Ash Wednesday: the beginning of a historic journey

Lord Jesus Christ, you loved us while we were yet sinners, and have called us to love others, to bring hope to a broken world. Help us each day to be your people and to live lives of uncommon faith and love. You are the Lord forevermore. Amen.

Be Thou My Vision

Ancient Irish hymn, possibly from the 8th Century

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom and Thou my true word
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord
Thou my great Father, I , Thy true son
Thou in me dwelling and I with Thee one
Riches I heed not nor man's emptly praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always
Thou and thou only first in my heart
High King of heaven my treasure Thou are
High King of heaven my victory won
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heaven's Sun
Heart of my own heart whatever befall
Still be my vision O Ruler of all

Recently I have been reflecting (too much probably) on what I should be striving to become. The character, the inner growth is so intangible - it is not something I can work on with time oriented goals and specific outcomes. There are things I am mindful of, but I find myself needing goals and a plan for where I am going. Even if the plan changes along the way, I need a plan. So, here I am with many things up in the air - family, school, business, career....
It is good today to take time - in ashes. I love connecting with history - the lent journey is a historic one, that reaches down through the ages, connecting with the human story of relationship with our Creator. I know I am not the first to travel this road, won't be the last and am not alone along the way. Recognizing my need for connection with my God, my Creator, my Savior. Be my vision, O Ruler of all.

Detours...

...are meant for going around the route that was originally intended. Detours are a way to get around an area that is not considered safe to travel. Detours are a second best way to go, right?

Today in honor of the catastrophe that took place at Pearl Harbor, a Christian Church I attended took a - and I quote - "detour from our missions moment" to read about war and the honor that it is for young men to learn to shoot a gun and unite against a "common enemy", to protect the USA.

I sat there in disbelief. Are we not citizens of the Kingdom of God? Was Jesus just not clear enough about what that Kingdom is about? As I listened to the message that followed I was glad to hear an acknowledgment that the ways of the Kingdom of God are not that of our culture many times. The message addressed issues of disbelief, faith and doubt. Are we so sure that we can preserve our way of life, comfort and freedom better than Jesus? Do we not believe that God will lead us, teach us and do what is best for us? Or are we just afraid of what God would allow to happen to us if we simply obeyed, followed Jesus in His way and lived by the ways of the Kingdom of God rather than of this world. I think we all realize that there are many who do and don't live through it.

A life of faith is not one that guarantees safety and freedom or comfort or popularity. It does not promise acceptance, it doesn't even promise food on the table. Regardless of what happens, a life of faith is about following Jesus (a homeless man, living below the poverty line, outcast by religious leaders, killed by his country for his teachings, claiming to be the Son of God - living and dying so that we could learn a better way) no matter what.

I am honestly baffled many times by the things that are embraced by the Body of Christ. I am looking to be part of a community of believers who are open to conform to the ways of the Kingdom of God, even if it means challenging those things that we have always thought to be o.k. - even if it means standing alone, against the masses and proclaiming the Good News.

Following Jesus, we are promised glory and the presence and peace of God. Often this means just staying on course, not taking detours that are presented to us as a better way.

Here are some things said by mentors of mine on the issue of peace.:

We have placed such idolatrous faith in our ability to protect ourselves that we call it more courageous to die killing than to die loving. - Shane Claiborn, The Irresistible Revolution, 286

It’s even more scandalous to think of killing someone who kills, for they, more than anyone in the world, need to hear that they are created for something better than that. - Shane Claiborn, Jesus for President, 205

So even as we see the horror of death, may we be reminded that in the end, love wins. Mercy triumphs. Life is more powerful than death. And even those who have committed great violence can have the image of God come to life again within them as they hear the whisper of love. May the whisper of love grow louder than the thunder of violence. May we love loudly. – Jesus for President, 205

Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place; for those who live by the sword, die by the sword." Matt 26:52.

"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth... Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy... Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." Matt 5:5-9.

"But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same." Luke 6:27-32

What I'm researching on Wikipedia

The term socialization is used by sociologists, social psychologists and educationalists to refer to the process of learning one’s culture and how to live within it. For the individual it provides the skills and habits necessary for acting and participating within their society. For the society, inducting all individual members into its moral norms, attitudes, values, motives, social roles, language and symbols is the ‘means by which social and cultural continuity are attained’ (Clausen 1968: 5).

I recently had a conversation about socialization that has effected me deeply. I am on it. I am always interested in stuff like this. How people live together, work together...how I can best live along side other. How I can love better and be more useful... I have not ever been in a place for longer that two weeks where I had not been socialized. For two weeks in a different culture, you take the instruction of those who live there, understanding or not you just mirror their responses to the environment. For two weeks, anyone can appreciate the differences of others, embrace the uniqueness of others. Two months - not the case.

Along with learning how this happens, I will be finding out how long it takes. I suspect many missionaries show up in a culture not prepared for what they are truly entering into. This, I now know can be not such a good thing. There are so many dynamics that can blindside. If I had it to do all over, I would quickly find a cultural mentor. My experience is not as dramatic as socialization in another country with a new language - but then again maybe you are granted more time, more benefit of the doubt, if you look different and are still learning the language.

hmmmm....
Secondary socialization refers to the process of learning what is appropriate behavior as a member of a smaller group within the larger society. It is usually associated with teenagers and adults, and involves smaller changes than those occurring in primary socialization. eg. entering a new profession, relocating to a new environment or society.

Developmental socialization is the process of learning behavior in a social institution or developing your social skills.

Resocialization refers to the process of discarding former behavior patterns and accepting new ones as part of a transition in one's life. This occurs throughout the human life cycle (Schaefer & Lamm, 1992: 113). Resocialization can be an intense experience, with the individual experiencing a sharp break with their past, and needing to learn and be exposed to radically different norms and values. An example might be the experience of a young man or woman leaving home to join the military.

to vote or not...

While many of my friends know for certain how they will vote, I struggle with if I should vote or not. It is clear that we cannot know what the facts are. As a Christian, my true citizenship is not that of America. It is not my goal to see that Government legislates morality according to my beliefs. On the other hand voting can be an opportunity to promote change. But then, I have voted in the past and not liked feeling responsible for what I cannot control. I feel like I made a choice and now the blood is on my hands.

What I do know is that I have got to be active in my primary citizenship of the Kingdom of God. In that system, we don't vote once every 4 years and then just live with the choice we make. We get to vote every day with the way we live our lives. Faith. Peace. Hope. Love. Freedom. We fight for those. We cannot forget that Love wins in the end. This had been determined. No matter what happens, or doesn't happen, our mission is to remind those around us, spread the good news and spend our lives telling people of the hope, the freedom, the love of Jesus Christ. We don't do that by voting in November. It's o.k. to ask Caesar to be in line with our mission, we get to do that if we want to. Beyond that, I believe that God is asking us, the Church - the people He calls His children- to be a part of the restoration He has begun. To care for the poor, spread the Good news, to love, to hope, to serve.

Gene and I are reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne. We just picked up a copy yesterday. Maybe you want to read it with us?

How we need to be freed from the illusion that we’re doing anything kingdom by voting a certain way every couple years! How we need to wake up to the truth that we vote for or against the Kingdom every day of our life. We vote by how we spend our money and time. We vote by where we live, who we hang out with, the kind of car we drive and the kind of clothes we wear. In the Kingdom, we vote with our lives, not in a booth expressing our opinion about what Caesar should do. -Greg Boyd

here I am, now what?

The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.

This week as I read through some of the En Gedi lectionary passages, the theme of complaining to God emerged. I have complained to God about many things - much like the Israelites, I'm wondering why can't I just stay where I am, make friends, enjoy family. Why couldn't I at least move to somewhere near a large body of water? Now, I am not moving on from slavery as they were, but I do sometimes wonder why not just stay where I at least know my way around, it's familiar...?

I am glad that God is merciful and compassionate. I know, I am relying on His guidance. I am trusting that He is concerned with my journey and how I feel about it. That may not change the steps I am to take but I can look for Him to, as He did with the Israelites, provide what I need for the life He is leading me in. When I don't recognize His provision, when I don't know what to do next and when I'm crying for my own way, I'm glad He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love.

I wish I had written this song.

Since I did not write this song, I'm glad that Francesca Battistelli did. (Click on her name, if you would like to visit the site and listen to it. The lyrics resonated with me today.)


My heart beats, standing on the edge
But my feet have finally left the ledge

Like an acrobat
There’s no turning back

(Chorus)
I’m letting go
Of the life I planned for me
And my dreams
I’m losing control
Of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
So I’m letting go

This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace

The fear of the unknown
Beyond my comfort zone

(Chorus)

Giving in to your gravity
Knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid

(Chorus)

Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me


(Francesca Battistelli / Ian Eskelin / Tony Wood) © 2008 Word Music, LLC (ASCAP) / Bridge Designer Music, Inc., Honest and Popular Songs (SESAC) (Adm. by Multisongs, Inc) / New Spring Publishing Inc., Row 9 Seat J Songs (ASCAP)

In the past 40 days...

...we moved to Nashville Tn.
...we celebrated 18 years of marriage.
...Spencer turned 8.
...I turned 40.
...we went to the Smokey Mountains, and Dollywood.
...we got a new car, along with a car payment for the first time in over 8 years.
...I've begun the learning process of another public school routine.
...I began a new job at Vanderbilt's Childrens Hospital. I like the job so far, even though I have not been out of classroom orientation yet.
...we all got library cards (having fun isnt' hard,when you have a library card!).
...I've kept an orchid alive for over two weeks now! (blooms still in tact)
...I've been sun burnt 3 different times (not smart).
...I got a TN drivers' license and have been fingerprinted and back ground checked 3 different times.
...I started a new journal.
...I've fallen behind in my studies and blogging, I have done little to no reading. AND the new season of Heroes begins this week and I am not caught up on the last season!

Jibe Ho!

"I hate being the dumb girl", I said to my friend who is a physician. "You know, every work place has one at some time, someone who just doesn't get it....I'm that girl." My friend very kindly and quickly replied, "Oh, no Juli, that person never knows who she is. As long as you are aware, you are not the dumb girl!"  So, I went back to work on Monday and just kept on. This was the story of my career 3 years ago.  I have come a long way since then (and still have much to go.)

I don't know what my colleagues were really thinking back then but they were kind and helpful - most of the time! :-) Over the past several years, the people I work with have become some of my dearest friends. We have shared struggles with family crisis and illness, as well as work place ups and downs. We have great conversations, tackled many issues, solved world problems and exposed some as well.  I have learned so much! My faith has been strengthened as I see God at work in the lives of these beautiful people. Shalom.

Apple Pie, A La Mode.

My list of 40 things to do before I'm 40 included making an apple pie. After months of promising to make this pie, I finally did it! Even without the allspice, I have to say it went quite well. MMMMMM. Very rewarding. 

Nothing can separate us...

How awesome is it that no matter our circumstances, we are never apart from the love of our God, our Creator. As a child of God, I do not have to worry or be afraid, unless I want to. (Which, I admit sometimes I just do. It's easier sometimes, just worry and be afraid, I'll be confident and courageous when I get over myself.)

We are a little over 2 weeks away from moving to Nashville, TN. We will leaved the Midwest lifestyle for the first time ever and venture out into a new city, a new culture...a new adventure. Right now, I am interviewing for jobs and saying good bye to good friends, a city and neighborhood and a work place that I love. Monday I found a lump on my breast. My first thought was, "Great, another thing to think about." Now, I'll go for a diagnostic mammogram this week and just see what next. I wasn't really worried until I told a couple people and heard a couple horror stories. I was really only thinking of the inconvenience of the timing... There is also the things of selling a home - finances, inspections, appraisals... The kids begin school the week we move and the paperwork sitting here for me to complete. Spencer needs to get his cast off before we move or I will be sawing it off with a kitchen knife. :-) O.k. so, you can start to see that like many of you, I can go on and on about the things that I could choose to worry about. The cool thing - I truly am not worried and I am so thankful for the gift of faith and unending, unconditional love that my God has given me! When I say it all out loud, I realize why people are wondering why I am planning parties and going to ball games. I want to enjoy this process. I don't want to hurry around and miss the life that God is giving, even when there is much to do. Oh, I have my moments (I blame PMS). Maybe in the moment following this session, I will pop open a Blue Moon and get to work. For this moment, I am grateful.

Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It's All Good!

‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
-Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

It's more simple than I make it to be sure. It is probably the very reason that causes me to have to try to understand, is why I don't completely grasp what Jesus is saying here. It seems to me lately that resting is harder work than it ought to be. The mind just grabs hold of all the things that I am trying to let go of, not "worry" about and hangs on tight. If I am able to let it go during the day - mostly be distracting myself - my mind just goes into overdrive throughout the night. Dreams...headaches...tingling in the hands and feet...(which could simply be hormones too, I suppose).

I dreamt two nights in a row about a woman who was a very good friend to me when I was a senior in high school. In the dream, I was walking and heard (not audibly) a voice, I turn and there is Jo, sitting in a barbers chair. She has a big smile on her face. I then immediately just go over and give her a big hug. That's it. No words exchanged. No feelings of anything but, hey, it's good to see you! 

Our house is on the market, we have multiple showings throughout the week, we are in negotiations now with a potential buyer. It occurred to me that while we keep saying that we are not in any particular hurry, no matter when the house sells we will have a short period of time to secure a job and a place to live. School in Nashville begins mid-August. So, there are just a lot of unanswered questions. I love a good adventure but if I'm honest my favorite part of adventure is getting beyond it and looking back fondly, knowing I made it. (My friends who went White-water rafting with me can attest to that!)

So...I have a lot to learn from Jesus about "finding rest" this week. 

 "It's all good!" is becoming our mantra around here. Gene says it often.  I am believing it, I just don't know the details of just how good it really is, that's all. 

These will be my notes on the scripture passage as I travel through the week: (please share your insights too!)

In earlier verses, just prior to the quote above, Jesus voices his judgement on those who consider themselves intelligent, wise - on arrogant and self-satisfied people. He seems not ony to be speaking of those who are self-satisfied without him, but also those who felt themselves secure in their knowledge of God and Jesus himself (see the earlier versese, 11:20-24),

One commentary on this verse said this: "Jesus embraces the meek, the broken and the little ones, for they are most like him."

inspiring:

At 41, she has done what most would have termed impossible since retiring (for the second time, no less) after the 2000 games: bear a child, get diagnosed with asthma, go through recent knee and shoulder surgeries, and arrive at the U.S. Olympic swimming trials posting faster times than in her mid-20s. Yet, when she touched a wall in the 100-meter freestyle Friday night, she squinted at digits that seemed downright impossible. Torres qualified for the Olympic team by edging out a 25-year-old Natalie Coughlin by five one hundredths of a second – 53.78 to 53.83 – in an event in which Coughlin holds the American record.

I may not be going to Bejing (this was something I thought maybe I would do) but Dara Torres is - and I'll be watching!

take care of your toes today

Come, thou Fount of every blessing, 

tune my heart to sing thy grace; 

streams of mercy, never ceasing, 

call for songs of loudest praise. 

Teach me some melodious sonnet, 

sung by flaming tongues above. 

Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, 

mount of thy redeeming love. 

Here I raise mine Ebenezer; 

hither by thy help I'm come; 

and I hope, by thy good pleasure, 

safely to arrive at home. 

Jesus sought me when a stranger, 

wandering from the fold of God; 

he, to rescue me from danger, 

interposed his precious blood. 

O to grace how great a debtor 

daily I'm constrained to be! 

Let thy goodness, like a fetter, 

bind my wandering heart to thee. 

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, 

prone to leave the God I love; 

here's my heart, O take and seal it, 

seal it for thy courts above.

The List

Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?

Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

From date: Saturday, March 1, 2007 (6 months to my 40th Birthday)
Resulting date: Saturday, November 27, 2010



Before 40 (a list that began>5 years ago, to be completed over the next 6 months)
1. Practice calligraphy. Develop my own font.
2. Raise creative funds and acquire a GPS. 

3. Lose 40 pounds.
4. Go sailing. Take sailing lessons.
5. Have an adventure, do something scary. White water rafting.
6. Get highlights in my hair
7. Go to a wine tasting (7/16/08) 8. Volunteer in the Medical Tent at the Iron Man
9. Read 40 books just for fun–may overlap with other reading goals

1. Change of Heart, Jodi Picoult 1/15/2007
2. My Sister’s Keeper, Jodi Picoult
3. Nineteen Minutes, Jodi Picoult
4. The Tenth Circle, Jodi Picoult
5. Purple Hibiscus (book club) 1/17/2008
6. Kite Runner
7. Thousand Splendid Suns
8. 90 Minutes in Heaven (book club)
9. The Sparrow
10. The Magician’s Nephew
11. Chet Gheko Mystery Series (5/10)
12. Children of God

13. Dawn Treader

14. The Silver Chair
15. Eat, Pray, Love
16. The Bookseller of Kabul
17. The Glass Castle
18. The Last Battle
19. Eat, Love, Pray
20. In A Moment                                                                                                                      

21. The Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe

22. The Horse and His Boy

23. Prince Caspian

24. Love That Dog

25. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

10. Calculate my carbon footprint.

Your footprint is 17.277 tonnes The average for United States is 20.4 tonnes
The worldwide target to combat climate change is 2 tonnes
* The average footprint for people in United States is 20.4 tonnes.
* The average for the industrial nations is about 11 tonnes.
* The average worldwide carbon footprint is about 4 tonnes.
* To combat climate change the worldwide average needs to reduce to 2 tonnes.

The results of your carbon footprint calculation
Offset 17.277 tonnes

11. Get PALS certified. 

12. Read the Chronicles of Narnia (8/8) 

13. Start a book club.
14. Renew ACLS certification. 

15. Learn how to camp as a family. Go camping. (2) 

16. Attend a professional sporting event. (Bears, Cubs)
17. Buy myself fresh flowers.
18. Make at least 5 changes to my lifestyle to become more “green”

• Using green bags, less plastic
• Rechargeable batteries
• Live plants in the house
• Water plants outside with gray water, re use "gray water"
• transition to non chemical, environmentally friendly cleaning products / bug spray
• moving to an apartment, less than 1000 sq feet per person
• minimal / shared yard

19. Buy someone else flowers – just because.
20. Write a poem.
21. Go kayaking
22. Create a workable calendar for the family. Make it portable.
23. Eliminate the need for storage of unuseful items.
24. Divert Daily: 20/20 (read and journal)
25. Withdraw Weekly: Spend time each week in prayer (1/143)
26. Maintain Monthly: Schedule one 6-8 hour time of solitude. (2)
27. Have updated journals for both Sam and Spencer.
28. Buy a new houseplant and keep it alive for the remainder of days (minimum 500)
29. Drive a Jaguar.
30. Ride my bike ...
31. Grow an herb garden / salsa garden.
32. Develop an exercise routine. (See windows: Every day play)
33. Make pesto.
34. Attend an Author’s book signing/reading.
35. Purge and organize digital photos (back up files).
36. Acquire good digital camera with video options (and audio).
37. Watch the sunrise from Memorial Union in Madison, WI (Sunset on 7/31)
38. Observe a Meteor Shower.
39. Paint on a canvas.
40. Bake an apple pie. (8/1/08)  

61 More Ideas

1. Edit / Revise List 
2. Make list of 50 things to do before we are 50
3. Create new list for next 1001 days
4. Read 10 Life Coaching books.
5. Read 10 Spiritual Growth works.
6. Read 1 Non fiction / History / Biography each month.
7. Subscribe and remain current with podcasts: Inspirational, Theology/Apologetic, Ecclesiastical, Life Coaching, Sociological/Anthropological, Medical
8. Take a class in Natural Medicine
9. Get Certified as a Life Coach / Spiritual Director
10. Find my “word”
11. Choose theme song for life: Sam, Spencer, my own
12. Know enough to vote in the 2008 Presidential Election
13. See five professional stadiums with the boys.                                                                         (3/5: Wrigley Field, 7/28: Brewers Stadium, Lambeau Field)
14. Save a dollar a day (0/1001)–end total must be $1001, does not literally have to be $1 per day
15. Take an international trip as a family. (Italy?)
16. Go to New York City
17. Ride 101 miles on a bike–any kind of bike, inside or outside (3/101)
18. Send a minimum of 1 birthday card each month.
19. Participate in a "competitive" race (walk,run,ride,swim).
20. Write an article for publication.
21. Create my own stationary.
22. Try 10 CDs of artists I have never listened to before and keep track of artists (1/10; See ::Things Heard::)
23. Host and create a photo scavenger hunt
24. Have both boys take MBTI.
25. Read Emotional Intelligence – kids.
26. Read A Writer’s Book of Days and do exercises
27. Read the Bible
28. Post to one of our blogs once a week (12/143)
29. Simplify, rename...update our family blog - cosolidate into one site.
30. Fill at least one Moleskine journal
31. Meditate on one life verse from the scriptures each month.
32. Draft a living will.
33. Reflect on why I chose each item on my list–in blog or journal
34. Complete book - writing prompts
35. Take a picture of myself everyday of the 40th year
36. Organize printed photos / Digitalize as possible
37.  Design 5 Personal Spiritual Retreats for friends who are seeking. (1/5)
38. Back-up digital photos once a month (0/34)
39. Host a garage/yard sale
40. Create a home/family altar.
41.  Lead a "busy persons retreat" with a group of friends (not at church).
42. Eliminate all but one junk drawer
43. Research volunteer opportunities/charities–invest time in something I believe in
44. Start a film discussion group.
45. Read through the excercises found in DaVinci's notebooks, complete 5 of the excercises.
46. Learn a foreign language.
47. Travel outside the country as a family
48. Take a class in natural medicine
49. Get certified as a Life Coach.
50. Give something up during Lent each year (2008, 2009, 2010)
51. Get 7-8 hours of sleep/night on average in a week.
52. Journals – our story, writing prompt
53. Write a book for ebook format. (Mind the Gap) 
54. Save a dollar a day (120/1001)–end total must be $1001, does not literally have to be $1 per day
55. Plan a “date” with Gene once monthly.
56. Synchronize my address book on Mac with my cell phone/PDA/iPod
57. Create photo books for each boy.
58. Update boys journals’ and keep a minimum of monthly Journal entries
59. Learn Design Pro.
60. Watch 101 movies and keep track of the list (10/101 ::things seen::)
61. Review, Update and Keep Current with Life Time line.

E.R. discovers the flaw of post-modernisem

this from the ONE Campaigne BLOG...

Join Meg Ryan and Take Action for Mothers

Posted by Meg Ryan, Actress and CARE ambassador
10:30 AM May 10, 2007

Actress Meg Ryan is an ambassador for CARE, a founding member of the ONE Campaign dedicated to empowering women in the fight against global poverty.

Every minute of every day, one woman dies from pregnancy-related complications. Every minute. And almost all of these deaths take place in poor countries.

As a mother of two children, I am personally moved to help mothers worldwide. I believe, and I’m sure you do too, that it is unacceptable for mothers to die needlessly from problems during pregnancy and childbirth – problems that could be avoided with better health care.

There isn’t a simple solution. But there is hope. CARE’s maternal health programs in some 20 countries have shown that a comprehensive approach can turn the tables for mothers at risk – and you and I can help. This Mother’s Day, urge your legislators to support CARE’s Safe Motherhood Platform.

CARE’s Safe Motherhood Platform is a set of recommendations to increase U.S. funding for family planning and maternal health programs, and to use that funding more effectively. These changes could save the lives of hundreds of thousands of mothers and children worldwide.

Take a minute to contact your representatives today. Together, we can make a difference."

CARE::The Power of Mothers

the search for the perfect purse...

Ladies, our troubles are over. We've all been there, love this one but I wanted a zipper close not a snap, too big, too small, not quite the right color, no pocket for my cell phone...and I am NOT paying that much for a purse. God forbid this is going on in front of the man!

Well, as I said, our troubles are over. I found a creative solution to all of this. For those of you who haven't had the time lately to be solving the world's problems, I have done the research for you. Get ready...brace yourselves....Why buy when you can borrow?



Yes, that's right. Designer hand bag rental is now just a click away.

Bag Borrow or Steal. You pay 9.95 monthly and then rental fees are as low as $5 weekly. And if you are wondering, they did think of everything. Insurance is available too. So we're covered when the crayon melts in the bottom of the bag or the dog chews a hole in it to get at the gum.

What's stopping us! Sign up today! Why buy a purse for $7 at ShopKo? Those deals only last a year or two, and you have to go through all the trouble to find the perfect purse all over again! The madness is over!

I was asked a question...how would you answer it...?

"Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me." John 15:4

Is abiding active or passive? What activities are inherent in the life of a person who is abiding in an excellent way?

For years now Andrew Murray has been one of my mentors on this topic of abiding. In one of the many things he says about abiding he says, "It is when the soul becomes utterly passive, looking and resting on what Christ is to do, that it's energies are stirred to their highest activitity, and that the we work more effectually because we know that He works in us."

Just as Christ drew us to him..."Come to me"...He keeps us with "Abide in me". Living and dwelling are active, in that they bring life and growth, depth .... Abiding is passive in that we can do nothing strategically to "make it happen". It is not our work to do. I believe it is for us to position ourselves, to create space, for Christ to speak and for us to hear. It is my ambition to know His voice, to stay, watch, listen and obey. Life itself will show me His glory if I am paying attention. The acts of obedience - to love, to study, to pray, to fellowship, to serve seem then to be natural responses to Jesus, not strivings of my own. These activities follow Jesus' activitiy rather than precede them. So, am I saying first passive then active? Or both passive and active? Actively passive.

Now, while I have meditated on this, studied it, prayed through it, wrestled with it for years now - I still have difficulty grasping the reality. (The "what it looks like" in our present reality.) The moments that I do get are fleeting. Where I get hung up is in the power of His presence is evidenced. It seems that there should be more evidence. There should be some obvious diffence between one who abides in Christ and one who does not.

While these are things we cannot see...dependency on Christ, reliance on the Scripture, prayer, and desire to always grow seem to be areas that are places we can begin examining our lives.

I do know that the true work in me, happens outside of my own strivings. This causes me to wonder if I am not so actively pursuing "abiding", I would gain some comprehension of these matters. Or - it will always be a matter of hindsight and I will never know what fruit is growing until it's time for the next crop.

My aim these days, "to allow Christ's Word to impact my life at it's deepest level". - whatever that looks like...