Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Mission Aviation Fellowship
It's so cool to me that God has given everyone a specific passion for a specific purpose so that everything that needs to be done, is done! The only reason we have things left undone is because we have forgotten/refused/rejected/ignored/reasoned/__________fill in the blank, our purpose for the Earth---the only thing that has eternal impact.
Check out this awesome video about Mission Aviation Fellowship.
I found out about them as I was researching ways to get from Port-au-Prince to Pignon, Haiti in November. You'll see what they do in the video. It's awesome how so many of the details and needs are worked out by people willing to accept a radical way of living that only requires 1 thing: obedience
*Turn off the music player at the bottom of the blog to listen to the video. You'll want to hear the sound on this one :)
Have a great day!
~Lindsey
Check out this awesome video about Mission Aviation Fellowship.
I found out about them as I was researching ways to get from Port-au-Prince to Pignon, Haiti in November. You'll see what they do in the video. It's awesome how so many of the details and needs are worked out by people willing to accept a radical way of living that only requires 1 thing: obedience
*Turn off the music player at the bottom of the blog to listen to the video. You'll want to hear the sound on this one :)
Have a great day!
~Lindsey
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Getting ready, getting set and going!
Well, summer is off to a great start. Lots of traveling with family and friends and days filled with my babies.... one perk of being a teacher :) Got my wireless router hooked up yesterday and feel a little more "connected" to the outside world again.....and this blog/project!
I have officially confirmed my visit to Haiti for the week of Thanksgiving. I am still in the early planning stages but have decided instead of "hooking onto" a group already going, that I will form my own small group of 6-12 people. If you are interested in coming with us, please email me at lins114@yahoo.com or comment here and I will contact you with more information. According to my early budgeting, the trip should not exceed $1,500 and that includes airfare, transportation, food, shelter and traveler's insurance (Possibly even less). I am still working out the details though. With that said, if you are interested in helping me financially get to Haiti, I would be immensely appreciative! It will take some effort to raise the funds, as did this water project, but if I have learned anything from this, it's that when we are open to obeying God's will, He will provide through His means and His people.
I am so excited! I cannot think of a better way to express my gratitude to the Lord at Thanksgiving, then to serve Him and His people somewhere completely out of my context.
Until then, I will enjoy these summer days with my children and rest up for the new group of kids that I will have this coming school year. Back to work in a little over a month! Bittersweet...
Please continue to pray for the people who will receive the benefit of the Living Water message and the clean water systems through Water Missions International, and especially the people still waiting for relief.
Have a wonderful week!
~Lindsey
*Here is what WMI is doing in Haiti in particular: http://www.watermissions.org/haiti
*This is the organization I will be visiting Haiti under: Haitian American Friendship Foundation
*Firstgiving donation page: Firstgiving.com
*Email address if you would like to donate financially towards my trip to Haiti. I will reply back with my home address. THANK YOU! lins114@yahoo.com
Looking at these little faces drink clean water NEVER gets old and serves as a reminder that as long as there is a need, there shouldn't be an excuse not to help! Thank you for sowing into the project through prayer and support.
Saw this on a friends page and wanted to share it...
I have officially confirmed my visit to Haiti for the week of Thanksgiving. I am still in the early planning stages but have decided instead of "hooking onto" a group already going, that I will form my own small group of 6-12 people. If you are interested in coming with us, please email me at lins114@yahoo.com or comment here and I will contact you with more information. According to my early budgeting, the trip should not exceed $1,500 and that includes airfare, transportation, food, shelter and traveler's insurance (Possibly even less). I am still working out the details though. With that said, if you are interested in helping me financially get to Haiti, I would be immensely appreciative! It will take some effort to raise the funds, as did this water project, but if I have learned anything from this, it's that when we are open to obeying God's will, He will provide through His means and His people.
I am so excited! I cannot think of a better way to express my gratitude to the Lord at Thanksgiving, then to serve Him and His people somewhere completely out of my context.
Until then, I will enjoy these summer days with my children and rest up for the new group of kids that I will have this coming school year. Back to work in a little over a month! Bittersweet...
Please continue to pray for the people who will receive the benefit of the Living Water message and the clean water systems through Water Missions International, and especially the people still waiting for relief.
Have a wonderful week!
~Lindsey
*Here is what WMI is doing in Haiti in particular: http://www.watermissions.org/haiti
*This is the organization I will be visiting Haiti under: Haitian American Friendship Foundation
*Firstgiving donation page: Firstgiving.com
*Email address if you would like to donate financially towards my trip to Haiti. I will reply back with my home address. THANK YOU! lins114@yahoo.com
Looking at these little faces drink clean water NEVER gets old and serves as a reminder that as long as there is a need, there shouldn't be an excuse not to help! Thank you for sowing into the project through prayer and support.
Saw this on a friends page and wanted to share it...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Maybe I'm not so great at multi-tasking after all!
Whew! Well, I am ashamed that it has been since February since I have posted. I took an after-school tutoring job in addition to my full time teaching job and mommy job and my oldest son also started baseball! Those are good excuses right?? :) Oh and my computer at home which I blog on, is kaput. Can I create a fundraising page for a new computer?? ;-)
We are wrapping up ball season (unless the little man makes All-Stars) and winding down the school year. My youngest turns 4 next week and with his approaching birthday is an increasing strong-willed, defiant temperment! <deeeep breath!>
I told Dylan the other day, when he was trying to talk to me and get ready for school at the same time, that he isn't a good multi-tasker like a woman, so he needed to focus on getting ready for school first, then talk to me. :) His response was "Like women?? Oh yea? Like scream and have a baby at the same time?!" Little sassy boy. ;-) Well that backfired the next day when I was washing dishes, doing laundry and cooking dinner. He came up to me and asked me to do something for him and I said "Dylan! I am ONE person! I can only do ONE thing at a time! Hold on!". To which he replied, "But I thought you said yesterday that women could multi-task!" Mmmmmhum. Had to eat my words thanks to an 8 year old. All that to say, apparently in the mix of baseball, work, motherhood and a broken computer at home, this blog was bumped down the list :-( ....However the project is not!!! I am excited about having the next 3 1/2 months to complete our families goal of $3,000 for Water Missions International! I know we will meet our goal! The boys are still adding coins to their "Water Missions Jar" next to their bed (I think they have almost $40 there!) and Brayden's little scruffy voice prays for the "people who need clean water and that they don't have to drink 'dirdy' water ever again!" :)
I am also very excited to have been invited on a trip to Haiti with HAFF (Haitian American Friendship Foundation) in October. It will be my first missions trip and I will have the opportunity to work with this wonderful group for a week. They have asked me to use some of my teaching skills to help train some of the staff at the beginning of their school year. It reminds me that there are seasons in life and as important as it is to "Go unto the nations", I would not be able to use the skills I have to offer, if it weren't for the time invested here in my own education. It's encouraging to know that our time isn't a waste. I get very motivated when I think about living radically and I want to just sell it all and get out of here sometimes. I don't want to dismiss that passion but I am also reminded that there are productive things going on now that will help me, help others later.
Also, while I'm in Haiti, I will get to see one of the Living Water Treatment Systems! Water Missions International has given me contact information for people working with these treatment systems and I am so excited to see this first hand. I am also thrilled that I may have the chance to visit a hosptial in Haiti that my grandfather established there many years ago. I know this will be a special trip for many reasons. I will post more about that in the coming weeks and months :)
So with all that said, I am sitting here at work, on my only break for the day, needing to grade papers, put them into the computer system, work on PMP's, schedule Brayden's birthday for this weekend and make lesson plans for my sub tomorrow. I have a lot to do here! Thanks for tracking this blog and even more so for being part of the project! Help us reach our goal and head on over to our donation site Firstgiving.com to make a donation of any amount. Remember, $10.00 will provide someone with clean water for LIFE! Just this morning while washing my hair, I thought about all of the gallons of clean water used to just keep my hair clean. What people would give to have that water for their survival..... it's humbling and I never want to forget that what I take for granted is what someone else would give anything to have and as long as there is a need, there shouldn't be an excuse not to help!
Have a great, radical, productive and multi-tasking filled ;-) day!
~Lindsey
We are wrapping up ball season (unless the little man makes All-Stars) and winding down the school year. My youngest turns 4 next week and with his approaching birthday is an increasing strong-willed, defiant temperment! <deeeep breath!>
I told Dylan the other day, when he was trying to talk to me and get ready for school at the same time, that he isn't a good multi-tasker like a woman, so he needed to focus on getting ready for school first, then talk to me. :) His response was "Like women?? Oh yea? Like scream and have a baby at the same time?!" Little sassy boy. ;-) Well that backfired the next day when I was washing dishes, doing laundry and cooking dinner. He came up to me and asked me to do something for him and I said "Dylan! I am ONE person! I can only do ONE thing at a time! Hold on!". To which he replied, "But I thought you said yesterday that women could multi-task!" Mmmmmhum. Had to eat my words thanks to an 8 year old. All that to say, apparently in the mix of baseball, work, motherhood and a broken computer at home, this blog was bumped down the list :-( ....However the project is not!!! I am excited about having the next 3 1/2 months to complete our families goal of $3,000 for Water Missions International! I know we will meet our goal! The boys are still adding coins to their "Water Missions Jar" next to their bed (I think they have almost $40 there!) and Brayden's little scruffy voice prays for the "people who need clean water and that they don't have to drink 'dirdy' water ever again!" :)
I am also very excited to have been invited on a trip to Haiti with HAFF (Haitian American Friendship Foundation) in October. It will be my first missions trip and I will have the opportunity to work with this wonderful group for a week. They have asked me to use some of my teaching skills to help train some of the staff at the beginning of their school year. It reminds me that there are seasons in life and as important as it is to "Go unto the nations", I would not be able to use the skills I have to offer, if it weren't for the time invested here in my own education. It's encouraging to know that our time isn't a waste. I get very motivated when I think about living radically and I want to just sell it all and get out of here sometimes. I don't want to dismiss that passion but I am also reminded that there are productive things going on now that will help me, help others later.
Also, while I'm in Haiti, I will get to see one of the Living Water Treatment Systems! Water Missions International has given me contact information for people working with these treatment systems and I am so excited to see this first hand. I am also thrilled that I may have the chance to visit a hosptial in Haiti that my grandfather established there many years ago. I know this will be a special trip for many reasons. I will post more about that in the coming weeks and months :)
So with all that said, I am sitting here at work, on my only break for the day, needing to grade papers, put them into the computer system, work on PMP's, schedule Brayden's birthday for this weekend and make lesson plans for my sub tomorrow. I have a lot to do here! Thanks for tracking this blog and even more so for being part of the project! Help us reach our goal and head on over to our donation site Firstgiving.com to make a donation of any amount. Remember, $10.00 will provide someone with clean water for LIFE! Just this morning while washing my hair, I thought about all of the gallons of clean water used to just keep my hair clean. What people would give to have that water for their survival..... it's humbling and I never want to forget that what I take for granted is what someone else would give anything to have and as long as there is a need, there shouldn't be an excuse not to help!
Have a great, radical, productive and multi-tasking filled ;-) day!
~Lindsey
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Water Missions International saves lives! (and so can you!)
Our goal was $3,000 in one year. I have a $100 donation pending which brings us to almost $2,300 in 3 months! We need only $700 more to reach our goal and we have 7 months of the project left! I just may get really bold and expand the goal. :-)You can check out the donation site at http://www.firstgiving.co/radicallife and see every single donation. Remember, it takes only $10 to provide someone with clean water FOR LIFE. Think about what we spend $10 on.... some music, a snack at the movies, a new shirt ("but it's only $10!"), a new toy for our kids (that they don't need), a couple cups of coffee at Starbucks...the list goes on.
This has been such an exciting journey. The next vision I have is to meet the people receiving this water. I look at these faces and I want to jump through my computer screen and hug them! God is placing a longing in my heart to "Go!" and I can't wait for that opportunity. The "American Dream" just isn't good enough anymore. I can no longer desire to have more for myself at the price of less for someone else. I want to sow into the eternal and store up treasures in heaven because the treasures on earth will one day mean nothing.
Matthew 6:19-21
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
19:21 "...Jesus said to him, 'If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you own and give the money to the destitute, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come back and follow me.'"
Enjoy the video above and think about what you are able to give...what you are able to sacrifice and experience the joy in making a difference in these lives...
Be blessed so you may bless....
~Lindsey
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Life is Precious
This project has really been amazing. When I look at some of the faces of these people we are trying to help, I just want to find a way to get to them. It doesn't even seem enough to just send money to them. But as important as it is to help the living and breathing lives walking on this earth, it is an even greater call to help and defend the lives that are hidden from our sight. The lives that are tucked away in the most secret and sacred place on this earth: the pre-born lives and the women carrying them.
Today is "Sanctity of Life" Sunday. I am reflecting today on the fear that entered my life almost 9 years ago. In 2002, only 2 weeks after high school graduation, I found out that I was pregnant. This completely rocked my world. I was devastated. I had 2 vastly different options bombarding me. Fear would either drive me towards one (abortion) or courage would drive me towards the other (parenting/adoption). If it were not for the people in my life who saw value in me still and believed that I had the strength to walk through that time, then I know what the outcome would have been. I am so thankful I don't have to live with that today and my heart floods with compassion for those who do.
In 2 weeks, my son will turn 8 years old. He has brought me so much joy and purpose but I also tasted what it would be like to be without him. I walked through the process of adoption until the very last minute. I know how heart breaking it is to imagine being separated from your child but I also know how absolutely beautiful and sacrificial that choice is. I looked through stacks of family profiles full of people desperately wanting a child. There is someone out there who can love and provide for a child, even if it isn't the one carrying him and that is part of the hope we can offer.
I don't see how we can separate living our lives in service to others, without talking about these lives. The tiniest. The most vulnerable. The foundation for our lives is that we are created with a purpose in the image and likeness of our God! How can we not more boldly relay that message to the women who are scared and facing this decision. If the children of God can't give some meaning and purpose to a woman in this situation, then who in the world can?? I am telling you from experience, that the voices of justification for abortion are far louder than the voices of hope, unless someone is willing to intentionally pour into that person before, during, and after she has this child.
So as I keep walking this life with my children, I want them to value all hurting people. Not just the visible ones with their bruises and malnourished bodies, but the "invisible" ones too. The ones that are tucked away. I hope and pray we can all value these lives more... How in the world can we raise our hands in worship to God who came in human form for the least of these and then walk right past those same people?
So what can we do? Just be ready for the opportunity. Be ready to love. Open our hearts and ears and maybe even our homes... Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center near you. Donate items. Time. Yourself. And wrap it all in God's perfect love which drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)
"Does our worship have hands? Does it have feet? Does it stand up in the face of injustice?.....or does it fade with our voices?"
115, 000 lives world-wide are taken from the womb each day. 5,000 lives are ending each day because of a lack in clean water and proper sanitation. I want to live just as passionately about each one of those...
I want to end with saying "Thank you" to my entire family and friends who loved me during my brokenness, to my Savior who redeemed me through it and to the Women's Resource Center in Mobile who held my hand every step of the way and helped me see the value in my son's life.
Today is "Sanctity of Life" Sunday. I am reflecting today on the fear that entered my life almost 9 years ago. In 2002, only 2 weeks after high school graduation, I found out that I was pregnant. This completely rocked my world. I was devastated. I had 2 vastly different options bombarding me. Fear would either drive me towards one (abortion) or courage would drive me towards the other (parenting/adoption). If it were not for the people in my life who saw value in me still and believed that I had the strength to walk through that time, then I know what the outcome would have been. I am so thankful I don't have to live with that today and my heart floods with compassion for those who do.
In 2 weeks, my son will turn 8 years old. He has brought me so much joy and purpose but I also tasted what it would be like to be without him. I walked through the process of adoption until the very last minute. I know how heart breaking it is to imagine being separated from your child but I also know how absolutely beautiful and sacrificial that choice is. I looked through stacks of family profiles full of people desperately wanting a child. There is someone out there who can love and provide for a child, even if it isn't the one carrying him and that is part of the hope we can offer.
I don't see how we can separate living our lives in service to others, without talking about these lives. The tiniest. The most vulnerable. The foundation for our lives is that we are created with a purpose in the image and likeness of our God! How can we not more boldly relay that message to the women who are scared and facing this decision. If the children of God can't give some meaning and purpose to a woman in this situation, then who in the world can?? I am telling you from experience, that the voices of justification for abortion are far louder than the voices of hope, unless someone is willing to intentionally pour into that person before, during, and after she has this child.
So as I keep walking this life with my children, I want them to value all hurting people. Not just the visible ones with their bruises and malnourished bodies, but the "invisible" ones too. The ones that are tucked away. I hope and pray we can all value these lives more... How in the world can we raise our hands in worship to God who came in human form for the least of these and then walk right past those same people?
So what can we do? Just be ready for the opportunity. Be ready to love. Open our hearts and ears and maybe even our homes... Volunteer at a crisis pregnancy center near you. Donate items. Time. Yourself. And wrap it all in God's perfect love which drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)
"Does our worship have hands? Does it have feet? Does it stand up in the face of injustice?.....or does it fade with our voices?"
115, 000 lives world-wide are taken from the womb each day. 5,000 lives are ending each day because of a lack in clean water and proper sanitation. I want to live just as passionately about each one of those...
I want to end with saying "Thank you" to my entire family and friends who loved me during my brokenness, to my Savior who redeemed me through it and to the Women's Resource Center in Mobile who held my hand every step of the way and helped me see the value in my son's life.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Our Christmas!
Christmas this year was a whirlwind! If it tells you anything about my "break", I had to change my oil at the start of the break and after about 3 weeks I am due for an oil change again! It was full of travel and family and it was wonderful!
My kids were able to ask for one gift each. My oldest asked for a bike and my youngest asked for "a dumptruck with eyeballs". I thought I was gonna have to get crafty with a Tonka truck but a friend sent me a picture message of "Chuck the Dumptruck" and saved the day! The boys were thrilled with their gifts. We also gathered a lot of Christmas cash and donations that have gone towards this project. My 7 year old held onto his money at one point (which we already agreed to give our money to the water project this year) and he said, while clinging to the cash, "Umm.....can I just keep $20 and give $30 to the project??" It was a great opportunity to relate to his desire to keep "just a little" of the money but I kind of let that question sit on him for a few hours. While rubbing his back to sleep that night, he said, "You know Mommy, I want to put all the money in the water project. I have enough" :-)
So here we are, unpacking the gifts, cleaning the house, folding the gift bags to resuse later, and blogging to avoid all of the above. ;-) ...At the end of this wonderful season, I am so thankful to have a Savior. I am so thankful for my family and my friends. I look forward to a new year, new inspiration, new vision and new adventures with my boys....
After putting in the Christmas money and donation gifts, we are now at two thousand dollars for the project! We are 2/3's the way to our goal in only 8 weeks. 200 people will have the chance to drink clean water and hear the living water message. Physically and spiritually life-giving and saving. Thank you to all that have donated. Those who I know and those who I don't. Your generosity will have such an impact...
Here are some pictures of our Christmas season...full of homemade treats, family, laughter and some tears . I pray that as you read this you will be blessed and strengthened. Not so you may keep, but so you may give! I pray that your hearts are woven closer to the heart of God and that you enjoy the journey God has placed you on. Savor the moment and look around with God-eyes...there is a hurting world out there- in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, our streets, our schools, our cities, our country and the world.
My kids were able to ask for one gift each. My oldest asked for a bike and my youngest asked for "a dumptruck with eyeballs". I thought I was gonna have to get crafty with a Tonka truck but a friend sent me a picture message of "Chuck the Dumptruck" and saved the day! The boys were thrilled with their gifts. We also gathered a lot of Christmas cash and donations that have gone towards this project. My 7 year old held onto his money at one point (which we already agreed to give our money to the water project this year) and he said, while clinging to the cash, "Umm.....can I just keep $20 and give $30 to the project??" It was a great opportunity to relate to his desire to keep "just a little" of the money but I kind of let that question sit on him for a few hours. While rubbing his back to sleep that night, he said, "You know Mommy, I want to put all the money in the water project. I have enough" :-)
So here we are, unpacking the gifts, cleaning the house, folding the gift bags to resuse later, and blogging to avoid all of the above. ;-) ...At the end of this wonderful season, I am so thankful to have a Savior. I am so thankful for my family and my friends. I look forward to a new year, new inspiration, new vision and new adventures with my boys....
After putting in the Christmas money and donation gifts, we are now at two thousand dollars for the project! We are 2/3's the way to our goal in only 8 weeks. 200 people will have the chance to drink clean water and hear the living water message. Physically and spiritually life-giving and saving. Thank you to all that have donated. Those who I know and those who I don't. Your generosity will have such an impact...
Here are some pictures of our Christmas season...full of homemade treats, family, laughter and some tears . I pray that as you read this you will be blessed and strengthened. Not so you may keep, but so you may give! I pray that your hearts are woven closer to the heart of God and that you enjoy the journey God has placed you on. Savor the moment and look around with God-eyes...there is a hurting world out there- in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, our streets, our schools, our cities, our country and the world.
Baking treats for gift bags
This was Dylan's idea: "Mommy, we can give people water bottles with their gifts this year so they can remember the water project!"
Our water bottles and picture magnets that we made online
Of course, we had to make the gingerbread house!
Christmas with my dad and family
Christmas at my mom's
"Ahh!! It has eyeballs!!!!!"
Dylan's new bike
Our visit to Tallahassee to see the boys great-grandparents and other Watt family members! Great visit.
We got a new cousin/nephew for Christmas! Such a yummy gift!
My niece Annie and 2 nephews, Will and Hank.
Happy 2011 to you and your family...
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Be bold!!
"Live a life worthy of the calling you have received"
This project started as a way to bless others but I cannot tell you the blessing it is for me. Dylan and I check the blog stats, donation pages and read the emails and responses I have gotten in the past 6 weeks. He is so excited! Watching my 7 year old's eyes get huge, along with that precious smile (with 2 front teeth missing!), is incredible. Don't tell me a kid needs a DSi and new XBox at Christmas to get stoked. This kid is stoked! And in 15 years, this will impact his heart and walk far greater than any toy (ok, off the soapbox now) ;-)
I almost did not start this project. The book lit a fire under me and I jotted down these ideas on the back of an envelope but I put that envelope to the side. Over the next few weeks, I would hear all the ways this would never work, ringing in my head. "This is too bold." "People won't respond." "You can't really cut Christmas back for your kids- they're too young." On and on...and I started to think, "I will just do something else". But I couldn't shake this. I am starting to ask myself one question when I face decisions: "Will I look back and say 'Wow! I am so glad I did that?' or will I say 'I really wish I would have...."? When I thought about not starting this project, I thought about that moment. And it would fit into that second statement...."Why didn't I just run with it? Even if it failed, why didn't I try? I really wish I would have...."
So here we are. Project started. Letters mailed. Blog begun. Donation site up. In 6 weeks, we are almost 1/5th of the way to our one year goal. I have received emails from complete strangers in Texas, Oklahoma, Birmingham, Panama City, North Carolina... People who have been inspired to start their own projects or donate to this one. In the past 2 days, the First Giving donation site has received $200 in donations and gifts!
That brings the project total to $660.00 right now. Considering it takes only $10.00 to give someone clean water for life, that's 66 people who will be saved. This is such a preventable death and something we can do in such a little way.
I look forward to the new friendships I am starting and the gathering over a central cause and call on all of our lives: In John, Chapter 21 the Lord is talking to Simon Peter and asked "Simon Peter, do you love me?" The bible says Simon Peter was hurt by this question, "Of course I love you!" To which the Lord responded, "Then feed my sheep." That's the call. To make His name known and to feed his sheep. In Matthew, the Lord says that whatever we do for the least of these, we are actually doing for Christ himself. It makes you start to look at the beggers, friendless, hungry, thirsty, jobless, widows, struggling families, hurting children and outcasts, a whole lot differently.
Finally, I want to share about the picture below. My prayer the past year or so, has been "Lord, let me see what You see." and "Bless me so that I can bless others". He is slowly peeling away the layers of selfishness that blind my sight to His world and the hurting people in it. I believe this picture is a testament that if we are faithful with the little, he will bless us with more. Not so that we can have more but so that we can give more! I am thankful for this anonymous letter and check beyond words! "This seed I've received, I will sow"
So be bold. Don't dismiss radical love and ideas. Run with them!
Monday, December 13, 2010
Eric Ludy - Depraved Indifference
(You can pause the music player at the bottom of the blog so you can hear this video better)
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A different kind of gift....
As you're thinking about your Christmas shopping list, consider giving a gift in someone's name to Water Missions International. I have created Christmas gift cards and at your request, I will mail out as many as you would like. No charge. All you have to do is fill in your gift amount on the card, make the donation online and present the gift card to someone at Christmas. Very simple and it means much more than a new sweater, bag, scarf, candle, etc...this gift will literally last a lifetime.
Every card you give will have information about the Water Missions project on the back so that whoever you give your gift of water to, can continue the giving as well and share the project with others!
Contact me with your mailing address and number of gift cards you would like @ lins114@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas!
Every card you give will have information about the Water Missions project on the back so that whoever you give your gift of water to, can continue the giving as well and share the project with others!
Contact me with your mailing address and number of gift cards you would like @ lins114@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas!
Monday, November 29, 2010
[AC] Advent Conspiracy 2009 Promo Video
(You can pause the playlist music at the bottom of the blog to listen to this video better)
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Here we go!
Okay! Here it goes. I went "public" with the blog and fundraising page 2 days ago. We are now $355 into reaching the goal.....excuse me, exceeding the goal; which I believe we will!
I also received an email from the Media Director at the Church at Brookhill's where David Platt is the pastor. They saw our radical experiment and are "encourage by it!" ...and I am encouraged by their encouragement!
Did you know that just a $10.00 donation will provide clean water for life for one person???? That means, as of now, help is on it's way to 35 people for life! How exciting!
I am speaking to myself as well as whoever may come across this... but let's think about the things we spend our money on. I will confess right now that last weekend I went to Shoe Station and bought some really pretty boots. I will also confess that this week I went into Starbucks and bought a nice, warm, sweet and comforting White Chocolate Mocha. (it was delicious by the way) .....I don't do either of those things often but it made me think this week. What if every time I was about to make an unnecessary purchase, I, instead, put that same amount of money into this project? It would certainly add up.
I am blessed beyond measure. It's time to share the blessings with a grateful, cheerful and sacrificial heart.Someone has to help alleviate the suffering in this world. It's time we stop putting that task off on "missionaries" and it's time we start being the missionaries.
Join me! :)
I also received an email from the Media Director at the Church at Brookhill's where David Platt is the pastor. They saw our radical experiment and are "encourage by it!" ...and I am encouraged by their encouragement!
Did you know that just a $10.00 donation will provide clean water for life for one person???? That means, as of now, help is on it's way to 35 people for life! How exciting!
I am speaking to myself as well as whoever may come across this... but let's think about the things we spend our money on. I will confess right now that last weekend I went to Shoe Station and bought some really pretty boots. I will also confess that this week I went into Starbucks and bought a nice, warm, sweet and comforting White Chocolate Mocha. (it was delicious by the way) .....I don't do either of those things often but it made me think this week. What if every time I was about to make an unnecessary purchase, I, instead, put that same amount of money into this project? It would certainly add up.
I am blessed beyond measure. It's time to share the blessings with a grateful, cheerful and sacrificial heart.Someone has to help alleviate the suffering in this world. It's time we stop putting that task off on "missionaries" and it's time we start being the missionaries.
Join me! :)
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Water Missions International Haiti Video
You can pause the music player at the bottom of this page to listen to the video better :)
The Experiment
Our family will take a one year journey. I have no idea how this will all pan out but I have the big picture in mind and that's where I am starting.
It isn't enough to simply see a need and not do whatever we can to fill it. Jesus never walked by someone who was in need of His touch, and simply passed right by. I don't think we should either. I am trying to show my children that there is more to life than things, occasions and activities. I can't just tell them though, I have to show them, and I have to do it myself.
At the end of David Platt's book, Radical, he gives each reader 5 challenges:
1. Pray for the entire world. Yes, the entire world. Wow...
2. Read through the entire Word. Yes, the entire Word. Double wow...
3. Spend time in another context/culture
4. Sacrifice money for a specific purpose
5. Commit to being part of a local community of believers
This specific post will introduce how we will implement #4.
Several years ago I was watching PBS (those who know me well, know that I tend to prefer documentaries over dramas) ;-) ...I was watching a special on something called a "Play Pump". It's a water pump system installed in extremely poor villages to provide clean water to communities. I never forgot that show. It touched me forever. So several years later, as I am thinking about what our sacrifice will be, I started doing research into different organizations that help with the specific need for clean water around the world. There are so many wonderful ways to spend money to help people. Trying to choose one, without feeling guilty for not choosing another, can be hard in and of itself. But, through some research and prayer, I feel led to go with a group called "Water Missions International".
I will post a link to their website if you would like to learn more but here is what our "Radical Experiment" will be: For one year, we will sacrifice gifts and "extras" and the money that would usually go toward these things, will go into a fundraising account for this organization. We have set a goal of $3,000 by the end of September 2011. If we reach our goal before that time, we will extend the goal! I am really excited about this and have explained to my children what we're doing and what it means at Christmastime, birthdays and throughout the year. It won't feel great all the time, as our flesh is so against the feeling of sacrifice, but what another great lesson as well!
I'll be keeping this blog updated and connected to the online giving page for Water Missions International and you can journey with me and watch us meet (and surpass!) our goal. You can also give secured donations throughout this time, on that website as well.
I am nervous and excited all in one! Please pray for our family and more importantly, the ministry we will be supporting and the people they will be serving as a result of having this money.
"Embrace His Grace, Extend His Glory"
Water Missions International-Online Giving Page
http://www.watermissions.org/
It isn't enough to simply see a need and not do whatever we can to fill it. Jesus never walked by someone who was in need of His touch, and simply passed right by. I don't think we should either. I am trying to show my children that there is more to life than things, occasions and activities. I can't just tell them though, I have to show them, and I have to do it myself.
At the end of David Platt's book, Radical, he gives each reader 5 challenges:
1. Pray for the entire world. Yes, the entire world. Wow...
2. Read through the entire Word. Yes, the entire Word. Double wow...
3. Spend time in another context/culture
4. Sacrifice money for a specific purpose
5. Commit to being part of a local community of believers
This specific post will introduce how we will implement #4.
Several years ago I was watching PBS (those who know me well, know that I tend to prefer documentaries over dramas) ;-) ...I was watching a special on something called a "Play Pump". It's a water pump system installed in extremely poor villages to provide clean water to communities. I never forgot that show. It touched me forever. So several years later, as I am thinking about what our sacrifice will be, I started doing research into different organizations that help with the specific need for clean water around the world. There are so many wonderful ways to spend money to help people. Trying to choose one, without feeling guilty for not choosing another, can be hard in and of itself. But, through some research and prayer, I feel led to go with a group called "Water Missions International".
I will post a link to their website if you would like to learn more but here is what our "Radical Experiment" will be: For one year, we will sacrifice gifts and "extras" and the money that would usually go toward these things, will go into a fundraising account for this organization. We have set a goal of $3,000 by the end of September 2011. If we reach our goal before that time, we will extend the goal! I am really excited about this and have explained to my children what we're doing and what it means at Christmastime, birthdays and throughout the year. It won't feel great all the time, as our flesh is so against the feeling of sacrifice, but what another great lesson as well!
I'll be keeping this blog updated and connected to the online giving page for Water Missions International and you can journey with me and watch us meet (and surpass!) our goal. You can also give secured donations throughout this time, on that website as well.
I am nervous and excited all in one! Please pray for our family and more importantly, the ministry we will be supporting and the people they will be serving as a result of having this money.
"Embrace His Grace, Extend His Glory"
Water Missions International-Online Giving Page
http://www.watermissions.org/
"Radical"
Radical: adj. Departing markedly from the usual or customary
The word "Radical" conjures up various and likely extreme images. I chose the definition above though because in our families case, the "radical" journey we are taking is definitely departing from the usual. It isn't violent like the images we may think of when someone says the word, but it is against tradition and culture and it takes wrapping our minds around something vastly different than the world around us.
On a daily basis, we run from job to store to sports to home, we rush dinner in there somewhere and plan for the next events. We make lists, get things done, make more lists and get more things done. We are a blessed nation, and I am thankful to live in America. So thankful. However, there has been an uneasiness growing in my spirit about the cycle of chaos and "stuff" we fill our lives with here, while others go without so, so much. The more in love with Christ I become, the more He seems to be giving me a glimpse into seeing what He sees, and who He sees. I think we all catch these glimpses at some point, but maybe the more we turn our eyes, the easier it is to forget them.
We justify our selfishness at the cost of others. We "deserve" vacations, new clothes, new cars, bigger homes, etc. I am included in that "we" so upon any examination of my life, you will find the same flaws in myself that I write about being in our culture. That is why it takes a radical move, a radical commitment and a radical love to change us so we can change others.
This uneasiness in my spirit was reinforced by a great book I read recently called "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream" by David Platt. It's tough. It's convicting. And as he states, those who have a hard time reading it are usually the same ones that the Lord would ask to "give everything they have". (this does not mean that we are all called to sell everything and go live in a 3rd world country. Nor does it mean we shouldn't.) It would be nearly impossible to summarize this book so just go get it ;-) ...but I will post a few paragraphs that sum up a lot:
"...And this is where we need to pause. Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.
A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn’t mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for that matter, wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream.
But do you and I realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church buildings to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshiping ourselves.
Consider the cost when Christians ignore Jesus’ commands to sell their possessions and give to the poor and instead choose to spend their resources on better comforts, larger homes, nicer cars, and more stuff. Consider the cost when these Christians gather in churches and choose to spend millions of dollars on nice buildings to drive up to, cushioned chairs to sit in, and endless programs to enjoy for themselves. Consider the cost for the starving multitudes who sit outside the gate of contemporary Christian affluence.
When Jesus looked at the harassed and helpless multitudes, apparently his concern was not that the lost would not come to the Father. Instead his concern was that his followers would not go to the lost."
The word "Radical" conjures up various and likely extreme images. I chose the definition above though because in our families case, the "radical" journey we are taking is definitely departing from the usual. It isn't violent like the images we may think of when someone says the word, but it is against tradition and culture and it takes wrapping our minds around something vastly different than the world around us.
On a daily basis, we run from job to store to sports to home, we rush dinner in there somewhere and plan for the next events. We make lists, get things done, make more lists and get more things done. We are a blessed nation, and I am thankful to live in America. So thankful. However, there has been an uneasiness growing in my spirit about the cycle of chaos and "stuff" we fill our lives with here, while others go without so, so much. The more in love with Christ I become, the more He seems to be giving me a glimpse into seeing what He sees, and who He sees. I think we all catch these glimpses at some point, but maybe the more we turn our eyes, the easier it is to forget them.
We justify our selfishness at the cost of others. We "deserve" vacations, new clothes, new cars, bigger homes, etc. I am included in that "we" so upon any examination of my life, you will find the same flaws in myself that I write about being in our culture. That is why it takes a radical move, a radical commitment and a radical love to change us so we can change others.
This uneasiness in my spirit was reinforced by a great book I read recently called "Radical: Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream" by David Platt. It's tough. It's convicting. And as he states, those who have a hard time reading it are usually the same ones that the Lord would ask to "give everything they have". (this does not mean that we are all called to sell everything and go live in a 3rd world country. Nor does it mean we shouldn't.) It would be nearly impossible to summarize this book so just go get it ;-) ...but I will post a few paragraphs that sum up a lot:
"...And this is where we need to pause. Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.
A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn’t mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have. A Jesus who would not expect us to forsake our closest relationships so that he receives all our affection. A Jesus who is fine with nominal devotion that does not infringe on our comforts, because, after all, he loves us just the way we are. A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who, for that matter, wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings us comfort and prosperity as we live out our Christian spin on the American dream.
But do you and I realize what we are doing at this point? We are molding Jesus into our image. He is beginning to look a lot like us because, after all, that is whom we are most comfortable with. And the danger now is that when we gather in our church buildings to sing and lift up our hands in worship, we may not actually be worshiping the Jesus of the Bible. Instead we may be worshiping ourselves.
Consider the cost when Christians ignore Jesus’ commands to sell their possessions and give to the poor and instead choose to spend their resources on better comforts, larger homes, nicer cars, and more stuff. Consider the cost when these Christians gather in churches and choose to spend millions of dollars on nice buildings to drive up to, cushioned chairs to sit in, and endless programs to enjoy for themselves. Consider the cost for the starving multitudes who sit outside the gate of contemporary Christian affluence.
When Jesus looked at the harassed and helpless multitudes, apparently his concern was not that the lost would not come to the Father. Instead his concern was that his followers would not go to the lost."
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