Scripture: Ps 105:1-45; Ezekiel 18:1-4, 19-32; Hebrews 7:18-28; Luke 10:25-37
Scripture standout: Ezekiel 18: "31 Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? 32 For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign LORD. Repent and live!
Luke 10: "29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead.31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Morning thoughts: I was reading the paper yesterday and something caught my eye. It was a short story in the crime section about how a recent fire in a neighborhood apartment had been ruled an arson. I remembered reading about the fire several days ago. In a very short paragraph at the end of the blurb it said an Everbank employee who read about the fire set up a fund at the bank to help the family who was displaced. Go and do likewise indeed.
His Deed/The Day: As a treat for a really awesome doctor's appointment today for Ashraf, we all went to Steak & Shake. It's the ultimate in American cuisine — and at a good price! The boys were all in a great mood, and AJ was there to keep things at a heightened level of humor. I learned something about Steak & Shake today. Not only do they sell steak burgers — and shakes — and have really awesome french fries, but it is the restaurant of choice for scores of little old ladies. It was the darndest thing! Nearly every other table in there was occupied by cotton tops. I started to think how funny we must have looked in there. Three gregarious, loud-speaking, foreign boys and me — against the back drop of polyester pants, and SAS shoes and silver coifs. I noticed the lady sitting in the booth behind us was alone. She was there enjoying those delicious fries and burgers solo. On the way out I told her how pretty her shirt was — it was a perky blue grandma special. She smiled, seemed pleased. Although maybe she was just pleased to see our rowdy table leave the restaurant!
OK, it wouldn't be a night without some news from Hottie Brian Williams and his Making a Difference segment. Dog lovers, you'll love this:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/43347360#43347360
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Day 91
Scripture: Ps 101, 109:1-30, PS 119:121-144; Ezekiel 11:14-25; Hebrews 7:1-17; Luke 10:17-24
Scripture standout: Ps 101: "5 Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;"
Scripture standout: Ps 101: "5 Whoever slanders their neighbor in secret,
I will put to silence;"
Luke 10: "21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do."
Morning thoughts: I slander my neighbor in secret. I'll just go right ahead and say it. My neighbor is loco. It all started with a barking dog scenario that escalated into our having to call the police to file a report one late, sleepless night while our neighbors were out of town. Now they hate us. They've yelled at little children. She ripped me a new one disgracing me with words about how my kids, "run wild! Open your eyes, Suzanne! (hate it, btw, when someone gets my name wrong)." We now live in total ignorance of each other's existence. And yesterday, she unleashed her venom on another neighbor toward whom she has similar sentiments.
I am just sick to be in this situation with a neighbor. Conflict is just not my bag, baby. And as many times as I've tossed the bag to God, I still hold on to all of its yucky content. How does he resolve something like this?
On another note, I saw some really cute pics of the kids at camp on the camp websites yesterday. Children are so receptive to understanding "these things." Joy, peace, patience — all the fruits of the spirit — are so easy to pick at camp.
His Deed/The Day: Today a good friend was in the middle of a personal health crisis. We texted good scripture while she was getting some tests done. I'm still praying for her peace of mind.
Today was a beautiful day on another note — Hikmat, the beautiful Afghan girl who lived with us last summer, came to visit. She is happy this time. She's not sad and despondent and ready to go home. It was beyond words wonderful to have her in the house again. We all went to a pool party tonight, and when I took her to her host family's house to drop her off, she cried. She is scared probably because she's having her big cleft palate surgery tomorrow. But the girl who cried for her own mom's arms every day, twice a day and often with grating drama, last summer — cried when we parted. That meant the world to me.
Morning thoughts: I slander my neighbor in secret. I'll just go right ahead and say it. My neighbor is loco. It all started with a barking dog scenario that escalated into our having to call the police to file a report one late, sleepless night while our neighbors were out of town. Now they hate us. They've yelled at little children. She ripped me a new one disgracing me with words about how my kids, "run wild! Open your eyes, Suzanne! (hate it, btw, when someone gets my name wrong)." We now live in total ignorance of each other's existence. And yesterday, she unleashed her venom on another neighbor toward whom she has similar sentiments.
I am just sick to be in this situation with a neighbor. Conflict is just not my bag, baby. And as many times as I've tossed the bag to God, I still hold on to all of its yucky content. How does he resolve something like this?
On another note, I saw some really cute pics of the kids at camp on the camp websites yesterday. Children are so receptive to understanding "these things." Joy, peace, patience — all the fruits of the spirit — are so easy to pick at camp.
His Deed/The Day: Today a good friend was in the middle of a personal health crisis. We texted good scripture while she was getting some tests done. I'm still praying for her peace of mind.
Today was a beautiful day on another note — Hikmat, the beautiful Afghan girl who lived with us last summer, came to visit. She is happy this time. She's not sad and despondent and ready to go home. It was beyond words wonderful to have her in the house again. We all went to a pool party tonight, and when I took her to her host family's house to drop her off, she cried. She is scared probably because she's having her big cleft palate surgery tomorrow. But the girl who cried for her own mom's arms every day, twice a day and often with grating drama, last summer — cried when we parted. That meant the world to me.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Day 90
Scripture: Ps 97, 99, 94; Ezekiel 7:10-15, 23b-27; Hebrews 6:13-20; Luke 10:1-17
Scripture standout: Ps 97: "1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne."
Morning thoughts: I don't know whether it's because I'm used to getting up super early each morning, or if I'm having more anxiety in my older years — but I get terribly anxious in the early morning hours. As much as I want to just hide under the covers and sleep another hour or so, I start thinking and obsessing and worrying and wondering. And it's all about the dumbest little stuff. It's such little stuff that by the times I grumble, get out of bed and roll into my running shoes I can't even remember what I was so worked up over!
When I dropped Marley off at camp yesterday, I had pangs of anxious jealousy seeing many moms leisurely strolling back to their summer vacation time. Isn't that awful? Drop-off was such a joyful, beautiful time for Marley — she was making new friends and so thoroughly excited to be there — and I'm slouching off thinking how much I want to go sit in a mountain home for a couple of weeks and read like many of the other moms looked like they were going to do.
Summers are always a difficult balance — and one I completely bring on myself. It's vacation time, but also work time. It's give back time, but also take in time. It's go, go, go, but also try to relax time. All that to say, sometimes summer makes me feel like I can't just sleep for 20 more minutes. But maybe I just need to remember that while summer is often clouded by "thick darkness," especially in the early morning hours for me, God is working through me for something beautiful.
His Deed/The Day: This morning on my way home from my run, I noticed there was a lot of trash littering the sides of San Jose. It was almost as if someone's recycle trash had drifted away in Monday's afternoon rainstorm. — lots of milk jugs, cans, bottles. It was a nice look for the neighborhood! When I was running by I got "the urge." "The cue." It said, "well, why don't you just pick it up?" So I ran home and got Quodrat, Dot and two garbage bags. It was a fun morning outing.
Scripture standout: Ps 97: "1 The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad;
let the distant shores rejoice.
2 Clouds and thick darkness surround him;
righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne."
Morning thoughts: I don't know whether it's because I'm used to getting up super early each morning, or if I'm having more anxiety in my older years — but I get terribly anxious in the early morning hours. As much as I want to just hide under the covers and sleep another hour or so, I start thinking and obsessing and worrying and wondering. And it's all about the dumbest little stuff. It's such little stuff that by the times I grumble, get out of bed and roll into my running shoes I can't even remember what I was so worked up over!
When I dropped Marley off at camp yesterday, I had pangs of anxious jealousy seeing many moms leisurely strolling back to their summer vacation time. Isn't that awful? Drop-off was such a joyful, beautiful time for Marley — she was making new friends and so thoroughly excited to be there — and I'm slouching off thinking how much I want to go sit in a mountain home for a couple of weeks and read like many of the other moms looked like they were going to do.
Summers are always a difficult balance — and one I completely bring on myself. It's vacation time, but also work time. It's give back time, but also take in time. It's go, go, go, but also try to relax time. All that to say, sometimes summer makes me feel like I can't just sleep for 20 more minutes. But maybe I just need to remember that while summer is often clouded by "thick darkness," especially in the early morning hours for me, God is working through me for something beautiful.
His Deed/The Day: This morning on my way home from my run, I noticed there was a lot of trash littering the sides of San Jose. It was almost as if someone's recycle trash had drifted away in Monday's afternoon rainstorm. — lots of milk jugs, cans, bottles. It was a nice look for the neighborhood! When I was running by I got "the urge." "The cue." It said, "well, why don't you just pick it up?" So I ran home and got Quodrat, Dot and two garbage bags. It was a fun morning outing.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Day 88
Scripture: Ps 68:1-10; Ps 33-36; Acts 1:6-14; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11
Scripture standout: Ps 68 : "5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,[c]
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
Scripture standout: Ps 68 : "5 A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows,
is God in his holy dwelling.
6 God sets the lonely in families,[c]
he leads out the prisoners with singing;
but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.
1 Peter 4: "12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
1 Peter 5: "6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
Morning thoughts: It's a beautiful morning in Hendersonville, NC. We are about to leave the room and deliver Ben to Falling Creek Camp. The kids are whining and wrestling with each other. I am torn between being sentimental about Ben's departure, or grateful to get immunity from the fussing! Sara, Ashraf's other host mom, called to say Ashraf has been in a lot of pain from the pin-turning on his foot. I'm feeling frustrated, because that was all billed as a pretty pain-free experience — which it has not been yet. That stresses me out a lot — Ashraf is such a sweet boy, and I hate to pitch something to him that's not 100 percent right on.
On another note, Marley and I are going to have supper tonight with an old friend from San Antonio! Coincidentally, and many awesome thanks to the joy of Facebook, we discovered that we both have 9-year-old girls, they're both going to Greystone for June session and they live just a couple of hours away in Orlando! I'm thrilled Marley will have a friend — and excited for them to continue a family tradition. Laura's dad and my mom were neighbors growing up, and our grandparents were fond of each other. Funny how you can't leave your past too far behind!
Morning thoughts: It's a beautiful morning in Hendersonville, NC. We are about to leave the room and deliver Ben to Falling Creek Camp. The kids are whining and wrestling with each other. I am torn between being sentimental about Ben's departure, or grateful to get immunity from the fussing! Sara, Ashraf's other host mom, called to say Ashraf has been in a lot of pain from the pin-turning on his foot. I'm feeling frustrated, because that was all billed as a pretty pain-free experience — which it has not been yet. That stresses me out a lot — Ashraf is such a sweet boy, and I hate to pitch something to him that's not 100 percent right on.
On another note, Marley and I are going to have supper tonight with an old friend from San Antonio! Coincidentally, and many awesome thanks to the joy of Facebook, we discovered that we both have 9-year-old girls, they're both going to Greystone for June session and they live just a couple of hours away in Orlando! I'm thrilled Marley will have a friend — and excited for them to continue a family tradition. Laura's dad and my mom were neighbors growing up, and our grandparents were fond of each other. Funny how you can't leave your past too far behind!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Day 87
Scripture: Ps 87, 90, 136; Ezekiel 3:4-17; Hebrews 5:7-14; Luke 9:37-50
Scripture standout: Luke 9: "48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Morning thoughts: I just love that. Some could say that is the foundation of the kids' camp experience. And it confirms why welcoming these precious children from Afghanistan feels so right. Praying today for all children to be welcomed in his name.
His Deed/The Day: Today I attempted to deed someone on the way out of town with an icy, cold watermelon — the kind loved by Afghan children and American children alike. But when I went to get it out of the car, it jumped out and did a face plant on the pavement. Nice. To redeem myself, I prayed for two people who are in challenging situations. I prayed the whole way out of Jacksonville as we headed north to camp in Beast Master.
Mostly, I shared my gratitude with God for Solace for the Children. I'll be honest. I was exhausted last year and dragged my feet as summer 2011 approached. It's not easy. It's work. It's often painful. But during the past few days, I have been shaken and reminded why it's such an awesome experience. Let me share a little about it. After these 15 children and their two 18-year-old interpreters traveled 50 hours to Jacksonville into the warm, loving homes of local families — and visited the willing, experienced, gentle practices of local dentists and doctors (all of whom said what a privilege it is to treat them) — one child got very sick and had to go to the hospital. Another is so upset she is beside herself, others are homesick. At the hospital is a throng of American mothers, and a young Afghan interpreter who refuses to leave for a rest. In the community are friends and family praying for resolve and seeking guidance for a better plan. Americans, Afghans, Christians, Muslims working together in love for the benefit of God's children. There's no other agenda. There's no press attention. There's no monetary carrot. It's all to help a few kids have a better life. In many ways, it is a perfect world. That's not to say it's an easy perfect world, but there is an overwhelming sense of God's presence which is undeniable.
Scripture standout: Luke 9: "48 Then he said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.”
Morning thoughts: I just love that. Some could say that is the foundation of the kids' camp experience. And it confirms why welcoming these precious children from Afghanistan feels so right. Praying today for all children to be welcomed in his name.
His Deed/The Day: Today I attempted to deed someone on the way out of town with an icy, cold watermelon — the kind loved by Afghan children and American children alike. But when I went to get it out of the car, it jumped out and did a face plant on the pavement. Nice. To redeem myself, I prayed for two people who are in challenging situations. I prayed the whole way out of Jacksonville as we headed north to camp in Beast Master.
Mostly, I shared my gratitude with God for Solace for the Children. I'll be honest. I was exhausted last year and dragged my feet as summer 2011 approached. It's not easy. It's work. It's often painful. But during the past few days, I have been shaken and reminded why it's such an awesome experience. Let me share a little about it. After these 15 children and their two 18-year-old interpreters traveled 50 hours to Jacksonville into the warm, loving homes of local families — and visited the willing, experienced, gentle practices of local dentists and doctors (all of whom said what a privilege it is to treat them) — one child got very sick and had to go to the hospital. Another is so upset she is beside herself, others are homesick. At the hospital is a throng of American mothers, and a young Afghan interpreter who refuses to leave for a rest. In the community are friends and family praying for resolve and seeking guidance for a better plan. Americans, Afghans, Christians, Muslims working together in love for the benefit of God's children. There's no other agenda. There's no press attention. There's no monetary carrot. It's all to help a few kids have a better life. In many ways, it is a perfect world. That's not to say it's an easy perfect world, but there is an overwhelming sense of God's presence which is undeniable.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Day 86
Scripture: Ps 85, 86, 91, 92; Ezekiel 1:28—3:3; Hebrews 4:14—5:6; Luke 9:28-36
Scripture standout: Luke 9: "34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Morning thoughts: I like this passage above because it underscores to me how scary and mysterious and cloudy it can feel when God's trying to send a message. Then, in the cloud, the vision is clear and poignant.
I'm looking for a cloudy moment today. I still feel a little like a spinning top, trying to prepare myself for the kids being gone three weeks and getting these sweet Afghan boys where they need to be medically. I was hungry for a nice, long sleep last night but made the mistake of inviting Ben to camp out in my room last night. David's out of town again and I figured it would be a fun bonding night. The only thing that was bonding about that was the bonding he was grinding off his teeth. That boy must have stumps! His teeth-grinding could keep a deaf person up all night. I have better hopes for tonight, or perhaps a nap.
And see? Instead of focusing on God's work for me today, what am I doing? Focusing on my next opportunity for sleep. After 80+ days, this still is a challenge!
His Deed/The Day: Today we went a-deeding at Wal-Mart to find some sunglasses and flip-flops. And to make a great day at Wally World even wallier, we got deeded by a Person of Wal-Mart! Imagine! A round woman who spoke fluent Palatka-ese, hollered "Honey!" at me as our little band of slow-moving bargain hunters hit the store. "He ought to get one of them scooters, he cain't walk around like that for long. Oh, honey — just make sure you get one that's charged." She gave Ashraf a wink, knowing it would be a thrill on par with Indy car racing. And it was. We motored around Wal-Mart and got what we needed. Quodrat seized the opportunity to catapult himself around the store on Ashraf's crutches. What a blessing!
I saw Hikmat again today at Ashraf's eye appointment. She hasn't changed a bit — full of hugs and a impish grin, beautiful eyes. I miss her deeply. It was a rough summer of Solace last year, but now that I see her I feel like I want to just hug her to bits. God's deed through me for Hikmat was to remind her host mother that popcorn makes Hikmat very, very, VERY happy.
On another note — I'm leaving tomorrow to take the kids to camp, as if I haven't talked about it like every two minutes. I may decide to leave my computer at home for a little Solace of my own.
Scripture standout: Luke 9: "34 While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and covered them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice came from the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.”
Morning thoughts: I like this passage above because it underscores to me how scary and mysterious and cloudy it can feel when God's trying to send a message. Then, in the cloud, the vision is clear and poignant.
I'm looking for a cloudy moment today. I still feel a little like a spinning top, trying to prepare myself for the kids being gone three weeks and getting these sweet Afghan boys where they need to be medically. I was hungry for a nice, long sleep last night but made the mistake of inviting Ben to camp out in my room last night. David's out of town again and I figured it would be a fun bonding night. The only thing that was bonding about that was the bonding he was grinding off his teeth. That boy must have stumps! His teeth-grinding could keep a deaf person up all night. I have better hopes for tonight, or perhaps a nap.
And see? Instead of focusing on God's work for me today, what am I doing? Focusing on my next opportunity for sleep. After 80+ days, this still is a challenge!
His Deed/The Day: Today we went a-deeding at Wal-Mart to find some sunglasses and flip-flops. And to make a great day at Wally World even wallier, we got deeded by a Person of Wal-Mart! Imagine! A round woman who spoke fluent Palatka-ese, hollered "Honey!" at me as our little band of slow-moving bargain hunters hit the store. "He ought to get one of them scooters, he cain't walk around like that for long. Oh, honey — just make sure you get one that's charged." She gave Ashraf a wink, knowing it would be a thrill on par with Indy car racing. And it was. We motored around Wal-Mart and got what we needed. Quodrat seized the opportunity to catapult himself around the store on Ashraf's crutches. What a blessing!
I saw Hikmat again today at Ashraf's eye appointment. She hasn't changed a bit — full of hugs and a impish grin, beautiful eyes. I miss her deeply. It was a rough summer of Solace last year, but now that I see her I feel like I want to just hug her to bits. God's deed through me for Hikmat was to remind her host mother that popcorn makes Hikmat very, very, VERY happy.
On another note — I'm leaving tomorrow to take the kids to camp, as if I haven't talked about it like every two minutes. I may decide to leave my computer at home for a little Solace of my own.
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