“A GRATEFUL HEART, A HAPPY HEART & THE 'NAGGAGE' OF LIFE!”

I was jolted awake for no reason after just 3.5 hours of sleep. I was trying to recover from a long 13.5 hour day at work that ended with a 1.5 hour meeting. I rolled over after waking up and for some reason checked my phone for a text message. My wife Jody had sent me a text just moments before to say that her van had “died” and her phone was almost at the end of it's battery charge. I groaned inwardly. I lied in bed trying to rest for a few moments to gather my wits. I finally got up and called Jody. My phone hesitated, then lost the signal. I tried again and connected. Amidst the crackling and uncertain connection on my phone, I heard Jody say that she was at a repair facility and getting the van fixed. I lost the signal again. I groaned inwardly. I rolled out of bed and walked to the front of the house and called her back. Thankfully, Jody and our sons Jake and Samuel were O.K. and not stranded somewhere unsafe. I immediately groaned inwardly again because I realized that we now had an unknown repair bill that was an unplanned expenditure.

Money is tight as it often is with a large family of growing children. I realized that our daughters Miar and Leslie were on their way home from Young Life camp and should be at the church shortly. I learned from Jody that one of their youth pastors; Marissa, was bringing them straight home. How generous. As I tried to get myself awake, navigate through the frustration of an auto repair bill, and start dinner while I waited for Miar and Leslie to arrive, I realized that it has been an emotionally difficult few months with Jody's Mom passing away and just within the past week her nephew had been killed.

Miar and Leslie arrived energetically and loudly and sprung out of Marissa's Subaru. They appeared to have had a great time and learned much about God's Generous Love Through His Son Jesus Christ. As we drove to pick up Jody, Jake, and Sam, I heard about how the Young Life staff and their Youth pastors had explained and illustrated the Good News of the Gospel in terms a middleschooler can relate to and understand. Despite their apparent tiredness, both Miar and Leslie were extremely animated as we spoke about their time at camp.

Despite the difficulties of a significant lack of sleep, the headache of having to get a broken car repaired and paid for, the “chore” of cooking dinner, and all the other emotional baggage from the recent moths, I realized that I am grateful. I am grateful that others help Jody and me teach our children about God's Generous, Life Saving, Embracing Love. I am grateful for the scholarship money somebody provided to our daughters so they could attend Young Life Camp. I am grateful that I actually sometimes have to work 13.5 hour days capped by a 1.5 hour meeting at the end. I am grateful that one of my co-workers thought enough to give us some clothes that her daughter has grown out of recently. I am grateful to be able to have the resources to cook dinner for my family. I am grateful to have extended family. The list goes on and on and on. I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful!

Having a grateful heart and realizing it makes all the difference. I am reminded of a “Veggie Tales” song that says, “A grateful heart is a happy heart.” Today, despite all the nagging baggage – what I'll call the “naggage” of life, I have a grateful and happy heart!

What about you?

The Truth About Sin and Justice

“The Spirit will come and show the people of this world the truth about sin and God's justice and the judgment. 9The Spirit will show them that they are wrong about sin, because they didn't have faith in me.” John 16: 8-9

I heard this passage today at www.dailyaudiobible.com. I am stunned by hearing this truth about sin and justice and our need for redemption and justice. I am reminded that no matter how much I try, I fall short each and every day and I am reminded that I personally need redemption, forgiveness, and justice today, even at the beginning of the day!

I am reminded that because God speaks truthfully about my sin; our sin, the resulting judgment, and justice, and because His very nature is mercy, that I can in fact be forgiven and perform acts of justice in Hiss power alone. I am grateful that I am reminded about the free gift of forgiveness and renewal each Day? because of this, I am spurred on to "Do Justice" today.

How have ou been reminded about the truth of your own shortfall, a.k.a. sin and  justice this day and in your own way, how will you do justice today?

THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!

I read something some time ago that spark a strong reaction in me. The directive I saw was a public directive addressed to a large group of people at an organization. The directive described a particular situation and then advised the group it was addressing that “ THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.” Let me be blunt and clear, I know that sometimes “THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE” is an appropriate way to effect change in a situation. I know that it is often my first reaction to many situations when something does not go “my way”. I know that in this case mentioned above , it is more often than not that this group is told, “this is not acceptable.”

I wonder If the organization would experience better results if it would communicate the desires/directives in a more nuanced or user friendly, collaborative way? I believe that it would. Again, let me reiterate, I know that personally, when something does not go as expected, desired, or otherwise somebody does not do the things I ask them to do, my immediate reaction is to think or say, “this is not acceptable.” and tell the person or persons so. I also know that when one hears this phrase, or a similar phrase that conveys a tone and culture of a “chain of command, or and authoritative structure. Many people simply “tune out” or ignore what comes after a statement like “This is not acceptable.” because it can be interpreted as authoritative in nature.

It is my experience that more often than not, people will respond most effectively and willingly if a statement is phrased in a more nuanced way, with a plea instead of a directive. I wonder if the organization that was making this directive realizes these points? I suspect not, because I have seen some of this organizations communications and the tone and hue of the “directives” is typically in an authoritarian/directive manner.

Even as I write this I am reminded that in several areas of my life including professional, and personal, I need to heed my own words. I sometimes find myself “directing” my children, especially one of my sons instead of pleading to change a behavior or outcome. So, at one level, I am writing to myself as a reminder to plead and work collaboratively to be creative to not “use” or “abuse” authority to accomplish tasks. I truly believe that if one works more collaboratively as if everybody one is “working with” is a volunteer, then a collaborative approach is most effective.

I believe that it is the responsibility of all of the members of any organization to help try and change the culture of any organization to become less “directive” and more pleading, more collaborative, more collegial instead of more authoritative. This responsibility starts at the top of any organization. I am committed to working more collaboratively and collegiality in all that I do. I ask God for the grace to change each time I find myself starting to think or say, “this is not acceptable”. Instead, I ask to respond in a collegial way that fosters collaboration.

What do you think?

An Empty Vessel; Cold In Love, And An Abundance Of Sin

What follows is a prayer from today's daily office at http://www.missionstclare.com/. It resonates with sincerity, humility, and truth. The author is Martin Luther of Erfurt, an Augustine monk who spoke Truth for most of his life and often had difficulty with the prevailing authorities, both political, and religious. He prevailed and helped in a significant way to reform the Christian church in his day. (Note; the church, in it's humanness and in every age need persons like Brother Martin Luther of Erfurt to call it out of error and into the Truth of the Gospel.)


So, here it is.

Behold, Lord
An empty vessel that needs
To be filled.
My Lord, fill it.
I am weak in the faith;
Strengthen me.
I am cold in love;
Warm me and make me fervent,
That my love may go out
To my neighbor...
O Lord, help me.
Strengthen my faith and Trust in you...
With me, there is an Abundance of sin;
In You is the fullness of Righteousness.
Therefore I will remain
With You,
O whom I can receive,
But to Whom I may not give.

-Brother Martin Luther of Erfurt (1483-1546)

I am reminded through saying/praying this prayer that my strength and energy is received; like every other good gift from the Father who gives freely and generously to His children. I am calmed, settled, and made more alive. I am also reminded that I rely upon Him alone for the faith and strength to do His will in my life and to “stand in the gap” for the helpless.

Try saying/praying this prayer several times either aloud or to yourself. What does saying/praying this prayer do to and through you today?
Paul

Practical Ways to Care For Children And Orphans

"A Practical Way To Care For Children And Orphans – SUPPORT"


These are "reposts from the EveryKidMatters.org blog.
All content copyright Paul E. Williams 2011.
 
I've posted several ideas about how to care for children and orphans recently. Here is another.
SUPPORT those who support them.

Social Workers; Contact a local county/parish social worker and ask what is needed. Pray for him or her specifically.

Foster Parents; Shovel a driveway or sidewalk, mow grass, baby sit, or organize meals for a week for foster parents. Pray with them and tell them you appreciate what they do.

Adoptive Family; Encourage a family adopting an older child by hosting a shower for them.

Adoption/Orphan Care Ministry; Find out if your community of faith has an orphan care/adoption ministry. If so, contact and pray with the leaders and tell them you appreciate what they do. If not, pray about starting one and do what you hear God say, because He is pretty clear on this subject.

It's not a formula, or a multi-step process “to be successful” at child/orphan care. It's a day to day, moment to moment “living out” or “living into” a life of service to others. In the midst of this service to the “least of these” perhaps you will find joy, peace, and contentment.

So,

PRAY
PROVIDE for their needs.
SUPPORT those who support them.

Do you have any other ideas of how to support those who support children/orphans?
I'd love to hear some of your ideas.

Warmest Regards;
Paul
paul@everykidmatters.org
http://www.everykidmatterts.org/



A Practical Way To Care For Children And Orphans – PROVIDE
Wednesday, 19 January 2011 05:15

In a recent previous post I mentioned a simple way to begin caring for children and orphans – PRAY.

As you may have found, to begin it is easier said than done. But once you commit to doing so specifically and regularly, you will find that praying becomes like eating - you need to do it to survive. Once you do not do it after some regular “practice”, you will notice. If you have done what I suggested with a photograph, every time you see the child's picture on your mirror, your dashboard, desk, or even your smart phone or other device, you will be reminded of the joy you can give and receive by simply praying for a child.

Another simple and practical way to be an advocate for children and orphans is to PROVIDE for their needs. There are millions of children and orphans who desperately need help and hope. Frankly, it can be quite overwhelming if we think simply in terms of numbers.

Instead, let's think about it in terms of one need, and helping just one child at a time. Ask yourself and find out what the needs are right in your own city and county. Here is an easy way to do so. For example, If you live in Cuyahoga County in Ohio, Google “Cuyahoga County Children Services” on your smart phone, PC, or other device. Click, call, or contact a local social worker and tell him or her you would like to help and ask how you can help. Budgets are so tight and even being reduce these days, He or she will “jump” at the opportunity for assistance.

You can organize a drive in your place of work or a social group or network; even on Facebook, to collect new clothes and backpacks for children in foster care. Financial gifts can be designated for specific items needed by children and orphans. Alternately, seek out a reputable child/orphan care group or non profit that specializes in an area, state, or country that you are passionate about. There are many that work in specific areas of the world. If you are unaware of one, contact me and I can refer you.

It really is that simple friends.

PRAY,
then,
PROVIDE for their needs with joy in your heart knowing that when you do, smiles will be bursting out all over because of your actions.

How can I assist you to take the next step in the journey?

Paul

P.S.: As I wrote this post, I realized that I had not had pictures of children on my mirror or in my house in some time. I posted some again. It's an ongoing process!


A Practical Way To Care For Children And Orphans - PRAY

Written by Paul Williams
Monday, 24 January 2011 21:22
It is a new year and while many commit to resolutions, I rarely do. However, this year I have a vision and insofar as it is up to me, I am resolved to implementing this vision. My vision is that many, many, people of goodwill will take up the call to be advocates on behalf of children and orphans. Children are the most vulnerable and one of the most precious gifts that we have been given. If you adopt this vision, you will be in good company. God's heart is for the oppressed, the downtrodden, the widow, and especially children and orphans.

Over the next few weeks I will share some practical and easy ways to be an advocate for children and orphans. These ideas allow you to be an advocate right here, right now, right where you are in practical ways. I hope that 2011 brings radical change in the lives of many children and orphans through these practical ways being implemented. I am going to be part of the change. You may ask, How can I help?


First let me tell you about a little girl I know. For the sake of confidentiality, let’s call her “Bella”. Bella's Dad was incarcerated and Mom was “underemployed”. Mom and Dad have made some bad choices while their children were around. Bella and her siblings had been placed in foster care. One such instance of a bad decision by her parents was related to me by Bella. She told me that Mommy & Daddy “moke weed” around her and Daddy “Shared it wit’ me”. Did you catch that? She said, “MOKE WEED - SHARED IT WIT' ME?”. The translation is smoked weed, as in marijuana.” I explained to dear Bella that her Dad's behavior was not appropriate.

Unfortunately, this example of a child in need is not an isolated case. We live in a broken world. There are children in your hometown who through no fault of their own live in similar conditions. Many do not have the protection, presence, or love of a father or mother, or both. Some live in deplorable conditions that would surprise you. Each one of these dear children deserves the basics of life; adequate food, water, clothing, medical care, education, a safe and loving home, and an opportunity to know God.

Here is one easy way of many ways that you can help children and orphans.
PRAY . It's simple. You can do it at any time. It “costs” no money. It will change you if you allow. Practically, you can tape a picture of a waiting child to your dashboard or the mirror in the bathroom and pray for the child every time you look at the picture. Visit www.heartgalleryco.org, www.adoptuskids.org, or www.rainbowkids.com for pictures of waiting children.

How are you going to be an advocate for a child like Bella?