LIFE

Many have learned of the tragedy that hit Steven Curtis Chapman and his family yesterday... my heart is heavy for them. Please pray along with me.

Visit his site and watch the precious video of his sweet daughter Maria.

Those unloveable people...

You really have to admit that it takes a lot of grace to be kind to people you really dislike.

First of all, you may be thinking that we just shouldn't dislike anyone.... it's not right. Maybe not, but it's not remotely realistic to like everyone that comes into your life - at least not mine.

I guess there are many reasons that people get on our bad side (if we have one) or make us feel like we would just rather not be around them.

I've recently had the experience of having people revisit my world that I thought would forever be out of my life - and that wasn't easy. These people just live a different kind of life - an immature, reckless and dangerous lifestyle of abuse and selfishness - and they're not the kind of people I'm normally drawn to be around. They're definitely not the kind of people I want my teenage children to hang around either. However, my daughter once had a strong draw toward people with these characteristics - in fact, she was one of them. When she said good-bye to that lifestyle over a year ago (thank God for His mercies in her life!), I was pretty confident that I had said good-bye to the people that went along with it. Especially the ones I considered the most threatening.

But - I was wrong.

Fast forward a year or so, and not only was "that name" on our call display, but that very person was welcomed into my home (by me!). For reasons too lengthy to write here, he was welcomed in to meet my grandson - the most precious treasure in my life - and spend a bit of time with him. For some strange reason, I found it quite easy to open the door to him with a genuine smile. Has he changed? I don't think so - I actually don't know much about his life right now. Am I such an amazing person? I really don't think so in this case either. I asked God for help (!!), and all I can say is this: God gave me grace. He even gave me the courage to be kind.

Looking back at that situation, I know I'm not the same. Will I be able to give grace to everyone I ever meet again? I'm sure I won't at first, but this made me realize how possible it is. This was a giant step.

Jesus asks us to love those that are not very lovable. That means different things to different people. I can confidently say that when Jesus asks us to respond with grace and love, he always gives us the ability to do it - through Him. I'm proof.

YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE

I love this World Vision Video.
Watch it.........

reminder...

I read my friend's blog the other day and was reminded of something that I need to hear a lot. To make the point really clear, she placed a picture on her post of several darts, that are right in the centre of their bulls-eye. The point? To be sure that we know that's where God is: right in the centre. He's in the centre of our lives and everything - no matter what everything feels like or looks like.

It's not just an interesting idea, either... it's the truth. He's bigger, more wonderful, loving and gracious than I can imagine, and He doesn't leave us on our own.

I've had a lot of things in my life that have made me feel pretty unqualified and defeated. I've tried to give up a few times, and just like a kid, I've told God that I just "can't do it!" In the end, though, I've walked through it, and actually come around to being grateful (yes, grateful) for the very circumstances that I was so discouraged about. Why? Only because God was in the centre of it the whole time.

That's a good reminder.

making a difference: the Invisible Children movement

We received the bracelets we ordered from "the invisible children" website the other day. My oldest son had been browsing and discovered a great small business that this organization has started in Northern Uganda, making and selling bracelets. The benefits are many - jobs are created for local people in an area of high unemployment; awareness is spread in North America about the plight of children in northern Uganda through the sales of the bracelets and accompanying DVDs; much needed funds are raised, and then put back into the school system in Northern Uganda. I'm sure there are more that I'm not even aware of... The Invisible Children Movement has really done an incredible job answering the call to give hope and change lives.

Social justice issues are before us all the time. I'm often drawn to respond in whatever small way I can - purchasing items or donating cash is the simplest. But my daughter recently asked me if that's enough... how does that small act really change lives? What is the best way for us to make a difference and HOW? What is the call on our lives?

Before I become consumed in guilty feelings - because that's my first impulse - I have to decide that I will continue to do what I can from where I am right now in life. And I have to decide to be consistent to pray, act, and possibly take a risk. The closer we get to God's heart, the more we'll look for ways to step into situations where there's a need - we're following in His steps.

The call to bring love and hope to the world around us belongs to all of us. It's pretty obvious by looking at movements like Invisible Children that "normal" people can step out of their comfort zones, and really make a difference.

If you're not familiar with this amazing movement, be sure to visit their site. Take your time and take it all in... you may feel the tug to respond.

News healines become personal

"Church floor collapses" became personal news headline this weekend in our home.

Saturday morning, my daughter happened to see a news story on t.v. by mistake: "Christian Rock Concert..." were the words that caught her attention. She called me into the room and I immediately knew this was more than just a news story from across the country. It was about Paul - about the tour he was leading - about the prior evening while on the road.

I quickly grabbed my cell phone and there was an unread message from Paul: "...no one is dead... the worst experience of my life." - were some of the words on the screen of my phone.

A tragic, freak accident had occurred. Although the details were a bit blurry right away, it wasn't long before we put the pieces together. The floor at the front of the church where they were holding their concert on Friday night had simply collapsed - about 600 square feet - right into the basement below. How could this happen?

An hour or so and many phone conversations later, I finally talked to Paul - exhausted, overwhelmed, and in need of sleep and encouragement. So many details had to be discussed, interviews and investigations and sifting through the evidence performed. As for the tour, only finishing 2 nights of the 10, what was next? God's compassion and wisdom would have to guide them. They didn't want to assume they would go on. They didn't want to assume anything at this point - they were sombre and humbled.

Right now, late Sunday evening, the service in the next city on the tour is going strong. The "concert" is not entertainment or a show, but a time of gathering together because God is loving and good - no matter what - He's the one who never changes - the only one who really makes sense in an often senseless world. With awe, people are reaching out to receive God's love.

There will always be tragedy as long as we are here on this imperfect earth... that won't change. And although we don't understand events like the collapsing of the church floor and much worse events, we can reach out in the middle of it to others in need, and to God who is there to meet everyone in need.

I am praying for those affected by the accident - - and anticipating news of God's love.

Adding to JUNO

After I re-read my JUNO review post, I felt like it was incomplete. I felt like I left a negative hanging... and I didn't mean to do that...especially with a post concerning adoption.

I said there's "no end to the story".

It's true the story goes on - - the story of Juno and any young woman like her doesn't simply end when the 'movie' ends. There is always more to the story. In the story of an unexpected pregnancy and in the story of adoption, although there is most certainly difficulty and heartache, the story can continue to find joy, peace and fulfillment.

We all have challenges in our lives - we all can learn to walk on and find strength.

For us, God's grace is real and He is our strength when we are weakest. And still, our story goes on - and through challenges and heartache and even unexpected turns in the road, God's grace is always enough.