Sunday, May 8, 2011

Blessed... so I can be a blessing.

I had an amazing Mother's Day today. First thing this morning, my sweet six year old Lauren came into my room smiling and greeted me with a warm hug and a "Happy Mother's Day!"

Next I came upon a wonderfully packaged little gift on our bathroom countertop. Thinking my husband had forgotten to hide it from me, I resisted the urge I always have to peek. I was soon happily surprised to find out that I was allowed to "peek" right then and there... inside were sapphire and diamond earrings set in silver! L.O.V.E. them - and LOVE him!

Downstairs my three children blessed me with cards they each picked out for me, along with some more jewelry! We all had breakfast together - yummy french toast - prepared with love by my doting husband. I sprinkled mine with powdered sugar like we used to do growing up - a nod to my own mom this Mother's Day. Wish I could have spent the afternoon with her, but we did chat on the phone and I got to tell her that I love her. She's amazing.

The morning was topped off with worshipping our Lord in church together. Doesn't get better than that... but it did continue to be practically perfect in every way.

Lunch was grilled steaks, green beans and scrumptious yeast rolls. This meal was also prepared by my adoring hubby; and the dishes and left-overs were taken care of by the kids.

The afternoon included a short nap (yay me!) and then some fun and relaxing shopping at the mall.

Today has been REFRESHING to say the least. We've had a lot of stress in our lives lately, but today felt like a sweet reprieve from all that. This Mother's Day will hold a special place in my heart. It was like a big hug from God. And it was a reminder to me of how very much I love, love, love my family. We are all healthy and provided for and safe. My husband and children mean more to me than I can adequately express.

I'm sure many of you can relate to these same feelings in regard to your loved ones. And really, it's just scratching the surface when compared to how much God love, love, loves YOU and ME - and every person on the face of the planet.

I earnestly pray that God will continue to grow my heart in a purer love for my family - and for the entire world. I pray that He will continue to grow my heart in a deeper love for the women and girls of Cambodia - and that He will guide my every thought and word and deed while I am serving Him there this summer... and beyond.

So on this Mother's Day, I pray for all the Cambodian mothers.. and all the Cambodian daughters.. whose hearts are aching and breaking under the weight of poverty and oppression and sickness and slavery.. while my heart is brimming with joy and blessing.. oh God, how I pray that you will USE ME and that you will USE WHAT YOU HAVE BLESSED ME WITH to bring hope to the hopeless - through the power of Jesus Christ. For there is NONE LIKE YOU!

Sunday, May 1, 2011

The Great Abolitionist

I recently attended an event, "The Power of One", in Cincinnati with the Center for Global Impact and friends. The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about human trafficking and modern-day slavery. There were many organizations represented, all with a passion for bringing justice to the victims - and their perpetrators.

As a friend and I perused the various booths, gathering information and reading about the different organizations, we were struck with a deep sadness that this type of event is even necessary. And yet, we were also filled with HOPE - that there are people willing to step in and "rescue those being led away to death." One the one hand, it is tragic that this problem even exists. On the other hand, praise God that He is raising up an army who is willing to fight for justice and liberty - to be a voice for those who have no voice.

God is indeed raising up modern-day ABOLITIONISTS - those who advocate for the abolition of slavery. And I cannot help but be reminded, that those of us who claim Christ as Lord and Savior, have already been freed by the greatest Abolitionist of all time - Christ Himself.

When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. - Romans 6:20

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. - Romans 6:22

Use your freedom to set others free! There are many things you can do to become an abolitionist. Be informed, volunteer your time, open your pocketbook, write to Congress, share the plight with others, and above all... PRAY.

Some things can ONLY be accomplished through the prayers of God's people. He ordained it that way: He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many. - 1 Cor. 1:10-11