grace in ACTION, usa

Christmas Letters

2006-12-21T12:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas! When it comes right down to it, all that really matters is Jesus!

Have you ever analyzed the Christmas letters you receive? This year I’ve noticed some are an organ recital ~ you know, all about the past year’s surgeries. Others would win a grandchild bragging rights contest ~ hands down! Many center on the fantastic trips the family took since last they wrote. Jobs and career moves may be the focus of a few. Some are really fun to read and we look forward to receiving them each year. And then there are those from mission agencies with a return envelope enclosed! I won’t go there!

That said, I’ll bet you’re wondering what I’m going to write about, eh? Actually, I’ve been putting off writing a Christmas letter this year because I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to say. It's not that our year has been ordinary, to say the least. We completed our fiftieth year of marriage; traveled extensively; served on a mission team; and are working full time. Other than that ~~ ;-)

But, I don't want to talk about any of those things. I want to get all spiritual on you and talk about prayer. We're seeing some awesome changes because of a prayer revival!! We are priviledged to be a part of a prayer Task Force that's waiting on God to see our church become a House of Prayer. For several years we've prayed weekly with two groups that are eager to see God bring people to himself in North America and around the world through our prayers.

We're learning to "walk in the Lord's presence as we live here on earth." (Ps 116:9 nlt), talking with him (praying) about people and needs as the Spirit brings them to our minds. As I work on furnishing a prayer room at church, I'm compiling a prayer library and reading Discover the Power in the Prayers of Paul, by David Bordon. This wonderful treatise on the fifteen prayers of Paul is so good!! I recommend it.

I'm using a prayer edition of the Bible right now. It's full of sidebar insights and prayers using the scripture. There are prayer paths and other rich topical commentaries. It's just wonderful! Want to grow in your prayer life? It's a good place to start. I could go on and on.

One of the best Christmas gifts we ever received was daily prayer partners, the idea of our son, who asked seven friends to pray for us, each taking one day of the week. It's been such a joy for us to pray for them on "their day," assured they're doing the same for us. We've called on them often when we've faced big decisions, difficult times, and life threatening illness. They are our lifeline.

My prayer for you this year is that you get to know God and his son, Jesus, so well that it's second nature to talk to them. And that you and the Holy Spirit will become so close that you know exactly what he wants you to pray for.

Merry Christmas!

My cup's running over!

2006-11-22T08:21:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like things are so good you might burst? That's a wonderful thing! My life is that way these days, full of blessings ~ and I am thankful!! I'm not referring to material things, although I have more than I could ever hope for. I talking about spiritual blessings. My cup is running over. God is so good to me even when life is hard and unfair.

That's the way life is ~hard ~ and that's the way God is ~ good !!

Most of the world has never known anything remotely close to all the material blessings we as North Americans enjoy. That's also true of many people in your community and mine. Poverty is everywhere. Jesus reminded us that the poor would always be with us. Are you doing anything to relieve it?

grace in ACTION usa was created to assist those living in such sad conditions. It's a process which is very complex and takes a long time. It involves more than providing food and clothes; it means spending time with some pretty unlovely people in some very unlovely conditions. This week I took groceries for Thanksgiving dinner to a family like that. And I found myself hurrying out the door (to escape the dirt and smells) and wondering as I drove away how we could effect some lasting change for that family. If they had a new house, would it soon look like the trailer they now live in? Probably!

So what's the answer?

We at grace in ACTION usa have discovered parts of what it will take. Other ministry and social groups are putting effective methods to work. What GiA is learning through experience is that lasting change will come through the children. Will you pray as we prepare ways to help teach those trapped in poverty's cycle that there is another way? Thank you!!

Now I need to find a way to begin bringing a lasting change in the lives of the children in that trailer park.

Life is hard! But, you and I can show others that God is good!!

Feeling Hopeless?

2006-10-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

I hope not! But if you are, here's a sure fire anitdote. It's so simple ~ yet so difficult! But it works every time.

Trust in God.

He's completely trustworthy.
He's in control.
He knows and wants what's best for you.

So why not trust him?

When Paul wrote to the Romans in chapter 15, he said, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That verse is just packed with wonderful things for you and me. Not only is there hope, there's joy and peace ~ guaranteed!

Paul knew that the result of trust is hope. As a matter of fact, you'll be full of hope as you trust in him. He also knew that you can't do it without some help. So he ends this verse with the "how to" secret...."by the power of the Holy Spirit!"

Here's the kicker. It's your choice! When you choose to trust, you also choose to stop worrying. You choose to give up control. You choose joy, peace, and hope. So, why wouldn't you choose to trust? I can't think of one good reason!

There are two things in this life you can control. One is your choices.

Want to know the other one? I'll write about that another time. ;-)

The Wonder of Twelve

2006-09-14T17:21:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stopped to ponder the wonder of twelve?

"Twelve what?", you ask.

Twelve tones!

The next time you listen to a favorite melody, attend the symphony, sing in the choir, play an instrument, or just hum a tune ~ stop to ponder this.

Somehow, in his astounding creative genius, God gave us ears to hear twelve individual tones. That's all ~ just twelve. Well, OK, maybe there are some tones somewhere in the cracks, but in the West, our scale contains only twelve different musical notes.

Twelve sounds from which mankind has in turn created a world full of music! We've made scales and chords; melodies and harmonies; sweet sounds and discord. Every single piece of music ever written, from Mary Had A Little Lamb, to Hayden's Messiah, all contain only twelve tones.

Isn't that awesome?

Don't let anyone tell you there is no God!

The Wonder of Twelve

2006-09-14T17:20:00.000-07:00

Disposable Living; Throw-away Lives

2006-09-06T06:25:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I have been traveling, but you don't have to do that to realize that we're living in a world full of disposables.

Everywhere you go these days you see it! As a matter of fact I'm eating yogurt from a throw away container as I write this. Please note: I am not using a plastic spoon!! Just the other day I saw a mom in a restaurant peeling back the seal on a little container of what looked like strained peas, so she could feed her little one with a tiny disposable spoon.

No wonder the landfills are becoming mountains!

But ~ on the other hand, I guess we can think of all the jobs that have been created to recycle our throw-aways and invovative thought that's gone into developing things like lawn chairs made from plastic milk jugs. We do love those kinds of challenges! "What do you do for a living?" "I dream up ways to use the tons and tons of recycled paper in the world."

I'll have my coffee in a china cup, if you please ~ with a linen napkin, thank you!!

What really concerns me though, are the throw away lives that litter our streets, sleep under our bridges, and accumulate in rundown trailer parks. What are we doing to recycle these precious commodities? Who's dreaming up ways to take the trash these lives have become and make a brand new thing? Is such a thing even possible?

Yes, it is. With God, all things are possible. Here's an example.

One woman in Surrey, BC, saw some throw-away people sleeping in a snow bank. She said to God, "Someone needs to do something about that," and you guessed it ~ God said, "Yes, you should." Two and a half years later, NIGHTSHIFT is feeding between one and two hundred street people, on the sidewalk, every night of the year!! And slowly ~ ever so slowly ~ lives are being changed, one at a time. Thrown away men and women are seeing Christ in the hands and feet of hundreds of volunteers who make it all happen. During our ministry week in the Vancouver area, we had the privilege of helping feed and clothe the Thursday night group while we were in Surrey.

Some have become believers, several are in rehab, others returned to home and family. It's a painfully slow process, but praise God it's getting the attention of the Church in Surrey. Please pray that this godless city, that won't even acknowledge there are any throw-aways littering their streets, will begin to assist NIGHTSHIFT.

The vision and purpose of grace in ACTION usa is to see the kind of change in people's lives which turns these disposable, throw away people into a piece of priceless china. Will you help? How, you say? Find a throw-away near you and begin to pray for God to show you ways to reclaim that life for Christ!!

"Where two or three are gathered. . . "

2006-07-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

Have you ever noticed that almost everyone has a prayer "formula." I just saw an ad for a book entitled, The Prayer That Changes Everything! One prayer will change everything!! Better send for that right away!!

I don't have a formula, but I have observed that Satan's unhappy with the prayer revival that's happening in The Church. That's the church, not your church or my church; The Church, universal. Thank God for this new burden that's sweeping Christendom.

I'm pleased to be part of a prayer group that focuses on praying for God's work in North America. We pray because "North America is the only continent where Christianity is not growing!" When the group began a few years ago, we often had 10 or 15 in attendance, over a lunch hour ~ and over 20 who received the requests via email.

In the last year, attendance had dwindled to six or seven regulars and then one by one, our faithful few began to die. There are now four who are able to attend regularly ~ and one of them has been struggling with the death of her dear husband (one of our group who just went to be with the Lord), so she's not been with us.

A couple of weeks ago Jesse and I were the only ones who prayed. "Where two or three.... ." So we "gathered together" and the Holy Spirit was right there, saying what we didn't know how to say and taking the longings of our hearts before the Father. Jesus was there, too, interceding at the throne. And the Father was dispatching his angels to do his work in answer to our prayers. Thank you! Thank you, God!!

Do you wonder why the scripture says "two or three?"

When I'm the only one left, will He be there with me?

You bet!!

P.S. There is still an email band of men and women who receive the North America Prayer Team requests weekly! Praise the Lord. He's at work, through our prayers.

Just Do It!!

2006-07-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

I think my favorite advertising slogan is Nike's Just Do It!

How many books have been written, seminars conducted, or messages preached on any given topic which left you feeling more confused and guilty because you haven't been able to put into practice the things you learned at the last workshop? I know the feeling!

Often, it's that way with prayer, which is really what I want to talk about. I recall distinctly a day long seminar on prayer we attended years ago when we spent no time praying!! We have to decide what prayer is; when we must spend time praying ; (If you don't do it the first thing in the morning, you may as well write off the day.) the room, position, order of contents, etc, etc.

When was the last time you talked to your father, husband, wife, sister, son or daughter? Did you go through a laundry list of dos and don'ts before you began the conversation? Not likely.... especially if you have a good relationship with the one you're talking to. You just did it!!

So, talk to your heavenly Father that way! Day or night; morning or evening; long talks or short! In depth discussions about a big decision; concerns about your next move; intercession for a friend or a ministry! When the news is good; when it's unbearable! When he gives and when he takes it all away. When the Holy Spirit's bringing someone to mind you haven't thought of in years. May your first response be to pray!

Praying is like many things in life ~ you don't realize how great it is until you begin to do it.

PLEASE ~ JUST DO IT!!

Who's Counting?

2006-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I celebrated 50 years of marriage last Thursday (June 29). I almost choke when I say that outloud. Know how many days that is? Eighteen thousand, two hundred and fifty! But, who's counting? It doesn't take you very long to do the math and realize we must be way past 49 and holding. Actually, I'm 29.95 + shipping and handling! Jesse's ageless!

Like so many things, the anticipation was really a big part of the fun. We truly enjoyed the open house our children hosted. But now that it's over and we're back in the routines of our lives, we've almost forgotten that we've reached this milestone. Fifty years doesn't seem all that long either. These days, there are lots of people who are celebrating 60 and 70 ~ even 75 years of marriage. So we have a lot of love time left! God willing!!

The Psalmist urges us to "number our days." Many people forget how short life can be. We feel ageless and invincible when things are going well and we're feeling great. But an illness or accident remind us how frail and precious life is.

I hope the Lord is pleased to give us 10 or 20 more years of marriage. But I'm not counting or counting on it! I want to enjoy each day ~ one at a time ~ and praise him for the opportunity to serve him and others for another 24 hours.

He has MY attention!!

2006-06-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

Has it occurred to you lately that God's trying to get your attention? Well, not just yours; everyone's!

Certainly you've taken note of all the terrible natural disasters which are taking place around the world. In the US, the flooding situations alone have impacted many parts of the country. And throughout the midwest this summer, there's a severe drought being experienced much earlier in the growing season than usual.

Add to these situations the media constantly reminding you that it's "once again hurricane season;" a week of more tornadoes "than previously ever recorded during that time," the earthquakes waiting to happen in Southern California, to say nothing of the resulting loss of life, personal and property damage, and peace of mind ~ oh, I forgot to mention..... as of this week, Global Warming Is Official!!!

STOP!! What's going on?? Does God have your attention yet?

We haven't even mentioned all the unrest in the Middle East; the drug trafficking, gang wars, mob violence, pornography, AIDS, physical, verbal, and emotional abuse ~ in and outside our families. Nor have I said anything about poverty. It's worldwide! It's national! It's right down the street from my house!! Less than a mile away!! Then there are the wars. . .

WAIT! WAIT!! ~
I DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT ALL THAT! "Now, do I have your attention?"

Well, it's time to think about it!! It's time to stop and pay attention to God. I'm not suggesting that natural disasters and man made injustices are God's fault. But I do believe they are a warning from God who does have a limit to how much he will allow and how far he will let Satan and his enemy forces go before he calls his bride away and sets in motion tragedies far greater than you or I can imagine. They will make today's hurricanes look like a temptest in a teapot and the wars like backyard brawls.

If you have been paying attention and your heart and mind are right with God and ready for the future, don't just ignore these warnings. Take every opportunity to respectfully ask others if they've considered that "God may be trying to get their attention." Then tell them the Good News. They don't have to fear, even if the mountains fall on them, if they're in Christ.

Did you know God has arms?

2006-06-06T12:14:00.000-07:00

Two of them are mine! I can show God's love in a tangible way by reaching out to others.

I was reminded of that again today when a friend who's mother is gravely ill emailed, "Through you all, God’s love is able to “physically” touch us. And that helps more than you know."

Take the time to be God's arms to someone today!

Downsizing

2006-05-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

A recent 24/7 news channel (looking for new news...a good subject for another day) was doing a feature on the size home you should own during each decade of life. Would you believe they recommended downsizing when you're in your 50's!! Gasp!! I know some people in their 8o's who aren't ready to even think about it! The motives they gave, though completely financial, were really good. So! Are you ready to get rid of some "stuff?"

I suppose my aversion to accumulating things comes from the fact that my mother's generation saved everything! For her it was every bit of string, old newspapers, years of out dated phone books, furniture from people who had died; some whom she didn't even know!!. There was stuff in every nook and cranny of her twelve room house, not to mention several square thousand feet of barn/garage.

There are other reasons that I discard things.....I'm not sentimental about the past; I love new days, new challenges, and looking ahead. That's just who I am. But Jesse and I became intentional about downsizing a few years ago, and we love it. When Jesse had his last triple bi-pass surgery with a difficult recovery, we decided it was time to unload. There were also stewardship reasons for taking this next step. Having and using less for ourselves means we have more time and money for ministry, and that is important to us. It's also a gift to our children. They won't have to throw away nearly much as my sister and I did. ;-)

Is that verse which says to be content when you have enough to eat and clothes to wear still in your Bible? Or does your version say be content when you have a big house, two cars, a boat, membership in the . . . ?

Lately I've noticed how many people older than we who are still hanging on to their possessions. It's obvious when you hear them talk about how hard it is to take care of a big house, the yard, roof leaks, buying more equipment, and hiring help that they're not really enjoying it all that much any more. And it's costing a good bit, too. If they only knew how much freedom and contentment they'd get from having less, they'd start tomorrow!

It really hit me last week when grace in ACTION usa sent a 16' truck full of discards to Jackson, KY. We have so much we give away our garage sale left-overs. Something's wrong with that picture, my friend.

Are you discontented? Do you wish you had more time and money? Maybe you should consider downsizing. Try it! You'll like it!!

American IdolS

2006-05-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to believe that 55 million people have been caught up in something as frivolous as a TV show which focuses on the talent (or lack thereof) of people who may or may not be able to sing.

But they certainly have the title right ~ "American Idol."

We, that is to say, the human race, have been creating idols since time began. In spite of the first and second commandments, we continue to worship other gods ~ ones of our own making. God must be saying, "What about 'Do not worship any other gods besides me' and 'Don't make idols of any kind' don't you understand?"

Last week I heard portions of a radio interview with author Bob Hostetler, whose latest book is entitled American Idols. Each chapter of this book confronts an idol we've set up for ourselves. The internet review by the publisher, Broadman and Holman, says: "The golden calf of Bible times may be gone, but in its place today are enslavements to consumerism, celebrity, sexual freedom, easy religion, and more." Aren't we just like the people of Israel who took what they had, made an idol, and worshipped it? We just don't bother to melt it down before we bow down.

Some time ago I discovered a very powerful verse which has helped me see how foolish it is to worship things instead of God. Jonah said this from the belly of the fish. Those who cling to worthless idols, forfeit the grace that could be theirs." Jonah 2:8 Aha! I need God's grace for each day; I need a special measure of that grace for tough times; I want to share God's grace with others ~ but my hands are full and clinging to so much other worthless stuff that there's no room for his grace.

What's in your hands? Are you clinging to the stuff of this world, afraid to let go and yet needing God's grace in your life? Are you bowing down to money and the things it can buy? Or are there people in your life who take precedence over the Lord? Have you set up an altar where you spend time and come away empty? I hope not. I pray you're finding the joy of letting go of the worthless things you once thought so vital to your life and grasping the grace he's offering you.

Comparisons

2006-05-20T05:11:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I are really struggling with our weight these days. Struggling to get into our pants ~ struggling to button shirts and jackets ~ struggling to cut back on portions again! Good food is such a pleasure!!

So when we see people who are about twice our size, it's easy to say, "Maybe I'm not too fat after all." Aside ....I'm not too fat, I'm just too short! Actually, I'm a perfect size 8, but I keep it covered with a layer of fat to protect it. (That's my favorite.) ;-)

Funny how we choose to compare ourselves with others when the comparison makes us look good. Rarely do I measure my size in comparison with a slim and trim woman.

We often make wrong assessments of ourselves and others when it comes to money and the things money can buy, too. We look at others who have more than we do and find a "poor me" attitude creeping into our hearts. What kind of attitude would we have if we compared what we have to the world of poverty we live in ~ often right across the street?

It's the same way when it comes to spiritual matters, isn't it? Compared to that brother or sister, I look pretty good. At least I'm not doing that!!

OK! You get the point ~ at least I hope so. We're comparing ourselves, our wealth, our spiritual maturity to the wrong standard! Scripture is the only measument we should use. The attitude of Jesus toward life and possessions is the pattern we must follow.

Impossible? Without the help of the Holy Spirit, whose purpose is to "conform us to the image of his son," it is.

"Holy Spirit, please help me be more like Christ at the end of this day than I am this morning. Let me compare myself to his words, his thoughts, his attitudes and actions! Amen.

You will be made rich. . .

2006-05-20T04:44:00.000-07:00

Want to get rich? You will be made rich. That grabs your attention, doesn't it? No, it wasn't written on a strip of paper in a fortune cookie. Paul wrote this to the Corinthians in his second letter. "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion." 2 Cor 9:11

Want to be remembered? In the same paragraph Paul reminded his friends of something they had probably heard at synagogue from Psalm 112. "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten."

Want to be rewarded? Then Paul ices the cake with this. "...when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God!" Those in need are helped by your generosity and God receives the glory. What better reward could there be?

This principle is key to the ministry of grace in ACTION usa. Because, you see, we are the rich! You and I, who make more than $15,000 annually, are in the top 1% economically. The rest of the world are the poor. Many in third world countries make on average a dollar a day! Some of the poor live in your own back yard, or in the next county, or in Jackson, Kentucky, reputed to be the second poorest county in the US.

So ask yourself, "Why do I want to be made rich? Is it so I can be generous on every occasion?" I pray it is.

Women in Ministry

2006-05-09T05:26:00.000-07:00

Over the years I suppose some would say that I've ridden several "hobby horses." As I think back, it's because of the particular chapter of life I was in at the time. One thing that's always been close to my heart, however, is women in ministry.

Don't misunderstand me now! The subject is not female pastors; it's women who minister in a professional way, whether paid to do so or not. You must know dozens of them. Some serve along side their husbands; some are single. Many teach ~ often in a location where there is no man to do so. Others lead ministries to women. I am priviledged to know women whose jobs are clerical and who fulfill their roles in such a way that we must consider them to be women in ministry. We certainly can't overlook the army of women who lead, direct, plan, serve meals, clean, (the list is endless) in your church and mine. They are truly women in ministry!

One of my favorite authors, Carolyn Custis James, has introduced me to new and deeper concepts regarding women who minister. Using the lives of Mary and Martha, shes challenges us to become women who know and understand God as theologians. She writes: "Theology manifests itself in everything we do, and God invests our slightest actions with enormous significance, because we do it all for him. Martha was back in the kitchen because good theology finds expression in service and ministry to others, no matter what form that ministry takes." Her conclusion can be wrapped up in the statement, "...every woman’s first and highest calling is to become a great theologian."

I have a question for you. Who ministers to the women who minister? Has anyone thought of creating a Women in Ministry Appreciation Month ~ or even day? Women in ministry who serve in paid or unpaid positions, have some special needs which are often overlooked. It's difficult ~ sometimes impossible ~ for them to find a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. Very few, if any, realize the need to provide ways and means when women in ministry can be encouraged by special times of fellowship, study, and just a good time. Some have tried to address such needs and I applaud them.

So, today I celebrate Women in Ministry! As a matter of fact ~ I think I'll declare this month Women in Ministry Appreciation Month! So call a the church secretary, your favorite Bible study leader, or your pastor's wife and take her to lunch. It's your turn to be a woman in ministry.

I don't get it ~

2006-05-05T05:15:00.000-07:00

So there I was, trying to figure out what I'd just written and lost, when suddenly! Jazaam!! There it was again!

I don't get it ~ but I love it.

OK! OK! I'll sign up for a class.

A Look in the Mirror

2006-05-05T04:44:00.001-07:00

A few years ago, the teens from our church came home from their national youth convention with a new song which they promptly taught the rest of us. The first line of the chorus is, "I'm coming back to the heart of worship and it's all about you, Lord; it's all about you."

In his tiny book on music, Ron Bible writes: "Worship is a reflection of God." I heartily agree ~ that is what it's supposed to be. But I've discovered that most of us have the mirror backwards . When we look in the worship mirror, all we see is ourselves, and not God. No wonder there's so much division about what we call worship. . . we have the backside of the mirror pointed at the God of the universe whose first commandment is "Do not worship any other gods but me." (NLT)

We are holding the mirror up to ourselves and singing, "It's all about me, Lord; it's all about me."

He alone is worthy of our attention, praise, and adoration. He alone can satisfy the deep longings we have. He alone can heal the wounded hearts, shattered dreams, and broken lives. He alone can free us from sin and its deceptions which keep us from true worship.

At the risk of sounding self-righteous, may I ask you a couple of questions? Are you the center of your universe? Does your life revolve around nothing but I, me, my, and mine? Stop and listen to yourself sometime and reflect on how many times you use those personal pronouns as you go through the day. Perhaps that reflection reveals how we're holding the worship mirror.

"I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, Lord; it's all about you."

What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Lost in cyber space. . .

2006-05-05T04:44:00.000-07:00

How frustrating!

I'm working at my husband's laptop. It must be female ~ it's so sensitive!

You see, I was trying to complete a new blog entry and suddently I breathed on the keyboard and "poof" ~ it was gone.

I love computers and the technology that somehow wisks my words out into space for you to read. But it as the saying goes, "I know just enough to be dangerous," and today I've experience the result of that lack of knowledge.

I should take a class, but I'm too busy writing! ;-)

So, I'll try to recreate what I was saying before I forget it completely.

You can hardly wait ~ right?

Passing the Love Along . . .

2006-05-02T06:16:00.000-07:00

. . . to my brother; passing the love along." Do you remember an old Southern Gospel song by that title? Or was it passing the faith along? Either way, it's something I've been giving some thought to recently.

It began when a dear friend gave me a "Love Journal" on Valentine's Day. It's a lovely, little spiral bound volume of empty, pink pages with red hearts scattered here and there. She wrote me a touching note (in red ink) ~ she's so artful ; tucked it in an appropriate gift bag; and left it on my doorstep, along with a beautiful miniature red rose bush.

Well, the rose has died ~ sorry, my friend! I've tried several times to keep those dear little beauties alive and failed every time. This one lasted longer than most, though! And I've been pondering the journal, because, you see, I'm not a journaler. I like to blame it on my creative and spontaneous DNA, which translated probably means my lack of discipline. I just can't get into it. This blog is the closest I've come to any kind of journaling ~ and you see how infrequently I come back to it. Actually, I love blogging because it allows me to be both creative and spontaneous.

Back to "What should I do with the journal?" and "Passing the Love Along."

I've decided to follow my friend's lead and write a love note to another dear friend. I'm going to give her the journal in hopes that she'll do the same thing, and see where it ends up.

These days people need to know they're loved. It certainly encouraged me to read the kind and loving words my friend penned to me. As much as I think no one's paying attention to what I do and say, her note made me realize anew that my life impacts others in many ways as they watch my actions and re-actions! I pray they see more of Christ than of me!

grace in ACTION usa is "in the business" of passing the love along. GiA has chosen to look for groups of underpriviledged who need love, encouragment, training, and help just to make it in this unloving world. We also purpose to tuck the love of Christ in every class and with each dollar invested. But I'm certain I don't have to go to Kentucky, or some US inner city, or even Central Africa to find someone who needs to know they're loved; I could go right across the street or around the corner and share my love and His with them. I could ~ but will I?

Wonder where the Love Journal will end up? Guess I'll write my address in the back and see if it ever finds its way back. In the meantime, I'll find someone who needs to hear, "I love and appreciate you, " and pass the love along.

"He was whipped and we were healed!"

2006-04-19T05:31:00.000-07:00

It's a common greeting we all use ~ "Hi. How are you?" Most of the time we don't really want to know~ and heaven forbid someone would actually tell you how they were; you might have to stop and listen to an "organ recital!" ;-{ Sometimes we even avoid people who seem to think of nothing but their illnesses. Well, I do anyway.

Lately in our world of friends and family, many are seriously ill, some with chronic , even life threatening conditions. Much concern and many prayers are being offered on their behalf. As a matter of fact, I'm seeing small groups huddled in prayer before, between, and after church services. We've attended impromptu prayer meetings, calling on God for his intervention for a dear friend's lung cancer. Recently, Jesse and I stopped by a church that was holding a day of prayer and fasting for a two year old girl with a brain tumor ~ and we'll attend another this week for someone else.

Our sweet little granddaughter, Kate, has been pretty sick off and on for a year. It was a big concern when she was tested for Cystic Fibrosis last week. We're so grateful to God that that's not the cause of her frequent respiratory infections.

Yesterday a dear friend in Iowa had open heart surgery. I prayed all day for Kim, and rejoiced when we received an email from her mother in the evening, saying she'd come through the successful surgery. And I'll pray all day today, because there was an urgent note this morning saying they had to go back in at 1:00 am to close a bleeder. Because of email and the internet, our prayers are global in their scope. Praise the Lord!

We're such physical beings, it's hard to think outside that box, isn't it? Somehow it seems to us that if we're not physically sick, everything else will be OK, too.

You know, I don't think that's what Isaiah was referring to when he said "...it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. ...he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed!" (Isa 53:4-5 NLT) (That part of verse five has 'haunted' me since I read it Monday. )

Healed from what? Weaknesses, sorrows, sins, inner turmoil replaced by his strength, joy, purity, and peace! Isaiah didn't mention being healed from cancer, Cystic Fibrosis, heart problems, or any of the conditions we fear. Jesus, through his physical suffering offers us the spiritual wholeness he wants us to have.

"Lord, I want to be healed from the weakness, sorrow, sin, and inner turmoil of this life. ! Give me your strength, joy, purity, and peace! Make me whole. Amen"

Feeling Guilty

2006-04-05T15:35:00.000-07:00

I'm writing today from one of our favorite spots in the US; the Opryland Hotel, in Nashville, Tennessee. This place is an architectual wonder; beautiful beyond description; as big as some small towns I've visited; and so extravagant, I can't believe we're actually registered to stay here.

We've visited the hotel a few times in the past; walking through, window shopping a little, and pretending we're staying here. We had even eaten in several of the fabulous restaurants. But until last fall, we'd only stayed one night years ago when there were special rates because it was a holiday and everyone else was home with their families.

This time we're splurging ~ big time ~ and attending Mark Lowery's "Senior Trip". (You have to be 50 to register.) Mark says "It's going to be the best thing since Depends." We're spending four nights here. It's part of a year long celebration of our 50th year of marriage.

But all this opulence somehow makes me a bit uncomfortable. As I sit on the balcony of our room, overlooking the Cascades with waterfalls, exotic flowers, and canopied restaurants all around, I can't help but think of what grace in ACTION usa could do with just a fraction of the millions of dollars people spend here each year.

Should I feel guilty for spending several hundred dollars just for our pleasure when there are people I know that have a difficult time providing enough food for their families? Actually, no, since I'm giving my time and money to help remedy the plight of my friends in need.

But I'm glad I'm sensitive to that tension I see in scripture when God says he has given us all things richly to enjoy ...but suppose you see a brother who needs food or clothing and you say God bless you, but don't give them any food or something to wear.

When I begin to spend more time and money on myself than those I can be helping, then I should feel guilty!

This week, I'll enjoy these wonderful gifts God's given us! Thank you, Father!
""'

So, why do you work?

2006-03-29T12:04:00.000-08:00

Do you ever ask yourself, "Self! Just why am I working here?"

I hope you're not one of the millions who go through day after day with little or no purpose for your job other than bringing home a paycheck.

All we do in life should have purpose. Otherwise, why are you and I here? The great, overarching purpose that all of us should fulfill is "To glorify God and praise Him forever." But sadly, many never come to the place where they even know how to have a relationship with God, let alone glorify him or find the purpose he has for their lives. Since most of us have to work, wouldn't it be wonderful to have a reason for that 9 to 5 other than some monotonous routine ~ or even those challenging daily tasks that we may truly enjoy?

My friend, Chuck Proudfit, was that way until he decided to bring purpose to his work. As a matter of fact, he created a way to help us all see that work can bring us joy and satisfaction as well as further the Kingdom. He calls it At Work On Purpose! The idea is to bring ministry to the marketplace. If you'd like to know more, visit his website, www.atworkonpurpose.org.

Chuck and Jeff Greer, from Self-Sustaining Enterprises, have another brainchild they call Biznistries. The name is registered, so don't get any ideas! ;=) If you use profits from your business to support a ministry, you already have a biznistry. What a great idea! Having a business with a purpose makes going to work worthwhile.

So why are you working? What are you doing with all that money? What's the purpose in it all? Consider the possibilities of being at work on purpose or of making your business a Biznistry!

The scripture that guides grace in ACTION usa is 2 Cor 9:11, "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion." It has been my personal experience that when I purpose to be as generous as possible on every occasion ~ there's always enough in my wallet for my needs.

Why don't you try it? You'll never have to ask yourself, "So why am I working?"

Swingin!

2006-03-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

Are you a swinger?

No ~ not the kind who really loves to dance. I'm referring to someone who hangs on to the pendulum. You know! The pendulum of thought that moves from one extreme to another and can't ever seem to come to a balanced position. That kind of swinger!

Thought pendulums occur in every area. They move slowly from one extreme to the opposite. Sometimes it takes years for more and more people to move to another side of an issue. Can't you see it? This gigantic idea with people dangling from it.....years and years of them..... holding on to one another's ankles or shirttails, trying desperately to get a glimpse of the person at the top who started the whole thing in the first place.

Don't you wonder if someone like that ever thinks for him/herself? I do.

Let's think about Worship Pendulums for a minute. "You can't worship unless you ________." (you fill in the blank). I recall years ago hearing about a well-meaning American church that sent an organ to a church in South America somewhere. The receipients wrote back, "Thank you so much for your gift of the organ. But you realize you can't worship without guitars." How shocking!!

I'm not going to go there ~ except to say I'd like to see more scripture read in our public worship times.

Think for a minute about what happens to a clock (or anything else that's pendulum driven) when the weights are off balance. Or when it stops altogether. Time stands still! That would make some folks very happy. "Let's just do it my way and never change." Now there's a formula for growth.

Since one of my passions is learning and another is changing (learning inevitably leads to change), I can't imagine a life that's stagnant. And I pray for the kind of balance that brings stability in all my thoughts and actions.

OK ~ I admit it! I'm definitely a swinger. "Lord, please lead so I'll be in step with you."

The town with no zipcode

2006-03-22T08:16:00.000-08:00

Seventy miles from Chicago is a patch of dirt called Pembroke. It is Illinois' most impoverished community, where 55% of the residents live beneath the poverty level and 40% survive without running water. The average income is $9700 a year.

There is no bank, no drug store, no real medical facility and very few paved roads. The mayor, Reverend Jon Dyson, says, "The people here live in those kind of conditions that the people from the great city of New Orleans have just got faced with. And what's really amazing is these people have survived here all this time with little or nothing - third-world conditions in some areas."

"Why doesn't someone do something?", you ask! Pembroke can't get the help needed to provide a water and sewage system simply because they don't have a zipcode!!

We don't like to think about the fact that so many Americans live in conditions comparable to third-world countries, do we? It's sort of OK for the people of Africa to go without running water. That's what we expect in "those places." But please don't show me anymore specials on the tent cities in Louisiana six months after Katrina. And whatever you do, don't tell me there are homeless in my town. I might have to come to grips with some difficult scriptural teaching.

I haven't been able to get this and the other images from a recent Ophra show off my mind. The terrible fact is that 37 million Americans live below the poverty level. Thirty-seven million is the entire population of Canada, my friends!! I don't know how many families are represented in this dire statistic, nor have I done a study to see how many of them live in my county; I'm sure there are some. I wonder if each church sponsored one family ..... hmmm!

So ~ what can we do?

How about praying? Good idea!! "Lord, send someone to help them. After all, I'm busy raising my family, paying for my cars and house(s) and boat and . . . . Let Ophra help them. She's got more money than she'll ever be able to use."

Let's take up a donation. Another worthy thought. Pray and give money. I can probably spare twenty bucks. That will make me feel even better ~ and forget the problem even more quickly. Whew! Now I'm off the hook.

grace in ACTION usa was begun to help with just such desperate needs. Our vision is to see wholistic, that is, fully integrated churches and/or groups of believers impacting their communities through economic development. Does that sound unspiritual to you? At The Happy Church in Jackson, Kentucky, they feed those who attend almost every time the church doors are open. And they're teaching them not only to hide God's word in their hearts, but how to read it for themselves. The prayer is that when these boys and girls become adults, they'll have a sound understanding of God's word, who they are in Christ, and what it takes to become a responsible, working adult. Then, God willing, years from now, Breathitt County will no longer have the designation of being one of the poorest counties in the nation.

When GiA began, we thought of using the name Bootstrap Boost. Because people who have lost everything or are trapped in the poverty cycle, can not pull themselves up by their own bootstraps. They need our help. But Pastor Mike wisely advised that we need to preserve their dignity while helping, so we came up with another name.

Maybe we'll find a way to help in Pembrooke, Illinois one day. I hope so.

Are you going to trust me, or not?

2006-03-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

I still remember that night distinctly, even though it's been thirty years. My husband was on an extended trip for the mission he worked for; our older son, Chris, had moved that day into his first "pad"; and Jonathan was so sick the doctor admitted him to the hospital.

As I closed the door on the empty house that night, I recall saying, "Well, it's just you and me, Lord." And he said, "That's right! Are you going to trust me with this?" What could I say? "I don't think so, Lord. I'll just handle this, thank you very much." I don't think so, Tim!!

That's the first time I remember him asking me that question. But it's certainly not the last. And what's so great about trust is the more you do it, the easier it becomes. And the less you stay out of whatever it is you're entrusting to your heavenly Father, the better. Trust is really an all or nothing arrangement. And like so many other spiritual lessons, it needs to be my first response, instead of a last resort. I'm not sure, but choosing to trust may be the single most important lesson of the Christian life.

Trust is a choice; and choices are one of two things you have control over. (The other is your response.) I choose to trust. Better yet, I choose to trust the Lord, in whom I can place complete confidence. To trust means to commit whatever it is ~ my decisions, my loved ones, my health, my money (or lack of it) to the one who knows what I need and will provide in ways I can't begin to imagine when I leave it up to him. When I say he'll provide, it's because I have already trusted him in these ways and experienced his provision. I can assure you, if you'll place your dependence in Him, you can "take it to the bank."

I have three highlighters in my Bible case; a yellow one (to mark verses about the glory of God); a blue one (which I use for trust verses); and a pink one for anything else I need to take note of. My Bible's replete with blue highlights because Scripture is full of verses that encourage ~ even command ~ us to trust!

When the Lord presented me with the challenge of helping in Jackson, Kentucky, it was definitely a way to trust him. So we move forward, trusting him each step of the way for direction, provision, and especially for the results.

What would you say if the Lord asked, "Well, are you going to trust me with this, or not?" Please choose to trust. You'll be glad you did.

Devotions, or DEVOTION??

2006-03-08T06:37:00.000-08:00

Are you a checklist Christian? Many of us like to have a list of things we should (or shouldn't) do. That makes it easy to know if we're on track or not. But that begs the question, "Who's going to make the list?"

Our pastor's preaching through I Thessalonians. This Sunday he encouraged us to move past checklists to an attitude toward life, which Paul sets out in chapter five. The attitude we should have is one of expectant living ~ "Always be joyful." (vs 16); dependent living ~ "Keep on praying." (vs 17); and grateful living ~ "...always be thankful." (vs 18.) Good stuff, pastor!

"Doing" devotions may be very near the top of most Christian's checklists. We've been told by very well-meaning authors and speakers just how and when to "do" our devotions. Some even dictate where. You should always sit in the same place. And woe betide anyone who misses a day. These directives come right from Scripture, of course and serve as a great motivator!! ;-) (I hope by now you understand my tongue in cheek comments.)

Dear reader, I submit to you that a life of devotion (which includes "doing" devotions) should be your desire. Checklist Christians may find themselves justifying some rather ungodly attitudes and behaviors during the day because they "did" their devotions that morning. Somehow what they read didn't connect to what they said. I'm afraid that many times the time spent reading and praying has too little impact in our daily lives.

Living a life of devotion will begin to influence everything you do and say as you adopt the attitude toward life that Paul commanded. Soon you'll find yourself going through your day expectantly, dependently and gratefully! What a great way to live.

Don't just "do" your devotions anymore! Begin to live a life of devotion!

So, what's the risk?

2006-03-06T08:17:00.000-08:00

What is risk? Taking a chance or gamble; an investment or stake in something; a pitfall, danger, hazard, or peril; threat, danger, jeopardy, or menace. Well, that's enough to make me want more! How about you?

The antonym for risk is security, immunity; a guarantee or insurance! Right!! I'll have one guarantee, please!!

Do Christians understand what it means when they say such things as, "Without risk it is impossible to please God?" Was the person who used that verse as a screen saver telling us that faith and risk are interchangeable in that verse? "I don't think so, Tim!"

Or what did the writer of this devotional thought mean when she said, "Choosing to make time to spend with God in prayer and personal devotions is a risk?" That made my devotional day!Maybe she meant to say that choosing not to make time for God is a risk. Will someone please explain to me the risk in spending time with God.

I respectfully submit, these well meaning believers are thinking in reverse! And I urge them ~ and you ~ to begin to search the Scriptures for evidence of their premises that a life of faith can co-exist with a life of risk. So far I haven't been able to substantiate the idea from scripture.

Isn't that what you'd want from placing your trust in a God who says in Deuteronomy 31, Don't be afraid of _________(you fill in the blank). The LORD your God will always be at your side and he will never abandon you. And the risk is: __________________

What risk is there in believing in a God who told Isaiah, ...enemy soldiers will cover Judah like a flood...but God is with us. He will spread his wings and protect our land. All of you foreign nations, go ahead and prepare for war, but you will be crushed. Get together and make plans, but you will fail because God is with us?

Can you entrust your future to the one who promises, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you? Don't you believe he meant it?

Was beginning grace in ACTION usa a risk? I'm not naive enough to believe there won't be any problems. If you consider the difficulties and possibility of tough times a risk, I suppose you could say that. And if that's the way you think, you'd better stay in bed the rest of your life.

Risk is for unbelievers. On top of facing an eternity with out God, they have to face daily life without him. How sad! Why in the world would you place your faith in a God who offers salvation and eternity with him, but whom you can't trust completely each and every day?

I choose a life of faith ~ risk-free faith! Will you join me?

P.S. Here's your guarantee! Psalm 111.

Praise the Lord!

I will thank the Lord with all my heart
as I meet with his godly people.
How amazing are the deeds of the Lord!
All who delight in him should ponder them.
Everything he does reveals his glory and majesty.
His righteousness never fails.
Who can forget the wonders he performs?
How gracious and merciful is our Lord!
He gives food to those who trust him;
he always remembers his covenant.
He has shown his great power to his people
by giving them the lands of other nations.
All he does is just and good,
and all his commandments are trustworthy.
They are forever true,
to be obeyed faithfully and with integrity.
He has paid a full ransom for his people.
He has guaranteed his covenant with them forever.

Listen up!!

2006-02-26T16:17:00.000-08:00

What would your immediate reaction be if someone said, "God told me to _________." (fill in the blank)? Would you raise a mental eyebrow and wonder if the person was dabbling in some new age philosophy?

Do you believe God speaks to people today? I do!!

Last Friday a friend I hadn't heard from in months called and said, "You've been on my mind for the last two weeks. What's going on? Are you free for coffee?" We met a half hour later and spent two and a half hours in mutual encouragement. I told her, "I know why the Holy Spirit put me on your mind ~ my mother died two weeks ago."

I've been on the other end of that senerio, too, when the Lord's impressed me over and over again with thoughts of a person and I don't know why, but I do know I'd better pray. Once after that happened, I decided to call these friends who lived out of state, and discoverd to my dismay that she had left him that very day! I was so glad I was listening to the Holy Spirit that day. I was able to pray with our hurting friend and entrust him to the Father's care.

Listening to God is how grace in ACTION usa came into being. God began to talk to me about helping economically in Jackson, Kentucky. My immediate response, "Who me?" And he said, "Yes, you!" So I kept listening and he kept speaking to me, as I thought, prayed, and read his word. Now I eagerly await each new thought from him.

I can't tell you how great the ride has been since that thought first came to me. If you want to live an exciting, thrill packed life of trust, listen up!

"Now You're An Orphan!"

2006-02-13T07:47:00.000-08:00

My mother went to heaven early this past Friday morning. Isn't that wonderful? We are just praising the Lord for releasing her from the prison her body had become since her major stroke last September. She was a 91 year old woman of strength and faith, who loved life but was ready to die. What a great way to be! Is that your attitude?

Most of us find it very awakward when it comes to talking about death. Many of my mother's generation refuse to even discuss plans for the often inevitable care that will be needed, what they want done with their things, or the kind of memorial service they'd like. We'll be taking mother's body to her home town for burial. I mean literally transporting it in our van. That really spooks some people! That's nearly $1000 we won't have to pay someone else to do it. I'd rather give that money to grace in ACTION usa!

I've been surprised how many times in the last three days someone has said to me, "Now you're an orphan." Praise the Lord, I don't feel like an orphan ~ alone or abandoned, destitute or homeless. My apron strings have been cut far too long for that. When you're secure in your relationship with your heavenly Father you never have to feel like an orphan.

I can't even hazard a guess as to how many orphans there are in the world. And the number grows by hundreds each day, especially in countries where AIDS is rampant and children's parents die while they are still very young, leaving large families of orphans. How sad! Sadder still is the fact that these children may also be victims of the dread disease. I'm glad to be associated with mission organizations like ICDI & GBIM that are addressing a portion of those needs in the Central African Republic.

grace in ACTION usa doesn't have a specific plan to help orphans. But, God willing, our Community Life Centers will affect some of them, perhaps by helping them learn the life skills that will enable them to be good, Christian parents and teaching them job skills so they can raise and support a strong, healthy family. Maybe they'll even adopt an orphan! God willing, they'll have a faith strong enough to say "I don't feel like an orphan" when their parents are both gone.

May I point you to what James writes in chapter 1, verse 27. Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles., and refuse to let the world corrupt us.

If You Build It, They Will Come!

2006-02-08T18:08:00.000-08:00

It's almost like the movie, "Field of Dreams."

In the three weeks since Hope Community Church opened their auditorium~worship center, attendance has increased by 600. Not to 600, but by 600! The 1450 seat auditorium is filled to capacity twice on Sunday mornings. Then there are the hundreds of children and workers. The staff is already contemplating when they'll schedule a third service. Parking is their biggest problem, eased by a host of volunteers manning the parking lots and shuttling people to and from the satellite parking areas.

What's the secret? As you can imagine, it's not just one thing. But I think Pastor Mike Lee nailed it when he pointed out this lesson from Jesus' ministry in Mark, chapter 3. "Meeting needs always results in a broader scope of ministry."

I mentioned in a previous blog the necessity for "putting your money where your mouth is." James said it much more graciously in chapter 2, verses 15 & 16. Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?

This is what motivates grace in ACTION usa. Our vision is to see churches and/or groups of believers leverage Christ into their communities by meeting their needs. Beyond that, our goal is to help them assist people who want to be able to meet their own needs ~ and while helping them, introduce them to Christ. We see Community Life Centers as venues where these very things can happen.

Come to think of it, that's what Hope Community Church is ~ a Community Life Center. For example, Moms can bring their children to the "recycled" McDonald playland, buy a cup of gourmet coffee (or even lunch), and visit while their children play. College students have their own "hang out" with computer hook-ups for study, lounges, big-screen TV and a laundry room! "The Gathering Place" with it's own coffee shop, serves lunches daily, and breakfast on Sunday. There are scores of classes and small groups for singles, seekers, and seniors! It's a center for community life.

The Community Life Centers GiA plans to help begin will include classes in job and life skills which are appropriate for each community they serve. Emphasis will be given to teaching children how to have a productive life when they're grown. Basic education skills and remedial tutoring will be offered. Does that get your juices going? I hope so!! We'll be looking for volunteers!

That's our "field of dreams"... . Please pray with us for prepared hearts so that "when we build it, they will come."

Empty purses!

2006-02-05T03:53:00.000-08:00

Jesse and I are in Raleigh, NC. We're here attending the celebration of what God's done at Hope Community Church through his servants Mike and Laura Lee. This morning they'll dedicate the 90,000 square foot building God has given them. Last night there was a reception to honor those who have sacrificed in order to build a place where families can find God.

Our hotel is next to a beautiful mall. Yesterday we spent a few hours there ~ of course. Each time I shop, even in the grocery store, I'm more and more aware of all the stuff that's available. There's so much stuff available now that enterprising capitalists have created storage containers of shapes and sizes in which to store all that stuff! I heard someone say the other day that they had just come from "Stuff-mart". Too true.

As we walked through the purse department, it hit me again! How many purses does one person need? Key word, need! You can find a purse in every size and color. A purse for each outfit. Purses for day time and evening. I wonder how much time women spend transferring the contents of their purses from one to the other? Do you suppose they're loaded and ready to go?

You can pay a fortune for a name leather purse. And of course, you can get them in "knock-offs". By the time you buy all those purses, you have no money left to put in them. Empty purses! What an irony! Empty purses. Are they a picture of our empty lives? I think so.

If my purse is empty, I want it to be because my life is full of ways to give away all I have.

Are you wondering how many purses I have? Two. I think I'm going to send one of them to Jackson, KY for them to sell on eBay! I've only used it twice.

What Was God Thinking? Bono at the Prayer Breakfast!!

2006-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder what God's thinking when he looks down on an event like this morning's Presidential Prayer Breakfast? Wouldn't you like to know? I would! Since he sees into our hearts and minds, he knows who's pretending and who's praying. The sheep, the goats, and the wolves aren't "pulling the wool over his eyes." ;-)

It's hard to tell who's faith is real and who's trusting in some false god. And sometimes, we totally misjudge a person's understanding of "the faith", when they don't use the same "christianeze" we do. But when you hear a person pray, it reveals a lot about how well they know the one to whom they're speaking. I learned a lot today, listening to others share their faith stories and pray.

But ~ wait just a minute!! Bono a main speaker at The Presidential Prayer Breakfast?. I can imagine that thousands of TV screens went black about then, and fundamentalists everywhere were incensed! I've only heard of Bono from the mainstream media. He's an Irish rock star from the group U2, I think! He's given millions of his own money and raised millions more to help the ease the pain and suffering on the continent of Africa. Wouldn't Jim Hocking like to tap into those resources for ICDI?

Once he got over the embarrassment of being asked to speak at such an event and began to open his heart of compassion for the poor, there was little doubt about where Bono was coming from. He knew more about Jesus' concern for the poor than most Evangelical Christians I know. He knew the scriptural teachings and how much of the Word deals with our attitude and care of those who can not help themselves. Not only that ~ he's doing something about it!

And would you believe he told that room full of politicians they should be tithing? Bono said he was really surprised when he learned how much Americans tithed. Then he chided our country's leaders for giving only 1% of the nation's budget to help the poor and challeged them to add one percent more in the coming year. By the way, 1% of the budget is 26 billion dollars.

One of Bono's closing quotew truly impacted me. "Stop asking God to bless what you're doing. Get involved in what God's doing; it's already blessed." That's what I want for grace in ACTION.

What did God think about The Presidential Prayer Breakfast? You'll have to ask him!

Why DO You Go To Work?

2006-01-30T10:37:00.000-08:00

Well, a guy's got to eat, right? I hope you have more reason than that for getting up every morning! Would you like to go to work on purpose?

Last Saturday, Jesse and I attended an At Work on Purpose event. This fast moving and challenging time was filled with interviews and breakout sessions, when men and women explained how they have defined their purpose and the results they are seeing from lives which are committed to being "at work on purpose."

AWOP ~ not to be confused with AWIP (At Work in Pajamas) ~ which was a topic for consideration on this blog previously, has vision and values similar to those of grace in ACTION usa. They want to impact communities with the love of Christ by "infiltrating the workplace" with men and women who live out their faith in the marketplace. Their goal is "blurring the boundaries between marketplace and ministry, assisting Christians in living out their faith through their work." AWOP wants you to add a new dimension to your work world.

Imagine going to work each day with the goal of using Biblically work ethics and actually serving your fellow employee. Think about the difference it would make if your attitude was the personal and professional growth of those around you and not just your own. Consider the joy you'll experience when others respond to the concern you show for them when you offer your help.

Now take a moment to contemplate the benefits of profit sharing your income with God. AWOP encourages business owners to become BIZNISTRIES*, that is, a business whose profits support a ministry. What a great purpose for working!

So, why do you go to work? Tomorrow, why not go to work on purpose?

On The Right Track

2006-01-27T08:15:00.000-08:00

Does it encourage you when someone else has the same idea as you? It does me!!

When God, by his Holy Spirit, began to talk to me about Economic Development through churches, I had no idea He had been speaking to others in the Body about the same things. I've been confirmed, amazed, and truly encouraged to see how many ways one basic idea is being developed all over the world.

May I introduce you to some of them?

In the space of two short years, God has worked mightily through an organization called Integrated Community Develpment Int'l. (ICDI). This ministry was begun to help the absolutely destitute men and women in Central Africa have at least enough money to buy a bit of wood for a fire where they can cook the day's meager food supply. Through ICDI, wells are providing pure water and people are learning the importance of clean water for good health. They are also helping with AIDS education and orphan care. Want to know more? Go to www.icdinternational.org

Self-Sustaining Enterprises (SSE) began in the mind of a remarkable pastor in Mason, Ohio. Jeff Greer's mind, heart, and enthusiasm are truly contagious! SSE is providing employment opportunities and partnering with other creative Christian entrepreneurs from Mason to Nigeria. We began to network with SSE soon after GiA began and I'm eager to see what God has for us to do together. Their website is www.sseinc.org

Another wonderful organization is Christian Community Development Ass'n. CCDA's program in centered around "planting" Christians in needy communities in order for them to create jobs for those who need them. They have also developed a wealth of resource materials and conduct conferences, workshops, and seminars to help the Church become aware of the desperate economic needs in the US and how Christians can bring Christ to communities when they help meet these needs. Check it out at www.ccda.org.

Just yesterday, I learned of another group whose mission is "to teach Christians how to produce economic stability in their homes and neighborhoods. ...the overall objective, says Pastor Anderson, is to change the mindset of Christians in economically troubled or poverty situations so that the cycle of poverty and suffering can be broken." The "Churchpreneur" program training began this month. Their goal is to put 500 new Christian business operators into their church's surrounding community. WOW!!

Do you think the Lord's trying to tell us something? Hmmm! I think he already did when he said in James two, What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well, keep warm and well fed." but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

I think we're all on the right track! Will you praythat ICDI, SSE, CCDA, Churchpreneur, and GiA will stay on the right track?

NETWORKING

2006-01-25T06:42:00.000-08:00

Networking is one of those words that seemed to appear out of nowhere; become a popular "buzz-word"; and then fade into that great word heaven ~ out there, somewhere ~ only to be replaced by another, "cooler" word or phrase. (Cool! Now there's one that's been gone a while.) I can't remember what's being used now in place of networking.

God's in the networking business. Here's a brief version of one of many networks He's put together for grace in ACTION usa.

After grace in ACTION was conceived, I often prayed and thought about the kinds of enterprises which would work in places like Jackson, KY. One day the Holy Spirit began to talk to me about raising alpaca. (Have your herd about alpaca?) ;-) It seemed like a reasonable idea, since alpaca are native to the mountains of Peru, South America, where the terrain is much like eastern Kentucky.. So I began to check it out on the internet. I even visited a wonderful alpaca ranch in Ohio.

A few months later, we were having lunch with friends from out of town. As I was telling them about GiA, I mentioned the alpaca idea. My friend, Sue, said, "You should get in touch with Kathy M from our church. She's really into alpaca! I'll send you her email address." When I contacted Kathy M, I learned that she and her partner, Cathy P, not only invest in alpaca, they are experts on the animals, and have formed The Alpaca Mission, with the goal of ministering to the poor. And, speaking of networks! They have the most incredible connections in the Alpaca Industry which are leading to amazing prospects for GiA and TAM as we pursue the possibilities together.

But wait!! The alpaca network goes on. GiA is networking with Self-Sustaining Enterprises (SSE), another organization with a similar mission. Their founder is actively pursuing ways to multiply both our ministries to the poor using alpaca, their fleece, and by products. You can check out SSE by clicking on Links from this blog.

LINKS!! Is that the word that's replacing networking?

Mondays and Mornings

2006-01-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

I like Mondays.

Sorry about that! But I really do like Mondays! I suppose that's because it's part of my DNA to like new beginnings, and even though Monday is the second day of the week, for most of us it signals the beginning of a new week.

I probably like mornings for the same reason.. Early morning, when the house is quiet, the sun's coming up, and I can have a fresh start ~ what's not to like?

In some ways, grace in ACTION usa is like a Monday morning! It offers a fresh start to those who wish to work. It provides opportunities for the body of Christ to experience the joy of seeing a new day dawn for another, less fortunate brother or sister. It opens the eyes of Christians to ways they can meet needs in their own communities.

Do you have a hard time with Mondays? Do you have to drag yourself out of bed each morning? Even if it's not in your DNA, contact me and we'll plug you in to ways you can serve others through GiA. I guarantee you'll be eager for each new day no matter what time you have to get up ~ even if it's Monday!

At Work In Pajamas?

2006-01-20T11:42:00.000-08:00

Are you one of those enterprising people who've set up a home office? It's not just a place where you retreat to pay bills or read a good book. It's where you actually run your business. Well, more power to you!

With apologies to my friend Chuck Proudfit who created At Work On Purpose (AWOP), let me introduce you to AWIP...At Work In Pajamas. You've seen the commercials; the woman's at the computer ~ in her pajamas ~ there's a baby in a carrier (hopefully asleep); another child plays nearby; and the buzzer's going off because it's time to take the cookies out of the oven. And the ad is telling you how great it is to do things this way.

And heaven forbid your business has customers who come to the house. "Just a minute! I have to put the dog out." "Here, let me clear these papers off the couch so you can sit down." "I know I have your file here somewhere." "Tabby ~ get off the table!" I decided to use another caterer.

Maybe it works for a few super moms and dads, but I'm discovering it helps to be focused. This week I've determined that I will not stop in the laundry (which is right outside the office door) to throw some clothes in the dryer. I will stay focused until the day's work is complete. As a matter of fact, I did such a good job of focusing, I forgot to do the laundry at all.

When grace in ACTION usa conducts it Jobs Skills training, working in your pajamas will be strongly discouraged. It is our purpose to "enable personal development through education, training, funding assistance, and accountability and educate those who wish to work by providing opportunities to learn employable skills and principles of ownership." With God's help, this will empower people to achieve the dignity which motivates them to get up, get dressed, and get to work.

Are you AWIP? Try getting dressed, being focused, and AWOP.

You will be made rich . . .

2006-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Want to get rich?
You will be made rich. That grabs your attention, doesn't it? No, it wasn't written on a strip of paper in a fortune cookie. Paul wrote this to the Corinthians in his second letter. "You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion." 2 Cor 9:11

Want to be remembered?
In the same paragraph Paul reminded his friends of something they had probably heard at synagogue from Psalm 112. "Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten."

Want to be rewarded?
Then Paul ices the cake with this. "...when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God!" Those in need are helped by your generosity and God receives the glory. What better reward could there be?

This principle is key to the ministry of grace in ACTION usa. Because, you see, we are the rich! You and I, who make more than $15,000 annually, are in the top 1% economically. The rest of the world are the poor. Many in third world countries make on average a dollar a day! Some of the poor live in your own back yard, or in the next county, or in Jackson, Kentucky, reputed to be the second poorest county in the US.

So ask yourself, "Why do I want to be made rich? Is it so I can be generous on every occasion?" I pray it is.

What Kind of Shoe are You?

2006-01-17T05:48:00.000-08:00

Some time ago I held a Women's Ministry seminar entitled, "No One Else Can Fill Your Shoes"
Part of one of the sessions included a fun little exercise I called, "What Kind of Shoe Are You?" Each woman was to think about what kind of shoe she would be ~ if she were a shoe. Not what kind of shoes do you like ~ but what kind of shoe are you?

That took some thought. Some women never did figure it out. Some knew right away. Others were surprised by what they'd look like, were they a shoe!.

Well, let's see. If you're a woman, there are way too many choices! But you guys will have an easier time deciding. Besides you're saying to yourself, "Who cares?" Right? Well, think about it just a minute. Are you a loafer? That tells me a lot! And girls, what does it say about you if you picture yourself as a little plastic slide covered with glitter? Hmmm!

I'd be a sandal. I'm open, free spirited, spontaneous, joyful, whimsical, comfortable to "wear" (I hope); and vulnerable to having my toes stepped on, but that's to be expected. Sometimes sandals aren't too dependable, so the analogy breaks down there. You can count on me!

Well, by now you get the picture. The point isn't what kind of shoe you are; it's that no one else can fill your shoes. You are the only size and style God made in that one. The only one!! You are unique; one of a kind; necessary to complete his wardrobe, if you will. The work he's designed for you can't be done by someone else trying to fit into your shoes.

So, get out the polish, shine up those shoes, put them on, and fulfill God's purposes for you today.

Making a Difference

2006-01-15T16:04:00.000-08:00

In my personal blog summary I mentioned some of the things I'm passionate about. The last on the list is sports. My passion didn't help the Colts one bit today! I'm a fan ~ short for fanatic! And I'm loyal to my team, even when they loose. But it still didn't make a difference this afternoon. Pittsburg was just too much for Indianapolis, 55,000 passionate fans in the stands, not withstanding!

My first passion is prayer. What's so great about this passion is it does make a difference!! Sad to say, it took me years to learn that. I frankly thought God was going to do what he'd planned all along and my prayers would have no impact on him or make any difference to his purposes. WRONG!! When I began praying; God began listening. When he bagan listening; things began to happen. When things began to happen; I began to pray more, expect more, and realize more and more the difference my prayers made.

One of the best Christmas gifts Jesse & and I ever received was prayer partners. Our son, Jon, asked some friends to pray for us; one for each day of the week. As you can imagine, we responded in kind. Those daily prayer partners have seen us through heart surgery, job loss, personal heartaches, and many joys. God only knows the difference we've made in each others' lives.

It's difficult to pass on your passion! If I could, I'd give you a shot of my passion for prayer, so you could experience the amazing results. Don't just take my word for it; try it!!

God, You, and Your Silent Partners

2006-01-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

grace in ACTION usa was founded because God, through the Holy Spirit, urged one woman to help make a difference economically in Jackson, Kentucky. Realizing how impossible that task would be for her, she enlisted a group of friends who became the GiA Prayer Team. These silent partners are the key to all that's happened since March, 2005.

Here's just one story of God's prayer provision.

In order to begin any kind of business enterprise in conjunction with a church, people other than the pastor must be found, challenged, prepared, and willing to help. The Jackson GBC or as they preferred to be called, The Happy Church, came into the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches in the summer of 2004. Soon after that, GiA began communicating with Pastor Mike and Connie Tabor about ways we might help the people of his church and community. At that time, there were no good prospects in the church to serve as a Local Enterprise Coordinator. But, God. . .

In January, 2005, God planted John and Chris Jacobson in Jackson, because John's work as a meterologist assigned him there. The Jacobsons aren't your typical eastern Kentucky small town folks. John's a seminary grad; he's served in the military, worked with a mission to internationals, and is now a chief meterologist for Eastern Kentucky. An acquaintance from Ohio told John and Chris about The Happy Church and they began attending there.

Although neither of the Jacobsons have experience in starting a business, God has provided the help, advice, and counsel needed through two GiA board members. I'm sure there are days when John wonders what in the world he's doing there ~ but because of his silent partners ~ God has enabled him to persevere and do a great job.

We are just beginning to learn what God will do when we join our hearts in united prayer. What a great way to live ~ wondering with great anticipaton what God's going to do today through answered prayer.

God and you and your silent partners! That's an unbeatable combinationII

Happy BLOG Birthday, grace in ACTION usa

2006-01-13T09:32:00.000-08:00

And thanks Tom Avey for helping launch the grace in ACTION usa web log.

grace in ACTION usa was formed to inspire and assist churches that wish to impact their communities mainly through economic development. But it's much more than just creating jobs for people in need. It's changing lives from the inside out, as we teach and train, mentor and encourage in our Community Life Centers.

"Little did John Jacobson know when his employment as chief meteorologist for eastern Kentucky took him and his wife, Chris, to Jackson that God would plant them in the middle of a church were his theological training, missions, experience, and business expertise would make such an impact. (to read the complete story of giA's first business enterprise, go to www.fgbcworld.com and click on Helping Churches Through Economic Development.)

To borrow a phrase from The Home Depot, "They can do it; you can help!"

The Happy Ship & More store needs salable items in good condition. If you live in the midwest and would like to donate things like antiques, books, jewelry, vintage linens, collectibles, curios, new or slightly used clothing, electronic equipment, and anything unique, contact gladys deloe at gdeloe@comcast.net for instructions. Your tax-deductible contributions will help support someone struggling to become whole. What a great birthday gift to them and grace in ACTION usa!

All together now, "Happy Birthday to you!"