Tuesday, January 20, 2009
BEHIND THE SCENES AT HUGSR
Editing and Movie "magic" done by Jacob Parnell.
Special Thanks to Don Meredith, Shelia Owen, and Dr. Richard Oster
Thursday, January 15, 2009
I RESOLVE
I have made a resolution. Or is it just a change if it happens after the first week of January? Anyway, my change in lifestyle is to no longer say the word "cool".
It is too general of a word that is not in the least bit, in any setting creative. Also, I have been known to use it to fill-in pauses in the conversation or use it as a response when I have nothing better to say, "that's cool." When in reality that tells the person very little about what I really think about what they just told me. In fact, I have become aware that it communicates, "I don't really want to explore that any further."
Basically, "cool" is vague and I want to use a word or phrase that is at least more amusing and at most more descriptive.
It is too general of a word that is not in the least bit, in any setting creative. Also, I have been known to use it to fill-in pauses in the conversation or use it as a response when I have nothing better to say, "that's cool." When in reality that tells the person very little about what I really think about what they just told me. In fact, I have become aware that it communicates, "I don't really want to explore that any further."
Basically, "cool" is vague and I want to use a word or phrase that is at least more amusing and at most more descriptive.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
FAVORITE LEAST FAVORITE JESUS ENCOUNTER
My favorite least favorite Jesus encounter must be the "Rich Ruler" or "Rich Young Ruler". This text is found in Luke 18:18-23 and Mark 10:17-24.
What I mean by least favorite is that it is so challenging. I am much like the Rich Ruler. I do a pretty good job keeping the ten commandments. I was raised going to church in a conservative area of the United States where people are generally good and nice. I grew up following all the rules.
I can hear Jesus' response to me being one that is like to that of the one he gave the Rich Ruler:
"That is only part of the mission. You still have a long way to go my friend. Give away your stuff, put your trust in things that are above. Don't live for the things of this world, do things that have eternal significance (store up treasures in heaven)."
This is my favorite in times when I want to be the disciple I should be. It is a good motivator and shows me the way I should be living (which I need). The difference in me and the Rich Ruler is that I don't walk away sad. I walk away inspired. Although I don't always succeed in doing this, I give my best effort. As I write this I realize I could be doing more, this text won't let me go!
What I mean by least favorite is that it is so challenging. I am much like the Rich Ruler. I do a pretty good job keeping the ten commandments. I was raised going to church in a conservative area of the United States where people are generally good and nice. I grew up following all the rules.
I can hear Jesus' response to me being one that is like to that of the one he gave the Rich Ruler:
"That is only part of the mission. You still have a long way to go my friend. Give away your stuff, put your trust in things that are above. Don't live for the things of this world, do things that have eternal significance (store up treasures in heaven)."
This is my favorite in times when I want to be the disciple I should be. It is a good motivator and shows me the way I should be living (which I need). The difference in me and the Rich Ruler is that I don't walk away sad. I walk away inspired. Although I don't always succeed in doing this, I give my best effort. As I write this I realize I could be doing more, this text won't let me go!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Friday, January 02, 2009
LIKE CHRISTMAS MORNING
In Honduras each morning was like "Christmas morning" (as they say) for me. Every morning after I woke up and got ready I headed over to the main house to begin the day. I was usually the first of the "greengo trio" to make it over and to see how excited the kids were to see me and start a new day was such a blessing.
Sometimes it was a bit overwhelming as each child had a game to play or wanted my attention, but it was worth it to see their smiling faces everyday.
Sometimes it was a bit overwhelming as each child had a game to play or wanted my attention, but it was worth it to see their smiling faces everyday.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
CHRISTMAS
Erin and I have had a wonderful Christmas. I will do more to recap what it was like when we get home, which will be Tuesday; we are leaving Serena's place tomorrow. It is hard to believe we have been gone so long.
The kids are wonderful. I will always remember each one of them, as they all are unique.
The kids are wonderful. I will always remember each one of them, as they all are unique.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
COOL MOMENT
Last night I was reading a book with a five-year-old girl named Pamela that had bible stories in it. One page had Jesus on the cross. She pointed and started singing "Away in a Manger." I thought it was awesome she associated the two.
Before we came there was over 70% chance of rain for everyday. It has only sprinkled a few minutes since we have been here.
Before we came there was over 70% chance of rain for everyday. It has only sprinkled a few minutes since we have been here.
Monday, December 22, 2008
FIRST FEW DAYS IN HONDURAS
Our first few days in Honduras have been great.
The traveling was not fun. Especially the 4-5 hour bus ride on an old school bus down dirt roads.
Since we arrived to Serena's home things have ran smoothly. Serena has been an excellent host. The three of us (Erin, Jessica Wires, and me) want to make sure and serve her as much as she is serving us.
Today was beach day. The aforementioned trio took the 5 children to the beach. There was lots of futbol, playing in the sand, riding on my shoulders (seems to be a hit for the kids, not for my shoulders, though) and of course swimming.
Hope to keep you updated. Thanks for praying for us.
The traveling was not fun. Especially the 4-5 hour bus ride on an old school bus down dirt roads.
Since we arrived to Serena's home things have ran smoothly. Serena has been an excellent host. The three of us (Erin, Jessica Wires, and me) want to make sure and serve her as much as she is serving us.
Today was beach day. The aforementioned trio took the 5 children to the beach. There was lots of futbol, playing in the sand, riding on my shoulders (seems to be a hit for the kids, not for my shoulders, though) and of course swimming.
Hope to keep you updated. Thanks for praying for us.
Friday, December 19, 2008
MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO ERIN
This is what I gave to Erin this year for Christmas. It is a water color painting that Dr. Tim Hacker created. He is very gifted and I am grateful that he was willing to do this .Erin was very surprised and amazed I had my gift for her a month early.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
A PEACE AND JUSTICE CHRISTMAS
I like this poem:
Have Yourself a Peace and Justice Christmas by Sojourners Staff
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Set your heart a-right.
Flee the malls and focus on Christ’s guiding light.
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Give your time a way.
Share God’s love, And serve “the least of these” today.
Here we are, as we pray for peace,
We’ll live simply and give more.
We care for those far and near to us,
Which brings cheer to us, once more.
God brings down
The haughty from high places,
And lifts up the low.
God cares for the hungry and the humble, so –
Forget the stress and let the peace and justice flow!
Have Yourself a Peace and Justice Christmas by Sojourners Staff
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Set your heart a-right.
Flee the malls and focus on Christ’s guiding light.
Have yourself a peace and justice Christmas,
Give your time a way.
Share God’s love, And serve “the least of these” today.
Here we are, as we pray for peace,
We’ll live simply and give more.
We care for those far and near to us,
Which brings cheer to us, once more.
God brings down
The haughty from high places,
And lifts up the low.
God cares for the hungry and the humble, so –
Forget the stress and let the peace and justice flow!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
THE MOTHER SAINT
Mother Teresa was born in 1910 and died in 1997. During her 87 years she practiced religion that God our Father accepts pure and faultless. This is looking after orphans and widows in time of distress (James 1:27). Mother Teresa worked in Calcutta, India to care for many orphans.
It was not easy for Mother Teresa she wrote this in her personal journal about the hardships involved with her lifestyle of living among the poor:
"Our Lord wants me to be a free nun covered with the poverty of the cross. Today I learned a good lesson. The poverty of the poor must be so hard for them. While looking for a home I walked and walked till my arms and legs ached. I thought how much they must ache in body and soul, looking for a home, food and health. Then the comfort of Loreto [her former order] came to tempt me. 'You have only to say the word and all that will be yours again,' the Tempter kept on saying ... Of free choice, my God, and out of love for you, I desire to remain and do whatever be your Holy will in my regard. I did not let a single tear come."
Sainthood includes doing what needs to be done when it isn't easy. What a wonderful example of living for the dying and the forgotten. Mother Teresa truly was a mother because of the way she took in orphans. She was the mother of many. This mothering life came to define her. God bless saints who care that much for the suffering. I want to be one of them.
It was not easy for Mother Teresa she wrote this in her personal journal about the hardships involved with her lifestyle of living among the poor:
"Our Lord wants me to be a free nun covered with the poverty of the cross. Today I learned a good lesson. The poverty of the poor must be so hard for them. While looking for a home I walked and walked till my arms and legs ached. I thought how much they must ache in body and soul, looking for a home, food and health. Then the comfort of Loreto [her former order] came to tempt me. 'You have only to say the word and all that will be yours again,' the Tempter kept on saying ... Of free choice, my God, and out of love for you, I desire to remain and do whatever be your Holy will in my regard. I did not let a single tear come."
Sainthood includes doing what needs to be done when it isn't easy. What a wonderful example of living for the dying and the forgotten. Mother Teresa truly was a mother because of the way she took in orphans. She was the mother of many. This mothering life came to define her. God bless saints who care that much for the suffering. I want to be one of them.
Friday, December 12, 2008
GOD BLESS SAINTS WHO FOSTER AND ADOPT
This is me and my favorite child at church. Her name is Halle. She is a foster baby currently being loved by Randy, Tricia, and Callie Lillard.
(Not to mention any number of Christians at Sycamore View on a given church assembly).
It makes me sad birth parents are put in circumstances to have to let go of precious gifts like Halle. It does make me glad the birth parents have chosen to give the child to a family who is more prepared for a child. It makes me glad that there are people like the Lillards who are willing to love a child for a short (or long) amount of time. It makes me glad that there are people willing to adopt children like Halle. I am sad that they are missing out on the very thing I am doing in this picture, though.
God bless saints who foster and adopt. I want to be one of them.
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