“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?

HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!???

Yesterday I was driving and listening to Christmas songs and thinking how much I enjoy the season of Advent and Christmas. The songs, smells, and the overall sense of joy that one can experience this season is tremendous. Then my thoughts went to two little girls we foster parented some time ago. I wondered how they were doing and whether they were experiencing joy during this season. As I thought this thought I was a bit annoyed by the intrusion into my “joy” of the season.

Selfishly, I wanted to keep singing “Holly Jolly Christmas”. I turned off the radio. I knew I needed to pray. For a brief moment I was tempted to turn the radio back on. Something made me do otherwise. I began to pray. I started praying. I did not know what or how to pray. I akwardly began by asking God to watch over those two dear ones. I do not know what their current situation is, whether they have been reunited with their mother or whether they are still in the home we took them to after we cared for them. I simply prayed that God protect them, uphold them, and guide them both. By the time I finished these brief and akward prayers, I had arrived at my destination.

I sat in my car and realized that a significant victory had occured. If left to my own devices, today I could have simply listened to the radio and sang along with the “Holly Jolly Christmas” other similar songs, and enjoyed my own Advent/Christmas time. Instead, by the grace of God, by paying attention, and because my thoughts went to these little girls and children like them, I was able to turn the radio off and focus on a more robust understanding of the reason for the season. I was able to pray on behalf of these two girls and all children who are away from their families in foster care. The reason for the season of Advent and Christmas is to celebrate proclaim the Good News that God is with us in the Babe who was born in the manger – Jesus. I plan on celebrating, embodying, and proclaiming this Good News, this Advent/Christmas season and beyond in similar, tangible ways by stepping out of my comfort zone to proclaim the Good News by act and deed like I briefly did while driving yesterday.

Have you had a similar experience? Please do share

Paul. 

Exciting News, Gratefully Excited/Nervous!

Today three people agreed to partner with us as advisers/board for Everykidmatters.org. Now, the hard work begins in earnest as we move forward to educate, mobilize, and fund the effort. Of course, the primary focus is to continue to give Hope to “kids”/orphans by giving children and orphans Hope!

I am grateful to Dave, Sarah, and Clint for their willingness to partner with Jody and me. I look forward to working together, as a friend of mine says; “In The Fields of the Fatherless.”

I am excited and a bit nervous since this is moving the mission to the next “level”. But I am confident that together, with many others, and God's help we can  ]in some way change the lives of many “kids” and orphans so that each understands how much each is incredibly loved and valued, no matter what!

Want to hear more? Want to join us? Contact me.
Paul

paul@everykidmatters.org

All Saints Day - Are You A Saint?

All Saints Day, also known as Allhallows or Hallowmas, festival celebrated on November 1 in the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, and by the Orthodox churches on the first Sunday after Pentecost, in honor of God and all his saints, known and unknown.


The feast of All Saints began in the early centuries as a "catchall," remembering martyrs whose names were not known and who therefore did not have their own festivities. It was introduced in Rome on May 13, 610 as the "Feast of All Holy Martyrs" by Pope Bonifice IV. The occasion was a gift of the ancient pagan temple of the Pantheon to the Church by the Roman Emperor, Phocas. First celebrated on May 13, it was transferred to November 1 for the universal Church by Pope Gregory IV in 835. By then it included all the saints.

The reason for the new date may have been a practical one. It seems that so many pilgrims came to Rome for the feast that it was moved to the fall when more food would be available after the harvest. November 1 may have been chosen because it was the day of one of the four great festivals of the pagan nations of the north, and it was church policy to supplant pagan with Christian observances. The new date spread throughout the church. Its eve, All Hallows Eve or Halloween, gave its name to a pagan Celtic Druid custom still popularly observed on October 31.

(Most of the following italicized below is from: http://www.scborromeo.org/biblestu/allsaint.pdf, which I read some time ago.)

"A reading that periodically appears on the church calendar is from the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5:1-12, also seen in the parallel gospel of Luke (6:20-23) and also known as the beatitudes. A beatitude can be defined as "a declaration of blessedness on the ground of some virtue or good fortune'".

Read the beatitudes.
"1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain, and after he had sat down
"This is the posture of" Asian teachers".


“his disciples came to him. “
The teaching was not just to the twelve but in reaction to Jesus' seeing the crowds. Commentators have postulated that the crowd formed concentric rings around Jesus with the twelve making up the innermost ring.
2 “He began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed”
To understand the meaning of blessing we must look to the Old Testament where it is conceived as a communication of life from God. With life comes vigor, strength, and success, which brings one peace of mind and peace with the world.


“are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Emphasizes less the literal lack of possession than the lowly condition of the poor--they have no arrogance or assertiveness and instead are servile in nature. Christians are called to serve one another.

4 “Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Those who mourn--they have compassion. This could mean those who mourn the evils of Israel which are due to its sins.


5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.”
These are the same class of people who are poor in spirit.


6 “Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.”
The condition of good relations with God; achieved by submission to His will. The Pharisees thought that the condition of righteousness was assured by observance of the Law. Jesus insists that His disciples strive for something higher than this.


7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This seems to indicate those who are compassionate. The two works of mercy most emphasized by Matthew are almsgiving and forgiveness.

8 “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.”
Clean of heart can be interpreted as pure of heart as opposed to external purity gained by ritual washings. Purity of heart is described in Matthew 15:10-20.

9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Peacemakers are those who reconcile quarrels. Reconciliation is a Christian office often recommended in the gospels (see Matthew 5:23-26).


10 “Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Persecution for righteousness is persecution that is endured in order to maintain good relations with God by obedience to His will. Persecution is one of the rewards of discipleship. (Mark 10:30)


11 “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you (falsely) because of me. “
There are only eight beatitudes -- this is an expansion of the previous verse.


12a “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.”
This refers to everlasting life in the kingdom of God."


As one reflects on the beatitudes, one can recognize that the term saint can apply to persons who have some, or many of these qualities.  As I reflect on the beatitudes and the qualities noted, I recognize that on a good day, I may manifest one of the saintly qualities.


Then ask yourself on this All Saints Day, what qualities of the beatitudes, of All Saints, do I manifest regularly?

Have a "Saintly" All Saints Day!
 
Paul

Collaborating is it "Anti American"?

As a citizen of the United States living in the west, it is easy for me to think I have to do things "on my own."  This translates from simple and mundane tasks like cleaning the house, to very complex activities like solving the global orphan crisis. I can easily think, "if it's to be, it's up to me." Among other reasons, it seems to me that this is in part due to the cultural influences of living in the United States, and particularly from living in the western portion of the country where individualism sems to be highly valued. This is wrong headed thinking. Do I have a part in whatever activity I am doing, absolutely. Am I the only one to "make it happen"? Absolutely not.

Several organizations  have partnered together to mobilize people to get educated, think about, and act on behalf of children and orphans. This is is in part how change happens. Many people get together to educate  and mobilize others to think and act! Consider the children and orphans that may need your personal help today.

Click Here to begin to get educated, review resources, or Act today.

Humbly Serving Children and Orphans;
Paul
paul@everykidmatters.org
http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com/

The Most Difficult and Rewarding "Job" In The World = Parenting!

I re-read this post from some time ago and was reminded that parenting is difficult, BUT it has been the MOST REWARDING thing I have "done". Whether you are a parent or not, what do you think?

Parenting is the most difficult and rewarding "job"in the world - BAR NONE! It consists of hours and days of laundry, dishes, cooking, and many other mundane tasks not generally thought about when one considers becoming a parent. All these issues considered, I would not change becoming a parent, and a foster parent! The rewards are indescribable and at times very, very funny! One such incident happened the other day when I took our two foster children to the doctor. He showed each of them a few pictures and asked what the horse, cow, and several other animals say. The answers were as expected except for one. When he asked the youngest what a man says, the three year old responded, "What's up Dog?" I almost fell over I laughed so much. This is one precious moment that I will remember for a long time! These moments in part make all the effort and laundry and dishes, etc worthwhile! Share a precious moment or event that you experienced and let's all laugh and celebrate the gift of parenthood together!


Laughing Out Loud And Humbly Serving Children And Orphans;

Paul

Parenting Lesson #41

Parenting Lesson #41

Today I delivered a between 5-10 minute lecture to my children about not throwing food in the sink since the disposal was broken. After trying to keep their attention for longer than 2.2 seconds, during my "lecture",  I  fixed the sink in approximately 2 minutes.  It was only then that I realized and laughed at myself because I realized that  a lecture is not effective when it takes 2 minutes to unclog the sink and repair the disposal. My wife and I had a good laugh!

  Lesson Learned: Parenting is about figuring out what is worth a lecture.
What is a recent "Parenting or Life Lesson" you have learned recently?

BE A MISSIONARY, RIGHT NOW, IN YOUR OWN COMMUNITY!

You do not have to go across the world, learn another spoken language, or give up everything to be a missionary. Some people do have to do some or all of these things, but I believe that the vast majority of Christ followers are called to serve right where they are in their own communities.

I do not recall having a sense that God has asked me to drop everything and go somewhere else to be a missionary. More often than not, He has asked me to pay attention to where I am now and to be a missionary right where He has placed me.

Being a missionary is more about a mind-set than a being in a different location.  Being a missionary is paying attention to opportunity be in relationship with and serve people who are in and around your life daily; whether that is at work, home, in your neighborhood, or wherever you dwell in community each day, week, month, and year.

One of the ways I believe God is calling me to be a missionary right where I am is to serve children and orphans right in my own city, county, state, and nation. Many thousands of individual children  are lacking some of the basic necessities that many people enjoy in abundance; clean water, food, medical care, a safe place to call home, a loving family, an education, an opportunity to know God, and Hope. I know that as a missionary right in my own community I can help to give these dear children some or all of these basics.

Have you wondered how you can “be a missionary” and live out your faith in a very practical way right where you are? You can help bring Hope to children right in your own community!

If you are  interested to learn how you can be a missionary right where you are now in your current community,  a group of people will meet in the metro Denver area on Sunday October 3, 2010 at 4:00 PM. 

We will discuss how we can be a part of a practical mission right in our own communities. Please contact me at 720-690-0892 for the location or additional information. 

"Act Enthusiastic"... OR "Fake It Till You Make It."

In a Dale Carnegie course I took and taught years ago one of the principles was; "Act enthusiastic and you will be enthusiastic." As a principle, this rings true. In reality and practice, it's easier to "act" some days than truly "be"  enthusiastic.

Today I am having an "easier"  day to truly “be” enthusiastic rather than “act” or “fake it till I make it. This day is certainly not without the pains of life and real struggles. However, I am  thankful to God for the gift of enthusiasm today. What are you thankful for today?

AN ATTITUDE… CONDEMING OR REDEEMING?

I embarked on a slightly different work schedule last Monday. It was not much of a change, in terms of tasks but my hours have changed from days to nights. I continue to work from Sunday - Wedneday but now work from 7:00 PM until 7:00 AM. I have worked this type of shift before. It is a bit different now because due to reorganization within the company, the workload is less, at least for now! What actually is different this time around is that my approach to the situation has changed. There are several reasons the situation is different.
First, I had been working Sunday's daytime for approximately the past year. As of last Sunday, I was able to attend Worship and partake of the Eucharist together with my family. It has been sometime since I have been able to do so on a regular basis.
Second, my attitude is different. This time I was not put on the night shift because somebody else decided that this should be so. I made a choice. Because I was able to make a choice, I am approaching the night shift differently. This time, as one of my friends has put it, I have the opportunity to bring "Kingdom Moments" to bear on the night shift.
Three, I anticipate that night hours will allow me to spend more effective and quality time working the mission that I am passionate about - being an advocate and mobilizer on behalf of and for children and orphans.

Given all three of these reasons that the situation is different, it seems to me that the most powerful reason is that I decided to approach the situation with a different attitude. I am amazed how much difference a change of attitude makes. In this case, my attitude could be negative. If it was, I am confident that the negativity would come out in my behavior as in "shortness" of speech, curtness in attitude and demeanor, and a general "harshness" towards and around others. This in turn would influence others attitude towards the people they will interact with and effect these others attitude as well. I am determined to not let this happen.
When circumstances are not as we desire, should we be disappointed? Yes, I think so. If we are disappointed, we should express our disappointment in appropriate ways to appropriate people; especially by letting God know of our disappointment. Leaders, especially ones who call themselves Christ followers must vigilantly be aware of our attitude, how it resonates internally, and how it can affect and express itself in relationships.

How have you seen "attitude" express itself in positive or negative ways in your relationship, at home, at work, at play, at mission, or at other?

Paul

Leadership, Laziness, and Change

True leaders seem to be able to see their own faults, or at least allow their own faults and brokenness be revealed. Based upon the prayer of St. Ephraim that follows, he appears to have been able to pursue being a true leader. Paul Williams - not so much. Here is the prayer in an English translation.
"O Lord and Master of my life, do not give me the spirit of laziness, meddling, self-importance and idle talk. Instead, grace me, Your servant, with the spirit of modesty, humility, patience, and love.
Indeed, my Lord and King, grant that I may see my own faults, and not condemn my brothers and sisters, for You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen."
I find it not surprising that during and after I said this prayer, I realized how much of my "self talk" and thoughts are similar to the first part of St. Ephraim's prayer. Left to my own devices, "a spirit of laziness, meddling, self importance and idle talk" permeates my being as well as my actions each day.
It seems easier to allow this to happen than to say this prayer, become aware of my own self-centeredness, and brokenness, and ask God to give me the grace to "see my own faults, and not condemn my brothers and sisters".
Realizing that some of my own spirit of laziness, meddling, self-importance and idle talk had been manifest earlier today in interactions with my wife and children, I have written this on a 3 by 5 card and stuck it in my pocket. It seems a good "touchstone" to help me change.
How do you find yourself trying to change to be a true leader, like St. Ephraim?

Vision, Self Centeredness, and "Seeing"

I am not normally a viewer of this particular program but this caught my attention and was worth the time spent watching the video. Some brief quotes from people on the program about adoption-caring for children…
"This story is not about me."

"I get to be the mom. I get to be daily rescued from my selfishness and my impatience and things which are just as disease ridden in my soul."
"It (is) about having a vision,…seeing things from an eternal perspective, through God's eyes and putting aside my convenience and comfort to grab a hold of what God is doing."
"We have… resources and we need to be using them for what God wants us to be using them for."

These are powerful and compelling words from people who are doing what they are being lead to do. It encourages me and reminds me that these issues need to be struggled with and answered each and every time one see or hears of a child in need. I have to remind myself and check my motives each day to make sure I am asking God for the grace to operate out of other centered perspective. I ask myself and check m y motives for wanting to foster- perhaps adopt another child, in our current case, a 15 month old boy....What perspective are you seeing from, a self centered perspective of comfort or an eternal perspective and what are you doing with the resources God has given you?
I look forward to hearing from you.

Regards;
Paul

http://www.cbn.com/media/player/index.aspx?s=700clubinteractive

Influence, Do You Have It, Over Who, When, and Why?

I had a dream last night. It was compelling and vivid. My sense was one of gratitude and my attitude in the dream seemed to be from a stance of humility and gratitude for what God has given me. In this dream I was grateful to be in such a position of influence to be able to influence persons and situations for God and His Kingdom.


again, it was compelling and vivid. There seem to be some truths about it that resonate. One, that I am an heir of the Kingdom of God through grace and it has nothing to do with what I have done. Two, I have a responsibility to teach and act out the word of God. Three, I can simply be me and people will recognize me as me and also as an heir by what I say and especially by what I do. Four, perhaps our preconceived ideas of who should be what are not so accurate when it comes to God given abilities and roles. Five, I have influence. In reality I am in the same situation as I thought I was in the dream, I was and am able to influence persons and situations for God and His Kingdom. I have great opportunity to influence persons to act, either for good or for ill. I have influence upon my children, my neighbors, my work colleagues, the people I interact with in any situation. Some of these people include the teachers I interact with at the children’s school, people I briefly interact with at a coffee shop, neighbors I meet walking down the street. It reminds me also that I can influence people via what I write each and every time I write, whether it is a blog post, a brief comment to a post, or a telephone conversation, or an e-mail. All these things are opportunities for influence of and for the Kingdom of God and to bless others instead of myself, my desires, or my agendas. Today, and going forward, I am more careful to speak, write and act with these truths in mind. How can you influence others for good or for ill, for the sake of others instead of yourself, for increasing the Kingdom of God instead of your own Kingdom?

"Loving/Living My Life For Others"

The other day spent most of the day in the home caring for the children and doing things that are directed towards their care, making lunch, planning meals, giving baths, and more. As I was mixing up the tuna for lunch, I thought about my mother and my father and the 20-30 plus years they devoted to doing just these tasks, raising their children, and a few others from the neighborhood. As I stood there listening to one of my sons make an obnoxious noise and obnoxious comments about the lunch I was preparing, I thought…."What would it be like to truly love/live my life for these children and love doing it all the time?" and "What heart transformation needs to continue to take place for this to come to pass? The only answer I could come up with was, much more! Lord Have Mercy! What does Loving/Living Your Life For Others Look Like on a day to day basis?

Illness Humbles...

Illness humbles.
When I am ill and I can rest and take appropriate medications for the illness and wait for the illness to run its course. I recognized today that since I am ill, I am not in control.
I recognized today while being ill that in many significant ways, I am not the master of my own destiny. Today I had to rest. I was not able do any projects. I was unable to work a "to do list" I was even effected in my relationships with the children in my care and with the relationship with my wife. When the body is not feeling well, the spirit and the mind, and the emotions are affected. I am a physical being and illness effects me. This is a simple fact. As much as I do not want illness to affect my attitude, the way, and me I relate with others it still does affect me. Illness humbles.

I recognized a few minutes ago that my ability to be patient with my children is diminished when I am ill. I had to apologize to my second oldest daughter just a few minutes ago because I reacted wrongly to something she said. Illness humbles.
The good news is that there is forgiveness and redemption within the mess of life when we are ill and perhaps short tempered with our children, spouses, coworkers, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. Illness humbles.

It makes me realize that I am still an imperfect being in need of grace, forgiveness, and mercy. There is a lot of work "to be done" on Paul still. I am still imperfect. The good news is that God is more gracious and forgiving. I find that when I allow myself to be humbled, I can see God's graciousness that is always present, especially in the relationships I have with my wife and the children in our care.


Illness humbles.

God is Gracious and forgiving.

Both are good for us as imperfect human beings.
How do you experience being humbled, forgiveness and graciousness?

The Most Difficult and Rewarding "Job" In The World = Parenting!

Parenting is the most difficult and rewarding "job"in the world - BAR NONE! It consists of hours and days of laundry, dishes, cooking, and many other mundane tasks not generally thought about when one considers becoming a parent. All these issues considered, I would not change becoming a parent, and a foster parent! The rewards are indescribable and at times very, very funny! One such incident happened the other day when I took our two foster children to the doctor. He showed each of them a few pictures and asked what the horse, cow, and several other animals say. The answers were as expected except for one. When he asked the youngest what a man says, the three year old responded, "What's up Dog?" I almost fell over I laughed so much. This is one precious moment that I will remember for a long time! These moments in part make all the effort and laundry and dishes, etc worthwhile! Share a precious moment or event that you experienced and let's all laugh and celebrate the gift of parenthood together!

Laughing Out Loud And Humbly Serving Children And Orphans;
Paul

Haiti, Children, Orphans, and Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics

I am tired after a long yet productive day of ensuring my team of drivers, equipment, and freight depart on time. I am ready for some chicken enchiladas with my family! I had an opportunity to sit down in with my wife for 15 glorious minutes of "alone time" watching the heartbreaking scenes of human suffering in Haiti especially that of children who have lost parents before and recently through the earthquake. Yet, I am hopeful!!!

I am thinking about how to leverage my knowledge, opportunity, skills, experience, connections, and potential partners with needs to be a blessing to children and orphans both short and long term. How can an initiative in this and peripheral industries: transportation/distribution/logistics weave into helping children and orphans, in the U.S. and worldwide? I have some germinating ideas, but no new revelations… Yet!

The "basics" are the same, get material, food, medicine, whatever is needed for the benefit of children and orphans to the locations needed at the lowest possible cost with the greatest possible impact to the children, donors, and partners.
I remain hopeful, open, looking for ideas, and available! Are you?

Humbly Serving Children and Orphans;
Paul
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com/

"IF" is a little word with BIG Consequences!

"Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts."

Hebrews 4:1-13 (NRSV)

Will we hear God's voice today?
If we hear God's voice, how will we hear God's voice?
If we hear God's voice, we will we recognize it?
If we recognize God's voice, will we harden our hearts?
….or soften our hearts?
If we soften our hearts to God's words, will we obey?
If we obey God, will we act?
If we act, who will be blessed by our obedience?
All these "if's" are a string of decisions we have to make every day. Our ability to hear, recognize, soften or harden, obey, and bless is dependent upon our ability to be able to listen! If our lives are so busy, even with seemingly good things, that we are not able to hear and recognize God's voice, we will miss the blessings God has for us and God has for others through us.

If you hear God's voice, what does he say to you today?
How are you going to act on it?
SHARE... with whomever you should share, I would love to hear.

Humbly Serving Children and Orphans;
Paul
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com

NOT TOO MANY GIRLS ALREADY...Another step into a life of caring for children and orphans!

This morning we received a call from our agency. They have two girls, aged three & five who need to be placed into alternate care by 2/3/10. While this was out of the guidelines we told them we wanted to work within, we are willing to forge ahead into unknown territory for the sake of keeping two birth siblings together in one family.


Our faith in the Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and His plan remains steadfast. It makes us willing to step into into unfamiliar territory and circumstances. There are definitely obstacles to overcome. There is lack of information, uncertainty; one more child potentially in the home than anticipated and all the associated space issues like tight living quarters, tight automobile space, etc… We remain, committed to doing God's will, and with the support of our friends and family, pressing into the situation in faith.

Please pray for discernment, that the 4 current children in our family will all be receptive and flexible and that Jody and I will stay the correct course. Early next week, we will speak with our agency and the county human services agency on behalf of these dear ones. I will provide further details as they become available. Thanks for your partnership in our ongoing endeavor to love children that need special love.

Sunday-Sabbath-Worship, & Rest?

Sunday is typically the Sabbath. I had to work today. Yesterday was my Sabbath. What does a day of rest and worship look like for a contemporary Christian? How do I/we rest AND worship? Does it mean we refrain from all activity? Alternatively, does it mean that we do activities that are worshipful and life giving to others and ourselves in service to God? Regardless of the day you call the Sabbath and not referencing biblical evidence, I think it is both. What do you think?

Remembeirng And Reflecting - Life Transformation

Today I am home with my wife and children. I am off "work" for a few days. In light of another calendar year almost ending and from today's daily office I reflect upon this;
"The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Come now and look upon the works of the LORD, what awesome things he has done on earth." Psalm 46


Even in the midst of difficult life situations, sadness, dissapointments, injustice, and all the clear brokenness of the world we live in, it is clear to me that goodness still exists and that God is still in control. Reflecting helps me remember the awesome things God has done this year. It is important to remember! Recalling and remembering helps give perspective.

This year, has been a year of transformation. During 2009, I have been focused on being the best husband and father I am called to be. Moreover, I have been able to focus on living out the Gospel in a tangible way with and for others and especially for children. I have been re-energized to discover and re-discover my passions, focus, and a have a renewed willingness to step into the unknown or unfamiliar territories and activities that God presents to me each day. One of the things I have been saying and doing each day between the time I wake up and get fully into the day is to say the following, "Father, seek me and know me. I am available today. I am available today for whatever You desire, whomever and whatever You put into my life today." This is a compelling and challenging way to start the day. My will to be and do what I want is so strong. Saying this to myself helps me focus on what I want to focus on each day. It is not easy to do some days but definitely the right way to operate. I have a renewed willingness and desire to work through difficult situations in edifying ways that are productive and not damaging to others or myself. This translates in all areas of my life, work, play, home, family, relationships, everywhere! My focus has been to build up and not tear down. My year has clearly not been perfect in this area. There is obviously much more transformation to be accomplished. However, the ongoing focus and efforts have been to build up, and edify and not tear down. I could mention many more areas and specifics of change in my life.

I encourage you to remember the awesome things God has done, both in your life and in the lives of others. It also helps me to remember that I have the freedom to participate in the awesome work that God has done, to be apathetic, or work or fight against the awesome works that God has done and is doing.

Finally if I can be so bold, I challenge you to remember the awesome deeds that God has done this past year in your life. In 2010, I challenge you to start your day with the statement, "Father, seek me and know me.

"I am available today. I am available today for whatever You desire, whomever and whatever You put into my life today."

Do this and you will not be disappointed! You will be free to live, love and give of yourself to and on behalf of others. You will discover and experience the great freedom that you have. You will learn and experience freedom and alignment with God's will some days in very real ways. You will be able to learn what it means to live the Gospel in tangible ways. You will be able to learn more about and perhaps re-discover your passions, focus, and a have a renewed willingness to step into the unknown territories and activities that God presents to you each day. You may be renewed to have a willingness and desire to work through difficult situations in edifying ways that are productive. This is between you and God. Perhaps you will even be drawn or directed live for the welfare of children and orphans. That means that you will be walking alongside me and many others on the journey.

Whatever the result of your reflection and remembering, I am confident you will make a good start to a New year if you give this a try.

Humbly Serving Children and Orphans;
Paul E. Williams
http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com/
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org

Merry Christmas - "A Home For The Holidays"

Tonight on your local CBS affiliate watch the 11th Annual “ A Home for The Holidays” @7PM Central time. Hosted by Faith Hill, this show is dedicated to celebrating and encouraging adoption. Christmas time is an appropriate time to be reminded that 500,000 individual children are in foster care and 129,000 individual children are available for adoption today. During this Advent and Christmastime, may our hearts be enlivened to care for these individual children in our areas in both big and small ways! Merry Christmas to you and your family. (Next year at Christmas Time, our family will include one of these “dear ones” - will yours?)

One of the reasons I am involved with Orphan Care...

Watch this video to see one of the reasons we are involved in Orphan care, and have adopted. My friend Tom just came back from Ethiopia and connected me with this video.
WATCH THIS VIDEO!


Find out more and become a HopeChest Partner today at http://www.hopechestpartners.org/.

In Humble Service To Children and Orphans;
Paul E. Williams
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org
http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com/
720-690-0892

COLORADO CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP!

SEEK JUSTICE.

HELP THE OPPRESSED.
DEFEND THE ORPHAN.

ISAIAH 1:17

Raising Awareness About The Needs of Children and Orphans.

Providing "Basics & Backpacks" to Children and Orphans

COLORADO CHILDREN NEED YOUR HELP!

Each month in one Colorado county alone 50 children will go from their home into foster care. There are 64 counties in Colorado. Each of these dear children typically has nothing to call their own during this abrupt and traumatic move from their home to foster care. "Basics and Backpacks" consist of the following NEW items; backpack, underwear, pajamas, socks, pants, towel/washcloth, t-shirts, sweats and a reminder that each child is loved in the form of a stuffed animal, toy, or a book; contingent upon the age of the child.

Isaiah's Cry currently collaborates with three Colorado counties that need immediate assistance. Recently three more counties have asked for assistance or additional information to help the children in their counties. One county is almost completely out of resources to provide for children going from their home to foster care. There is an immediate need for (50) fifty "Basics and Backpacks" to serve the children of this county for the next 30 days and every month thereafter. You can help give emergency assistance, love, dignity, and hope to each child during a very traumatic and unpredictable time in his or her life. It is a profound way to impact children's lives that will be remembered. A greater blessing would be to provide 600 "Basics and Backpacks" for this county for the whole year! From July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, 12,342 Children in Colorado were placed in out of home care. During that same time, the Number of Children in Foster/Group Homes was 6,236.

WE NEED YOUR HELPF TO GIVE LOVE AND HOPE.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU CAN DO....

 Pray.

 Donate today.
 Buy a backpack.
 Buy a basic or some basics for a specific age and gender child.
 Fill a backpack.
 Do a collection drive or fundraiser at your school, work, or community of faith.

Items And Estimated Cost For One Child's NEW "Basics and Backpack"
Item                        Size 0-4 T    Child Size 4-14    Adult Size 4-20
Backpack               $ 15.00         $ 15.00               $ 15.00
Washcloth/Towel    $   5.00         $   5.00               $   5.00
Pajama's                 $ 15.00         $ 15.00               $ 20.00
Socks                     $   1.00         $   2.00               $   5.00
Sweats                   $ 15.00         $ 20.00               $ 20.00
T- Shirt                  $   8.00         $ 10.00               $ 10.00
Pants                     $ 12.00         $ 15.00                $ 18.00
Underwear            $   2.00         $   3.00                $   3.00
Total                     $ 73.00         $ 85.00                $ 96.00
Buying at discount stores or on sale can lower amount.

Write checks to "Wellspring Church" with Isaiah's Cry Children/Orphan Outreach in the memo line. Contact us and we will arrange for pick up of items or funds and we will distribute to a child in need. From our broken yet hopeful hearts, thank you for helping these precious children! Only with your help can we give each child love, hope, and dignity that each deserves!

This is the beginning of the vision we have to serve each child going into foster care in Colorado by the end of 2010!

WON'T YOU JOIN US TO GIVE THESE CHILDREN HOPE?
Contact us at: paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org; 720-690-0892, jodywilliams@isaiahscry.org; 720-629-1645, or Margaret-ann@isaiahscry.org. For more information visit: http://paulewilliams.blogspot.com or www.isaiahscry.org

A Man with Credibility - Worth Hearing and Seeing - Tom Davis

I recently posted an event on facebook that Tom is speaking at in Englewood, Colorado. He is going to be teaching at Wellspring Anglican Church in Englewood, Colorado on November 22nd at the 0900 AM & 1035 AM services. As a prelude, see and hear a bit of his passion with this TV interview about his novel,  "Scared: A Novel On The Edge Of The World"... Tom Davis TV Interview.You will be blessed and challenged!
Serving Children and Orphans Together;
Paul
paulwilliams@isaiahscry.org

Working And Playing In The Kingdom: Leaves, And Space, And Territory

My wife Jody related an interaction to me that the children had a while ago. They were playing in and raking the leaves in the front yard. We have a tree in the front yard that has a huge amount of leaves on it each year. It dominates our front yard. It is so big and beautiful in all seasons, especially autumn. There is an abundance of leaves on the tree and plenty of space to play when the leaves fall on the ground. She described to me that the children were outside playing, "working", and ultimately fighting about whose leaves were whose and what space in the yard was theirs to rake, play, and work in.

Immediately after Jody related this scene to me I thought, "How silly of them to fight about leaves and space, and territory. There are plenty of leaves. There is plenty of space to play. There is plenty of 'work' and play to be done and there are plenty of leaves." I thought to myself, "Why can't my children just see that there is plenty?"

Next, I thought about how often I have done the same thing that the children did with the leaves. I think about how easy it is to fight about which things are "mine" and "yours" even though there may be an abundance of things like "leaves" to play and work with.

Translating this to the work on behalf of children and orphans, I want to do the exact opposite of what I heard my children doing. I do not want to "fight about the leaves, or the space, or whose territory is whose, or whose resources are whose." I want to work and play in the Kingdom God has made us to work and play in. God owns enough space, territory, and resources. Gods word says in Psalm 50 that, "every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird in the mountains, and the creatures of the field are mine." Wow, God owns it all! He has no need for us to fight over His resources. There is plenty!

We should operate with this forefront in our minds when working on behalf of children and orphans. We should speak with anyone who will listen about the needs of children and orphans. We should want to work with anyone who is working with and on behalf of children and orphans. We should be grateful for the resources, people and everything we have been given to do the work we are supposed to do on behalf of children and orphans.

Are there are guidelines and principles that we should follow and work with people and organizations that follow closely to the same guidelines? We should not let subtle differences or non-essentials get in the way of serving children and orphans. We cannot let it be so to get in the way! To that end, my prayer and hope is that we will be willing to "work and play" together for the benefit of children and orphans. Our agendas and personal desires should be set aside if they interfere with the desired outcomes, to give dignity, life, love and hope to all children and orphans, by providing each with food, water, clothing, medical care, safe shelter, education, family, and an opportunity to know Him who created and owns it all. These are principles that we should live by in all that we do. May it be so with all of us! May it be so this day and always! There is much to do to demonstrate His great Love for us and especially the most vulnerable, children and orphans! Let's get to it!