Archive - April, 2010

Why We Suck… The Life Out Of Ourselves

April 29, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Street with 0 Comments

You don’t matter. Your life really doesn’t count. I’ve got better things to do with my

time & resources than to spend it on you. Somebody else can take care of you. Not me.

Ouch.

Do you ever say that?

Think before you quickly & religiously answer that.

Yes, you do. So do I.

Maybe not out loud, but when we turn a blind eye to the desperate need of the world’s people,

both at home & abroad we are in fact saying these things.

Have I offended you yet? Good.

I usually can come up with at least 27 excuses as to why I can’t help somebody out. Here’s my top 4

1. Dude, I’ve got bills to pay! My bills have bills to pay!!!

2. Do you have any idea what else I have to do today? I’m borrowing time from tomorrow to get done with all I have to do!

3. You know, I just don’t feel up to it… someone with Type A personality will do it. I don’t want to stress out.

4. As sure as I start to help, they’re gonna want more & more of my time & money. Before you know it I’ll be burned out and broke! Been there. Done that. I’m not taking that risk! (this is my favorite)

Let’s stop sucking… the life out of ourselves. Let’s exhale truth. Let’s breath LIFE into the world.

Truth is you are needed. There are life & death needs that you can meet! You can make the difference in someone’s life by dumping the selfish excuses & getting your hands dirty! Reach out across your street today. Reach across your world today. There is work to be done!

What ‘good’ excuses do you use when you are asked to give of your time & money?

Come on! I aired my dirty laundry… :)

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

5 Reasons You Need Your Local Food Shelf

April 28, 2010 in Across Our Street, Across Our Table with 4 Comments

and…

5 Reasons Your Local Food Shelf Needs Your Time!

1. Get OUT of your comfort zone – Some of us are extroverts (Holla!) and some aren’t. That being said, the food shelf is a place of service and anyone can serve, even if you are uncomfortable around strangers. They won’t be strangers for long if you get in there and give it your all. Plus, it’s good for ALL of us to be out of our comfort zones on a regular basis!

Over 2800 items were donated by KIDS in ONE MONTH!

2. Get an honest perspective on your local community’s needs – Your local food shelf is on the front line in fighting hunger & poverty in your community. It separates the gap between ‘us & them’. You realize there is no ‘us & them’ at all. Everyone’s been lying to you.

Truth: there are literally people living in your community who are going hungry. People that need support at the Food Shelf are not free loaders. Oh sure you get the occasional guy sneaking three snacks instead of the standard two, but that is rare.

They are genuine people who are down on their luck. Many are well-spoken & hard workers. And as you may have guessed in today’s economy there are many who are down on their luck that may have been living the American Dream just a few short years ago.

Imagine yourself in that predicament.

3. Giving your time can make a difference - Want to brighten someone’s day? You can. Some days when I go into the Food Shelf I can see the shame on people’s faces as they sit in the waiting area. I imagine what they are thinking, “This is so humiliating. I shouldn’t have come.”

A volunteer can be the difference by simply smiling at them and genuinely honoring them by serving. I even try to throw in a few jokes every once in a while to tear down any barriers of shame. Most of the time it works, even if the jokes are lame. Yeah I may look a little foolish, but I don’t mind so much.

4. You’ll be an example to your kids – Not all food shelves allow it, but on occasion I’ve had to bring my six-year-old in with me. Even his time has made a difference in the life of those needing food. He has helped bag the groceries & then replenish the shelves as well. When he comes, it’s been so fun to watch the joy on my little man’s face that he’s helping!

Some of the hard working Student Govt. girls at the Food Shelf delivering what was collected!

5. It’s not about YOU, and that’s why it’s so rewarding!!! - Volunteering is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. No, I don’t recommend volunteering at the food shelf just so you can feel good. But it does get you ‘outside’ yourself for a bit. Our world is so focused on our own entertainment.

Volunteering is sacrificial & yet so rewarding. Yeah, there are days that I think, man I could/should really be doing my laundry (which is usually last on my list!) or studying how to have a kick-butt blog or sitting at B&N drinking a vanilla latte. But never once have I regretted sticking to my commitment of serving.

It has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done.

Don’t know where to begin? Here’s a few links that will help you find your local Food Shelf or Food Pantry.

Hunger Solutions, MN

Food Pantries Across America

In my little town of 600 people our Food Shelf serves appx. 30-40 families monthly, but this also includes several other small towns around us. There is a need.

I dare you to step up.

I double dog dare you.

(Now you just have to, right?)

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Your Mom gave you life–save a life in her name!

April 26, 2010 in Across Our World, Mom Matters with 0 Comments

Moms Golden Rule: I’d venture to say that in your lifetime, you’ve heard your mom remind you of the golden rule at least a dozen times. Do what I say, not what I do. Oh! Wait… I mean the other Golden Rule: Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.

Here’s your chance to prove to your mom she raised you right!

Do unto others as your momma would want!

Bless her by blessing these abandoned special needs children.

Consider a $10 contribution in your mom’s name to the Emergency Equipment Fund as part of Sarah’s Covenant Homes in India. In return, Sarah’s Covenant Homes will send her a picture of one of their children (you can even choose the child) holding a decorated paper flower with a personalized special thank you message for your mom.

The photo will be emailed on Mother’s Day, along with a note to let the recipient know that in her honor (or in memory of his/her loved one), a donation was made to help equip homes for abandoned children with special needs in India with emergency medical equipment.

Sarah’s Covenant Homes, India: Your Mom gave you life–save a life in her name!.

This link sends you to the SCH blogsite. Be sure to click on DONATE on the right side of the page. While you’re there read some of the inspiring stories of how this ministry has helped so many ill children that would have otherwise been neglected without Sarah’s Covenant Homes and share it with your Mom.

Your Mom gave you life ~ help save a life in her honor.

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

P.S. Grandmas & Aunties & Sisters would all be honored to receive such a gift as well!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Twins Stadium Builder Moves to Africa

April 26, 2010 in Across Our Street, Across Our World, Swaziland with 0 Comments

Just goes to show you can have the respect of your peers, be successful, make a name for yourself, but when it comes down to it, your heart can still be empty and LONGING to impact lives! That’s how the man that built the new Twins Stadium felt. What’s fantastic is he & his wife are DOING something to make that dream a reality! That’s what I call a GRAND SLAM!!!

Twins Stadium Builder Moves to Africa

We are all called to do different things with our lives. But do you think you could ever sacrifice, sell it all, give up the so-called American dream for the greater good of others?

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Girl Rescued From Forced Prostitution

April 24, 2010 in Across Our World, Russia with 0 Comments

Ministry Center Rescues Girl From Forced Prostitution!

There is hope. See what happened to this young lady in Kostroma, Russia. There are many like her, but not many who actually escape. May this remind you to pray.

Tom Davis’ Blog.

HopeChest is making a difference!

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Idol Gives Change…

April 23, 2010 in Across Our Street, Mom Matters, PopCulture with 1 Comment

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H0EY4Rrpf4]

Have you ever played the High/Low Game at dinner? Each family member shares what their best “high” point of the day was, as well as their worst “low” point, while enjoying the delicious pot roast you whipped up (or scarfing down McDonald’s in the car on the way to soccer practice). It’s a great way to bring the family together after a long day apart. And some of the answers might surprise you!

Yesterday I shared my Low Point of Idol Gives Back which aired on Wednesday evening. I told you the shock I received when I realized my little boy was watching a scantily clad Fergie shakin’ what her momma gave her and then some. I want my boys to grow up seeing women as beautiful, priceless, worthy of respect, not objects to obtain for their own entertainment. This incident just reminded me that I need to continue to guard their hearts by more closely guarding what their eyes see.

Now that I’ve gotten over the shock, I’d like to share with you my High Point of Idol Gives Back.

High Point: Carrie Underwood performing “Change”

Here are a few of the lyrics, but please watch the video. The entire song & Carrie’s performance are truly moving.

~~~~~

Don’t listen to them when they say

You’re just a fool

Just a fool

To believe you can change the world

Oh the smallest thing can make all the difference

Love is alive

Don’t listen to ‘em when they say

You’re just a fool

Just a fool

To believe you can change the world

~~~~~

I hope that this encourages you as well, to keep believing, keep working, keep striving to make a difference in your realm of influence. But also I hope you’re willing to look foolish for the sake of embracing people who seem unlovable & forgotten by the world’s standards. Jesus did just that. For the sake of the unlovable & forgotten (you & me), He looked foolish and became like us, even sacrificing His very life for ours. We’re in good company. Now, who you calling foolish?

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

P.S. Thanks American Idol for raising millions of dollars to make a difference in the world. Next year though, I think we can all do without the booty-shakin! :)

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Idol Gives Back…Can I Get a Refund?

April 22, 2010 in Across Our Table, Mom Matters with 1 Comment

Idol Gives Back… but some of what they gave me tonight I want to return.

Does an ‘Idol’ really give back? No. However,  the machine of American Idol is using its platform of mega-proportions to do some good in the world.

I only watched bits & pieces of AI last night in between cleaning up from a frozen pizza dinner, chatting with my SILs, and putting the kids to bed. And I even folded a load of laundry during the show so I wouldn’t feel too guilty about sitting still.

I saw two parts that impacted me.

I’ll share the first one today. The second, more positive one, I’ll share tomorrow.

Low Point: The Black Eyes Peas  performance

I saw all of three seconds of it. Unfortunately my 8-year-old son, Bernie, saw more than I did. The TV was on in the sunroom and when I walked in, he was sitting 2 feet from the screen, with a shocked look on his face. I walked in & saw what he saw.

He saw Fergie shakin’ what her momma gave her for all the world to see. No she wasn’t naked, but she was dressed provocatively… on purpose. {Let me just say that those four words “dressed provocatively on purpose” have never been written about me and never will be! LOL}

But I’m not slamming Fergie. I actually enjoy some of her music. And when I do get around to it, the music has a great beat for working out. Not a lot of lyrical quality, but hey. The beat. It’s all about the beat. I won’t, however, be shakin’ what my momma gave me for the world to see. ‘Cuz I think my momma gave me a little too much for shakin’!

Last night I saw BEP’s music in a whole other light…. through my son’s eyes. My innocent, vulnerable, impressionable 8 year old’s eyes. And I was embarrassed for him. I get that Bernie & his little brother Benny are gonna see ‘things’ as they are growing up, because society practically throws it in your face.

But you better believe I’m gonna limit the exposure as much as possible as LONG as I can. At least that’s what I thought before last night. Well, I still believe that, but I wasn’t prepared to explain why women put themselves on display sometimes. Heck, I’m not even sure I know the answer. What do you think?

I want my boys to grow up respecting women. And women, let’s respect ourselves.

You may call me an overprotective mom. {no, seriously, go ahead call me that} If my husband & I don’t protect them, who will?

Thank you!

Tomorrow I’ll share how one segment of Idol Gives Back truly touched me & blessed me. Can anybody guess which part???

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

ps. No, their names are not Bernie & Benny.

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

You MUST read this…

April 22, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our World with 0 Comments

It’s not my job to change minds, it’s my job to find minds that want to change.

Today is Earth Day. Yes, let’s focus on making our world a better one, but not just for the environment. How about for this little girl and others like her?

What Breaks Your Heart?

After reading this you’ll never look at your child the same way…

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

Across Our Table

April 21, 2010 in Across My Heart, Across Our Table, Mom Matters with 0 Comments

Photo Courtesy of All of Olive

I think this book will be WELL worth the read for us Moms, looking to raise balanced, well-adjusted, compassionate, visionary kids, much like the one in this picture! :) Follow the link to download the PDF file of Chapter One, to read at your leisure.   Let me know what you think. The “Orange Parent” scenario is hilarious and so relatable!!!!

Link to Chapter One of Parenting Beyond Your Capacity

ParentingBeyondYourCapacityChapterOne

It’s set to release in June 2010.

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare

What moves you to get off your butt and do something?

April 20, 2010 in Mom Matters, VIsion with 0 Comments

What moves you to get off your butt

& do something?

For some disciplined people little things move them to change.

Can you feel my jealous sarcasm already oozing from the screen? Yeah, you know the ones that get on the scale, have gained  1.43 pounds, who suddenly realize they better make a change before it gets any worse!? and then DO IT!!!! This might even be you! I congratulate you  in a confused, envious, what planet were you birthed on, sort of way. :)

That’s not me, in case you didn’t guess. And anyone who knows me would tell you the same (if they had the guts!).

I’m the one that steps on the scale & questions the integrity of the machine. If it says I gained a pound… even 20 pounds, I try to reason it away, “That stupid scale! I knew I should’ve bought a digital one, ‘cuz this one has a mind of its own!” I’m the delusional one that tries on jeans and thinks, “I just know they are making clothes sizes smaller to fit skinny girls with no hips. The cut of the jeans is made for a 12 year old’s body! Darn America’s obsession with a size 2!!!!”  Okay, you get my point. Enough about my self-induced delusions!

What moves YOU to change? Catastrophes? Like Hurricane Katrina or more recently the earthquake in Haiti? To be honest I’m ashamed to admit I didn’t do much to help in these tragedies. I prayed for the people & the volunteers, but it didn’t cause me to make a change or to give in the way that it did many others who sacrificed their time & resources to help.

A few weeks ago, though, something clicked for me, and it wasn’t my mouse. I started researching (keyword: started) topics I’m interested in. I’m interested in all sorts of things like scrapbooking, making money, coming up with lame jokes, cooking, music, movies, planning events, and books. At the moment my favorite fiction books are The Twilight Saga. I know, I know I hear the groans! Can’t help it, it’s an addiction really…

Okay, back to my point. My answer to what moves me is this: Passion. Passion Moves Me. In any form, it stirs my soul when passion is involved, (which actually would explain my Twilight obsession). So, I started researching topics I’m passionate about, not just interested in. That research led me to articles, books, websites, videos of injustice that, in my head I knew was happening, but my heart hadn’t connected. Yet.  I got to a point where my stomach felt sickened and quite frankly I was pissed (yeah, i said it) that I’ve cornered myself into this little bubble of my comfortable life.

Let me stop here & say I really do love my stay-at-home mom life, my family, and I do my best not to take anything for granted. But educating myself on what’s happening in my both my town & across the world brought my life into perspective. I needed to change!!! Not wanted to. I needed to be moved out of my complacency. My heart began to soften & look outward. I need to challenge this Comfortable American Mom {CAM} to do more. I challenge you as well. Here’s the knowledge you NEED to have.

Photo Courtesy of Dan Fellner, www.FellnerTravelInfo.com

We can be a passionate voice for those who can’t speak for themselves – the orphaned children who have been stripped of their families due to the AIDS pandemic in Swaziland.

Swaziland has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS anywhere in the world.

If you are a 15-year-old Swazi, your chance of reaching 30 years old is only 6%.

I read  that by the year 2020, if the death rate continues to soar, there will be

NO ADULTS LEFT in SWAZILAND!!!!

***

We can be a passionate voice for the young women who are being sold, SOLD! into sex trafficking.

In Moldova, a small country in Europe…

There are more than 250 brothels in Chisinau, the capital city.

One of the greatest targets for sex-trafficking are girls

who leave the orphanages.

There are 30,000 women who have literally disappeared in Moldova,

many of them believed to have been captured for the sex trade industry.

Yeah, it’s an industry funded on the

repeated rape

& brutality

of women.

I will be talking about them a lot in this blog. It’s not pretty. It’s ugly. It’s despicable.

Before knowing all this, we could have easily turned aside… NOT NOW!

With knowledge comes a responsibility to make change.

When change comes, chains are broken, and joy abounds!!!!


So this week, go about your days with this new knowledge. IF you let these words & truths pierce your heart, you’ll find yourself thinking about them through this week in some random way. Please take time to pray for these orphans & slaves. And think about how you can get off your butt & do something. And I mean that in the nicest way.

Keep Lovin’ Moms!

TwitterFacebookStumbleUponLinkedInGoogle GmailShare
Page 1 of 3123»