tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58096465345055454382024-02-08T12:29:04.470-06:00Ordinary RadicalsThere’s nothing special about us.
But we’re proof that ordinary
people can be converted to a radical faith in a radical Savior!Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.comBlogger196125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-71094456953617226972012-10-10T22:10:00.000-05:002012-10-10T22:13:43.923-05:00Molly & LillySaw a glimpse of God's heart tonight as mom and her four month old daughter smiled, swayed, twirled and danced together while listening to His music filling the air...Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-25265803501475114522012-04-06T08:47:00.002-05:002012-04-06T08:47:17.727-05:00Just Another Way to Make a Difference...<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/36274740?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400" height="300" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-15652118795537883582012-01-06T09:02:00.001-06:002012-01-06T09:04:28.555-06:00God Is Not A White Man ~ Michael Gungor Band lyricsGod is not a man, God is not a white man<br />
God is not a man sitting on a cloud<br />
God cannot be bought, God will not be boxed in<br />
God will not be owned by religion<br />
<br />
God is love, God is love<br />
And He loves everyone<br />
<br />
God is not a man, God is not an old man<br />
God does not belong to Republicans<br />
<br />
God is not a flag, not even American<br />
God does not depend on a government<br />
God is good, God is good, and He loves everyone<br />
<br />
Atheists and charlatans, Communists and lesbians<br />
And even ol’ Pat Roberston, Oh God He loves us all<br />
Catholic or protestant, Terrorist or president<br />
Everybody, everybody<br />
Love, love, love, loveMr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-23321411964193997752012-01-02T10:51:00.001-06:002012-04-27T13:07:41.206-05:00Honor, A Blog by Gungor<h2 class="post_title" style="background-color: clear; color: #dddddd; font-family: 'Sorts Mill Goudy', serif; font-size: 29px; font-weight: 100; letter-spacing: 0.1em; margin: 0px 0px 15px;"><a href="http://gungormusic.com/2011/06/honor/" style="-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.33s; -webkit-transition-property: color; -webkit-transition-timing-function: ease-in-out; color: #dddddd; text-decoration: none;" title="Honor">Honor</a></h2><div class="post_content clear" style="background-color: clear; clear: both; color: #dddddd; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 21px;">I heard a sermon this last weekend about honor, and it has stuck with me more than a usual sermon would. This preacher was talking about honoring people and how honoring those in authority over us, even when they are wrong or annoying or whatever else, is really honoring God.<br />
This is a difficult thing for me because one of my favorite things in life is sticking it to the man. When that ignorant and power hungry flight attendant tells me that I’m not allowed to bring my guitar on the plane as thought this is the first flight that I’ve ever taken with a guitar, I take great joy in smiling, saying “ok, thanks” and then marching the guitar straight into the plane, and watching it fit perfectly into that overhead bin. When that weird conservative church person says that we probably shouldn’t sing a song with “lesbian” in it (<a href="http://youtu.be/-WybvhRu9KU" target="_blank"><span style="color: white;">God is not a white man</span></a>), I enjoy making sure that if there is one song on our set list that night, God is not a White Man is on it.<br />
This might sound just bad and rebellious, especially if you are a nice and honoring person… But there is a good side at to standing up against the powers and/or the oppressors as well at times. After all, what great human leader, including Jesus himself, did not make a stand against the powers that be and the status quo at some point? Jesus didn’t just always go with the flow, or they wouldn’t have killed him… People like Martin Luther King Jr., Ghandi, Nelson Mandela..etc These people didn’t do the amazing things they did without having something in them that was unafraid of bucking the system and doing what was right. But, of course there’s quite a difference between something like standing up for something like the oppression of the poor and something like wearing jeans on the platform on Sunday morning… There’s a difference between not bowing your knee to Nebuchadnezzar and sticking it to the TSA agent who tells you to move to the longer, slower line.<br />
I want to learn how to tell the difference between righteous protest and immature rebellion. I want to learn how to honor people well without turning into a doormat or a coward.<br />
What do you think? How do you distinguish the important issues worth protesting from the silly ones that you should just go with the flow with when they both feel unjust and make you angry? For the time being, I’ll probably get in the longer line if they ask me to, but I’m still bringing my freaking guitar on the plane no matter what that crazy flight attendant says.</div>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-11495881396804485122011-12-17T13:16:00.000-06:002011-12-17T13:16:07.359-06:00No Excuses<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div align="left" class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">So often we go through life with such a narrow focus that kingdom opportunities are missed. Once in a while it's good to be shaken from our sheltered slumber and awakened to the dire needs of our fellow man; here where we live or other places around the world. This week ABC World News recapped on several humanitarian stories covered this past year and shared how many compassionate viewers got involved to make a difference in the lives of numerous struggling individuals. CNN just introduced their top ten "Hero's" (submitted and voted on by viewers) for 2011 and provided their "Hero of the Year" substantial finances to support her passion to help others. As I listened to the stories of struggles, tragedies, and triumph, I asked myself why I'd never known about the plight of so many people in need. Why did I allow myself to be so isolated and uncaring? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">A changed life</span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">should be about what we are commanded to do ~ "See that justice is done, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">let mercy be your first concern,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> and humbly obey your God." (Micah 6:8 CEV) Once something hits hard at your heart (a prompting by the Holy Spirit), start right then and make a change for eternity. If you let time pass, it won't take long to convince yourself not to do anything. Let's not make excuses but become examples for others to follow and see Jesus! Do something now!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwXqEvNDvESJfsRolxsLCKYEr--jUboG593uWR_omG-XW-tCsuITcMZQodqFIRaxsYliQnQmWAMRRIttd9Hag' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</span></div>Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-34742126028850160042011-09-15T21:13:00.003-05:002011-09-15T21:20:42.633-05:00For or Against<em> Defining ourselves by what we are against rather than what we are for is a seductive and often destructive practice. -</em> from Becoming FireStephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04555068858400353927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-61247469495777018632011-09-11T15:45:00.002-05:002011-09-11T15:47:55.195-05:00AppetitesI was listening to a talk by Andy Stanley a while back. He was talking about appetites. He gave the following truths about appetites. I think he was dead on with his observations.<div><br /></div><div>1. God created them and sin distorted them.</div><div><br /></div><div>2. Appetites are never fully and finally satisfied.</div><div><br /></div><div>3. Appetites always whisper now, and not later.</div>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-8320345690418349932011-09-08T20:12:00.002-05:002011-09-13T15:22:58.421-05:00Worship with a Hummingbird!I’m patiently waiting and then I hear it. The sound of its wings beating so fast it takes my breath away. We are eye-to-eye checking each other out to make sure it’s safe. It’s close enough to my hand that, although it isn’t touching me, I can feel its wings. As I watch it drink of the red, sweet liquid, I’m awestruck by the nectar dripping off its beak and the close proximity. And then the moment is a memory. As it flies away, I whisper, “Come back! You’re safe with me.” Isn’t it just like God to remind me of that! I worship and delight in Him for his sweet gift of a hummingbird!Marionhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04867740717204465935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-82210584773158100372011-08-28T18:52:00.005-05:002011-08-30T21:32:53.933-05:00Being vs. Doing<em>"The true expression of Christian character is not in good-doing, but in God-likeness. If the Spirit of God has transformed you within, you will exhibit divine characteristics in your life, not just good human characteristics. God's life in us expresses itself as <strong>God's</strong> life, not as human life trying to be godly. The secret of a Christian's life is that the supernatural becomes natural in him as a result of the grace of God, and the experience of this becomes evident in the practical, everyday details of life."</em> <br />
<br />
-from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04555068858400353927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-31183405050038332442011-08-24T19:42:00.003-05:002011-08-26T21:49:31.766-05:00Facts of Fiction<em> "Child Killer Shirley heard voices of defeat. Suddenly he felt himself growing stronger. He turned toward the Third Heaven angel that was opposing him and spit death into his eyes. Blinded, the angel continued swinging his weapon, but the child killer laughed and stole away. He could always count on the soft ones -- they were always judging by their feelings. No feeling, no prayer -- he looked at the blinded angel still flailing with his blade -- no prayer, no power. The light was dimming around him, so he turned his good eye to see the soft one. She didn't know the power of her negative words -- power that was strengthening the attack against her mother. He nodded at her. He loved the unknowing allies -- the doubting people -- best."</em> -- from Riding through Shadows by Sharon Foster <br />
<br />
I just finished this fiction book that has fiercely reminded me of crucially important truths: we live each moment in a spiritual battle, the tongue holds the power of life and death, the importance of praying without ceasing and never forgetting that <em>"the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds</em>." <br />
<br />
Stephaniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04555068858400353927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-56498098655779737732011-08-20T09:04:00.003-05:002011-08-20T09:16:18.518-05:00This MorningI enjoyed our time today visiting our homeless friends. It's very different not going to the camps, but that is okay. Different does not mean bad, it means different. I like having the extended times for visitation, and getting to know everyone. <div>
<br /></div><div>Highlights for me today were:</div><div>
<br /></div><div><ul><li>Seeing toothless Terry and his wheelchair, and hearing he will soon be receiving his <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">prostetic</span> half-leg</li><li>Seeing Lorie back with us</li><li>Seeing some of the ones with new homes looking refreshed</li></ul><div>Not-so-much highlights for me today were:</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div><ul><li>Finding out that Roy was in the hospital with congestive heart failure. Lord, please restore and heal him, and bring him back to us.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">MIA's</span> - Jason, Donnie, all from Raymond's camp, Battle, Evelyn, Carl</li></ul><div>All in all, it was a good time feeding and visiting with Jesus. There is no such thing as a typical Saturday morning. They are new every time. God is faithful to provide and sustain our friends.</div></div><div>
<br /></div><div>
<br /></div>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-60653445967572963902011-08-14T17:05:00.001-05:002011-08-14T17:07:14.781-05:00Passionate Reflection<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">I found out this week my primary personality trigger is Passion.<span> </span>I was happy to find this out.<span> </span>Passionate expression is when I am most successful in getting my message across.<span> </span>I want to further His message?<span> </span>I know He doesn’t need assistance.<span> </span>He would prefer I do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him.<span> </span>When I do that with passion, His kingdom comes to the neighborhood.<span> </span>When Christ comes to the neighborhood things change.<span> </span>He wired me this way for a purpose.<span> </span>I must allow Him to shine His light upon me daily, that I might reflect it upon this broken neighborhood He has me in.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-65467792604739537392011-07-25T20:49:00.001-05:002011-07-25T20:57:14.761-05:00SerpentitusI've been told that I have "serpentitus"! What in the world is that, you ask...it's not even a real word! That may be true, but I do have it and maybe you do too...<br />
<br />
I enjoy running on trails. Lately I've discovered the wonderful levy tops that meander along the river. What a great way to enjoy the beauty of nature. One problem is that they don't get mowed down too often. When that happens there's always the potential of coming across a "snake in the grass". If the snake can be seen in advance, it can be avoided and does not cause much alarm. When you can't see it and actually step on one while running, pandemonium breaks out!<br />
<br />
After an encounter like that, you become more focused on avoiding a repeat occurrence. To do that, your steps are a bit higher and there are several quick jumps left and right to avoid anything resembling a sneaky serpent (curved sticks, coated wire, rope, etc...)! The once enjoyable journey is now a fear focused frolic that expends tons of energy on needless things ~ SERPENTITUS!<br />
<br />
Perhaps it's just me, but I realized how often I live life that way too! Instead of enjoying the beauty of The Creator along the journey I focus on the probability of being surprised by the Serpent.Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-44831732994807753912011-07-20T08:49:00.002-05:002011-07-29T08:22:46.852-05:00Feeling "whipped"? ~ Rejoice!<span class="verse Acts_5_40">It's easy to become discouraged, disillusioned, and depressed when carrying the name of Jesus into the world, only to be beaten down and mocked for it. We are not alone! It's the norm for those who know Him and are motivated by passionate love to serve Him and proclaim the Name above all other Names among the nations! It is a GREAT privilege to be counted so worthy that we would be dishonored because of Jesus! This is a marathon journey. Hang in there. Take a moment to regroup; focus on Jesus Christ and what He has given you to do in bringing His love to the world. Drink a deep refreshing drink from the well that never runs dry. Face towards the goal and press on! We must learn to rejoice in the sufferings of Christ and rejoice ALWAYS in Him!</span><br />
<br />
<span class="verse Acts_5_40">Let these words be an encouragement for you today. After a miraculous exit from jail the night before, the apostles are back in the Temple court teaching again after being told not to...</span><br />
<br />
<span class="verse Acts_5_40">Acts 5:29-42 (MSG) </span><br />
<span class="verse Acts_5_40">Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross. God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven. And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail." </span><br />
<br />
<span class="verse Acts_5_40">When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot. But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time, then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men. Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it. A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds. "So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart, but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it-and you better not be found fighting against God!"</span><br />
<br />
That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off. The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name. Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-30240723293960785122011-07-19T12:47:00.003-05:002011-07-19T12:54:06.534-05:00One Day at A TimeWow! Has it really been 3 weeks since anything was posted? Where did the fire and passion go? I think we sometimes just have to sit back and let things settle a bit. It's not all bad. I know we all have intentions to be catalysts in our neighbor. Sometimes it's hard to realize that we really are making a difference right here and right now. Don't allow the "Liar" to get to you with his lies about how little you are making a difference. We should just take it one day at a time, just as our Jesus did. He was never in a huge hurry to change the whole world, and yet, He changed the world by seeing and fulfilling needs one at a time. Be encouraged and be of great courage my fellow OR's.Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-52072819271190131942011-06-25T05:38:00.000-05:002011-06-25T05:39:41.431-05:00Mary Oliver's Poem "Praying"<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">It doesn’t have to be<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">The blue iris, it could be<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Weeds in a vacant lot, or a few<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Small stones; just<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Pay attention, then patch<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">A few words together and don’t try<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">To make them elaborate, this isn’t<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">A contest but the doorway<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Into thanks, and a silence in which<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Another voice may speak.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-17953813932518387132011-06-25T05:31:00.001-05:002011-06-25T05:38:31.677-05:00A Gospel Jesus Would Preach<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:14.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">“A church that doesn’t provoke any crises, a gospel that doesn’t unsettle, a word of God that doesn’t get under anyone’s skin, a word of God that doesn’t touch the real sin of the society in which it is being proclaimed – what gospel is this?”<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>- <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Archbishop Oscar Romero of El Salvador</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-23116993822129421252011-06-12T07:45:00.000-05:002011-06-12T07:46:27.888-05:00You're The Message!<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">I was reading in Paul’s first letter to the Christ followers at Thessalonica this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A couple of things jumped off the page at me.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These followers were living out their faith with convictions of “steel”, which was put there by the Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I think that is very cool.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I like the fact that God in us gives us that kind of strength and resolve to live our faith boldly in a society who for the most part does not get it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A conviction of steel would be difficult to break or destroy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It is very hard and does not give very much.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>With that, we can go boldly in the directions He leads us, knowing nothing is going to break us.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I take comfort in that.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">The second thing that I observed was the idea of the living message.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>In the first chapter, Paul tells these guys that he doesn’t even have to witness about this group anymore because they are living out their faith so powerfully that they have become the message (the gospel).<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>They are the good news in their communities just by how they live their lives. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The word is out.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>These guys are living out the love of Jesus daily, and that kind of living radiates outward from us, and spreads to others.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>What the others do with it is another topic.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Our takeaway is to “be the message”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">So, how about it my brothers and sisters?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>How are we doing this day?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do we feel and believe with our convictions of steel?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Are we running hard after Jesus?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Do those around us sense and observe the living message in our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Comic Sans MS"">Happy Sunday!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Be the living message today, with your Holy Spirit created convictions of steel!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Live Love Loud.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-72688547515519820602011-06-06T12:45:00.000-05:002011-06-06T12:45:11.950-05:00Blue Like Jazz ~ The Movie Official Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zW9Xo_0kfko/Te0RMQVlqBI/AAAAAAAAAL0/Kt6X9ck_JDk/s320/BLJ.jpg" width="320" /></div>Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-78046073982808433632011-05-17T14:28:00.004-05:002011-05-18T09:59:39.315-05:00THOU MUST SMILE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY UNTIL IT SURRENDERS.<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">You are wiser than most, once you realize that adversity is never the permanent condition of man. And yet this wisdom alone is not sufficient. Adversity and failure can destroy you while you wait patiently for your fortune to change. Deal with them in only one way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Welcome them both, with open arms!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Since this injunction goes against all logic or reason, it is the most difficult to understand or master.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Let the tears you shed, over your misfortunes, cleanse thine eyes so that ye might see the truth. Realize that he who wrestles with you always strengthens your nerves and sharpens your skills. Your antagonist is always, in the end, your best helper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Adversity is the rain in your life, cold, comfortless, and unfriendly. Yet from that season are born the lily, the rose, the date, and the pomegranate. Who can tell what great things you will bring forth after you have been parched by the heat of tribulation and drenched by the rains of affliction? Even the dessert blooms after a storm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Adversity is also your greatest teacher. You will learn little from your victories but when you are pushed, tormented and defeated you will acquire great knowledge, for only then you will become acquainted with your true self since you are free, at last, from those who flatter thee. And who are your friends? When adversity engulfs you is the best time to count on them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';">Remind thyself, in the darkest moments, that every failure is only a step toward success, every detection of what is false directs you toward what is true, every trial exhausts some tempting form of error, and every adversity will only hide, for a time, your path to peace and fulfillment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS';"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span>- Og Mandino, <i>The Greatest Salesman in the World</i></span>Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-84302403788694268402011-05-12T08:08:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:40:09.371-05:00Make Way Partners ~ Romanian Update<div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Injustice for Trafficking Victims at Houses of Treasure </strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGBQ6NIU64k/Tcvdpw6XmgI/AAAAAAAAAK0/z-zGR9chb40/s1600/MWP1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269px" j8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LGBQ6NIU64k/Tcvdpw6XmgI/AAAAAAAAAK0/z-zGR9chb40/s320/MWP1.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>If you read my blog last week, you know the Romanian government is harassing our indigenous director, Iana Matei.<br />
<br />
Make Way Partners’ Field Coordinator, Matt McGowen, and an expert Romanian attorney stood at her side as she appeared in court today. I’ve spent a couple of hours on the phone with Matt today hearing live reports.<br />
<br />
The first thing I want to tell you is that Matt is so encouraged by the progress that Iana is making with all the girls at House of Treasure. Matt said, “Although each girl feels the pressure of such a difficult time, the healing in the girls is evident. They are sharing in responsibilities around the house, meal preparation, and even encouraging one another.”<br />
<br />
Esther (not her real name) is a shining star at House of Treasure. She survived a brutal attack last year, and suffered deeply from fear and low self esteem, but after so much time with us, Matt said, “Now she is confident and taking true leadership among the girls.”<br />
<br />
With that kind of beautiful healing taking place at House of Treasure, it was painful to hear Matt’s first words as he reported from the courtroom, “It was a rough day.”<br />
<br />
We arrived at 8 am only to be told, “Your hearing’s cancelled.”<br />
<br />
Natasha’s mother dropped the charges. And while, at first, that seemed to be good news, chaos ensued as we learned it was simply a manipulative ploy staged by her attorney to get what she wanted. <br />
<br />
Part of what incited Natasha’s mother was the fact that child protection services (cps) had been conducting an investigation into her fitness as a mother. She’d played a hand in Natasha’s trafficking. Natasha has younger siblings still living at home, and cps had been considering removing them from the home for their own protection.<br />
<br />
One of the best tactics to draw attention from herself, was of course, to point the finger at Iana. During the weeks of investigation preceding the hearings, Natasha was supposed to be under the direct care and supervision of cps. However, they let her run wild, coming and going as she—or her mother—pleased.<br />
<br />
Having unmonitored access to Natasha during the investigation, her mother orchestrated media events where they told many negative stories about cps. The media made a negative production regarding cps. The result: cps not only quit their investigation of Natasha’s mother, but actually testified to her credit.<br />
<br />
Matt and Iana both read court documents revealing that Natasha had submitted testimony that she did not want to be returned to her mother, and that she did want to stay at House of Treasure, with Iana. But, the Judge wouldn’t allow the documents to be read in court, or for Matt and Iana to keep a copy. The judge deliberately withheld vital information.<br />
<br />
Natasha has severe mental and emotional damage, possibly psychotic, from all of her abuse and trafficking, so Iana was not petitioning for Natasha to return to House of Treasure, but rather, for her—and the other girls’ protection—to be placed in a psychiatric hospital. Although Iana is a psychologist, the judge would not hear Iana’s testimony.<br />
<br />
Natasha has turned extremely violent, which is not uncommon for young children who have suffered such extreme violence. While cps allowed her to run free, she went to the school where the other girls from House of Treasure attend, telling them, “My mother’s gypsy friends are going to show up at school and rape you all.” Again, the judged barred Iana’s testimony from the courtroom.<br />
<br />
Matt said, “If I hadn’t seen it myself, I would never believe what I am about to tell you…”<br />
<br />
The judge’s decision: since the charges against Iana were dropped and cps now gives a glowing report on Natasha’s mother, she gave Natasha back over to the mother.<br />
<br />
Iana’s lawyer came prepared. He read directly from a Romanian book of law, sighting how the judgment was illegal under Romanian law, and sighting that due process—according to their own law—had not been followed.<br />
<br />
The judge slammed down her gavel while hysterically screaming at Iana’s attorney, “Shut up and sit down. You cannot read that [Romanian book of law] in my courtroom!”<br />
<br />
While neither Iana nor her attorney could speak, the judge allowed others to stand, testifying that Iana beat the girls and forced them to make child pornography movies. Iana was not allowed to testify about this, and when her attorney objected, the judge screamed at him to shut up and sit down.<br />
<br />
Today is not only an injustice for a very sick and hurting child (Natasha) but also a huge gap through which Iana and the entire House of Treasure could fall.<br />
<br />
As you can imagine, Iana is very discouraged. Matt is by her side, but they both need your prayers for wisdom, strength, and encouragement.<br />
<br />
We face another hearing on Friday, and I will let you know as soon as I know anything at all.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, we are not only praying, but also talking through lessons learned, strategies to take, and receiving much wise counsel from professionals.<br />
<br />
We rest in the Arms of the Great Defender of children—our Father, our God—Who is moved by your prayers.<br />
<br />
Love, your sister along the journey,<br />
<br />
kMr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-8288431276136804732011-05-11T19:15:00.000-05:002011-05-13T15:40:09.565-05:00Love the PoorFrancis de Sales, a sixteenth-century bishop in France, wrote, "Love the poor and love poverty, for it is by such love that we become truly poor. As the Scripture says, we become like the things we love. If you love the poor you will share their poverty and be poor like them. If you love the poor be often with them. Be glad to see them in your own home and to visit with them in theirs. Be glad to talk to them and be pleased to have them near you in church, on the street, and elsewhere. Be poor in conversing with them and speak to them as their companions do, but be rich in assisting them by sharing some of your more abundant goods with them."Jim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-31338557452798578032011-05-11T08:04:00.001-05:002011-05-11T08:07:25.399-05:00Blood Water Missions<div style="text-align: center;">JARS OF CLAY CELEBRATES 1000 WELLS!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug_P0HrGrMY/TcqI4KjxVYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ns7jKumX2Xo/s1600/JarsofClay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" j8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ug_P0HrGrMY/TcqI4KjxVYI/AAAAAAAAAKw/ns7jKumX2Xo/s1600/JarsofClay.jpg" /></a></div>To be clear, they're actually celebrating 1000 African communities who now have access to clean water thanks to the work of Blood Water Mission (BWM). Although Jars founded BWM ten years ago, they're very clear about who's receiving the accolades for this accomplishment. "We're celebrating the Africans who are really our heroes and celebrating the Americans who have overcome the apathy," says Dan Haseltine.Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-7325387703804218292011-05-09T09:27:00.001-05:002011-05-09T09:30:23.929-05:00Responding to the death of an enemy"I have mixed feelings regarding the death of bin Laden. He was my enemy whom I love. I cried while watching the President’s disclosure and the subsequent dancing in the streets. It was not a cry of joy, but of sorrow and complexity. Early today, I was reminded of a Bible verse: “Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble” (Proverbs 24:17)." ~ John Harris<br />
<br />
<em>John Harris is an evangelical Christian, educator, and international activist. He gives tours of charismatic Christianity in Palestine with the group Pentecostals and Charismatics for Peace and Justice, and works in Palestine each summer with Christian Peacemaker Teams.</em>Mr "T"http://www.blogger.com/profile/01695108486554241725noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5809646534505545438.post-72573323897572947562011-05-08T09:07:00.002-05:002011-05-08T09:10:38.121-05:00Comfortably Numb"It came to me that each of us is "touched" by the mob of life every day. It's just that we're so focused on checking things off our to-do list, or chasing hard after the American Dream, that our spiritual skin has grown numb. We're spiritually anesthetized, so we can't feel that "touch". - K. Smith, Make Way PartnersJim Burnhamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04951089745552913565noreply@blogger.com1