Watch this music video. You will not regret the 4 minutes it takes.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Alana's Adoption Movie
A tradition of our family is to create a video of their birth (G-rated!). Ever since we started the adoption process I put a lot of thought into how exactly to produce a birth video since I would, most likely, not have footage of the birth mother being pregnant, nor would I have footage of our adopted child's first moments of life.
Well, we adopted last May 27th and life has been a blur since then. This past week I finally had the time in the evenings to stop and edit together a short, 4-minute video of the story of the adoption of Alana Michelle.
Here it is.
We are still in need of $2,000.00 to finalize Alana's adoption. Would you please consider a donation of any size? You can use the link to the right and donate securely through PayPal. Thank you so much!
Well, we adopted last May 27th and life has been a blur since then. This past week I finally had the time in the evenings to stop and edit together a short, 4-minute video of the story of the adoption of Alana Michelle.
Here it is.
We are still in need of $2,000.00 to finalize Alana's adoption. Would you please consider a donation of any size? You can use the link to the right and donate securely through PayPal. Thank you so much!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
We're Adopting! Please Pray!
We just received word yesterday of a precious baby girl born on May 20th who was in need of a family. After a whirlwind of phone calls and emails, we were placed in contact with the birth mother today at 11am. We were able to talk with her for a very long time on the phone and just fell in love with her (and she with us)! So what that means is that we are suddenly leaving for Shreveport, LA Tuesday morning to pick up our new baby girl. We will be arriving in Shreveport Wednesday morning to begin the paperwork process.
We covet your prayers as we travel during this very emotional time. Please pray that things will flow smoothly and the paperwork angels will bring their 'A' game. :) Also for the peace that passes understanding for everyone involved.
The baby's birth name is "Alana Michelle". We are in awe of the fact that the birth mother gave her such a perfect name since Alan is Paul's middle name and of course Michelle.
If you would like to be part of what God is doing please click the PayPal button at the top of the page and you can donate. Every little bit helps.
We covet your prayers as we travel during this very emotional time. Please pray that things will flow smoothly and the paperwork angels will bring their 'A' game. :) Also for the peace that passes understanding for everyone involved.
The baby's birth name is "Alana Michelle". We are in awe of the fact that the birth mother gave her such a perfect name since Alan is Paul's middle name and of course Michelle.
If you would like to be part of what God is doing please click the PayPal button at the top of the page and you can donate. Every little bit helps.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
A priest, arrested at Notre Dame
A priest, arrested at Notre Dame. For the first time in the history of the university. I don't know the actual arrest charge. But it is probably along on the lines of, "your 'kind' is not wanted here."
This is sad and disgusting. My six-year-old summed it up best. She asked what "the old man" was doing, and I was in too much shock to actually answer. She figured it out toward the end. "Oh, they are being Jesus on the cross."
This is sad and disgusting. My six-year-old summed it up best. She asked what "the old man" was doing, and I was in too much shock to actually answer. She figured it out toward the end. "Oh, they are being Jesus on the cross."
Saturday, May 16, 2009
"No, Mr. President"
A powerful video. A stand for life.
"Jesus, I plead your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America."
"Jesus, I plead your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end abortion and send revival to America."
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
In Pain
Just 12 hours ago I was on cloud-9, excited about the rapid changes that were soon going to be happening in our family. We had been identified by a birth mother as the family she wanted for her baby. We were shocked and excited. We had heard about "the call" but now it had happened to us. The next day (last Friday) we sent a message back wanting to double-check that the birth mother was okay with the fact that we were pregnant. At 11am today the answer to our question came back: the birth mother had reconsidered.
She, upon reflecting on the due date, realized that they would be very close in age. This was something that we were actually excited about, but not something that she wanted to chose for her child.
So, now, I sit here, in shock. In shock that it hurts so much. A bit of whiplash from the sudden change of direction. Wondering 'what's God doing?' Feeling like I crashed into a brick wall at 400 miles per hour.
The only thing that I seem to be able to think is "I didn't know it would hurt this much." I'm surprised at how little time it takes to become attached to a person that I have never met. I think, maybe it's the idea of adoption, and not this child. Then I remember, I've been here before and I didn't feel like this.
But this one thing I know; I know that God is for me and not against me. That even though it feels like he is crushing me, that it His good pleasure to work into me the very things that I need. That I will run to Him rather than from Him. Even in the midst of the pain.
She, upon reflecting on the due date, realized that they would be very close in age. This was something that we were actually excited about, but not something that she wanted to chose for her child.
So, now, I sit here, in shock. In shock that it hurts so much. A bit of whiplash from the sudden change of direction. Wondering 'what's God doing?' Feeling like I crashed into a brick wall at 400 miles per hour.
The only thing that I seem to be able to think is "I didn't know it would hurt this much." I'm surprised at how little time it takes to become attached to a person that I have never met. I think, maybe it's the idea of adoption, and not this child. Then I remember, I've been here before and I didn't feel like this.
But this one thing I know; I know that God is for me and not against me. That even though it feels like he is crushing me, that it His good pleasure to work into me the very things that I need. That I will run to Him rather than from Him. Even in the midst of the pain.
Seriously Awesome Video
This is a time-lapse video of the earth from geosyncronous orbit. Seriously awesome:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDvaU-GyIYE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDvaU-GyIYE
Friday, May 8, 2009
In Amazement
It has been a little less than 24 hours since we were informed that we were matched with a birth mother. There are formalities and obstacles ahead on this journey that could de-rail this particular situation, but 24 hours in, it really looks like in 7 weeks we will become a multi-ethnic family!
As I sit on the airplane listening to my Matt Gillman and Corey Asbury on my iPod singing about the holiness and beauty of this God that we serve (on the album 'Holy') I am overwhelmed by His presence and His caring love. We have a lot of documentation to read and contracts to sign and money to raise so I decided to read a bunch of the paperwork on the plane. There is so much peace around this situation and I am filled with awe at the notion of what is about to occur in my family. Listening to the music makes me aware that this entire process has been orchestrated and ordained by Him. All we have done is obey and put one foot in front of the other, filling out paperwork and mailing it all over the country with more information that I care to think about.
When we first started this process most agencies we talked to looked at us like we were from Jupiter ("You have kids AND you want to adopt AND you WANT an African-American child?"). They just didn't know what to do with us. But we continued following the calling of God in our hearts and filled out the paperwork they asked for. Then, in November came the news that my wife was pregnant with our fifth child. Who would want to place with us now? Our home study wasn't even complete. Would the agency even finish it? They did finish it as we were so close to completing it (just needed one more set of finger prints and a personal reference). The were very nice but made it very clear that their agency wouldn't place with us and that it would be difficult to find someone. Of course we were very disappointed, but continued to speak to our souls and believe and trust in the God that only does wondrous things.
Our home study was completed on February 19, 2009. Now, here it is only 77 days later we get "the call". In spite of everything set against us. In spite of all the hurdles that we have setup for God. Most couples wait around a year to adopt. We haven't even waited 3 months. (Of course that's not counting the 7 years of waiting on God to open the door before now.)
Adoption is such a part of God's heart that he will overcome all the hurdles in his path to place the fatherless in homes and provide for orphans.
As I sit on the airplane listening to my Matt Gillman and Corey Asbury on my iPod singing about the holiness and beauty of this God that we serve (on the album 'Holy') I am overwhelmed by His presence and His caring love. We have a lot of documentation to read and contracts to sign and money to raise so I decided to read a bunch of the paperwork on the plane. There is so much peace around this situation and I am filled with awe at the notion of what is about to occur in my family. Listening to the music makes me aware that this entire process has been orchestrated and ordained by Him. All we have done is obey and put one foot in front of the other, filling out paperwork and mailing it all over the country with more information that I care to think about.
When we first started this process most agencies we talked to looked at us like we were from Jupiter ("You have kids AND you want to adopt AND you WANT an African-American child?"). They just didn't know what to do with us. But we continued following the calling of God in our hearts and filled out the paperwork they asked for. Then, in November came the news that my wife was pregnant with our fifth child. Who would want to place with us now? Our home study wasn't even complete. Would the agency even finish it? They did finish it as we were so close to completing it (just needed one more set of finger prints and a personal reference). The were very nice but made it very clear that their agency wouldn't place with us and that it would be difficult to find someone. Of course we were very disappointed, but continued to speak to our souls and believe and trust in the God that only does wondrous things.
Our home study was completed on February 19, 2009. Now, here it is only 77 days later we get "the call". In spite of everything set against us. In spite of all the hurdles that we have setup for God. Most couples wait around a year to adopt. We haven't even waited 3 months. (Of course that's not counting the 7 years of waiting on God to open the door before now.)
Adoption is such a part of God's heart that he will overcome all the hurdles in his path to place the fatherless in homes and provide for orphans.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Just can't wait to share!!!
We just got a call an hour or so ago that we were picked by a birth mom!!!!!! She lives in Illinois, and she said she picked our family because she wants her baby to have siblings. There are a few more formalities to go through before this is fully official, but at this point it looks like OUR baby GIRL will be born around June 30 (just over seven weeks away!). We are so excited!!!!!!!!! We're going to have "twins"!!
What an adventure this is!!!
What an adventure this is!!!
Friday, April 24, 2009
I threw away my garden
I threw away my vegetable garden. I wish I was being metaphorical, but I am not. I went out to the garden today, like normal, but instead of nurturing it as I have been for the past six weeks I pulled out the tomato plants that I had planted in the ground and threw away the cucumbers, zucchini and other plants that I have been raising from seed.
The biggest question on your mind right now is why? Those who know me, know how much I love tending my garden. It is a place where, historically, I have been able to meet God. I have had amazing times of worship and revelation about how God cares for his children by tending a little plot of dirt.
But not this year. At least not with this set of plants.
Several weeks ago, I don't even remember when though I know it was before I planted the seeds, I felt God prompting me not to actually plant this year. I wrestled with it. I argued. I rationalized. I had talks with my wife about it. There was money spent on the raised beds and on the dirt. There were the plans for canning all the tomatoes and other various veggies raised to enjoy year round. So why not have a garden?
There was no answer. So I forged ahead, planting the seeds, getting the tomato plants, planning the plots and creating the irrigation system. And yet there was this little niggling in the back of my head. This little thorn that wouldn't leave me alone. I could ignore it, but I couldn't enjoy God's presence. At least not like in the past. I knew that he still smiled when he thought about me, but I still felt the question in my spirit when I came into his presence: "Have you done what I asked?"
This week, that quiet little niggle turned into a loud scream. A silent one, but it was always there. no matter how busy I was (and this week was the busiest of my career). I couldn't ignore it. I couldn't silence it. The only thing that I could do was run from God and that isn't an option.
Today was the hardest. I was chased around by the story of Abraham and sacrifice of Isaac followed by the question "Do you love Me more than your garden?" I knew the answer was yes, but I also knew what that meant. I couldn't bear the thought of saying no. That would be patently crazy. Saying to the creator of the plant "No, I love the plants more than I love you". It would be possible to say, but ridiculous.
So I threw away my garden. It wasn't easy. I would be lying if I said that I didn't shed a few tears. However, as I explained to the children, just as I ask them to do things that they don't understand, Jesus asks us to do things that we don't understand.
So, why did I throw away my garden? Because God asked me to. Why did he ask me to? Ask Abraham and Isaac. Maybe they know.
The biggest question on your mind right now is why? Those who know me, know how much I love tending my garden. It is a place where, historically, I have been able to meet God. I have had amazing times of worship and revelation about how God cares for his children by tending a little plot of dirt.
But not this year. At least not with this set of plants.
Several weeks ago, I don't even remember when though I know it was before I planted the seeds, I felt God prompting me not to actually plant this year. I wrestled with it. I argued. I rationalized. I had talks with my wife about it. There was money spent on the raised beds and on the dirt. There were the plans for canning all the tomatoes and other various veggies raised to enjoy year round. So why not have a garden?
There was no answer. So I forged ahead, planting the seeds, getting the tomato plants, planning the plots and creating the irrigation system. And yet there was this little niggling in the back of my head. This little thorn that wouldn't leave me alone. I could ignore it, but I couldn't enjoy God's presence. At least not like in the past. I knew that he still smiled when he thought about me, but I still felt the question in my spirit when I came into his presence: "Have you done what I asked?"
This week, that quiet little niggle turned into a loud scream. A silent one, but it was always there. no matter how busy I was (and this week was the busiest of my career). I couldn't ignore it. I couldn't silence it. The only thing that I could do was run from God and that isn't an option.
Today was the hardest. I was chased around by the story of Abraham and sacrifice of Isaac followed by the question "Do you love Me more than your garden?" I knew the answer was yes, but I also knew what that meant. I couldn't bear the thought of saying no. That would be patently crazy. Saying to the creator of the plant "No, I love the plants more than I love you". It would be possible to say, but ridiculous.
So I threw away my garden. It wasn't easy. I would be lying if I said that I didn't shed a few tears. However, as I explained to the children, just as I ask them to do things that they don't understand, Jesus asks us to do things that we don't understand.
So, why did I throw away my garden? Because God asked me to. Why did he ask me to? Ask Abraham and Isaac. Maybe they know.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Baby #5...
Well, we Swagerty's are 20 weeks into the 40 weeks of Swagerty #5, 
and like any self-respecting 7-year-old who likes Christmas to come early, we had an ultrasound yesterday in order to find out if we should be buying pink things or blue things.
The current score in our house is 2 girls and 2 boys, so this baby would be a tie-breaker. We have had a girl name picked out for a while (ever since the birth of our last girl - 4.5 years ago) so we were hoping for another girl.
We were wrong.
So now we are wondering about what name we will choose, but we know that this baby has a "destiny" beyond our own human perspective.
Enjoy the pictures, including one of baby doing his best "Han Solo encased in Carbonite" impression.
and like any self-respecting 7-year-old who likes Christmas to come early, we had an ultrasound yesterday in order to find out if we should be buying pink things or blue things.The current score in our house is 2 girls and 2 boys, so this baby would be a tie-breaker. We have had a girl name picked out for a while (ever since the birth of our last girl - 4.5 years ago) so we were hoping for another girl.
We were wrong.
So now we are wondering about what name we will choose, but we know that this baby has a "destiny" beyond our own human perspective.
Enjoy the pictures, including one of baby doing his best "Han Solo encased in Carbonite" impression.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Heart for Sacramento, part 2
(For part one, click here.)
Later that night, I listened to a message where the speaker was talking about "the sacraments." One thing that we in the Protestant church do not have is the language of "the sacraments." We think that it means something holy or special or Godly, but it really is somewhat of a vague concept for us. This speaker was sharing that one thing that "sacrament" means is "making visible something that is invisible." Thus the sacrament of communion is meant to make visible the invisible nature of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The sacrament of marriage is meant to make visible the invisible nature of Christ's love for his church.
The way that the speaker said the word "sacrament" immediately caused me to connect with my hometown, Sacramento. My town is making visible something is invisible. The question is what? I don't know the answer, but I want to know. Because if we can focus our prayers in the Rock House of Prayer -- if we can focus our prayers and change Sacramento, the capital of California -- we can change the nation. Like the saying goes, "As California goes, so goes the nation."
In other words, when it comes to politics, I would rather vote than pray.
But I am supposed to behave as the persistent widow, banging on the doors of heaven, pleading with God for justice. And he desires to give justice. But do I want justice to come? I didn't say judgment. I said justice. I have discovered that I don't want justice. I want judgment. Like Jonah, I want fire to fall from heaven and wipe certain cities from the map. But He would rather give mercy than judgment. Why do I wonder why God doesn't send his judgment swiftly and speedily? Because he is slow to anger but quick to love (Psalm 103:8; 145:8). Me? Not so much. I am slow to love but quick to anger. I want God to be made in my image. Instead, He is changing me into His likeness.
It is easy to say "Jesus come back!" when what I really mean is "Jesus come smite them!" It is another thing to pray "Lord, change the heart of my enemy. Have mercy on those who would seek to destroy me. They don't know what they are doing." Sound familiar? It's what Jesus did on the cross. It's what he told us to do in the Sermon on the Mount. "Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (Luke 6:28, NLT). That means even in your heart. You cannot bless them with your mouth while hating them in your heart (Matthew 5:21, 22).
Lord, forgive me and change my heart. Show me the desire of your heart for Sacramento. Fill me with Your divine love for the people that govern. Make my prayers effective for them. Bless them. Do not judge them, but forgive them, just as you have forgiven me. Guide their hands as they make laws. Cause them to make righteous laws. Visit them in unmistakable ways. Reveal yourself and your love to them.
What is your prayer?
Later that night, I listened to a message where the speaker was talking about "the sacraments." One thing that we in the Protestant church do not have is the language of "the sacraments." We think that it means something holy or special or Godly, but it really is somewhat of a vague concept for us. This speaker was sharing that one thing that "sacrament" means is "making visible something that is invisible." Thus the sacrament of communion is meant to make visible the invisible nature of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. The sacrament of marriage is meant to make visible the invisible nature of Christ's love for his church.
The way that the speaker said the word "sacrament" immediately caused me to connect with my hometown, Sacramento. My town is making visible something is invisible. The question is what? I don't know the answer, but I want to know. Because if we can focus our prayers in the Rock House of Prayer -- if we can focus our prayers and change Sacramento, the capital of California -- we can change the nation. Like the saying goes, "As California goes, so goes the nation."
Reflecting on this causes pain in my heart. How do I pray for the lawmakers who work only 25 miles from my house? Do I pray for them at all? Do I pray effective prayers? Do I pray that my prayers would be made effective? Not really -- barely -- no. It didn't even occur to me.
Why? Why do I not truly care for these people? Why do I wish in the deep, dark recesses of my heart that California would fall into the ocean, knowing that it would probably take me with it? Why do I think that the nation would really be better off without California?
As I spent the week out from under the familiar feeling of demonic oppression that hangs so thick over my home state, I finally admitted something to myself. I realized that I actually think that Sacramento and the misguided lawmakers are too far gone. I actually believe the lie that my (few and meager) prayers for them are wasted words. I truly believe that my time is better spent praying for my friends' needs, praying for the physical injuries that come across the church prayer emails, or sending emails to my representatives. I'd rather let them know how I feel rather than praying that God would intervene in their lives in an unmistakable and life-changing way.Why? Why do I not truly care for these people? Why do I wish in the deep, dark recesses of my heart that California would fall into the ocean, knowing that it would probably take me with it? Why do I think that the nation would really be better off without California?
In other words, when it comes to politics, I would rather vote than pray.
It is easy to say "Jesus come back!" when what I really mean is "Jesus come smite them!" It is another thing to pray "Lord, change the heart of my enemy. Have mercy on those who would seek to destroy me. They don't know what they are doing." Sound familiar? It's what Jesus did on the cross. It's what he told us to do in the Sermon on the Mount. "Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you" (Luke 6:28, NLT). That means even in your heart. You cannot bless them with your mouth while hating them in your heart (Matthew 5:21, 22).
Lord, forgive me and change my heart. Show me the desire of your heart for Sacramento. Fill me with Your divine love for the people that govern. Make my prayers effective for them. Bless them. Do not judge them, but forgive them, just as you have forgiven me. Guide their hands as they make laws. Cause them to make righteous laws. Visit them in unmistakable ways. Reveal yourself and your love to them.
What is your prayer?
Heart for Sacramento, part 1
I sit here in the Atlanta airport reflecting on the trip that I just had here. Not the travel that brought me here or that will take me home; nor the business that took place while I was here, but rather the spiritual things that happened to me while I was here.
I enjoy business travel. Because I enjoy working, vacations are difficult for me. Just doing "play" things all day bores me very quickly. What I enjoy about business travel is that I get to work during the day and then in the evening I am "free" from my normal husbandly and fatherly duties, giving me extra time for my spiritual hobbies. Now don't misunderstand me. I love my wife and children more than words can express. I love the responsibilities that I took on when I got married. I love talking with my wife and planning our lives together. She is my best friend and I miss her deeply when we are apart. I also love my children. I love coming home each day from work to discover what they have been doing all day and what new things they have discovered in the world. What I didn't anticipate is how much time being a husband and a father would take.
I love the business travel because I get a tiny bit of that time back. Between the time on the plane and the two hours before I go to sleep I get to study my Bible and learn about God in a way that is more focused than while at home.
This trip was no different.
My favorite thing about coming to Atlanta is the House of Prayer here. They have a 24/7 prayer room just like the one in Kansas City. Just like the one we have in Roseville (except ours isn't 24/7 yet). The beauty of the IHOP-Atl is that I have zero responsibilities at it and I am unknown. There is no one to say "Hi!" to. I cannot think about all the things that I should be doing to help the ministry grow and attract more people. I am free to simply commune with God.
I have listened to dozens of IHOP-Atlanta's Sunday night messages. While they have no idea who I am, I feel like IHOP-Atl is part of me. While in their prayer room this week, I reflected on a conversation related in the story of their founding. Billy Humphrey (their director) spent a couple years at IHOP-KC. While there he had a formative meeting with Mike Bickle, the director of IHOP-KC. During this meeting, as Billy shares it, Mike asked him, "Why do you want to start a 24/7 prayer room in Atlanta?" Billy responded with a fervor "Prayer changes things. Atlanta is the 'Gateway to the South'. If we can change Atlanta then the whole of the South opens to us. If we can change the South we can change the nation. If we can change America we can change the world."
I spent a bit of time reflecting on that perspective and how it pertains to my life and the House of Prayer to which I belong. (See part 2 for the rest of the story.)
I enjoy business travel. Because I enjoy working, vacations are difficult for me. Just doing "play" things all day bores me very quickly. What I enjoy about business travel is that I get to work during the day and then in the evening I am "free" from my normal husbandly and fatherly duties, giving me extra time for my spiritual hobbies. Now don't misunderstand me. I love my wife and children more than words can express. I love the responsibilities that I took on when I got married. I love talking with my wife and planning our lives together. She is my best friend and I miss her deeply when we are apart. I also love my children. I love coming home each day from work to discover what they have been doing all day and what new things they have discovered in the world. What I didn't anticipate is how much time being a husband and a father would take.
I love the business travel because I get a tiny bit of that time back. Between the time on the plane and the two hours before I go to sleep I get to study my Bible and learn about God in a way that is more focused than while at home.
This trip was no different.
My favorite thing about coming to Atlanta is the House of Prayer here. They have a 24/7 prayer room just like the one in Kansas City. Just like the one we have in Roseville (except ours isn't 24/7 yet). The beauty of the IHOP-Atl is that I have zero responsibilities at it and I am unknown. There is no one to say "Hi!" to. I cannot think about all the things that I should be doing to help the ministry grow and attract more people. I am free to simply commune with God.
I spent a bit of time reflecting on that perspective and how it pertains to my life and the House of Prayer to which I belong. (See part 2 for the rest of the story.)
Friday, February 27, 2009
Home Study: Complete
I have been a little shell-shocked these past couple days. Our home study is complete. It was such a long, drawn out process that I think that I started to wonder if it would ever be complete. But it is now. We have it in hand. We have the proof. It is no longer "we are working on it" or "nearly done" or "just another couple weeks." It is finished.
Now the next steps are to start applying for financial aid (which requires a home study; did I mention that we have one now?) and waiting on God's timing.
Now the next steps are to start applying for financial aid (which requires a home study; did I mention that we have one now?) and waiting on God's timing.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Another letter from Screwtape
This one is on the matter of abortion. I don't know where it was found, but hopefully the revelation of it's contents will damage the cause of the nether-world.
http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=10675
http://www.breakpoint.org/listingarticle.asp?ID=10675
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Celebrating Lincoln
Today is Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday. What better way to celebrate his life than to celebrate the man who reduced slavery.
http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/2009/02/celebrating-lincoln-who-reduced-slavery.html
Under his leadership, Congress passed laws requiring more humane treatment of enslaved persons, proper slave health care, and preventing slave owners from separating slave familes.
http://thepoint.breakpoint.org/2009/02/celebrating-lincoln-who-reduced-slavery.html
Monday, February 9, 2009
Who are you thinking about?
I ran across this comment on another blog that I follow. It was so good that I had to post it here.
http://abbafund.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/francis-chan-on-the-value-of-life/
I concur.
As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount (paraphrased), "Why think about yourself? If the Father in heaven takes care of the flowers of the field, how much more will he take care of you?"
Who are YOU thinking about?
http://abbafund.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/francis-chan-on-the-value-of-life/
Why is my life more valuable than this baby’s? Someone asked me recently why I don’t save money for emergencies, or retirement. My answer was how can I justify saving for myself “just in case” something happens to me, when something IS happening to so many already. 29,000 kids will die today of preventable causes. If I’m to love my neighbor AS myself, why spend so much time worrying about me.
I concur.
As Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount (paraphrased), "Why think about yourself? If the Father in heaven takes care of the flowers of the field, how much more will he take care of you?"
Who are YOU thinking about?
The Lost Generation
I really liked this video. It's about 2 minutes long. Well worth the watching.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42E2fAWM6rA
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Disgusting
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,488644,00.html
and
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2009/02/ap-infant-survives-late-term-abortion.html
Take a good look at that picture in the second link. See if you can identify a "lump of tissue". I see a baby.
Disgusting.
and
http://www.wesleyjsmith.com/blog/2009/02/ap-infant-survives-late-term-abortion.html
Take a good look at that picture in the second link. See if you can identify a "lump of tissue". I see a baby.
Disgusting.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Invincible
Here's a crazy (and true!) story.
Yesterday when I was driving home from work the manifest presence of the Lord entered the car. It was thick and unmistakable. He said only one thing "What do you want?"
God has asked me this one time before. Two years ago I was sitting in my cubicle at work, listening to the bible when the story of blind Bartemaeus began to be read. In the story Bart, as we will call him, hears that Jesus is walking by and begins crying out desperately. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" He gets so loud and obnoxious that the crowd tries to quiet him down. But Bart will have none of it. "Jesus, Son of David, have MERCY on me." Finally, realizing that Bart will never quite down, the crowd brings him to Jesus. And what does Jesus say? Only one thing.
"What do you want?"
At that moment a cry deep in my soul began to raise itself towards heaven. As Bart in the bible replied "I want to see!", I in my cube replied "I want a real job! I want a REAL JOB!" For five minutes this cry, this desperate prayer, echoed in my soul. Thirty minutes later, literally, a phone call came with a dream job offer at the exact salary level that I needed at a company that I thought had passed me by.
So, now, here I am again. I have a job. And God is in my car asking me "What do you want?" I don't want for anything material. I have learned to be content. Is my life 'perfect'? Hardly. Are there days when I desire possessions? Certainly. But I have learned, in every situation, to be content. (Or at least I am learning.)
"What do you want?"
The question echoed through me. This is not a light question. Do you ask for wisdom? Maybe. That didn't seem to turn out so well for Solomon. Yeah he was smart and rich, but he doesn't seem to have ended very well. Do you ask for money? Do you ask for world peace? Seriously.
"What do you want?"
I have pondered the question for about 24 hours now. I went for a walk tonight and the question was still there, though the echo was fading. I knew I needed to answer before the night was over or the offer would be withdrawn. I prayed. "Lord, what should I ask for?"
Silence.
It seems like a good thing to pray, but was truely my choice and He would not influence my decision. He would respect my free will.
Suddenly, my dull, aching spirit knew. My over-stimulated nerves calmed. I knew the answer. I knew what I wanted.
"I want a heart that is alive. I want a heart that burns with passion for Jesus."
I suddenly knew that if I had this one thing, nothing else would be able to sway me. Not knowledge. Not money. Not power. Nothing. I would be unshakable. I would be invincible.
"I want a heart that is alive. I want a heart that burns with passion for Jesus."
"What do you want?"
Yesterday when I was driving home from work the manifest presence of the Lord entered the car. It was thick and unmistakable. He said only one thing "What do you want?"
God has asked me this one time before. Two years ago I was sitting in my cubicle at work, listening to the bible when the story of blind Bartemaeus began to be read. In the story Bart, as we will call him, hears that Jesus is walking by and begins crying out desperately. "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me. Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" He gets so loud and obnoxious that the crowd tries to quiet him down. But Bart will have none of it. "Jesus, Son of David, have MERCY on me." Finally, realizing that Bart will never quite down, the crowd brings him to Jesus. And what does Jesus say? Only one thing.
"What do you want?"
At that moment a cry deep in my soul began to raise itself towards heaven. As Bart in the bible replied "I want to see!", I in my cube replied "I want a real job! I want a REAL JOB!" For five minutes this cry, this desperate prayer, echoed in my soul. Thirty minutes later, literally, a phone call came with a dream job offer at the exact salary level that I needed at a company that I thought had passed me by.
So, now, here I am again. I have a job. And God is in my car asking me "What do you want?" I don't want for anything material. I have learned to be content. Is my life 'perfect'? Hardly. Are there days when I desire possessions? Certainly. But I have learned, in every situation, to be content. (Or at least I am learning.)
"What do you want?"
The question echoed through me. This is not a light question. Do you ask for wisdom? Maybe. That didn't seem to turn out so well for Solomon. Yeah he was smart and rich, but he doesn't seem to have ended very well. Do you ask for money? Do you ask for world peace? Seriously.
"What do you want?"
I have pondered the question for about 24 hours now. I went for a walk tonight and the question was still there, though the echo was fading. I knew I needed to answer before the night was over or the offer would be withdrawn. I prayed. "Lord, what should I ask for?"
Silence.
It seems like a good thing to pray, but was truely my choice and He would not influence my decision. He would respect my free will.
Suddenly, my dull, aching spirit knew. My over-stimulated nerves calmed. I knew the answer. I knew what I wanted.
"I want a heart that is alive. I want a heart that burns with passion for Jesus."
I suddenly knew that if I had this one thing, nothing else would be able to sway me. Not knowledge. Not money. Not power. Nothing. I would be unshakable. I would be invincible.
"I want a heart that is alive. I want a heart that burns with passion for Jesus."
"What do you want?"
Friday, January 23, 2009
What I Really Want
The other day I was sitting the the prayer room at RHOP. I was struggling with the sensation that I was wasting my time; that I would be happier if I was at home doing something useful.
I raised the prayer to God: "Do I really want to be here?"
I heard the familiar whisper of God in my spirit "YOU REARRANGE YOUR SCHEDULE TO BE HERE."
I thought about this for a few minutes. I thought. I do move things around in my schedule to make space to be here. I value my time. Though I struggle with the actual enjoying of the prayer room, I do still come. If I make space in my schedule to be here, I must want to be here. I thought wanting would feel different.
I thought wanting would feel different.
Wanting is a sensation to be sure. But my reason for being in the prayer room. For seeking the presence of God goes deeper than a want. It goes deeper than a strong desire. I enter his presence almost as an instinct.
There is something deep inside me that needs to be in His presence. This drives me, it compels me, to carve out time in my schedule for Him. To meet Him in the prayer room. To talk with Him. To learn about Him. To listen to Him. To know Him.
Wanting does feel different.
I don't want to be here. I need to be here.
I raised the prayer to God: "Do I really want to be here?"
I heard the familiar whisper of God in my spirit "YOU REARRANGE YOUR SCHEDULE TO BE HERE."
I thought about this for a few minutes. I thought. I do move things around in my schedule to make space to be here. I value my time. Though I struggle with the actual enjoying of the prayer room, I do still come. If I make space in my schedule to be here, I must want to be here. I thought wanting would feel different.
I thought wanting would feel different.
Wanting is a sensation to be sure. But my reason for being in the prayer room. For seeking the presence of God goes deeper than a want. It goes deeper than a strong desire. I enter his presence almost as an instinct.
There is something deep inside me that needs to be in His presence. This drives me, it compels me, to carve out time in my schedule for Him. To meet Him in the prayer room. To talk with Him. To learn about Him. To listen to Him. To know Him.
Wanting does feel different.
I don't want to be here. I need to be here.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Number 5: Week 10
Well, it's been a busy past couple of weeks. I suppose that I ought to actually keep up with the "weekly" posts here on baby development.
This week: 10.
Since the last time that I posted quite a bit has happened. Michelle started cramping and bleeding. Because Michelle had a previously undiagnosed progesterone deficiency she is now receiving injections of progesterone twice a week. Yeowch. Simply put, progesterone keeps a pregnant woman pregnant. If you really want more information than that, you can read about it here. The good news is that these injections have stabilized the bleeding and cramping to the point that they are pretty rare now.
The baby is now known scientifically as a fetus. It is a little over an inch long already. Only 20 more inches to go. Pretty amazing when you think that it will only take a little over 6 months to grow almost two feet. Yikes.
The brain, kidneys, intestines, and liver now starting to function, though (obviously) they'll continue to develop and grow during development. The baby's limbs can now bend. The spinal cord can be seen through translucent skin and nerves are beginning to extend from it.
Keep praying for Michelle that she has the emotional and physical energy to love all of our children during this pregnancy.
Until next week...
This week: 10.
Since the last time that I posted quite a bit has happened. Michelle started cramping and bleeding. Because Michelle had a previously undiagnosed progesterone deficiency she is now receiving injections of progesterone twice a week. Yeowch. Simply put, progesterone keeps a pregnant woman pregnant. If you really want more information than that, you can read about it here. The good news is that these injections have stabilized the bleeding and cramping to the point that they are pretty rare now.
The baby is now known scientifically as a fetus. It is a little over an inch long already. Only 20 more inches to go. Pretty amazing when you think that it will only take a little over 6 months to grow almost two feet. Yikes.
The brain, kidneys, intestines, and liver now starting to function, though (obviously) they'll continue to develop and grow during development. The baby's limbs can now bend. The spinal cord can be seen through translucent skin and nerves are beginning to extend from it.
Keep praying for Michelle that she has the emotional and physical energy to love all of our children during this pregnancy.
Until next week...
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