Hodge Podge

I titled this post as such because I have a collection of tidbits to share.

First, our adoption. I have not written anything about our adoption in awhile. There are things going on with our adoption that I do not feel that I can share right now. However, I would very much like to request prayers in this regard especially this week and next week.

Secondly, our minister is teaching a four-week series titled “Sexual Revolution”. Bo is only 27 years old, but he is an incredibly gifted speaker. I missed the first week. But in this past Sunday’s lesson Bo spoke about how the world’s view of sex is very small. “It’s not a big deal. Do it whenever you want with whoever you want.” Then in the church there is generally very little said about sex and what is said is whispered. But sex is really BIG, and it is a gift from God to us. Bo said that we need a revolution to change the way we talk and think about sex. If you would like to download the first lesson to listen to, go here. Hopefully this past Sunday’s lesson will be up SOON. Just to tempt you to go listen, there is a full-size bed on the stage and this past Sunday Bo also brought a dog bed on stage to illustrate his point.

Next, yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous spring-like day here. So I spent the afternoon outside soaking up the sun and reading Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass for the first time. Some of it is hard for me to understand, but I really like this passage:

This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals, despise riches, give alms to every one that asks, stand up for the stupid and crazy, devote your income and labor to others, hate tyrants, argue not concerning God, have patience and indulgence toward the people, take off your hat to nothing known or unknown or to any man or number of men, go freely with powerful uneducated persons and with the young and with the mothers of families, read these leaves in the open air every season of every year of your life, re-examine all you have been told at school or church or in any book, dismiss whatever insults your own soul, and your very flesh shall be a great poem and have the richest fluency not only in its words but in the silent lines of its lips and face and between the lashes of your eyes and in every motion and joint of your body.

I do not know much about Mr. Whitman, but I think I would have liked him.

Touch a Life Ministries

Okay, okay, I’m sure everyone who checks my blog regularly is sick of all my appeals to help people. But I just cannot ignore all the hurt and hunger and cruelty in the world. This has nothing to do with obligation or works-related religion. It has everything to do with the fact that I was somehow chosen to be born into the wealthiest country in the world. Something to do with the fact that even with all of my riches the most precious treasure to me is Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. I know that it pains Christ and the Father to see all of the suffering here. It has something to do with the fact that God in some miraculous way can use even me to bring redemption to our planet one person at a time.

I read somewhere, I think in The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne, about someone who said that they were afraid to ask God where He was whenever hearing of some crisis situation because they were afraid that God would ask them the same question. We are called to be the body of Christ. We are to be doing on earth what Christ did when He was on earth, bringing hope and life and redemption and healing.

The following was on the blog of Touch a Life Ministries. This is the ministry started by Pam Cope (Mike Cope’s sister-in-law for those of you familiar with church of Christ circles). They help in many different places around the world, but one of their main focuses is on freeing people, especially children, from slavery. Their blog is such an inspiration to me and helps me not to push aside all of the hurts that are out there.

I was hungry
and you formed a humanities club
and you discussed my hunger

Thank You

I was imprisoned
and you crept off quietly
to your chapel in the cellar
and prayed for my release.

I was naked
and in your mind
you debated the morality of my
appearance.

I was sick
and you knelt and thanked God
for your health.

I was homeless
and you preached to me
of the spiritual shelter of the
Love of God.

I was lonely
And you left me alone
To pray for me.

You seem so holy;
So close to God.
But I’m still very hungry
and lonely and cold

So where have your prayers gone?
What have they done?
What does it profit a man to page through his
book of prayers when the rest of the world is crying for help?

(Taken from the book titled “Simple Faith” by Charles Swindoll)

I will honestly admit that I have days where I can’t take hearing about anymore of the evil in the world. On those days I hit delete whenever prayer requests from Voice of the Martyr’s pop up on my e-mail. I throw mail from Food for the Hungry and World Vision in the trash. I sometimes just need a break from hearing about all the pain and sickness and hurt. But what keeps me coming back is that their are people in the world for whom this is their life. Their is no escaping by lying in a comfortable bed and watching tv for a few hours or spending an evening with friends laughing and eating too much. They cannot take a break from all of the painful things of this world because it is their life–pain and hunger and fear are a constant reality for them. Here is a link to Touch a Life Ministries’ blog.

There was a good post on Jan. 16th about the government’s plan to spend $150 billion dollars to stimulate the economy. The government is going to dump all this money back into the economy so that we as Americans will do what we do best–spend money–in order to get our economy back on track. The blogpost suggests that our government could use this vast amount of money to alleviate a great amount of the world’s suffering and still be able to give everyone a little bit to stimulate the economy. I’m not an economist, but I’m sick of it being all about us. All about keeping America living in the prosperity we enjoy. Don’t get me wrong! I’m so thankful for where I live. When I read about the tribal killings in Kenya, I thought, “I cannot imagine what it would be like to go to sleep fearing that someone will knock on my door in the night, drag me out of my house, and kill me because I am from the ‘wrong’ tribe.” I’m glad I can’t imagine that. I’m grateful that my children don’t have to experience that kind of fear.

This is getting long, but I think that this whole thing is why Obama is gathering such support for his presidential campaign. My dad, who is a staunch Republican, was trying to point out Obama’s weaknesses by saying that he’s just a charismatic idealist. Those words only make me like him more. I want things to change. I’m sick of the status quo. Most of my friends who are my age and younger are either so disillusioned with politics that they’ve given up on them completely resigning themselves to the fact that things will never change or are trying to impact the world by being the change themselves and supporting a leader who promotes change.

I may be getting myself into hot water broaching the political realm. I confess I’m completely ignorant about how most of the political system works. I just know that it’s not working for me. I’m not an Obama supporter. In fact if voting “NO” against all of the candidates was an option that’s probably what I would choose.

I am a supporter of changing our American-centric lifestyle. I would not mind giving up a little bit of my easy life if it would make things easier for some of the “least of these” in our world. I’d probably be a better person if I wasn’t so **** blessed anyway.

Oh, well. If you’ve stuck it all the way through this rambling post. Congratulations!

Happy Year of the Rat!

Today the first day of the Chinese Lunar Year. This is the biggest celebration of the year in China and lasts several weeks. It is known as the Spring Festival in China.

Below is a family in Beijing stepping on the symbol of the rat because it is the Year of the Rat.

Here’s more on the Chinese zodiac, just for fun!

If you were born in the years 1948,1960,1972,1984,1996,2008,2020, you are a rat. You…are creative, ambitious, and hardworking…are most compatible with a dragon, a monkey, or an ox…might make an excellent critic, publicist, or sales person.

If you were born in the years 1949,1961,1973,1985, or 1997, you are an ox. You…are loyal, patient, and dependable…are most compatible with a snake, a rooster, or a rat…could become a brilliant surgeon, general, or hairdresser.

If you were born in the years 1950,1962,1974,1986, or 1998, you are a tiger. You…are a born leader and are known for your courage and bravery…are most compatible with horses, dragons, and dogs…might make an excellent explorer, race-car driver, or animal trainer.

If you were born in the years 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, or 1999, you are a rabbit. You…are ambitious and smooth talking, but also trustworthy…are best matched with sheep, pigs, and dogs…would be a great banker, lawyer, actor, diplomat, or interior designer.

If you were born in the years 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, or 2000, you are a dragon. You…are brilliant, honest, and full of vitality and enthusiasm. Some say dragons are the stars of the universe…are most compatible with rats, snakes, roosters, and monkeys…could become an outstanding politician, artist, or talk show host.

If you were born in the years 1953,1965,1977,1989, or 2001, you are a snake. You…are most respected for your wisdom…get along best with the ox or the rooster…may be very successful as a philosopher, psychiatrist, writer, or teacher.

If you were born in the years 1954,1966,1978,1990, or 2002, you are a horse. You…are cheerful, talkative, hardworking, and independent…get along best with other horses, sheep, tigers, or dogs…would make a fine poet, scientist, explorer, or politician.

If you were born in the years 1955,1967,1979,1991, or 2003, you are a sheep. You…are gentle, loving, passionate, and creative…are best suited to marrying a rabbit, a pig, or a horse…might become a wonderful gardener, actor, or therapist.

If you were born in the years 1956,1968,1980,1992, or 2004, you are a monkey. You…are often praised for your intelligence, quick wit, and creativity…are most attracted to rats, dragons, rabbits, and sheep…have diverse talents and are good at almost everything you do.

If you were born in the years 1957,1969,1981, 1993, or 2005, you are a rooster. You…are proud confident, aggressive, and ambitious…are most compatible with oxen, snakes, and dragons…would excel as a restaurant owner, soldier, or world traveler.

If you were born in the years 1958,1970,1982,1994, or 2006, you are a dog. You…are considered the most loyal and honest in the zodiac…get along best with horses, tigers, sheep, or rabbits…could be successful as a political activist, teacher, or secret agent.

If you were born in the years 1959,1971,1983,1995, or 2007, you are a pig. You…are usually hardworking, caring, trustworthy, kind, and affectionate, despite your name…are most suited to other pigs or sheep…would be a wonderful comedian, artist, or lawyer.

This is from the book Moonbeams, Dumplings, & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes by Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz, & The Children’s Museum, Boston.

I am a dog. Sorry for all of you rats and snakes! Just kidding! I have a rat in my family, and he is fantastic! Actually all of the animals are considered good by the Chinese, I believe, with some favoritism given to the dragon. There are several stories about how each year was given an animal. The most popular story is that the Jade Emperor wanted to choose one animal for each year of the 12-year cycle, so he had a race. The elephant was the judge because he was known to be fair and calm. All the animals in the kingdom competed, but these twelve were the winners of the race.

Here’s a cute little rat for all of you rats our there.

Happy New Year!

Black Sunday–Or Why the Super Bowl Is Depressing

I actually was going to write this post yesterday with the same title, so I’m a day behind. WARNING all you sports fans: Do not read any further as you will be exasperated with my views on sports at the very least, just as the four males in my family are.

Our day yesterday morning began with my husband asking our 7-year-old son, “What are you doing?” His response: “Waiting for the Super Bowl to start.” Thus is my life as the sole two-legged female among four males. So in an effort to relate to the men in my life I have tried to increase my sports knowledge. I am proud to say that this is the first year in my 37 years that I knew who was playing in the Super Bowl BEFORE game day. And even more, I knew a little about the teams. In my household of football fans, they have been pressing me to choose a side. So yesterday morning I’m still deciding who to pull for at our church’s Super Bowl party. I usually just pull for the underdog, but this year it was more complicated.

The problem is that I cannot stand for successful people to be considered “losers”. Anyone who makes it to the Super Bowl in my mind is successful and should be considered a winner. I wanted the Patriots to win because it would be devastating for them to experience their first loss of the season at the Super Bowl. But then my heart just naturally goes toward the underdog. Also, Eli Manning played for my alma mater. (NOTE: This is the first time that I have publicly claimed UM as my alma mater. I will still pull for MSU anytime they are playing UM though.) So he’s sort of a Mississippi boy. Also, I remember when our oldest son, Eli, was born, Peyton Manning was playing at UT. Someone told us that Peyton had a younger brother in high school, Eli, who was supposed to be even better than him. And I just LOVE the commercials with Peyton and Eli–they remind me of my boys!

So I just decided to admit when asked who I wanted to win that I want them both to win. This resulted in groans and rolling eyes from my boys and “Mooooom, someone HAS to win.” My husband called me Mrs. Stalin and said that I’m a socialist.

I just don’t get it. In a battle scene on TV it’s usually obvious who should win. The good guys should win, and the bad guys should lose. It’s just not as clear cut for me in football.

My most passionate and competitive Patriots/Tom Brady fan, the 7-year-old, was devastated after the game was over. That may be an understatement. They were many tears and loud sobbing–no exaggeration. As we were putting the boys to bed, he had calmed down enough to have a conversation about the game. So I tried to explain my views to him again. “Don’t you see that it would be better if both teams could win. Then the Patriots would not be having the worst night of their lives tonight.” Still not convinced, “No, someone has to win, and it should have been the Patriots!”

So I’m happy for the Giants pulling off this win although I’m not saying too much about it for fear of outraging the 7-year-old. And I’m sad for the Patriots. They are winners in my book, but they are known as “losers” today and are probably feeling like losers.

Poor Junior Seau! I really like him. I wish he could have won.

China’s Winter Weather-Keep Praying

I’m sorry to keep posting about needs, but these things are what make my heart ache. I wish that I could help them all, but I can’t. Here’s the latest from Half the Sky Foundation. I’m just posting reports of a few of the orphanages that are hit the hardest to give you an idea of what they are going through.

Chenzhou, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached. They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.) Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed. 20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can. The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers. Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable.

Huangshi, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now. All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning. They need quilts and warm clothes for the children. Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises.

Jiujiang, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night. Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken. They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm. They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds.

Nanning, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years. They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters, 86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers. Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time.

Half the Sky Foundation normally focuses on ways to improve the living conditions of the orphans and their development, but because of this emergency situation they have started a “Little Mouse Emergency Fund” (I think “mouse” is because it’s the “Year of the Rat”, thus the cute little mouse above). They plan to use the emergency fund to help meet the needs of their orphanages and then use any remaining money to help meet the needs of other orphanages. Here’s the link to donate. If you’re broke, like me, then pray. That’s the most powerful thing we can do after all. And I find comfort in knowing that God sees and knows everything that is going on in China and other parts of the world, such as Kenya, and cares deeply about every single person there.

Two sparrows cost only a penny, but not even one of them can die without your Father’s knowing it. God even knows how many hairs are on your head. So don’t be afraid. You are worth much more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

Love Without Boundaries Wins!!! and Pray For China’s Weather Crisis

Love Without Boundaries won Facebook’s $50,000 contest for the charity with the most donors over the past 50 days. The winner will not be officially announced until Feb. 21st. Thank you so much to everyone who donated! Lives will be changed because of your donation!

I would like to request prayers for the people of China. They are facing one of the worst winters in five decades. Transportation came to a standstill earlier this week. Millions of people in China are in the process of heading home for the Chinese New Year celebration which begins next week and lasts several weeks from my understanding. Travelers have been stranded on roads because of ice and snow. Millions have been without power for days. Many people in China do not even have heaters especially those who live in typically warmer areas.

Half the Sky Foundation is my other favorite China charity. Half the Sky has programs in orphanages throughout China where the caregivers are trained in ways to help the development of the children they care for among other enrichment programs for orphans. The program has been so effective in improving the conditions and development of orphans that they have been asked by the Chinese government to start a program in every province in China. Here is a link to an article on their website about how the weather is affecting the orphanages in different provinces. They are trying to get to each orphanage to give them the supplies they need–safe water, fuel, and diapers among other things. Please pray for these children and the workers who are caring for them as well as the others suffering in China.

Love Without Boundaries

This is an awesome new video from the medical team at Love Without Boundaries showing some of the 450 children this great organization provided medical care for and saved the lives of in 2007. It is so amazing to think of the plans God has for each of these precious children! Love Without Boundaries is currently in first place by just 13 donors to receive Facebook’s $50,000 for having the most unique donations over the past 50 days. If you are able please give one more $10 donation to ensure that they win this prize. The contest ends at noon on February 1st. This money will provide life-saving heart surgery to 10 orphans in China. Thank you to every one of my friends and readers who have donated to help more of these precious children have life-changing and life-saving surgeries and medical care!