Chain Store Reaction

Here is an easy and quick way you can help fight human trafficking by sending emails to stores/brands asking them to make their products slave free.

"He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?" (NKJV)

The Story of Zac Smith

The Story of Zac Smith from Adam Kring on Vimeo.



A Story | Tears of Hope from Adam Kring on Vimeo.

Yes, this story made me cry, but is it not hopeful? Life can be unbearably painful without the hope of Christ. I've always imagined the death of my spouse will be the most painful trial I'll have to face.

At this time in my life particularly, I am so grateful that I work for an organization that neither ignores suffering nor gives stoic answers. It is good to be in a place where my core questions and agonizing empathy are both the norm. Yet, people there have learned (or are in the process of learning) to cope with both and are teaching others. It is an encouragement.

Bridge Over Troubled Water

For the past couple of weeks, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" has been popping in and out of my head. (Major shout-out to the talent of Paul Simon!) Of course, we all want people in our lives who are willing to make--and more importantly KEEP--these lyrical promises. This song has to be one of the greatest love songs of all time: "Greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friend." (John 15:13) Yet, only Jesus is 100% able to come through for us. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, "There is one mediator between God and man, the man Jesus Christ." 


Last night as I was looking up the lyrics for this post, I became totally distracted watching movies of Simon and Garfunkel, to the point where I am only just getting around to posting this 24 hours later. Isn't Art Garfunkel fascinating looking in all three movies below? He raises his eyebrows to someone at 1:34 in the first video and cracks me up. Well, the second video does also manage to be simultaneously hysterical and magnificent. I wish I could have been there! I do like the original duet version the best though I didn't include it in these selections. You should spend $0.99 and buy it on iTunes if you don't know it. 


P.S. For you Wesley House people, in this last video, doesn't Art look like the love child (if that were biologically possible) of Chris Hamblin and Deane Simpson? I had to put all three videos because I couldn't decide which I like best.







And a bonus of "America":

Photo Ops

 Lynne, Drew, Carlene, Me, Callen in February (Beth says it's weird Carlene is relegated to the back but that we all look good.)

 Jeremy a year ago

Beth and Jeremy early 2011, wearing Pop's vintage clothes that I saved (and occasionally wore) for years

Who would have thought?

Today someone told me I have "kind eyes." It was one of the best compliments I have received. Also, today I obtained $20 of credit at a beauty supply store and a one-year subscription to Dwell magazine for free, courtesy of Groupon. These were much needed pick-me-ups. 


Last night I read in Isaiah 53: 


"Who believes what we've heard and seen? Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?"


and


"Still, it's what God had in mind all along, to crush him with pain. The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin so that he'd see life come from it -- life, life, and more life. And God's plan will deeply prosper from him. Out of that terrible travail of soul, he'll see that it's worth it and be glad he did it. Through what he experienced, my righteous one, my servant, will make many "righteous ones," as he himself carries the burden of their sins." 


I like that version, especially the line "Who would have thought God's saving power would look like this?" I get that.