Wow. This was such an amazing sermon. It is well worth the time! If I could strap you to a chair, lock the door, mute your cell phone, and make you listen for 50 minutes then I would do it. No hesitation (and remember this is coming from the person who never uses force). Seriously, it is worth your time! Just listen to it. You won’t be disappointed. I would love to learn together. Just cut and paste the link below.
http://www.willamettechurch.com/mission-hope-part-7-a-hope-that
Generosity seems to be the theme of the week. I have exciting news to share … We have been fully funded, God willing, for stage two. Yes! Fully funded. Maybe some of you had read the blog from Sept 23rd where we shared some of our needs? Well, prayers answered!!! We are overwhelmed with joy and simply humbled by the generosity of these very special people. It is hard to explain in words what it feels like to accept money from others. In the same instant you want to scream “Thank-you so much!” while shouting “You shouldn’t have! I can’t take this much from you!” It is bizarrely humbling to feel so thankful and yet so resistant. I understand that this money could be used for a million other things (cars, remodeling, vacation, savings, other charitable giving, Christmas, and on and on) but, it was purposefully chosen for our adoption.
This reality leaves me with only one thing to write … Thank-you! We promise to do our best with God’s resources by making decisions that are honoring to Him. We are learning what this looks like from people like you.
Thank-you Dad and Mom. I love you.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Changing From The Inside Out
This is a long one. Grab a cup of tea and pull up a chair. I hope you find it worthy of 10 minutes of your time.
God is teaching me so many lessons. I feel as though a lens has been lifted from my eyes and I am one small step closer to understanding how God sees His world. This process has been humbling, challenging, embarrassing, and completely transforming. I have felt so unworthy to put in words what has been etched into my heart. The truth is … I am a selfish, proud, judgmental, and unworthy sinner. Really, I am the least ‘qualified’ person to be sharing. Hence, the long delay in writing on this blog. But, enough is enough! My motive is selfish. So, with humility, I will do my best to share what is in my heart.
The privileges I have been blessed with in this country have solidified my corrupt human nature. (Please don’t get me wrong, I am truly thankful to have been born in this beautiful country.) But, at the end of the day, I have chosen to insulate myself with the comforts, prestige, freedoms, and lies of this country. It is a tremendous blessing to live in a place where a one-stop shopping experience is three blocks from home (aka: Fred Meyer), I have four faucets with clean water in my home, I have access to health care, I have a pantry and refrigerator stocked with food, and I have money in the bank. This is also a curse, because it is nearly impossible to not take food, water, heath care, and money for granted.
Over the past few weeks I have made a proactive decision to educate myself on what is happening in the world. We have all heard the statistics before, right? I could fill the pages with horror stories, gut-retching statistics, and real life struggles that are happening the very same moment I type this blog from the comforts of my warm, safe, and clean home. According to my best guess, you have been reading this blog entry for 45 seconds. Sadly, as you have been reading 12 precious children have died from a preventable illness. It is incomprehensible!!! But, even the most appalling stories of the brokenness in our world have not penetrated through the ‘world of comfort’ that I have built around myself. Quite frankly, I feel deeply when I hear the horrors in our world, but by the next day I am focused on something else.
So where does this leave me? …. Slowly, as I grow in confidence in Jesus Christ … I am being changed from the inside out. Here are just a few of the simple things that have left an impression on me over the last two weeks.
1. Taking the “Rice and Bean” challenge. In other words, eating what half the world eats everyday (if they are lucky). Only rice, beans and water for 1, 3, or 5 days. This was really hard for me.
2. Real Life exhibit. Just check it out, you won’t be disappointed. www.medicalteams.org/sf/real_life_exhibit
3. Studding the book of James. Listen to the sermons on: www.willamettewomen.com
4. Attending an India Partners banquet and listening to the testimonies of human trafficking. Check it out: www.indiapartners.org
5. The series Mission Hope that our church has been teaching on and God’s heart for His poor and oppressed children. www.willamettechurch.com
6. Recognizing that adopting a child from Ethiopia is not enough. In fact, it is only the beginning.
7. Writing out a Max Luccado prayer on a note card and placing it beside this computer. The prayer is typed on the bottom of this blog entry.
8. Above all else, the most important thing is discovering a restored sense of HOPE. I am only one person, but I can make a difference. What I choose to do or not do will make a difference. All the strength I need can be found in Christ. My change of heart begins and ends with Him.
My goal is not to organize this blog into a check-off list. That defeats the point. I just want to share with you a few specific ways that God is changing me during this adoption process and providing a new hope that the world cannot offer. In a time of confusion, frustration, and confession, a wise women gave me this link to a short passage from Max Luccado in his book Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference. It left an impression on me and I would encourage you to spend some time reading it too.
When We Love Them,
We Love Him
by Max Lucado
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.
—Matthew 25:40 (MSG)
There are many reasons to help people in need.
“Benevolence is good for the world.”
“We all float on the same ocean. When the tide rises, it benefits everyone.”
“To deliver someone from poverty is to unleash that person’s potential as a researcher, educator, or doctor.”
“As we reduce poverty and disease, we reduce war and atrocities. Healthy, happy people don’t hurt each other.”
Compassion has a dozen advocates.
But for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him. This is the theme of his final sermon. The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.
All the angels will be present. The whole heavenly universe will witness the event. A staggering denouement. Jesus at some point will “separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:32). Shepherds do this. They walk among the flock and, one by one, with the use of a staff direct goats in one direction and sheep in the other. Graphic, this thought of the Good Shepherd stepping through the flock of humanity. You. Me. Our parents and kids. “Max, go this way.” “Ronaldo, over there.” “Maria, this side.”
How can one envision this moment without the sudden appearance of this urgent question: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people? Jesus gives the answer. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is the consequence of salvation. The sheep will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you (vv. 34–39)?
Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.
Some of them live in your neighborhood; others live in jungles you can’t find and have names you can’t pronounce. Some of them play in cardboard slums or sell sex on a busy street. Some of them walk three hours for water or wait all day for a shot of penicillin. Some of them brought their woes on themselves, and others inherited the mess from their parents.
None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that? Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”
(Matthew 25:34–36 NLT)
O Lord, where did I see you yesterday . . . and didn’t recognize you? Where will I encounter you today . . . and fail to identify you properly? O my Father, give me eyes to see, a heart to respond, and hands and feet to serve you wherever you encounter me! Transform me, Lord, by your Spirit into a servant of Christ, who delights to meet the needs of those around me. Make me a billboard of your grace, a living advertisement for the riches of your compassion. I long to hear you say to me one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And I pray that today I would be that faithful servant who does well at doing good. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
From Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2010) Max Lucado
God is teaching me so many lessons. I feel as though a lens has been lifted from my eyes and I am one small step closer to understanding how God sees His world. This process has been humbling, challenging, embarrassing, and completely transforming. I have felt so unworthy to put in words what has been etched into my heart. The truth is … I am a selfish, proud, judgmental, and unworthy sinner. Really, I am the least ‘qualified’ person to be sharing. Hence, the long delay in writing on this blog. But, enough is enough! My motive is selfish. So, with humility, I will do my best to share what is in my heart.
The privileges I have been blessed with in this country have solidified my corrupt human nature. (Please don’t get me wrong, I am truly thankful to have been born in this beautiful country.) But, at the end of the day, I have chosen to insulate myself with the comforts, prestige, freedoms, and lies of this country. It is a tremendous blessing to live in a place where a one-stop shopping experience is three blocks from home (aka: Fred Meyer), I have four faucets with clean water in my home, I have access to health care, I have a pantry and refrigerator stocked with food, and I have money in the bank. This is also a curse, because it is nearly impossible to not take food, water, heath care, and money for granted.
Over the past few weeks I have made a proactive decision to educate myself on what is happening in the world. We have all heard the statistics before, right? I could fill the pages with horror stories, gut-retching statistics, and real life struggles that are happening the very same moment I type this blog from the comforts of my warm, safe, and clean home. According to my best guess, you have been reading this blog entry for 45 seconds. Sadly, as you have been reading 12 precious children have died from a preventable illness. It is incomprehensible!!! But, even the most appalling stories of the brokenness in our world have not penetrated through the ‘world of comfort’ that I have built around myself. Quite frankly, I feel deeply when I hear the horrors in our world, but by the next day I am focused on something else.
So where does this leave me? …. Slowly, as I grow in confidence in Jesus Christ … I am being changed from the inside out. Here are just a few of the simple things that have left an impression on me over the last two weeks.
1. Taking the “Rice and Bean” challenge. In other words, eating what half the world eats everyday (if they are lucky). Only rice, beans and water for 1, 3, or 5 days. This was really hard for me.
2. Real Life exhibit. Just check it out, you won’t be disappointed. www.medicalteams.org/sf/real_life_exhibit
3. Studding the book of James. Listen to the sermons on: www.willamettewomen.com
4. Attending an India Partners banquet and listening to the testimonies of human trafficking. Check it out: www.indiapartners.org
5. The series Mission Hope that our church has been teaching on and God’s heart for His poor and oppressed children. www.willamettechurch.com
6. Recognizing that adopting a child from Ethiopia is not enough. In fact, it is only the beginning.
7. Writing out a Max Luccado prayer on a note card and placing it beside this computer. The prayer is typed on the bottom of this blog entry.
8. Above all else, the most important thing is discovering a restored sense of HOPE. I am only one person, but I can make a difference. What I choose to do or not do will make a difference. All the strength I need can be found in Christ. My change of heart begins and ends with Him.
My goal is not to organize this blog into a check-off list. That defeats the point. I just want to share with you a few specific ways that God is changing me during this adoption process and providing a new hope that the world cannot offer. In a time of confusion, frustration, and confession, a wise women gave me this link to a short passage from Max Luccado in his book Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference. It left an impression on me and I would encourage you to spend some time reading it too.
When We Love Them,
We Love Him
by Max Lucado
Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.
—Matthew 25:40 (MSG)
There are many reasons to help people in need.
“Benevolence is good for the world.”
“We all float on the same ocean. When the tide rises, it benefits everyone.”
“To deliver someone from poverty is to unleash that person’s potential as a researcher, educator, or doctor.”
“As we reduce poverty and disease, we reduce war and atrocities. Healthy, happy people don’t hurt each other.”
Compassion has a dozen advocates.
But for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. It is a mystery beyond science, a truth beyond statistics. But it is a message that Jesus made crystal clear: when we love them, we love him. This is the theme of his final sermon. The message he saved until last. He must want this point imprinted on our conscience. He depicted the final judgment scene. The last day, the great Day of Judgment. On that day Jesus will issue an irresistible command. All will come. From sunken ships and forgotten cemeteries, they will come. From royal tombs and grassy battlefields, they will come. From Abel, the first to die, to the person being buried at the moment Jesus calls, every human in history will be present.
All the angels will be present. The whole heavenly universe will witness the event. A staggering denouement. Jesus at some point will “separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:32). Shepherds do this. They walk among the flock and, one by one, with the use of a staff direct goats in one direction and sheep in the other. Graphic, this thought of the Good Shepherd stepping through the flock of humanity. You. Me. Our parents and kids. “Max, go this way.” “Ronaldo, over there.” “Maria, this side.”
How can one envision this moment without the sudden appearance of this urgent question: What determines his choice? How does Jesus separate the people? Jesus gives the answer. Those on the right, the sheep, will be those who fed him when he was hungry, brought him water when he was thirsty, gave him lodging when he was lonely, clothing when he was naked, and comfort when he was sick or imprisoned. The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion does not save them—or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is the consequence of salvation. The sheep will react with a sincere question: when? When did we feed, visit, clothe, or comfort you (vv. 34–39)?
Jesus will recount, one by one, all the acts of kindness. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person. Even the small ones. In fact, they all seem small. Giving water. Offering food. Sharing clothing. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet, in these simple deeds we serve Jesus. Astounding this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people.
Some of them live in your neighborhood; others live in jungles you can’t find and have names you can’t pronounce. Some of them play in cardboard slums or sell sex on a busy street. Some of them walk three hours for water or wait all day for a shot of penicillin. Some of them brought their woes on themselves, and others inherited the mess from their parents.
None of us can help everyone. But all of us can help someone. And when we help them, we serve Jesus. Who would want to miss a chance to do that? Then the King will say to those on his right, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.”
(Matthew 25:34–36 NLT)
O Lord, where did I see you yesterday . . . and didn’t recognize you? Where will I encounter you today . . . and fail to identify you properly? O my Father, give me eyes to see, a heart to respond, and hands and feet to serve you wherever you encounter me! Transform me, Lord, by your Spirit into a servant of Christ, who delights to meet the needs of those around me. Make me a billboard of your grace, a living advertisement for the riches of your compassion. I long to hear you say to me one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And I pray that today I would be that faithful servant who does well at doing good. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
From Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference
Copyright (Thomas Nelson, 2010) Max Lucado
Friday, October 15, 2010
Adoption Planning
We have received our home study packet, adoption planner, and With Eyes Wide Open Workbook. Our first conference call is next week with our social worker and we are delighted to learn more. Life has been so busy it is tough to find time to write on the blog.
God has completely captured my heart with the Women's Bible Study of the book of James. Our church is also doing a series called Mission Hope which is emphasizing the needs in the world and God's heart for the poor and oppressed. There are so many thoughts, challenges, and lessons I have been learning over the past few weeks. It is hard to describe in words the ways in which God is revealing Himself to me.
Stay tuned ... more to come.
Thank-you for your prayers during this exciting time.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Stage Two
We are thrilled to be moving forward in the adoption process. We originally completed and notarized our application in early May, but didn’t have the first $8,790 to move forward. But, with the generosity of our friends and family, we now have enough to move forward. Our target is Oct 15th to reapply and move into the second stage.
The next step is exciting and terrifying! Over the next six months we will be completing over 100 pages of paperwork, learning in education classes, meeting with our case manager at home study visits, and much more. The paperwork is time sensitive so we have six months to complete everything and raise another $5,600.
To be frank. Chris and I have been saving between $400 and $500 a month toward the adoption. At this rate we will only have half of the $5,600 needed in six months. We are short another $2,000 - $3,000.
If you are anything like me, you make every decision being fully prepared. Responsibility right? Absolutely, we are doing our best to be wise with the resource God has loaned to us, educated about the financial decisions, and generous towards the needs in our church, community, and world. I believe this wholeheartedly.
It is tough to live life with an open hand, right? The world says we earned our title, salary, power, and social status and deserve to have “it.” So, why tithe to the church? Why support a child clear across the world? Why donate at a local hospital or school? Why share resources and supplies with neighbors? We could certainly ask these question all day long and discuss all the scenarios of why supporting, donating, and sharing is so difficult.
But the answer is simple … “It” was not ours to begin with.
“It” never was and never will be. Everything is a gift from God. We have the choice to use “it” for His glory or to hide “it” away for ourselves. “It” (the very thing you think you need) is perhaps, the biggest distraction from God himself. Do you know your “it”? I certainly know mine. Control.
Control over my time, energy, money, friendship, marriage, education, ect. I could go on and one. But, very few things speak louder than money. Look at your own checkbook if you do not believe me? When is the last time you have joyfully given to support God’s work? Plain and simple, money is a huge indicator of our spiritual maturity.
You are probably wondering what my point is. Certainly not to make anyone feel bad. Perhaps, all this writing is how I process areas in my own life that are in need of attention. Clearly, I am desperate for God’s grace and forgiveness when it comes to my own illusions of control. Please don’t mistake my words. I am not writing this blog from a pedestal with a pointed finger, I am writing this with humility and requesting your help. You see, this adoption process has destroyed my illusion of control. I simply cannot make this adoption process happen or change the undeniable passion He has planted in my heart. I have lost control and cannot do this alone.
Truly, this loss of control is beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend you celebrate the times when you find yourself here.
I have been required to surrender this adoption to God and confidently trust that He knows and cares for all our needs. After all, the same principal as above applies here. This adoption … this precious child I will call daughter or son, is not mine … but His.
My humble request is this:
1. Pray for the second stage in our adoption.
2. Help me to work on my illusion of control through accountability and encouragement.
3. Consider making a donation to help cover the expenses in our second stage or helping with a fundraiser.
Thank-you.
Held in God's open hands,
Erin
The next step is exciting and terrifying! Over the next six months we will be completing over 100 pages of paperwork, learning in education classes, meeting with our case manager at home study visits, and much more. The paperwork is time sensitive so we have six months to complete everything and raise another $5,600.
To be frank. Chris and I have been saving between $400 and $500 a month toward the adoption. At this rate we will only have half of the $5,600 needed in six months. We are short another $2,000 - $3,000.
If you are anything like me, you make every decision being fully prepared. Responsibility right? Absolutely, we are doing our best to be wise with the resource God has loaned to us, educated about the financial decisions, and generous towards the needs in our church, community, and world. I believe this wholeheartedly.
It is tough to live life with an open hand, right? The world says we earned our title, salary, power, and social status and deserve to have “it.” So, why tithe to the church? Why support a child clear across the world? Why donate at a local hospital or school? Why share resources and supplies with neighbors? We could certainly ask these question all day long and discuss all the scenarios of why supporting, donating, and sharing is so difficult.
But the answer is simple … “It” was not ours to begin with.
“It” never was and never will be. Everything is a gift from God. We have the choice to use “it” for His glory or to hide “it” away for ourselves. “It” (the very thing you think you need) is perhaps, the biggest distraction from God himself. Do you know your “it”? I certainly know mine. Control.
Control over my time, energy, money, friendship, marriage, education, ect. I could go on and one. But, very few things speak louder than money. Look at your own checkbook if you do not believe me? When is the last time you have joyfully given to support God’s work? Plain and simple, money is a huge indicator of our spiritual maturity.
You are probably wondering what my point is. Certainly not to make anyone feel bad. Perhaps, all this writing is how I process areas in my own life that are in need of attention. Clearly, I am desperate for God’s grace and forgiveness when it comes to my own illusions of control. Please don’t mistake my words. I am not writing this blog from a pedestal with a pointed finger, I am writing this with humility and requesting your help. You see, this adoption process has destroyed my illusion of control. I simply cannot make this adoption process happen or change the undeniable passion He has planted in my heart. I have lost control and cannot do this alone.
Truly, this loss of control is beautiful. I wholeheartedly recommend you celebrate the times when you find yourself here.
I have been required to surrender this adoption to God and confidently trust that He knows and cares for all our needs. After all, the same principal as above applies here. This adoption … this precious child I will call daughter or son, is not mine … but His.
My humble request is this:
1. Pray for the second stage in our adoption.
2. Help me to work on my illusion of control through accountability and encouragement.
3. Consider making a donation to help cover the expenses in our second stage or helping with a fundraiser.
Thank-you.
Held in God's open hands,
Erin
Monday, August 30, 2010
Goal met !!!!
To the anonymous person who dropped a blank envelope in our mailbox:
Your kind words were such a surprise and encouragement. Your generosity is unbelievable!! I love how God has a plan for all things. Your trust in Him is an answered prayer for us. We were a little over $500 short, after our garage sale, from reaching our goal to begin the home study. Your money arrived before we even knew our need. Truly, it was an answered prayer. Thank-you friend! We are hoping to move forward with the home study at the end of the month!!!!
The garage sale was a huge success. We had wonderful conversations with “shoppers” about adoption and shared information about the needs for orphans all over the world. It was so charming to watch people find treasures. We laughed and shared crazy stories all day. We made close to $1300!!!! WOW …. Selling our friends and family’s stuff. Truly, very few things at the garage sale were from our home. It was so encouraging and humbling to see God’s work over the weekend. We are just thrilled!
My Mom took tons of pictures. I will upload soon! It was really a huge sale. 17 directional signs all over Oregon City, contributions from over 13 different families, adoption T-shirts, 150 hot dogs, and signs sharing statistics about orphans in our world.
Thank-you!
Praise Jesus.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
3 Days Till The Sale
Yipee!!! We have collected TONS of donations from friends and family and are thrilled for this weekend. We have couches, a washer and dryer, a bed, a hide a bed, tons of kitchen things, clothes, books, and still more mystery treasures in boxes. We have the BEST problem ever ... our garage is so full we can't dig out. Govey (our black lab) sleeps outside now and Kirby (the cat) does not set foot in the garage. Needless to say, we will have a busy Friday trying to sort and price everything.
Everyone should stop by to see the amount of stuff people donated, it will make you day! You can also grab a hot dog or two. We bought over 200 dogs at Costco and are going to be putting on quite a roast! All proceeds will benefit our adoption.
Check out some of the signs I made. They covered the couch! No need to get lost ... just look for the red signs :) Haha!
Thank-you to everyone who made donations. We are so excited for this weekend!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Garage Sale
New fundraiser opportunity!!! We are having a garage sale at the end of August and looking for friends and family to help make donations. We have been encouraged by the stories of our friends who had a garage sale and raised $3,000 in one weekend! That is so amazing!!! If you have anything collecting dust or tucked in the back of your closets we would appreciate your donations.
Thank-you for your support!!!
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