Because We Want Puppies, Rainbows and Happy Clouds

Puppies. The smell, the energy, the tail wagging, the licking and running.
Rainbows. The promise God made and perhaps there really is a pot-o-gold at the end.
Happy Clouds. Well, I just threw that in there because it reminds me of the painter who painted "happy clouds" and "happy trees" said in a relaxed "happy" voice.

Yesterday, most of our family participated in the End It movement. Click on this link to find out why. We started the day off positive, energized and ready to answer if anyone asked about the red 'x' on our hands. And, if the bloggy world readers react the same way those persons our real life acted, I won't "cram" this down your throat again.....well, until perhaps next year if End It has an awareness day again. ;)

If you did not participate in this movement, that is fine and dandy. We all have passions for certain things and this is becoming one of mine. I do not judge you. (This is just a commentary on the responses I received yesterday.)

We didn't cram anything down any one's throat. Perhaps when people asked us why there was a red 'x' on our hands they just didn't know how to respond. Most of the time it seemed like people were making a joke about the 'x'.

"What did you do last night that you have an 'x'?" To which I responded, "Today is a day to raise awareness and shine a light on slavery." Chirp, chirp, chirp and no more eye contact from the person who had just asked. In fact, I felt dismissed.

"What's the 'x' for?" asked another. So, I tried a different response. "It's to shine a light on slavery. You know, like bonded labor, forced labor and human trafficking." This person's response? "How is that {the red 'x'} going to help?" "To raise awareness that slavery still exists. If you go to enditmovement.com it will give you a ton of information." I say in a non-confrontational way. Person's response, "You know you shouldn't put ink on your skin."

The conversation in my head as I walked away: How is the red 'x' going to help? Well, how is a little pink pin going to help breast cancer? Or a red dress for women's heart disease month? Or wearing a blue shirt for abuse awareness? Or a puzzle piece for autism? I shouldn't wear ink on my skin? 27 million people should not have to be slaves.

Yet another asked if I went to a party the night before and when I said what it was for that person just walked away and said nothing.

And, another just kept looking at my hand but didn't say a thing.

Only one person, who said she wrote a paper for a school project on human trafficking in a large city about an hour away, had anything positive to say. We actually had a real conversation until we were interrupted.

My conclusion after a day of disappointment in responses (except for one)? People just want happy things like puppies, rainbows, butterflies, sunshine, happy clouds and trees, and blue skies forever and ever amen. We, humans, like to stick our heads in the sand when life gets ugly. I'm like that as well. If I don't know something terrible is going on then I don't have the responsibility to change it.

What is one red 'x' on my hand going to do? It reminded me to pray for those millions. It reminded me that this world is bigger than ME. It gave me a glimpse at how we, humans, like to look only as far as the end of our nose at times so we can live in a world of happy.

To be honest, when I went to End It movement's facebook page last night to see if they had an updated status, I made the mistake of reading some comments. It was sad the amount of negative comments ranging anywhere from 'there aren't slaves in the US' (false) to 'the red x is already been used so bartenders can know if you're underage' and 'how is this going to stop slavery'.

I lost a little bit of faith in mankind last night. I won't lie.

How did Martin Luther King Jr change the US? It was a movement. It was a gathering of people just like you and me wanting to make and see a change.

Today is a new day. No, the sun isn't shining. In fact we just had our first thunderstorm of the season. Today is a day of new perspective for me. Slavery still exists. Negativity will run rampant when others do not know the facts. But, I'm not going to let that get me down. I am still going to pray. I am still going to donate money when I can. I am still going to follow God's leading. The end.

(annnnddd, end of rant. you're welcome. these opinions are only mine and I'm not looking for a "blog fight" in the comment section. thanks!)

END IT !

Life isn't always pretty and filled with sunsets and roses. Life gets messy. Messy bits are often worth going through for in the end you'll be stronger. More courageous. Changed. Messy isn't fun but often necessary.

"...your life can’t sing unless you play. And you can’t really play unless you know how to play through the hard parts." Holy Experience

My life was moving along just fine until I learned more of what Dancer Daughter would experience on outreach in during her season with Youth With A Mission. As I delved deeper into the subject of women and children at risk, I learned more than I ever wanted to know about human trafficking. Slavery still exists today. It wasn't completely abolished during Lincoln's era contrary to popular belief.

I have this knowledge. Now, what do I do with it. I've always had a passion to 'be there' for young adult women. I know what it is like as one enters the last few years of high school wondering what to do when it seems everyone around already knows and has it all together. Then, as one enters life after high school and you're still wondering, seeking, questioning.

But, human trafficking (aka slavery). Wow, that is an entirely different ball game. I'm still seeking the Lord on what to do with this knowledge of what is happening around the world (including the US). Children in brick factories, farms or other factories, women forced to sell their bodies, children of prostitutes not knowing there is a different life. How does that all go away so every child can have a life of play and not worry, and every women knows her worth is more than pleasing men who might abuse her if she says no? How do we stop the selling of people?

END IT is a movement. A movement to bring awareness. On Tuesday, April 9th help shine a light on slavery by wearing a red "X".



A movement that is joined by seven coalition partners who deal with slavery. (100% of money donated-minus transaction costs..example: paypal, credit card fees etc-goes directly to the partners).

Take some time today to visit END IT 's website and learn. Knowledge is a beautiful thing.

 

 

 

Help bring awareness by sharing your knowledge. And, pray. Pray.

It's All In One's Perspective

9:00 a.m., late March, 34 degrees, the beautiful sun is shining casting long shadows on the barren ground, birds singing and tree limbs moving to a slight breeze.

What part of that description grabs you?

Sadly, if you look on any social media site, the part of that description most would pick up on is the 34 degrees. One status after another would wonder 'where is spring?' or complain about the ground hog's prediction last month.

Where is the beauty in complaining? Where is the joy? Do I complain? You bet. I'm I saying no one should complain when life is really the pits? We are human. We need to vent, complain, yell, scream and cry. It's okay. However, there is a time after we express our feelings that we need to look outside of our situation.

Lately, I've been trying my hardest to find out what is really important. What makes a difference. How I can be a better person. And, do you know what? It is really hard to be that kind of person.

For in searching, one finds truth. In truth one finds a responsibility. In responsibility there is a form of action. In action I, personally, find a bit of fear. And, in fear I find many 'what if's'.

What am I doing in my life that is making a difference in any one's life or the world for that matter? For instance, sitting at my desk in my warm home tapping on the keyboard to create words I wonder if anyone reads. And, if someone does read this, is it making a difference in their life? Or am I wasting time. Then I begin to wonder why I'm so concerned if anyone reads these many letters that form words.

As I read the following words yesterday, my heart cried out in agreement:

Some of you write in quiet spaces with words you don’t think anyone reads, but you keep writing because writing makes you come alive. And I cheer you on because you’re doing what you love, you’re pushing through and finding your voice and sharing your words as an offering.  ~~   Emily at Chatting at the Sky

An offering I pray is holy and pleasing to God. I know I fail in this responsibility many, many times. Typing words in frustration only to show a person who is a work in progress. And I hope it resonates with you as we are all on this journey together.

I hope you see something human here, something hopeful, something that calls courage out from places within you that maybe you forgot were there, something that resonates with you as a person. I hope you see something here that reminds you that you’re not alone.   ~~ Emily at Chatting at the Sky 

Deep in my soul, I know God is working on me. I know there is something rumbling to bubble to the surface. I have a feeling I know what it is, yet, I don't. Certain things enter my mind and heart and won't go away, won't be pressed down. Yet, I don't know what to 'do'. Isn't it funny how I tend to think I have to 'do' when perhaps I'm to 'wait' and pray?

15 minutes later and it is still 34 degrees. The sun is still shining. I have a roof over my head. I have a coat to wear. I have a car to get me to work and back. I have the freedom to attend a church of my choice this Sunday to celebrate our risen Lord. I have an embarrassingly-blessed life. Why should I complain?

Only a blanket and flip-flops & hat
to keep him warm in the coldest
winter in the jungle in years.

I am trying to think on these things when I get caught up in my problems, my issues and my complaints: Around the world there are heartaches. There are women and children, both in our backyards and around the world, who are treated like trash. There are families living on the streets, under bridges, in tent cities, in jungles where it has been the coldest winter in years. There are others who are ill, in constant pain, or saying final goodbyes to friends and family.

So happy to receive a blanket to keep her family warm.

My problems? So, so small. My dancer daughter brought to my attention my complaints the other day as "first world problems". She has witnesses problems in third world countries. I try to remember how embarrassingly-blessed I really am on this side of the world. Will I always remember these things as I go through everyday life? Probably not but I am sure going to try.

A (Very) Noble Groom

First and foremost, shall we get the drooling and swooning out of the way? Let's take a moment...

 

Sigh. I'll wait a moment while you wipe your chin and get control of yourself.......[insert music here]

 

 

A Noble Groom, by the wonderful, fabulous Jody Hedlund, is a book you should purchase immediately! Too bossy? Okay. Let me re-word. It would be to your advantage to purchase a copy of said book for your reading enjoyment. How's that? Better?

 

Welcome to Forestville, Michigan, 1880-1882 where German immigrants, who are trained miners, become farmers in a wooded region in order to survive. Stations in life and traditions, whether right or wrong, are still being followed from the old country. Women are under the thumb of any man who wants to marry and the women have no choice in the matter. Farm animals are treated better than most of the women and children.

 

Annalisa is a young mother and wife who gives up on fairy-tale love and accepts a loveless marriage. Her daughter and unborn child keep her sane as she tries to avoid her husband. Suddenly, Annalisa's husband dies mysteriously. A new groom from the Old Country is chosen by her father and all await his arrival.

 

In walks Clark. Clark is running away from his past. He has become quite efficient at running away. He has something to hide. If uncovered it will rock the world of those in Forestville, MI.

 

While the family waits for Annalisa's groom to arrive, Clark is asked to help Annalisa on the farm in hopes of securing the farm until the groom gets to MI. This is where it gets good. Really good. Clark is unlike any of the German immigrants, except the pastor, in Forestville. He is kind, considerate, and treats Annalisa like a lady. Clark is on the run and doesn't plan to stay forever. A friendship develops. Do you see where this is going? Mmmmm hmmmm.

 

Jody, you did an excellent job (again) of making the characters human...not just flat, one dimensional people in a book. I could feel the heartache. I was mad when the women and children were treated terribly. I wanted to shout a few times at Clark when he would say certain things around Annalisa making her question whether he would stay or run like the wind. I could see Clark holding the baby. I found myself needing to slow down my reading during the scenes of "action" because I started skipping over words to know if everyone was okay. Well done, Jody, once again!

 

Jody has written three other books (which you need to read...that's an order! Obviously I'm a little bossy today.). Preacher's Bride, The Doctor's Lady and Unending Devotion. All three focus on a person from history. Jody told me A Noble Groom is more "traditional". Even if Jody considers this "traditional", it has an underlying theme.

 

Like Unending Devotion, which dealt with human trafficking in the 1880's, A Noble Groom also brings to light the treatment of women and children in that era. Maybe it is because my daughter just returned from a few third world countries and saw the awfulness of human trafficking on women and children that this came to the forefront of my mind. But, as I read A Noble Groom I couldn't help ache for the treatment of the women and children when some think of them as just a piece of meat. They have no voice. They do as they are told because it could mean physical and emotional mistreatment.

 

Clark, to me, represented what Christ meant when He said, "Husbands, love your wife as Christ loved the church..." Ephesians 5:25  If Clark saw a husband mistreating his wife, he didn't stand by and keep quiet. He wanted the men to take note of how they were treating the women and children. He cared. He loved. Just like Christ cares for the 'least of these'. It doesn't matter if you are dirty, poor, wealthy or are born into the "right" family. God loves you.

 

Are you convinced yet to run, walk, drive, hail a taxi, hop over to your favorite book seller on the web and purchase this book? Good!

 

 

 

 

And...eeeeeee!!!!....Jody has Rebellious Heart coming out in September and available for pre-order!

 

 



But What Can I Do?

Dancer Daughter has returned from her season with a mission group. Six months of living with people who have become her second family. It is bitter sweet for her. She has grown to love her second family. It is hard. But, she'll survive. Text, facebook, Skype, reunions already being planned. Technology is a wonderful thing.

The graduation ceremony was filled with praise songs, original songs written by a few after what they witnessed, dances set to songs about slavery, poems, videos and pictures. Very emotional as the students shared from their hearts. One sentence out of a video shown about a part of the third world country he was sent to do outreach has stuck with me.  "Everyone here knows the drink Coca-Cola but they do not know who Jesus is..."

I am filled with mixed emotions for our girl. First at her home away from home when good-byes were being said after graduation. Since she didn't know where we were parked and it was too dark to find our vehicle easily, I stayed in the building to wait for her to finish with good-byes. At first I stayed on an enclosed 'porch' to give her some space but it got too cold. So, I moved inside where she was giving and receiving hugs. I may or may not have had a lump in my throat as I watched the scene unfold. It was emotional as it always is with good-byes. I love having her home. But,I know this time at home is only for a period of time. As it is with our oldest daughter one day as well. They grow. They move on. T'is the blessing/curse of growing up and of parenthood.

Two months out of the six found her in three countries loving women and children at risk. Human trafficking became heavy on my heart as I learned more and more over this time period and in the time since. My heart broke for women and little girls exposed to things we can't even imagine. I didn't experience this tragedy called human trafficking first hand but the stories are embedded in my mind and heart. So much so, I can't seem to shake it. I tear up now as I type just thinking about little children lying beside their mothers in a brothel while a strange man lays beside them.

Human trafficking is not only happening in "other" countries, it is happening in our backyards. Slavery never ended like our history books like to say. Human trafficking is happening today. Tomorrow and each day after that unless we do something. But what? How?

Where is the hope? Where is God? Yes, I just asked that. We are His hands and feet (as old as that cliche' is it is true) to show them Jesus. And, we are human. Humans with many flaws. Sometimes we think we know more than God. That is when we get into trouble. Faith is the assurance of things hoped for; the conviction of the unseen (Hebrews 11:1) Prayer, faith and those going forth in the name of Jesus to make Him known to everyone. Aren't those a few of the foundation of our faith in a loving God? God knows what is happening. God aches for all people. The rich, the poor and the enslaved. God will help them; that is faith. And, that is what I am holding on to in the moment.

Please watch this video as our daughter and a few others share the realities of children at risk.


If you'd like to watch more videos like the above click here.

Will you join me in prayer?

Good to Know

Hi. I'm here. I'm still alive...just in case you were concerned.
I've been wanting to post for what seems like a year. Life.

Life can grab you by the heels and swing you into a ride of your life. Sometimes you just need to hold on and enjoy. Other times you hold on and give yourself a high five for landing in one piece. I've, also, been terribly busy stalking my missionary daughter's facebook account...but I'm getting ahead of myself....

There are so many things I've wanted to tell you. So, hold on tight because it may be a bumpy ride as I weave in and out of traffic and stop at rest areas (aka...off topic) and get back on the main road.

Books:

Let me start at the beginning which is always a good place to start, eh? (no, not from Canada but sometimes one just needs to say "Eh?".) I have been reading posts over at Big Mama for a number of years. She.is.hilarious.and.she.and.I.need.to.become.friends.in.a.nonstalkerish.type.of.way. Her first book hit the shelves and ereaders early February. To say I was anticipating this book with glee is a grossly understated. I.could.not.wait for Sparkly Green Earrings to arrive on our ereader the day of the books release.

I read it in two days. Yes, two. I laughed, I cried, it moved me, Bob. (oops, Veggie Tales days flashback...) Melanie, yes - I think if you laugh, cry and are moved by a book you can call the author by her first name...all in a nonstalkerish type of way, of course - is real in her writing. And, did I mention funny? Oh my word. My family was starring at me like I had just lost my mind when I would burst forth in laughter during a basketball game my family was watching on TV while I was reading Sparkly Green Earrings in the same room. The book revolves around her & her family life. Melanie has a way of making the smallest situation into a rip-roaring, bust-a-gut hilarious situation. Trust me. Get.the.book.and.I'll.stop.putting.periods.between.each.word.

Noble Groom by Jody Hedlund is coming out sooooonnnn. Eeeee. Not that I'm excited or anything. Jody is a writer who can make you feel like you are physically in every scene of the book. Seriously. Plus, the Nobel Groom is one fine lookin' dude. Seriously. Look at him! Huba-huba...does anyone really ever say that anymore? I say we bring it back...or not.

And, this incredible author has another book coming out in the fall. Yay!! Follow the link above to find all her books!

Kiss Me Awake by Julie Momyer will soon grace shelves. A few years ago, she was a runner-up in the Christian Writers' Guild First Novel Award. I had the privilege of reading a portion of her book and it was fabulous. Here is an excerpt.

Organizations:

Sevenly. Have you heard of them? Oh my word. You have to visit their facebook page and their website! In a nutshell, Sevenly is an organization that helps charities. A charity submits a request to become Sevenly's charity of the week. Each week Sevenly will feature one charity. Through purchasing t-shirts or sweatshirts, you are helping to fund that particularly charity. All you need to do is purchase a one-of-a-kind shirt. You can read more through the links I provided above on how it all works.

We purchased a t-shirt from last weeks charity that helps rescue trafficked children from brothels in India. Since our daughter was in India until just a week ago (hence the facebook stalking her account to see/hear what was going on while she was over there...see, that doesn't sound nearly as bad as you first thought at the beginning of this post...or maybe so. Hey, I was a desperate mom in need of seeing her daughter in pictures, status updates..anything!), we quickly purchased a shirt. It came in the mail the other day and the quality was terrific. I was expecting a thin t-shirt. Nope. I was totally wrong. Plus...and a big plus this is....they are a fun company. From the moment you receive your first email of confirmation to the packaging they are fun and funny. This week...hurry, ends in 3 days...the charity is Mercy Ships. Seriously, go check them out.


See...look at that fun packaging!

Okay, I'm totally over my word limit here so I better reign it in.....until next time....

His Master

I better add this to the list before I forget it I thought as I pulled into the parking space. As I scribbled down the item on my grocery list (my next stop), a truck pulled in the space beside me.

I noticed the driver get out and go into the store. I started to get out of my car when I noticed someone in the passenger seat of the truck staring at the door of the store. This someone turned out to be a cute-as-could-be older German Shepherd dog.

A dog person at heart, I, of course, started a conversation with this lovable dog as soon as I opened my car door. Funny thing was, this dog would hardly look at me. Instead, he looked over the top of my head to the door in which his master disappeared.

With a smile on my face, even though I felt a little dissed by this dog, I strolled inside the store to purchase dog and cat food. Ironic, isn't it?! Purchase complete, when I went outside the truck was still parked beside my car and the dog was in the exact spot I left him, still giving the door of the store the ole stare-down. The dog was just watching and waiting for his master to come back to him. (or her?)

I believe the dog realized my purchase consisted of dog food for he watched me as I threw the bags in the trunk and watched as I took the cart back inside. When I came out, again, he couldn't keep from watching the door of the store where his master disappeared.

He was waiting. Waiting with an intensity to suggest great love for his master. He was focused on the task - to wait, to watch.

I puttered along wanting to see how this faithful, loving dog would truly act when he saw the first glimpse of his master. However, time was short. I left wondering how the dog and master reunion would unfold.

Would the dog become so excited at first sight of his master he'd bounce around in the truck until the door finally opened and his master returned? Would he cover the master with kisses and love? Or, would the dog just sit, watch and not react with excitement?

As I drove away I began to compare the scene to that of when I see my Master. When I finally see Him face to face how will I react? I imagine great joy, awe, and crying if I know myself! Perhaps I'll be in such awe, I'll just sit and stare.

No matter my reaction, it is important to watch and be ready by allowing myself a relationship with Him. Then, when we see our Master face to face, what love, grace and mercy will radiate from His Glorious face!

Mark 13:26-27   At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.  And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

Mark 13:32-37 No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back - whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'