Dark Places

I promise I am trying to make time to write! In the meantime--READ THIS

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/01/how-to-get-through-the-dark-places-thejesusproject-2/

Reflection

Have you ever forgotten who you were?

Like, truly not even recognized yourself?   I often wonder if it's just me.

Lately, I have been struggling with so much.  Most, even those closest to me, have NO idea what is wrong with me.  Neither do I. Until this morning...

The other day was a nasty, nasty day of fighting and battling and I looked through a journal sitting on my desk from 2011 and saw prayers I had written, lists, and budgets and I thought "I don't even know WHO the person who wrote this IS" "HOW did she do that?"  I scribbled down a prayer and even the handwriting looks like a different person wrote it. 

I feel so worn out. I feel so hopeless. I feel like "what's the point" which are all lies! I know this.

I am trying desperately to put on my best face and press on.  Thinking it's so hard.  Thinking my battle is so tough. It really is for me. It's still a lie. 

SO...

Then...I woke up late. Decided I didn't even have time to look at Facebook. Then decided I would allow 5 minutes to check notifications. Last night a friend had posted a pretty odd/funny question about underwear.  Well, I only checked one notification-it was a blog post from my friend about "worn" so I thought I was going to laugh hysterically about underwear.

Instead of laughter, there was much needed tears and reflection.

I read and watched about how a friend, who is struggling with cancer, has pressed on! I call her friend; but we really only met once at a baby shower.  I had read about her in another blog post; so I felt like I knew her. I realize I need to know her more.

Please read-  WORN

"Laura is the strongest and most generous person I have ever met. Even in this time of suffering she wants others to know that they are not alone. She says to me all the time how she hopes and prays that no one ever has to endure anything like she has. Her love for her children amazes me. Her devotion to her marriage and family leaves me speechless."

I read, then watched and the entire time cried. Not just for Laura, but for myself.  Her story gives me hope and inspiration to PRESS ON!

I pulled up James: Chapter 1 on my Ipad. I cried some more when I read this: 

²² But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. ²³ Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face^[i] in a mirror. ²⁴ For he looks at himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. ²⁵ But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

 I am presently a "hearer" and a "be-er" but I am not a "DOER" of much. 

Before--

¹⁹ My dearly loved brothers, understand this: Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, ²⁰ for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. ²¹ Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil,^[g] humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.^[h]

After--

²⁶ If anyone^[j] thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, then his religion is useless and he deceives himself. ²⁷ Pure and undefiled religion before our^[k] God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

I have so much more to process as I am literally spitting this out as it has happened. I will add more when (if) I can. Please pray for me. Pray for Laura!

 I leave you saying:

^"Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.  But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:2-4

This is truly unedited-if you see something-please tell me :) 

If Not Us...Then Who?

I read this article. It is not for the faint of heart. I recommend you pray about whether you read it or not first.

Because if you read it, you are responsible to do something about it.

Proverbs 24:12 tells us, "Once our eyes are opened we cannot pretend we do not know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls knows we know and holds us responsible to act."

What we "do" is between us and God. I ask for prayer specifically because I feel I MUST do something. Maybe my something is sharing it. Maybe it's more.


http://www.nogreaterjoymom.com/2012/02/if-not-usthen-who.html

Link

I read this today and have A LOT of thinking to do about what I say and do.  and DON'T.

Thought I'd share.  The comments are as interesting as the post.

20 Things You Want To Hear a Christian Say

All to often, I'm silent where I should speak and vocal where I should be silent.  

Sabbath Tooth

Yesterday was a Sabbath in a sense for me. 

I had just spent several weeks in a "work nightmare" along with preparing for a Passover Seder with, oh about, 70 people.  I was a bit rattled. 

I had had a precious conversation with a friend the day before Passover about Biblical Holidays and Sabbath. I was just lamenting about how "we" as a generation (speaking mainly about myself) had gotten away from God's best for us.

I wrote last year, wait was it really, yes...TWO years ago about the SABBATH and a book I was in love with. 
Doesn't it stink how God begins something in us...and somehow we get off the path, sin or otherwise, and the SEED does not ripen to fruition... {I digress}

"What would I do for a twenty-four-hour period of time if the only criteria was to pursue my deepest joy?  

book

So, yesterday I went to spend the day with my Bestest-Most-Greatest-Sister-Friend-In-The-Whole-Wide-World-Ever at a beach house they are staying at. 

I awoke floating on a cloud.  The previous night's Passover was an amazing time with family and friends.  I relished the fact that the Lord somehow pulled it off with the help of family and friends.  I was in awe of His love and that He did not allow the whole thing to flop and fail because of what a wretched sinner I am.  {I digress}


I did not want to leave our home in it's present state of affairs so I got up with hubby at 5:30am and set out to surprise him when he got home.  By 9:00a it shined!  I hated that he had to work and I got to play at the beach; I wanted to impress upon him how important he was to me by making his castle fit for a king.

So, while I was cleaning I was thinking about the beach and the "issue" of late was regarding sharks teeth. 

I have never found one. 


I've looked. I've tried. I can't. 

We set off for the surprise birthday party (he's turning 17--waaaaaaaaa ...enough of that ) for my son. His best-friend-for-the-longest-that-is-a-girl...which just happens to be my best friends daughter...how convenient....organized a beach-day-par-tay for him with a few friends (joys of homeschooling friends cause this was a Thursday). After picking up the guys and laughing all the way to the beach, to the point of tears I tell you, because he and his friends are HIL-AR-IOUS, we arrived. {worst paragraph but I don't care-I digress}

It was a delight to see the care they had taken to prepare a birthday celebration.  I had not had any time of late to even think about planning a party so thank God for friends.

The beach was beautiful. Secluded. Peaceful. 

I stayed in the house for a good chunk of the time because the sun/heat/beach generally don't agree with me.{who cares}
 
Then, after playing pin the tail on the unicorn, and which man-is-a-manly-man (which happened to be my besties-hubby the oldest man present ;) I am sure he was difficult to live with after that death defying stunt of manliness and the fact that he "beat" an 18 year old.)   {I digress}

Kim and I walk along the beach discussing many things. Delightful things. Frustrating things. Things that matter. Just catching up.  Oh! How we needed that time.

One of the things we discussed is how we have never found a shark's tooth. 

Mockingly, she bends over and demonstrates someone pointing to the sand and says "hey, look there's a shark's tooth" 

I look and point and say "LOOK THERE'S A SHARK'S TOOTH"...

She says: "No way, you have got to be kidding me" 

We can't believe it...she takes two steps and says "LOOK THERE'S A SHARK'S TOOTH".

So, in the span of a few minutes we had BOTH found our FIRST shark's tooth. 

Here is the picture. 

I died laughing as I showed my husband and son this picture. It is truly a ridiculous face of pure joy. Which isn't very flattering...I give you my permission to laugh at how silly I look. 

...and the teeth looked MUCH bigger when we first found them.  Haha!

I am not going to lie, and it won't surprise you if you know me, I GOT A TEAR in my eye.  How crazy is it that the Lord loves us so much to give us that moment together.  Forever!

While writing this I erased several different story lines that tried to take shape. I could have told you about a ton of things ...being a wife, friendship of our kids, Passover, birthday's come to soon, where does the time go, not-enough-time with your closest friends, Levi's art work, back story of my shark's tooth issues....but none of those stores were the point.  My husband always says of my story telling:  "to make a short story long ;)" So, I tried to keep it short.

Yesterday was a rich, rich, day.  I got to "practice eternity" with my friends and family. 

Deepest joy, to me, is time being the best wife and mother 

I can be.  Time spent with family and friends. Making memories. Delighting in God and His creation. Laughing. Enjoying life.

Book: Sabbath {Ancient Practices Series} by Dan Allender

Stoke Our Hope!

Yesterday during our ifast call I  prayed about GREY! I begged God to stoke our hope! 

Do not see “Grey” as a shade descending into black, but as a color that’s on it’s way to becoming light.

As we battle in the throne room we face harsh realities like LITTLE VIRGINS BEING RAPED! That there are those in authority over them that PLOT for this to happen! 

if you follow the link you'll see:

Last, and most importantly, you need a good supply of virgins. For that you have an arrangement with the local boarding school for girls. Potential customers browse through your photo book of potential child sex victims. Once they make their choice, you bring the girls
to your brothel to be raped for profit.

Sadly, this true story is unfolding right now in India.

and then an update-go read-let it OPEN your eyes! 

What would YOU sell to save your daughter?  

Instead of letting anxiety or doubt paint the darkest possible conclusion to our problems, we need to stoke our hope, to let it advance against the shadows until darkness recedes.

BE HOPE! Be the RESCUE!

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/redletters/2010/07/how-to-make-a-profit-selling-virgins-for-sex.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TomDavisBlog+%28Tom+Davis%27+Blog%29#ixzz0uQeAezKd

HOPE of ISRAEL
MIQWEH YISRAEL

The NAME:
Hope is the great stabilizer. It steadies us in times of fear and difficulty, not because we know that everything will turn out as we want, but because we know that God is trustworthy.  Hope is what helps us stay on course regardless of circumstances. Biblical hope finds its roots in God and in his goodness, mercy and power.  We exercise our hope when we endure patiently.  We nurture our hope when we read God’s word.  Though we hope for earthly blessings, our greatest hope is aimed at the life to come, when God will not only wipe away our tears but invite us to share his joy forever.  When you pray to Miqweh Yisrael, the Hope of Israel, you are praying to the One who saves all those who trust in him.  

Do not see “Grey” as a shade descending into black, but as a color that’s on it’s way to becoming light. 

Instead of letting anxiety or doubt paint the darkest possible conclusion to our problems, we need to stoke our hope, to let it advance against the shadows until darkness recedes. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. 
Jeremiah 29:11

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:31

Praying the Names of God By Ann Spangler  (taken from pp267-272)

Other people who are talking about this:

Brandi

Parading Around 

Lindsey 

A COACH purse for $20? WHAT!! 

The Price of Virginity

Amy-

If you could RESCUE, would you?

YOU! spread the word!

BE THE RESCUE! 

IMPORTANT UPDATE:

PRAISE GOD!!!

http://www.brandilea.com/2010/07/treasure-hunting.html

PRAY!

I talked about it a LONG time ago: HERE

well TODAY! Please PRAY!

http://heartgrownfamily.blogspot.com/2010/07/pray.html

Monday, July 19, 2010

PRAY!

I know we have been silent for such a LONG time.  That does not mean we have given up or not been working on getting our kids home.  I have prayed many days about posting on here and every time I hear God whispering, "wait".  I don't know why, but I do know that I have been learning to listen when God speaks, even in a quiet whisper.

Well today, I got a strong feeling that my silence is over.  We need your prayers!  We just found out that our MP (member of Parliament - federal government representative) is meeting via conference call with the Minister of Immigration @ approx. 2PM TODAY.  He is advocating on ours and our kids' behalf to the minister.  We are praying for a miracle to happen today.  We are praying the minister's heart is SOFTENED, TOUCHED and SPURRED into action for our kids and for all the kids who are stuck, not just in Uganda, but around the world, from coming home to their forever families! This is the man who has the power to end this.  This is the man who can get our kids' visas issued.  This is the man God can use to bring our kids home in His perfect plan.  Please join us in praying!  Blessings,

Fighting in Canada,
Teach

Pure Religion

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." 

James 1:27

Yesterday, Bryan Turner, a pastor and missionary passed.  

He was not someone I was close to. However, he was close with many people I love! He was my brother.

We now have the GIFT to care for his wife!  

One of my best-friends, wrote several blogs and I got her permission to share them with you. (well, really I only got permission to share one-but she won't mind) 

The BEST is an emotional one: On Grief 

I am re-posting as I know we are too busy to follow links to good stuff sometimes. 

Grief makes you feel stretched thin. It makes your heart heavy. In its thickest fog, it is blinding. You cannot pull over and wait for it to lift. Your life goes on. The world feels like fiction, like walking around a movie set. Nothing seems real. Time sits still.

Then it fades. You get caught up in something else, and you have an instant when your loss is not on your mind. It is like playing in the ocean as a child. You get caught up in the moment with your friends, and you completely forget that waves are lapping at your back.

That's when it happens. An enormous wave overcomes you, out of nowhere. You find yourself coughing, sputtering, and gasping for air. Your eyes are burning. You can't breathe. You weren't expecting it at all.

I remember a specific moment like this after we lost our son. I had been to the grocery store a week or so after losing him. I was driving home. Ephraim was chattering away in the backseat. The thought then occurred to me that my second little boy would never be sitting back there with him. I wept. Chris Tomlin's "Amazing Grace" came on the radio. "...my God, my Savior, has ransomed me..." I wept. My shoulders shook. My lungs heaved with breath. I was overwhelmed. I was not prepared. One cannot be.


This has been a hard day. My husband had to say goodbye to a friend. My heart is just shattered for his family. Fortunately, I also know what this family is all about... or who. The Turner family loves Jesus. Bryan lived his life in passionate pursuit of our God. His family did and will continue to do the same.

Our God will envelope his wife, lift her head, sustain her, give her unnatural peace and irrational hope. Our God will hold her close when the unexpected waves crash over her. Our God will be her husband, her love, and her comfort. Our God is her all in all. Our God will cover her boys in His fatherly love. Our God will be glorified through Bryan's death, as he was in every moment of Bryan's life. Our God will be lifted high.

I know that God's glory was Bryan's highest purpose. I know his family will find comfort in glorifying God because it is what Bryan would want them to do. I know that his wife and children will be strengthened, comforted, and brought close to the Father. I know that God draws near to the brokenhearted. I know He is in their midst.

I know that grief is hard.

I know that we can help.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I am going to beg again for financial help for the Turners. I'll warn you in advance that this won't be the last time.

Imagine yourself in this situation. You are a mother with 2 young sons. Your family's primary breadwinner has been taken from you, and it was completely unexpected. You are devastated. And on top of the crushing emotional grief, the reality of finances weighs heavy. Please join with me to lift this part of the burden from her shoulders. She has enough to carry.

This is pure religion.

Please donate to the Bryan Turner Family Fund at Community First Credit Union. If you cannot make it to the bank, you can mail your gifts to Community First Credit Union, Post Office Box 2600, Jax, FL 32232. The check must be made payable to the Bryan Turner Family Fund.

(I will be brainstorming some creative fundraising ideas in the coming weeks. Tell me your ideas, and join with me.)

Then there is: Rubber Meets Road

Those of you who've known me awhile know that I don't mind asking for money when it's for a good cause. I've got a good cause for you.

Bryan Turner.

He is his family's primary breadwinner. Momma friends, I know it is really difficult to even imagine the financially dire situation most of us would be in if our husbands were hospitalized and unable to work. Well, this isn't imagination. This is real life. Please help take the financial concerns off Joy's plate. She should not even have to give this aspect of her life a second thought.

Acts 2:44-45 - "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

Acts 4:32-37 - "All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet."


This is the body. This is our job. 


There is an account set up at Community First Credit Union, The Bryan Turner Family Fund. Please give. Make a sacrifice and help this Momma.


John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 


Love is a verb.


So let's not just PRAY for Bryan, let's PAY for Bryan. And may God receive all the glory for His people doing what He's called us to do, bear each other's burdens.


Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I'm Off

I know it may seem like I have been off for sometime...

whether you know me personally, so you now I am a bit off.

or you are a follower of my blog and know...it has been longer and longer between posts.

If my heart could write there would be VOLUMES!

Nothing exceptionally hard, trying, excellent or likewise is going on.  Honestly, I've just been BUSY!

So, today I'M OFF!

I am packed and headed to do some "Visiting!"  Old fashioned, goin' vis'it'in!

I do not have one of those fancy things, I think you can 'em lap tops...so who knows if, when, where... I may be able to write again.  Or check email. Or read your blogs...

I'm off to:

Spend time with my boy!

Travel! Not far...but it is still different than where I am.

Visit a dying friend. (We all are dying by the way) I do not say this lightly and have thought about erasing it, but didn't.  I thought about it. Prayed about it. and then decided SHOCK factor was what I was going for. Who do you know that you need to go see?  We all are dying! 100% chance!

Visit a couple that is moving away for seminary. Plus I never got to see the sights in the big city where she lives now!  So she is going to show me the town. This is sarcasm by the way...it would be funny if you know where I was going.  A few readers will.

Visit a bloggy friend (hopefully Friends) ! (I hope to meet you someday too)  I am SO excited!  Someone said, you might even know her better than some of the people in your life right now...SO True! 

So, I'm off!  (we're off...as these pictures clearly demonstrate)

Sex sells...you just won't find me buying

Craigslist was introduced to me years ago.

I have purchased a mini-trampoline, an ice machine, two baby cribs, a dog (from a very sketchy character), a crate for said dog, and sold a video game system (to someone, who coincidentally was a former neighbor of all things) ...but I did not know you could BUY & SELL Sex until this week. 

Maybe I live in a bubble or something ...under a rock in somewhere, Florida.  I don't know.

Thankfully I have people SHOUTING to me living under said ROCK telling me come out! and fight! There is a war going on people.  ...and it isn't about Craigslist.

  ¹¹ Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. ¹² For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. ¹³ Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.   
(Ephesians 6:11-13, New King James Version)

I am now Boycotting.  WHAT?!?  Ugh! I know! Very inconvenient since my husband really wants to buy P90X and the first place we would look would be Craigs List.  In fact he already did so right in front of me knowing I was boycotting.  Nice!

Will me BOYCOTTING make a difference?  Will it CHANGE the world?  Maybe not THE world but MY world. So, if you see #BoycottCraigslist in my posts this POST explains the reason (a little).



Wednesday is my ifast58 day. I spend my day fasting & praying; battling in prayer for the hungry, the orphan & widow, the oppressed. Fighting for justice on my knees.

Yesterday was spent on those involved in the sex-trade.  Specifically, yesterday CRAIGSLIST (CL).


So, if you have never heard about it let's start here:

Mostly I share this "first" because you "recognize" the Today Show:

WARNING: Graphic images of women (no nudity-but nearly)

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

My husband was very concerned annoyed about my boycott and wanted me to check out CL and see if that is really going on.

So, I logged on...clicked on the "Adult" section under Services...

Unless all of the following points are true, please use your "back" button to exit this part of craigslist:

1. I am at least 18 years old. (yeah right--thinking of my 16 year old son and countless others)
2. I understand "adult services" may include adult content.(Understatement!)
3. I understand that my use of craigslist is governed by the Terms of Use.
4. I agree to report suspected exploitation of minors and/or human trafficking to the appropriate authorities.(this must be them doing their part...effective...probably not)
5. By clicking on the links below, I release craigslist from any liability that may arise from my use of this site.

I will tell you what I saw broke my heart! I didn't "see" any children.  Who knows though. I know it goes on.  I wept. I prayed. My son (who wasn't around while I was exploring) wanted to know if I was okay.  I wasn't but I couldn't explain to him why. 


Today, I am still shaken.  Thinking about those woman (and girls, boys, and men) that are giving themselves away by choice (some by force) are LOVED by God! are LOVED by me.  

If CL shuts down their adult services section (which is ultimately what I have to fight for!) they will find another way to peddle their wares.   There will always be prostitution.

Then...
I read a blog about "Why Christians Shouldn't Boycott Craigslist" 

In the comments section--it gets REAL good.  By good I mean-each side has valid points! and it's GOOD!

I repeated the sentiment yesterday in my response to Anne's post:

Like Brandi said I would not stay in a hotel that got 1/3 of their income from prostitution…would Jesus be there…most likely…but not me. Does that mean I am not a respectable believer? Tough question…

Anne, wrote to me in her comments section; she wanted to know "articles" that explain the "facts" of some of the claims about finances and children for sale.  I posted.  I will put the links below for you to explore if you desire.  I explained that I went on CL and looked at the adds...and prayed over the women giving themselves away. She agreed that PRAYER was the right action. 

Today, Tom Davis (you have heard me speak of him before if you have been following for anytime-he wrote Red Letters: Living a Faith the Bleeds which is the book Hunter read that he started Heart 4 Homeless Ministry), wrote this post: Praying for the Victims of Sex Trafficking it sums it up.

We need to PRAY!!!

TODAY is the NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER! Join my in praying that CraigsList would be forced to take down their Adult Services Section to eliminate illegal prostitution and child-sex-trafficking.

My good friend, Melanie said yesterday:

What if other patrons raped little girls one aisle over while I shopped & the store owners didn’t do anything about it...

Anne, said:

Kids also get sold at hotels, gas stations, truck stops, and cafes. Should we also boycott these places?

Geesh!...but link the two together...Melanie & Anne's comments---IF I KNEW! Yes! ...and so I KNOW! So, I am Boycotting. 

It's great because in my house we have me, boycotting.

and my hubby who thinks boycotting is utterly ridiculous. (and he makes VERY good points)

 Our attempt at looking like we are fighting :)

It makes for great debate.  Hubby loves it! He hasn't had time to look at all these links and ultimately I don't care if I win him (or you) over because THAT is NOT the point. 

 ¹⁰ If you extend your soul to the hungry   
      And satisfy the afflicted soul, 
      Then your light shall dawn in the darkness, 
      And your darkness shall be as the noonday. 
       (Isaiah 58:10, New King James Version)

So, I know my time is not wasted.  My light will shine as bright as the noonday sun!  I will fight! and shout! and most importantly PRAY!  and the "least important" thing I will do is not use the service of an organization that facilitates illegal prostitution and child-sex-trade.


____UPDATE___

A friend on FaceBook just sent me a link to this video.  While it does not specifically refer to CL it is about child exploitation in AMERICA!


Watch!  http://www.playgroundproject.com/index.pg?loband=true

Back to our previously scheduled post
______________________________________________

Articles:
About the sale of a child:
Letter to CL about a 12yr old girl who was sold
Child Sex Trafficking Growing in US and mentions CL

About profiting from sex adds:
NY Times
More from NY TImes
1/3 of Revenue from Sex Ads
Human Rights Advocates decline donation from CL

A PETITION to sign:
 Make a Change in Adult Services Section

What Craigslist says about it: 
http://blog.craigslist.org/2010/04/sad-state-of-affairs-at-the-new-york-times/

http://blog.craigslist.org/2010/04/misdirected-outrage/

Bloggers:
Vince: 
http://vincegiordano.blogspot.com/2010/05/im-outraged.html

http://vincegiordano.blogspot.com/2010/05/i-hate-boycottswill-you-join-me.html

Sarah:

http://threetimeslife.blogspot.com/2010/05/scream-for-innocent.html

Brandi:

http://www.brandilea.com/2010/05/craiglists-blog-craziness.html

Tom:

http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/shutting-down-americas-online-sex-cafe.html

http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/craigslist-supports-sex-trafficking.html

 (also shared earlier in post)
 http://tomdavis.typepad.com/tom_daviss_blog/2010/05/praying-for-the-victims-of-sex-trafficking.html

Anne: (also shared earlier in post)

http://flowerdust.net/2010/05/05/why-christians-shouldnt-boycott-craigslist/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+flowerdust%2FaILX+%28FlowerDust.net%29

What FAITH Can Do!

Maybe you know God has given me a HEART for Uganda. 

Maybe you know that I follow a few adoption blogs about Ugandan adoption.

Maybe you know I am a PRAYER WARRIOR!

Well if you didn't, then now you do!

In February:

I told you about a family that needed a MIRACLE!

Many families in fact...

A time of corporate prayer was organized and "The Call"  was AMAZING! 

Well, it's MARCH and:

One family is home... but another is NOT! 

I read this post today and NOTHING else has been on my mind:

Attacks Keep Coming

He said:

The thing the devil doesn’t know or is failing to see is that I serve an even bigger God!  An awe-inspiring, mountain-moving, gasp-giving, wonder-working, all powerful God that loves me and is taking care of me here.  Yes, I was discouraged.  Yes, I wallowed a bit in my own self-pity.  Yes, I was angry (still am a bit) BUT then God picked me up, brushed me off and told me to “keep on”. 

All I kept thinking is my brother is battling!  He is under attack!  I need him to know he is not alone!  Jesus please help him see he is not alone. I feel a responsibility to battle with him in prayer! 




I went on about my morning and in the shower this "tune" was dancing in my head and I could not "think" of the lyrics I new bits and pieces and I had to come and find the song...

Well, if you have read my blog very long you will not be surprised when I say:

IT BLEW ME AWAY

I want you to know his story, I want you to care.  I can't make you.   But I invite you...

Tomorrow is my ifast58 day. I don't usually publicize it, but I am inviting you to join me tomorrow if you feel led to fast and pray for James & his family. 

In whatever way you see fit...between you and God.  Please consider THIS family!

If you would like to participate in our weekly corporate prayer call-you are welcome to! 

Join us tomorrow morning first thing for a time of corporate prayer. I promise, you'll be blessed! Wednesdays 9:30 AM (eastern) at CALL IN # : 760- 569- 9000 ID: 968101

Brandi always posts the requests from participating organizations on Wednesdays: HERE

What can our faith do?  

Bring a father and his two babies home...Prayerfully so!

To God be the glory!

What Faith Can Do by Kutless
lyrics:

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You don't have a chance
(That’s what faith can do)
When the world says you can’t
It’ll tell you that you can!

I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise

Lyrics from : HERE

Blind but now I see...

One of my favorite bloggers is Shaun Groves! 

 He describes himself:

Shaun Groves is a communicator who’s known by a lot of titles: Singer/songwriter. Speaker. Blogger. Husband. Daddy. Friend. He feels and thinks deeply and laughs easily. And he’s helping Christians discover what they were saved for, and being a voice for children around the world, desperate to be saved from poverty.

I read a post today that is sticking with me...  Go! See! Check out the images, and hear an orphans definition of Rich and Poor! 

Read This:http://shaungroves.com/2010/03/sight-for-the-blind/

image belongs to Shaun Groves! and was borrowed to promote his blog.  Hopefully, he doesn't see fit to sue me :)
©2009 Shaun Groves. // All rights reserved. 

I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up

I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up...
I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up...
I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up MY HANDS & PRAISE THE LORD!

A friend called and I was telling her that "I am SO trusting God right now that I feel like I am going to throw up!....   Well, that doesn't really sound like trust... but that's how I FEEL!"

She said I have a song for you! Thank you Janet!  I couldn't find the song online, but just the chorus HELPED!  Seriously!

Prior to this call I was having a moment with God, about to lose it :)  Just thinking "okay God you HAVE to give me FAITH that you CAN... cause right now I am about to GIVE up."  I knew I had heard about this man who "prayed" and received all he needed. I need to borrow that book I should have read years ago--but in the meantime I googled him! 

I was desperate! Desperate for a WORD!  Something to set before my eyes.  What did this man do?

Well, here is the scripture I put before me:

Psalm 84:11 (New International Version)

 ¹¹ For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
       the LORD bestows favor and honor;
       no good thing does he withhold
       from those whose walk is blameless.

and this encouraged me:

I will let him have the closing word of exhortation and plea for us to join him in the path of radical, joyful faith:

My dear Christian reader, will you not try this way? Will you not know for yourself . . . the preciousness and the happiness of this way of casting all your cares and burdens and necessities upon God? This way is as open to you as to me. . . . Every one is invited and commanded to trust in the Lord, to trust in Him with all his heart, and to cast his burden upon Him, and to call upon Him in the day of trouble. Will you not do this, my dear brethren in Christ? I long that you may do so. I desire that you may taste the sweetness of that state of heart, in which, while surrounded by difficulties and necessities, you can yet be at peace, because you know that the living God, your Father in heaven, cares for you.⁸⁴

and this was SOOO good:

He was grieved that “so many believers . . . were harassed and distressed in mind, or brought guilt on their consciences, on account of not trusting in the Lord.” This grace that he had to trust God's promises, and this grief that so many believers didn't trust his promises, shaped Mueller's entire life. This was his supreme passion: to display with open proofs that God could be trusted with the practical affairs of life

I want to have faith! I know that I can pray and a mountain can MOVE!  God has given miracles to prove himself, though He doesn't have to because HE IS!


but He does!  AND HE can be TRUSTED!  So here I am trusting... and possibly throwing up!  But undoubtedly PRAISING HIM!
 

To Read More about Geaorge Mueller Click HERE

The Cost

Yesterday the PRAYER CALL was amazing!  I tell you there is nothing like "not knowing" people but all crying out the the same LORD!  It was powerful.  I cried many times.  Thank God for mute!  I would tell you all about it, but it wouldn't do it justice.  Hearing those that are my bloggy sisters was the best part.  Just the heart of familiar momma's crying out to God!  The unfamiliar voices blessed me just as much.  Male and female. Crying out for justice. 

 

Here is the latest update from Amy:  Progress & Thanks 

 

and I wanted to share this devotion today.  It meant so much to me and made me really think about COST!

February 8, 2010

The Cost of Sanctification

ODB RADIO:  |  Download
READ:

May the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely . . . —1 Thessalonians 5:23

 

When we pray, asking God to sanctify us, are we prepared to measure up to what that really means? We take the word sanctification much too lightly. Are we prepared to pay the cost of sanctification? The cost will be a deep restriction of all our earthly concerns, and an extensive cultivation of all our godly concerns. Sanctification means to be intensely focused on God’s point of view. It means to secure and to keep all the strength of our body, soul, and spirit for God’s purpose alone. Are we really prepared for God to perform in us everything for which He separated us? And after He has done His work, are we then prepared to separate ourselves to God just as Jesus did? "For their sakes I sanctify Myself . . ." ( John 17:19 ). The reason some of us have not entered into the experience of sanctification is that we have not realized the meaning of sanctification from God’s perspective. Sanctification means being made one with Jesus so that the nature that controlled Him will control us. Are we really prepared for what that will cost? It will cost absolutely everything in us which is not of God.

Are we prepared to be caught up into the full meaning of Paul’s prayer in this verse? Are we prepared to say, "Lord, make me, a sinner saved by grace, as holy as You can"? Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him, just as He is one with the Father (see John 17:21-23 ). The resounding evidence of the Holy Spirit in a person’s life is the unmistakable family likeness to Jesus Christ, and the freedom from everything which is not like Him. Are we prepared to set ourselves apart for the Holy Spirit’s work in us?

From:

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/02/08/devotion.aspx?year=2010

 This made me reflect on the families adopting from Uganda that I know are effected. I think overwhelmingly as I read the blog I feel that this is the case.  They are willing to do whatever for God's purpose. 

What about me?

you?



 

If My People Called by My Name

It's right above my computer.  A reminder.  A challenge. A promise.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

I listen to it.  In song. Running through my mind this morning is this,

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed!

You may remember me telling you about my friend Amy who is in Uganda to bring home her medically fragile daughter.  Here is a link to her latest blog: Glimmer of Hope

Well, James is from Canada and has been in Uganda for MONTHS because he can't get visas to come home. 

There are other families that I am not aware of that are effected as well.

SO, what if WE prayed? Do you believe that we can move the mountains from here to there? 

A fellow ifaster, Jena, who is also a Ugandan Momma, is organizing a TIME OF PRAYER!  Here is her message to save a step. This is the same momma that sent the email I posted in my UPDATE. 

I know there are lots of different bits of information floating around out there right now. There is a lot of fear. There is a lot of confusion.

"For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints." I Corinthians 14:33.

I would ask that we all pray for this situation. Pray it will be resolved. Pray there would be no more confusion. Pray that those obtaining legal guardianship in Uganda would be filled with a peace that surpasses all understanding and can only come from Him. Pray He will do more than we could have ever asked for or imagined for these precious little ones in Uganda. God loves each of these children more than we ever could. He formed them, He knows them, He adores them!

I have been thinking about Matthew 18:20 a lot today. "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." On Wednesdays I am blessed to sometimes get to join a conference call with other people who have a heart for orphan care. It is a wonderful time of coming together praying for God's heart for the least of these. I think that we are better together and would love for us to go to the throne room together on behalf of the people in Uganda, the judges, the lawyers, the babies, the kids, the families...

Would you please join me in a time of corporate prayer this Sunday, February 7th at 5:00-6:00 PM EST? We won't be spending time discussing the situation. We won't be asking or answering questions. Those who wish to pray can simply pray what is on their heart. I will open us in prayer at 5:00 PM EST and I will close us in prayer by 6:00 PM EST. Please join us for the entire hour or five minutes, whatever works for you.

Some particulars about the call:

*The call will ask you to introduce yourself. If you are calling in after we have begun, please just remain silent and join in the call.

*Please don't use headphones or put the call on speaker. This will prevent a lot of noise and make it easier for all to focus.

*Please press *6 to mute yourself once you join the call. Press *6 to unmute yourself if you want to pray out loud.

You can join in the call by calling:
Conference Dial-in Number: (605) 475-4850
Participant Access Code: 244388#

***UPDATE***
Within 10 minutes of posting I received two emails informing me I may want to change the time because the Super Bowl Pre-Show will be on during that time and the call would interfere with Super Bowl Parties. It is my opinion some things are more important than football, just sayin'...

I can tell you I have never been more blessed than to gather at the throne of the King of Kings, with people from all over the country and unite ourselves in one-voice! My Wednesdays are the highlight of my week.  So, I am SO excited to have this opportunity again on Sunday.  

So, want to JOIN ME? 

THIS Sunday: 5pm-6pm EST

If you are in Uganda that would be 1am Monday. 

In case you haven't had the pleasure of hearing this song:



Casting Crowns
"What If His People Prayed"

What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more

What if the church for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took and stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

And what would happen if we prayed
For those raised up to lead the way
Then maybe kids in school could pray
And unborn children see light of day

What if the life that we pursue
Came from a hunger for the truth
What if the family turned to Jesus
Stopped asking Oprah what to do

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray
If My people called by My name
If they'll humble themselves and pray

What if His people prayed
And those who bear His name
Would humbly seek His face, Yeah
And turn from their own way

He said that they would hear
His promise has been made
He’s answered loud and clear, Yeah
If only we would pray

What if His people prayed
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/castingcrowns/whatifhispeopleprayed.html

Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy

Debby @ Heavenly Humor posted this that started it.... Mercy vs Sacrifice

and she sent me to read what Divine Mrs. D thought... I Desire Mercy not Sacrifice (read the comments too)

and guess what... LAST NIGHT I DREAMED ABOUT IT! 

Yep! Thanks Debby :))  I love you lady!

I dreamed we were at a restaurant that was obviously familiar to many of us.  There were people from my past, close friends, people I don't know so well, people I didn't know, just all kinds of people gathered around the table discussing MERCY VERSUS SACRIFICE! We had to keep adding tables as our party grew. It was neat. 

[Jesus said,] "Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners." -- Matthew 9:13 

[Jesus said,] "But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless." -- Matthew 12:7 

Here are a few articles I have looked at  skimmed--I am going to read them more at length throughout the day and weekend.  I put something that stood out in each to me so give you a taste. 


http://www.gospeltruth.net/1858OE/580818_merciful_blessed.htm

"It is by his manifested love that God overcomes the hearts of his enemies. Revealing his great love, he subdues their hearts and brings them under this love-power; and then, though they deserve to be banished forever, he rejoices over them as one who has found great spoil. As when the prodigal son returned, famished and filthy, but penitent, the father is seen rushing forth to meet him, his heart running over with joy.

If we may judge of the happiness of heaven from our own exercises, we must conclude that God's most intense happiness is found in the exercise of mercy, and that this is his highest form of virtue. The exercise of mercy has always been with him a present intention, and in this sense, a present reality."

http://pjmiller.wordpress.com/2008/11/28/the-better-way-blessed-are-the-merciful/

"Yet there is a price on the human side — our side — of God’s mercy. What is the cost to us? It is the high cost of becoming a true witness to the power of the mercy we have received. The fact is, offering the same mercy that has been given to us will cost us dearly here on earth. It is a cost we can expect to pay in our everyday life. "

http://www.southsidechurchofchrist.com/mp3-sermons/blessed-are-the-merciful-part-2.html

"Conclusion: It is mercy that I need most; It is mercy that I have received the most.  The mercy of God has implications for me. The mercy of God demands a priority that I cannot ignore or distort..

• Whenever I begin to address the sin or weakness of another; whenever I am compelled to act in discipline toward others; Whenever my knowledge puts me in the place of judgment; I must first desire to extend mercy, because mercy is the first desire of God. Jesus says “go and learn what this means”

So, I sit here this morning thinking about being MERCIFUL! Confounded by the MERCY of GOD!

Rejoicing because I have also been called to consider SACRIFICE.

So, Let's gather around the table and share.  Do you have any thoughts or things to add?

UPDATED NEED a Miracle!!

Please join me in praying for this family!

http://james127family.blogspot.com/2010/02/devastated.html

They are in Uganda to bring home their medically fragile daughter and are being denied a visa to come back to the US.  Please pass it on!

UPDATE: LET'S FOCUS OUR PRAYER!!

I got this in response to an email I forwarded to my ifast58 prayer group:

I know this is a horrible situation. 

We should all truly get our our knees and plead for a miracle. 

This precious little one needs to get home with her family. 

She is so sick, so fragile. 

Her family must be weary, exhausted, frustrated and filled with all sorts of other emotions. 

In fact, praying right now would be a good time! 

And then again in about 30 minutes, and then before bed, 

and then when you wake up for that midnight potty run... 

well, you get the idea! 

Being a Uganda Mama I would like to point your prayers in a certain direction, 

if you would oblige me. 

A little history... there aren't many rules in regards to obtaining legal guardianship

in Uganda. 

One of them clearly states that the court order AND/OR court ruling (only one) 

must clearly state "legal guardianship with full and final adoption abroad". 

This is not a new requirement, this should not be a surprise to anyone. 

I think the surprise here is that as of today, the rule is being enforced without exception. 

In the past the consular would make an appt with the judge and verbally ask if they understood

the child in the petition would be fully adopted abroad. 

They could then issue the visa. 

This is such bad timing for this sweet family to have to be the first to have the rules enforced. 

Miraculous big prayers I am praying are that the judge would rewrite the court ruling. 

Since they only have to have one of the two documents say 'full and final adoption abroad' 

and the ruling is one page, this would be much easier and less time consuming to change. 

Even though it is culturally a slap in the judges face to ask, it could be what has to be done. 

Please, please continue to pray for favor for this sweet family. 

Their little blessing is such a gift. 

I pray their family can bring her home and love her up big!
 
Jena

I went to the Us Embassy site and clicked CONTACT US and sent an email.  Besides

prayer and emailing nad more prayer I don't know what else to do. 

http://contact-us.state.gov 

When you click the link you will see "questions and Answers" then to the right of that is an 

EMAIL A QUESTION OR COMMENT!!!! box and that's what I did!

under topic I selected "International Adoption" 

and for subject I put HELP!! PLEASE!!!

If anyone has any other suggestions, please comment here.  Thank you for listening as always!

Love, Jen

continued from yesterday:
I have never posted 3 blogs in one day. Here are links to the others to save you a step...


Miracle in My Mailbox

Temporary Home

Temporary Home

Jena @ Organized Chaos posted this!

It made me cry SOB!

As I spend the day considering THE LEAST OF THESE, and allowing God to align my heart with His I am reminded that this place is TEMPORARY! I want to make the MOST of it!

To see today's prayer requests: ifast58



For you FB folks: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNV1Hz90vHs

Carrie Underwood: Temporary Home lyrics

Little boy, 6 years old
A little too used to bein' alone
Another new mom and dad,another school
Another house that'll never be home
When people ask him how he likes this place
He looks up and says with a smile upon his face

"This is my temporary home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this is my
Temporary Home."

Young mom on her own
She needs a little help got nowhere to go
She's lookin' for a job, lookin' for a way out
Because a half-way house will never be a home
At night she whispers to her baby girl
Someday we'll find a place here in this world

"This is our temporary home
It's not where we belong
Windows and rooms that we're passin' through
This is just a stop, on the way to where we're going
I'm not afraid because I know this is our
Temporary Home."

Old man, hospital bed
The room is filled with people he loves
And he whispers don't cry for me
I'll see you all someday
He looks up and says "I can see God's face"

"This is my temporary Home
It's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passin' through
This was just a stop,on the way To where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know this was
My temporary home."

This is our temporary home