20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21
Sometimes, I read over verses without really thinking about them. That, or I hear them so often that I allow the words to lose the fully weight of their meaning. This verse has taken on new meaning today... God is absolutely more than able to do immeasurably more than I could ever ask or even imagine.... WoW! In church, we have been talking about prayer and how we are to ask God, and how too often we have not because we ask not. But this verse is even better... he can do more than we even know what to ask for!
Lately, I've been asking for some things that are very heavy on my heart, and it just doesn't seem to be happening. Honestly, I'm discouraged. ANd tired. I know I am learning patience and reliance on my God in this time, and this verse is so encouraging... even if my momentary snapshot doesn't seem to be what I want it to be, He's got a bigger picture in mind... one that is so much more than I could even imagine. I notice, too though, that the verse says He is able to do all that.... not necessarily that He will.... *Sigh* So for today, I will continue to wait. I will continue to pray. And that's about all I can do.
I can't get caught up in the what-ifs... If we'd never moved, I wouldn't have to be working and I could spend time doing things I love with the people I love. My brother in law and his fiance are here and it is so great to see them and spend time with them. It just kills me that I have to work all day and don't get to spend time with them!! My parents were here just for one day yesterday, and I did get to take that day off ... there's no way I wouldn't! I don't know when the next time is that I"m going to see them and that is hard. Dad leaves for Egypt on the 29th, and Mom will follow after David goes back to school in September. I love my family so much, and we are so blessed that they are able to come out here and see us. :-)
Press Release on the Warner Bros. summer horror film, "Orphan":
7.16.09 "ORPHANS DESERVE BETTER" CAMPAIGN TAKES ON WARNER BROS FILM ORPHAN
“The movie Orphan does no favors for the boys and girls who share its name,” said Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. “Organizations, advocates and ordinary citizens have every reason to raise a respectful but firm counter voice—orphans deserve better than the messages this film conveys.”
Orphan advocates are concerned Orphan will feed perceptions that children who’ve lost their parents are oddities or worse, while also reducing chances they will be received into permanent families through adoption. Meanwhile, movie reviews describe Orphan as the “anti-adoption horror film of the year”—sure to “scare prospective parents from ever adopting.” The controversy has prompted Warner Bros to remove its most inflammatory line from the trailer, but the movie is sure to stir more debate when it is released on July 24.
The website www.OrphansDeserveBetter.Org serves as a hub for the campaign, which supporters explain is intended not to “bash” Warner Bros but to educate and stir response to the needs of orphans.
Individuals are invited to join the campaign in a range of ways. The site enables families and individuals to post their own stories, pictures, blogs and videos that “tell a truer story” than the movie Orphan. The personal accounts show with real-life color that, although sometimes requiring sacrifices, serving orphans brings the kind of joy not found anywhere else.
The site also offers practical steps ordinary people can take to help orphans. In addition, individuals can sign a letter to Warner Bros, urging that a portion of profits from the movie be used to help orphans.
“This campaign is just one small way to answer the prophet Isaiah’s call to ‘Defend the cause of the fatherless,’” said Scott Hasenbalg of Show Hope. “We do want to stand up to the distortions portrayed in Orphan, but even more important is to harness this opportunity to enable Christians to live out their mandate to care for orphans in both word and deed.”
Really? They pay these people millions, and no one can come up with a better theme for a horror movie? The enemy already plays on all kinds of fears people have concerning adoption, and there is no doubt in my mind that this is just another one of his tactics. Take a moment to visit these links, sign the petition against this movie, and repost to educate others.
Also, go read this great BLOG POST by Nick Lyndon from Steven Curtis Chapman's Show Hope organization.
This is a screenshot with the current and upcoming weather conditions. H.O.T!!!!
PS- Click on the picture to see a bigger, clearer version where you can actually read it!
Here's what I've been reading this summer....
JUST FINISHED IT:
As We Forgive Based on personal interviews and thorough research, As We Forgive returns to the boundary lines of genocide’s wounds and traces the route of reconciliation in the lives of Rwandans—victims, widows, orphans, and perpetrators—whose past and future intersect. We find in these stories how suffering, memory, and identity set up roadblocks to forgiveness, while mediation, truth-telling, restitution, and interdependence create bridges to healing. The result is a narrative that breathes with humanity and is as haunting as it is hopeful.
JUST STARTED IT:
I am only about 1/3 of the way through this book but so far, it is amazing. So far, I have read almost every chapter watery vision... through eyes filled to the brim with tears. This book is a wake up call, a call to action, and a cry of hope for Christians to answer the cries of poverty, despair, and death. Amazon Link 
Crazy Love
Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrifi cing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.Whether you've verbalized it yet or not.we all know something's wrong.Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.
Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. Amazon Link
NEXT UP (2):
There Is No Me Without You This is the remarkable story of Mrs. Haregewoin Teferra, a middle class Ethiopian widow whose home became a refuge for hundreds of AIDS orphans, and about a few remarkable children who moved through her life.
I cannot wait to read this one! This woman was truly remarkable, selfless and everything that Micah 6:8, James 1:27, and Matthew 25:35-36 talk about. Mrs. Haregewoin just went to be with the Lord in this past year, but her life and legacy lives on in the many children whose lives she forever changed. Amazon Link
Ok, so now its your turn....what are you reading this summer? What do you want to read? What have you read, etc etc. I'm always on the lookout for good books that people recommend. So either post it on your blog and let me know, or just leave me a comment here! :-)
JUST FINISHED IT:
As We Forgive Based on personal interviews and thorough research, As We Forgive returns to the boundary lines of genocide’s wounds and traces the route of reconciliation in the lives of Rwandans—victims, widows, orphans, and perpetrators—whose past and future intersect. We find in these stories how suffering, memory, and identity set up roadblocks to forgiveness, while mediation, truth-telling, restitution, and interdependence create bridges to healing. The result is a narrative that breathes with humanity and is as haunting as it is hopeful. Rwanda looms as a vastly uncharted case study in forgiveness. Why are survivors who lost entire families willing to forgive and befriend those who destroyed their lives? Why are once-militant and murderous Hutus now repenting of their crimes? These questions beckon the humble to explore the pain, the mystery, and the heartbreaking beauty of the process.
This book was amazing, and I am still processing it. Hopefully I can get my thoughts together sometime soon to write a full review. Here's the Amazon Link if you're interested.
JUST STARTED IT:
The Hole In Our Gospel This is a story of how a CEO faced his own struggle to obey God, whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Believing that the "good news" is more than a private transaction between God and us, Stearns challenges readers with this question: What does God expect of us? Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
I am only about 1/3 of the way through this book but so far, it is amazing. So far, I have read almost every chapter watery vision... through eyes filled to the brim with tears. This book is a wake up call, a call to action, and a cry of hope for Christians to answer the cries of poverty, despair, and death. Amazon Link
NEXT UP (1):
Crazy Love Have you ever wondered if we're missing it? It's crazy, if you think about it. The God of the universe—the Creator of nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor—loves us with a radical, unconditional, self-sacrifi cing love. And what is our typical response? We go to church, sing songs, and try not to cuss.Whether you've verbalized it yet or not.we all know something's wrong.Does something deep inside your heart long to break free from the status quo? Are you hungry for an authentic faith that addresses the problems of our world with tangible, even radical, solutions? God is calling you to a passionate love relationship with Himself. Because the answer to religious complacency isn't working harder at a list of do's and don'ts-it's falling in love with God. And once you encounter His love, as Francis describes it, you will never be the same.
Because when you're wildly in love with someone, it changes everything. Amazon Link
NEXT UP (2):
There Is No Me Without You This is the remarkable story of Mrs. Haregewoin Teferra, a middle class Ethiopian widow whose home became a refuge for hundreds of AIDS orphans, and about a few remarkable children who moved through her life.
I cannot wait to read this one! This woman was truly remarkable, selfless and everything that Micah 6:8, James 1:27, and Matthew 25:35-36 talk about. Mrs. Haregewoin just went to be with the Lord in this past year, but her life and legacy lives on in the many children whose lives she forever changed. Amazon Link
Ok, so now its your turn....what are you reading this summer? What do you want to read? What have you read, etc etc. I'm always on the lookout for good books that people recommend. So either post it on your blog and let me know, or just leave me a comment here! :-)
This has been a busy but very productive week! I think it is because I have been so busy at work from the time I get in until the time I leave! I can't believe an entire 7 days has already gone by! Sheesh. Time is flying this month.
My birthday was yesterday and it was wonderful! Sean and I had dinner at Panera Bread (my favorite!) then came home and watched a Harry Potter movie (in preparation for the new movie coming out next week!!). For my birthday, he bought me an awesome set of wooden bowls & stands from the Philippines when he was there earlier this year... he kept them a secret for MONTHS! I was impressed. They're beautiful... I'll post pictures once I download them from my phone.
This past Sunday, we went to downtown Fresno where our college students are living and serving for several weeks this summer. Fresno has some of the poorest areas in the nation, and they are down there making a difference. After going to an evening service at Cornerstone(awesome!), we went out to dinner and talke and got to know them. It was so much fun! I'm really excited for what God is doing through them and the seeds that are being planted in the students, as well as in the people whom they are encountering.
Several verses have been rolling around in my head and making their way to my heart in these past few weeks... just thought I'd share:
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
1 John 4:16 & 18-19
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. ... 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.
Proverbs 24:12
Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.
They may seem sporadic and unrealted to you, but to me, they fit perfectly into the tapestry that is currently being woven in my heart.
So, that's all for now. We have a busy weekend ahead of us! Our a/c broke last night, so we have no air conditioning in our house! The guy can't come out to look at it until Monday!!! Yikes!
My birthday was yesterday and it was wonderful! Sean and I had dinner at Panera Bread (my favorite!) then came home and watched a Harry Potter movie (in preparation for the new movie coming out next week!!). For my birthday, he bought me an awesome set of wooden bowls & stands from the Philippines when he was there earlier this year... he kept them a secret for MONTHS! I was impressed. They're beautiful... I'll post pictures once I download them from my phone.
This past Sunday, we went to downtown Fresno where our college students are living and serving for several weeks this summer. Fresno has some of the poorest areas in the nation, and they are down there making a difference. After going to an evening service at Cornerstone(awesome!), we went out to dinner and talke and got to know them. It was so much fun! I'm really excited for what God is doing through them and the seeds that are being planted in the students, as well as in the people whom they are encountering.
Several verses have been rolling around in my head and making their way to my heart in these past few weeks... just thought I'd share:
Micah 6:8
He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
1 John 4:16 & 18-19
16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. ... 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us.
Proverbs 24:12
Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act.
They may seem sporadic and unrealted to you, but to me, they fit perfectly into the tapestry that is currently being woven in my heart.
So, that's all for now. We have a busy weekend ahead of us! Our a/c broke last night, so we have no air conditioning in our house! The guy can't come out to look at it until Monday!!! Yikes!
Yesterday, along with millions of Americans, we celebrated the 233rd anniversary of our country's declaration of independence from the powerful monarchy of England. July 4th is a celebration of our many freedoms.... religion, speech, work, family, schooling, etc. We have so many freedoms in this country for which to be greatful. The 4th of July is also a time to stop and reflect on the men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms. From the Revolutionary War, to the Gulf War, to today's ongoing struggles in the Middle East, brave soldiers have fought to protect the freedom that was proclaimed so many years ago. A few weeks ago, I was sitting in an airport in Denver, on my way back to California from Oklahoma. I overheard a woman sitting behind me, talking to another traveler... this woman was from Sweden. She had actually won a lottery for a green card. She was on her way to L.A. to get this green card. (I had no idea there was even such a lottery.... apparently dozens of countries are given a specific number of "green card lottery tickets", and only a few from each country win said "lottery." This green card then makes them eligible for citizenship after a certain amount of time.) The other traveler was asking this woman why she would want to leave all of her friends and family and move here, to America. In accented English, the American-citizen-to-be proceeded to tell the other woman about the greatness that was in America that was not in her own country. "There are so many more opportunities for happiness in America. America is just the greatest country to be a part of. I am so honored to soon be called a citizen of America." As I sat there, my first thought was "Oh, lady... you really don't know much about the US, do you?" My mind was racing with the pain, the selfishness, materialism and ungreatful cynicism that I have become all too apathetic towards. But then I stopped myself, kind of ashamed in my own mind, as I listened more to what she was saying. Yes, this is a great country, full of opportunity. We have a rich history, which I should both be proud of and take lessons from. We have so many freedoms and opportunities in this land... freedoms that I so often take for granted. Overhearing that conversation has given me a new perspective on this land that I love, but have sadly taken for granted. My heart swells with pride and joy as I thank God for allowing me to be born into this great land.
Don't get the wrong idea though... I'm not one of those American-centric people who believe America is the only great place to live on earth. Every country has great history for which every citizen should be proud. July 4th is a great day of celebration in America... but did you also know it is a great day of celebration in Rwanda?
4 Jul is Rwanda's Liberation day.... the day that 15 years ago the Patriotic Army liberated this country from the ho
rrific genocide that killed nearly a million Rwandans-- about 20% of their total population. (Rwanda is roughly the size of Maryland, but has the most higly condensed population in all of Sub-Saharan Africa. Today, their population is roughly 8 million.) On 4 Jul 15 years ago, the Patriotic Army freed the capital city of Kigali from the 100-day reign of terror of the Hutu militias and marked the beginning of a new era of government, justice, healing and redemption.
I just finished the book, As We Forgive (which I mentioned here). This book is all about the incredible, miraculous healing that is taking place in Rwanda right now. After such widespread panic and massacre, the country is still deeply wounded, but is also triumphantly healing. This book gives the testimonies of victims and offenders alike, who through tragic yet miraculous circumstances are rising above the hate and prejudice to experience forgiveness and grace on levels that we cannot even comprehend. Women who were raped by their neighbors and witnessed their husband and ALL of their children murdered right before their eyes are somehow, by the grace of God, able to look their violators in the eye and say "I forgive you." Offenders who commited such henious acts are learning about Christ, and his love for sinners-- even sinners like them-- and are able to seek the forgiveness of those they have so inhumanely wronged. Offender and victim are able to work side by side, rebuilding homes and harvesting fields. This, friends, is no small feat. This is a healing so deep it can only be by the hand of God. Reading this book has helped me appreciate and understand what a celebration 4 July truly is for the country of Rwanda. Here is a glimpse at this year's celebration of Liberation in Rwanda....
(Where the reporter sounds like she is saying "wonder" she is really saying "Rwanda")
Rwanda celebrated 15 years of Liberation, and America celebrated 233 years for Freedom. (The only two countries in the WORLD who share the same day of their freedom celebration) One thing I know for sure is that no words can describe the feeling of "freedom." And I am so greatful for the true freedom that we have in Christ. Both our country and Rwanda's freedom come from the One who is truly able to set us free, and who has freed us from the bonds of sin. We have so much to be thankful for on this July 4th, but its important to remember that we are not the only one celebrating freedom. It is also important to remember and pray for those who do not yet know freedom... whether it be spiritual freedom from sin, or physical freedom from some kind of oppression, God is the God who sets us free!
"The day came when the risk to stay tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." -Anais Nin
Rumor has it, there's going to be a Michael jackson tribute show in El Lay.... you better believe I wanna be there!!!!!!!
So this fast from non-essential spending is a lot harder than I thought it'd be! Here's just a few examples...
* I was totally craving chocolate after lunch today and usually, I'd go to the gas station and get a little 4-pack of SoftBatch cookies. I wanted some sooooo bad! (So I actually scrounged around the house and found some quarters... $0.79. Surely that doesnt count against me!)
* I got my new Jo-Ann's sales flyer in the mail this week. Last night, before bed, I got all cozied under the covers and sat down to formulate my plan of action on what to buy, what day to buy it and with what coupon. Only after I'd scoured the flyer from front to back did I remember that I can't buy ANYTHING that I'd planned.... even if I do have an extra 10% off of sales price coupon. Boo.
* Starbucks always sounds good. Of course.
* Sean and I really want to go to the coast this weekend. But, a hotel and dinners out are definintely NON-ESSENTIALS. So, no coastal getaway for the Wilsons this 4th of July weekend. Boo times two.
* We've been watching True Blood on DVD (Season 1) this summer. We only have one disc left, but when we went to exchange our Blockbuster online movie for a free in-store movie, they didn't have it. So we got something else. Which means that we'd have to pay for any other movies we got. There is nothing on TV tonight, and it was very tempting to just go to the store and pay for the DVD, even though we're getting more in the mail tomorrow or the next day.
Now, please know as I write all of this, I do realize that all these things I am not allowing myself to just go out and buy are just that...."things." I realize that by all standards, these items are luxuries, nothing I need to survive. I just find it very eye-opening how much I freely spend in a week on little things that I don't really need. By taking this time to step back and see how much we are accustomed to simply "going and getting" exactly what we want, when we want, I hope to change the way we spend all the time. Not just for this week. Just keeping it real, folks. :-)
