These diseases often can be treated and symptoms lessened by healthy living, but can flare up when a person gets tired or weakened. In the same way, when I am Spiritually weak, these criticisms flare up and can grow and spread.
Jon Acuff wrote this about criticism in his blog today, and I thought it was very poignant.
Holding onto criticism is one of the most exhausting things you can do.So, today, every time I have been tempted to sigh, I instead have been singing a song I heard recently at a beautiful little girl's funeral.
Regardless of who it is from. Regardless of what it’s about. Regardless of the reasons why you think you’ve still got to wrestle with it or fix it, it’s something you need to let go of.
Carrying a wound forever will forever leave you wounded.
Let it go. Put it down. Give it up. Learn from it if there was a lesson in the criticism, but leave it behind. Empty your hands and your heart of the attacks. Working on your dream is a hard enough experience without thinking you have to carry the weight of criticism with you along the way.
excerpt from The Words I Would Say by the Sidewalk Prophets
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say
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