Aack, I just stumbled across an amazing new blog! The Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation covers topics on which I frequently muse. With a minor in psychology and an unrelenting interest in the subject, I did try to enroll in courses on Biblical counseling at one point. That has been put on hold in this season of my life, but I have been reading and contemplating quite a bit on the theology of suffering. Joni and Friends offers a whole course on this subject and is working to integrate it and other disability education classes into seminary coursework nationwide.
I want to share this great article titled "No More Minimizing Pain." It talks about how silly it is to operate as if there is a Pain-O-Meter and corresponding Compassion-O-Meter. "Oh, well, my pain is only a five compared to the suffering of the world." In a moment of unveiled honesty (is that redundant?), let me share that I do this regarding any personal unpleasantness all day long! My admittedly odd hobby of reading about human atrocities and the fight for justice often throws me off-kilter in my ability to accept and process personal griefs. This has actually been a topic much on my mind.
Okay, I can't help it. As long as we are on the topic, another well-written article is "What Has Helped You in Your Troubles?" Finally, "The Value of Grief" (the last part in a series) and "Letting Go of Pain" manage to both be helpful without being contradictory.
June 30, 2011
June 29, 2011
Five girls in India
After an emotionally draining day, I am so glad to read that my favorite newspaper columnist, Nicolas Kristof, has partnered with one of my favorite ministries to write a success story in the fight against human trafficking. Kristof accompanied an International Justice Mission investigator on a raid/rescue in India, where human trafficking is commonplace. Five girls were rescued, including a ten-year-old who was shortly to be sold for rape for the first time.
To be frank, sometimes I cannot properly rejoice in these success stories because I think of the hundreds of thousands of people who were NOT rescued. Perhaps it was the pairing of Kristoff with IJM or the detail about the ten-year-old--tonight I do rejoice.
To be frank, sometimes I cannot properly rejoice in these success stories because I think of the hundreds of thousands of people who were NOT rescued. Perhaps it was the pairing of Kristoff with IJM or the detail about the ten-year-old--tonight I do rejoice.
June 28, 2011
Conference Videos!
For those of you intrigued by the Mighty Waters Conference, the videos of the speakers are now up! As I have previewed in another post, there's some excellent content (i.e. good stuff). Major fan of Gary Haugen right here! Prior to these videos being posted, I had planned to cover Brenda Salter McNeil's talk in another post because I think she did an excellent job of revitalizing the Great Commission. Obviously, God does not need revitalizing, but rather our understanding of what to do with the Gospel. Eric Mextas' talk is not so broad, but definitely engaging. I find him an intriguing individual: New York Republican and Pentecostal Episcopalian, not to mention Yale English major Veggie Tales screen writer.
And on that note, I leave you for today.
And on that note, I leave you for today.
June 27, 2011
June 26, 2011
Hu Jia released!
Tonight I found myself unexpectedly gladdened to read of the release of Chinese dissident Hu Jia. A political activist, Hu Jia served a three year jail sentence for repeatedly speaking against human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese government. Even now he remains under virtual house arrest. I commend his courage and marvel at a world in which a Chinese blogger's stirrings are heard around the globe.
So few people have an opportunity to have their cries heard. Why this man? Why did part of his life story appear on my computer screen tonight and cause me joy? What was special about him as opposed to others who have risked and even forfeited their lives to speak against injustice? What largely untold stories are his inspiration?
As I ponder what gave this man and his wife the courage to speak, I hope that my life inspires people to greater things.
So few people have an opportunity to have their cries heard. Why this man? Why did part of his life story appear on my computer screen tonight and cause me joy? What was special about him as opposed to others who have risked and even forfeited their lives to speak against injustice? What largely untold stories are his inspiration?
As I ponder what gave this man and his wife the courage to speak, I hope that my life inspires people to greater things.
June 23, 2011
Maisha Soul
Just discovered a new music group called Maisha Soul that I unexpectedly really like. It's a group of four brothers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who are using their music to speak against violence. Awesome. Plus, they can really sing! I discovered them from the Heal Africa website, but then found this article that explains more and has a few YouTube videos. I emailed them to ask if they have a CD. (P.S. They primarily sing in French.)
June 22, 2011
A Thousand Choices
“A grateful heart is not acquired in a moment. It is the fruit of a thousand choices.” – Nancy Lee Demoss
"I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High." Psalm 7:17 ESV
June 20, 2011
Remembering
The previous post highlighted a song that reminds me of two of my elderly friends. Katherine is a lovely Christian woman who was widowed just over a year ago. Shortly after her husband of 60+ years died, she was moved into the Fillmore Convalescent home because of health problems following a stroke. As you can imagine, she continues to have a rough time. I think of her and Edna fairly often. Unlike many of the residents, they both are relatively quick-thinking with excellent recall. They also exhibit hope and kindness in the midst of difficult, sad circumstances.
A couple of months ago, Mom gave me a book to give to a particular resident. I suggested giving to Katherine instead. When presented with the book, she looked surprised and told me that she has the same book at home--home, where she wants to be but most probably will not return. She enjoyed her new copy, and Mom later said that it was one way of God showing that He remembered her.
The Psalmist often cried to the Lord to remember Him, and I find myself reflecting on whether or not that is enough for most of us. I think we have the mindset that if the Lord remembered us in our afflictions, He would remove them. Yet, He certainly has not forgotten! Is knowing that God thinks of us enough?
Some days knowing that God thinks about me is supremely overwhelming. (My profile description on this blog is the verse that states, "I am poor and needy, but the Lord thinks on me.") Other days, I can be mad that He does not...well, to be honest, does not do what I want. I am hurt when He appears to be silent for prolonged periods of time. (Of course, when I am worked up, five minutes is a prolonged period of time.) Being content with the knowledge that the Lord has remembered me needs to be enough. Granted, I am often petulant on this topic.
A couple of months ago, Mom gave me a book to give to a particular resident. I suggested giving to Katherine instead. When presented with the book, she looked surprised and told me that she has the same book at home--home, where she wants to be but most probably will not return. She enjoyed her new copy, and Mom later said that it was one way of God showing that He remembered her.
The Psalmist often cried to the Lord to remember Him, and I find myself reflecting on whether or not that is enough for most of us. I think we have the mindset that if the Lord remembered us in our afflictions, He would remove them. Yet, He certainly has not forgotten! Is knowing that God thinks of us enough?
Some days knowing that God thinks about me is supremely overwhelming. (My profile description on this blog is the verse that states, "I am poor and needy, but the Lord thinks on me.") Other days, I can be mad that He does not...well, to be honest, does not do what I want. I am hurt when He appears to be silent for prolonged periods of time. (Of course, when I am worked up, five minutes is a prolonged period of time.) Being content with the knowledge that the Lord has remembered me needs to be enough. Granted, I am often petulant on this topic.
What do I know?
In honor of my beautiful friends Edna and Katherine, currently residing at the Fillmore Convalescent Home.
June 19, 2011
"A Father's Conversion"
Here is a powerful Father's Day story of a young man who was moved by another father's pain to become resolved to fight child sex trafficking. The unusual element? This young man was already working for an anti-trafficking organization called Love 146. (Francis Chan talks about a similiar "conversion moment" influenced by his fatherhood in his book Forgotten God.) You should read the story through the link, but let me quote the end:
That may all sound dramatic, but it really wasn't. It really was just a simple moment of resonance with another human being. I recognized a pain this man was feeling, but it was on a scale I didn't think could exist. And it changed me.
That is what a movement is about. A movement is about the small conversion moments; those simple points of resonance with our fellow humans, building over time, into something that turns the tide of history.
For Fathers, Sunday is a good day to find these moments. And I hope you do. Because we need your stories next to ours.
June 17, 2011
Quotables IV
My coworker: "I am going to continue to drink wine until I see Jesus turn wine into water."
------------------------------------------------------
Co-worker #6: "They sell Magnum bars at Vons now. They are no longer a novelty."
Co-worker #7: "More proof that God loves me! There's no more denying it."
------------------------------------------------------
Co-worker #20 upon walking into another department and announcing his presence: "Hi, I’m here. I’m not invisible, although sometimes I doubt my own existence."
(He was being matter-of-fact rather than humorous.)
------------------------------------------------------
Me: There are some people who, I admit, the possibility of spending eternity with them is rather daunting.
Co-worker: Well, it’s not like you have to sit next to them in an assigned seat. Me, I’ll be out there surfing, to the glory of God.
June 15, 2011
Women Worldwide
This article by the BBC world news about the most dangerous countries in the world for woman has once again made me incredibly grateful to live in the United States. Sometimes I have survivor's guilt, but I remind myself that women in other countries who experience horrible atrocities and the injustice of being considered less valuable than men do not wish me to join them in their situations. Rather, they would rather experience life circumstances similar to mine. The same goes for the desperately impoverished. My job is to do the best with what has been given me.
June 14, 2011
He's Always Been Faithful
"You walk in a room; you look out a window and something there leaves you breathless; you say to yourself, 'It's been awhile since I felt this, and it feels like it might be hope.'"
For me and three lovely friends--two in Southern California and one in Scotland. Much love.
June 13, 2011
June 9, 2011
Prezi
Prezi is a cool new presentation tool that beats PowerPoint, although it makes me a bit dizzy at times. As an example, I have chosen a presentation that gives tips on maximizing Google as a search tool: http://prezi.com/mohshuoe-qcf/
June 7, 2011
Quotables III
As I am standing on tip-toe in my "new" dress from Goodwill --
My brother: "Nice calves."
Me: "Thanks, they're genetic."
My brother: "So, not generic?"
______________________________________________________
After a brief explanation that physical exertion is not my idea of recreation --
Me: "But parasailing, I think I would like. It’s just the landing part that is disconcerting."
Co-worker: "That’s why they have hospitals!"
______________________________________________________
My face is like an egg. ~ Anonymous
______________________________________________________
After describing my latest needles=nausea and fainting episode at the doctor's office.
My coworker: "Well, did you warn them?"
Me: "No, I didn't warn them. What am I supposed to do, march in there and say, 'I have a needle phobia. I am probably going to faint'? I was trying to be brave! I hoped I could make it through."
My coworker: "I can appreciate that. However, you have a track record now. I think at this time, you could express your track record to them but also your hope."
(For some reason I found this exchange hysterical.)
______________________________________________________
My brother: "I have a small head. My brain must be very high functioning compared to most people considering that my head is so small!"
______________________________________________________
My face is like an egg. ~ Anonymous
______________________________________________________
After describing my latest needles=nausea and fainting episode at the doctor's office.
My coworker: "Well, did you warn them?"
Me: "No, I didn't warn them. What am I supposed to do, march in there and say, 'I have a needle phobia. I am probably going to faint'? I was trying to be brave! I hoped I could make it through."
My coworker: "I can appreciate that. However, you have a track record now. I think at this time, you could express your track record to them but also your hope."
(For some reason I found this exchange hysterical.)
______________________________________________________
My brother: "I have a small head. My brain must be very high functioning compared to most people considering that my head is so small!"
June 6, 2011
Stretched
Quote from one of our applicants at work:
"I'm stretched to the limits of my capabilities now, and the next step is God's."
Definitely.
June 4, 2011
My cousin's wedding
 |
| Uncle #2, Aunt, Grandma, Mom, Uncle #1 |
 |
| In between posing for pictures |
 |
| Uncle #1, cousins' grandpa, Uncle #2, Me |
 |
| Uncle, Cousin #3, Aunt |
 |
| Great expressions on the couple |
  |
| My Aunt and Uncle are great (her sister and father on right). These pictures remind me of a Norman Rockwell painting. |
June 1, 2011
I'm not hornswoggling!
Fun moment when I stumbled across a silly article on www.dictionary.com entitled "What are the most neglected words in the English language?" The Wayne State University Warriors used an undisclosed method to choose ten words to revive in 2011.
Concupiscence
Draconian
Evanescent
Hornswoggle
Ossify
Paroxysm
Penurious
Schadenfreude
Sibilance
Skullduggery
Draconian
Evanescent
Hornswoggle
Ossify
Paroxysm
Penurious
Schadenfreude
Sibilance
Skullduggery
Of course, I was proud that I used "draconian" just the other day, but the best part was the hysterical, nerdy comments. If you're a word nerd, you should peruse the whole selection, but I offer a few here for general enjoyment:
Colin on May 31, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Glaedr on May 31, 2011 at 12:14 pm