Speak Up

Speak up for those who have no voice, 

for the justice of all 

who are dispossessed.

Speak up, judge righteously,

and defend the cause 

of the oppressed and needy.

Proverbs 31:8-9

Take some time today to check out some of the organizations who are already at work. There are several diffferent venues listed that reach out to those around the world. Join one in their effort through support and/or prayer.

Voice of the Martyr
Bibles Unbound (This is one that is very dear to me)
Compassion International 
Soles 4 Souls
People Loving People - This one is a Nashville organization

*Please add a link to any you have a heart for in the comments!!

Alaska, India, Adventure, and the Persecuted Church

Passions.

These are my passions. Aren't they random? I've always wondered why I have such a desire and pull for certain things, have you? As I have grown spiritually as a slave to Christ Jesus, these passions of mine have not diminished as I thought some would, but have increased. How uniquely made we all are!

Alaska is my home. No, I was not born there but it's where my heart resides. The funny thing is that growing up in Florida I always wanted to go to Alaska. Everyone told me that I just thought I'd like it, but when I experienced the cold it would change my mind. They were wrong. I lived there for 3 years in my 20's and loved every bit of it. My first year was a record for cold and lack of snow, they almost had to canceled the Fur Rondy Fesitval, and still I love it. Just as much and even more than the beauty, I love the people of Alaska and pray for them. They are a hearty breed all to themselves!

I have never been to India, but for some God has laid the people of that country on my heart. Particularly the women/girls. We have prayed for several years that perhaps one day we might be able to adopt a daughter from there, and I believe from the bottom of my heart that my daughter is over there. Whether I ever get to meet her in this life or not, I pray for her all the time. It may be that's all the connection I will have with her, but I hope not. We also have sponsored children over there through Compassion International, and a pastor and his family through a Pastor Sponsorship Program.

Adventure! I love wild, daring things, but am very cautious and safe. I love hiking, traveling, skiing, kayaking,  bungee jumping, white water rafting, scuba diving and anything of the like. My next goal is sky diving and eventually base jumping with what I call a squirrel suit (wingsuit). I remember as a child one of the first things I ever wanted to be was a truck driver, because I thought they saw the world! I love adventure. It calls to me...

The persecuted church: This is more than a command to remember my brothers and sisters who endure trails for our faith around the world (Hebrews 13:3). I think and pray for them often. We keep a constant reminder of their love and sacrifice on our kitchen wall through a number of pictures we cut out from a free monthly publication from The Voice of the Martyrs. If you have never heard of them take a few moments to click on the link and check them out. It is good for us to be aware not only of what goes on in other countries, but of how blessed we are here and how we take the freedom of religion for granted.

So why such a hodgepodge of things? I have no idea. That's just they way God made me. I realize my work here on this earth is not done and perhaps someday I will see how all these things will work together. Until then, I'll just have to trust Him that He knows what He's doing!

What are some of your passions?  How can you see them being used to glorify God?
Remember, if He made you that way, there is a way in which to bring Him glory through it!

Are You Living In Neverland?

I get to return to the Magic Kingdom this Wednesday! We haven't been since Elijah, who is now 6, was just a few months old. Unfortunatley, Kevin won't get to go with us since he has to stay home and work. The kids and I are actually going down to help my mother move from Florida to Kentucky, and we figured as long as we were there, we'd make one last swing over to the Mouse House with both of their grandmothers.

It seems weird though. Kevin and I use to go over to Epcot every Sunday afternoon after church when we were first married. That's the nice thing about being a Florida resident and having season passes. Now, we haven't been in six years. How times change. How our reality has changed! I've tried telling people who have never lived in central Florida how it really is another world. Especially if you go to Disney all the time. It just isn't reality.

It began making me think recently: That is how it is being an American. It's like living in Disney World. The rest of the world doesn't work that way in general, but we just can't comprehand that people don't really have a Zip-a-dee-doo-da time everywhere else. Is that how we are as American Christians?

Many of you know our family has a passion for those of our brothers and sisters in other countries who are persecuted, or looked down upon because of their relationship with Jesus Christ. We are amazingly blessed to live in a country where there is even the pretense of a nationwide Christianity, though this is beginning to change. Let's not take it for granted. Sadly, many Christians in other parts of the world view American Christians as weak, and, in general, I think they are right.

Take a few moments today to pray for the endurance of the saints around the world. Also, thank God for how easy Christians have it here in the United States. They day will come when we do not.

Take a moment, if you will, to check out an organization that Kevin and I love and support. They have a free newsletter which you can request if interested.

The Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/