No Closet, No Excuse - My Prayer Wall

This is a quick post. I just wanted to pop on and show you all...

I DID IT!!!

I Started my prayer wall, f i n a l l y !

For years (literally) I have been feeling sorry for myself that I have a shared wall closet. You know the kind that is flat and wide with just enough depth for hangers and clothing to be contained in? There is no way that my body could squish into that closet for some focused prayer time. I would be much too distracted with the shoes poking me and clothes smooshed on my face and wrapped around my neck strangling me. So...I pouted every time I thought about it. 

Now that I have started Priscilla Shirer's Armor of God Bible Study I am left with no excuses. She provided the index cards in the back of the book. Every week we will fill them out and post them somewhere for daily reminders to  P R A Y very specifically. 

and here is where you will find mine...

on the wall right next to my side of the bed. 

No closet, no excuses. Find a place. 

-Simply Sublime!

The Unexpected & Unforeseen Week during our 7 Experiment: Adoption

Oh this guy! He is my precious, sweet, sensitive, smart, caring, prayer warrior. The boy has had a passion for prayer since he was 4 years old when he would get this intense, immediate, need to desperately have a photo of what God had put on his heart to pray for.

I was first introduced to his deep sensitivity just two weeks after we brought him home from the Philippines. I was reading him a book by Steven Curtis & Mary Beth Chapman,  Shaoey and Dot, when the boy brought me to tears.

 

We turned to the page where there are babies in an orphanage all lined up in cribs. Nate, who was about 9 months in size at 2 years old, leaned into the book and kissed every single baby pictured on the two pages. I am telling you I was undone. I will simply define it as a precious moment that contained too many emotions for words. 

In the 7 years since that time he has remained a faithful saint who seeks God with the the worries and concerns of his heart for this world. He is deep, and it always surprises me what he comes up with to pray about. He is always thinking on a level I didn't know he was capable of. 

So back to present time, here we are finding ourselves in the middle of the food month on our 7 Experiment. Nate had chosen the Philippines for a week's focus of fasting, prayer and food. He was so very determined to dive into a week of intense focus. He had things pressing on his heart for such a time as this. The first day as he was bringing up things we could pray for his homeland he was popping out all kinds of stored up prayer treasures he had tucked away over time. One such thing was..."Oh... and pray for eveyone within a 1 mile radius of the hurricane that hit - there was a lot of destruction and injured people" What???? Where and when did he hear this and tuck it away in his heart? 

Day two into our week and the boy was beginning to show signs of fatigue. He was distracted, having problems focusing and praying. The next day he woke up and came to the table for school, we were doing prayer time and he wanted to share a nightmare he had. His Grandfather in the Philippines had found him by searching his name and he requested that Nate return to the family in the Philippines. He had to leave us and he did not want to go. Of course instantly my heart went out to him. I hugged him and told him that must have been such a terrible feeling. I forgot to clarify one thing though....

As the days of the week passed I am watching him turn even more distracted, disconnected and now he is beginning to seem uncaring of things that would typically break his heart. He literally cannot pray now, he has no words as we gather. We had our prize rabbit run away (which we believe may have been due to Nate forgetting to close the door) and he just didn't seem to even care. So uncharacteristic of him.

As I was sitting there so discouraged, ready to toss in the towel on this 7 food thing. Ready to I don't know what with Nate's flip in personality, feeling some heaviness in my spirit all week and not seeing how to pull this family out of the muck. God gently reminded me... "You forgot" ... "Tell him" 

I approached the topic with him. "Nate, have you been worried every day about being taken away from us?" "Has your nightmare been bothering you ever since you had it?" He instantly heaved forward and grabbed his stomach saying "Ouch" "My stomach hurts" "I feel sick". I sensed this was not a true physical illness but a spiritual one. So I pressed a bit more. 

I pulled the little guy up on my lap and apologized. "I am so sorry Nate. I forgot to tell you...you are safe. You are ours. You belong here. You are protected here - you are a US citizen" and "You know what Nate - more than anything else - your Abba Father cares SO VERY MUCH for you - he is bigger than anything else in the world and he's got your back!" . As we prayed I could see him physically lighten - he began to smile for the first time in days. He was relaxed and snuggling into me. Once again I could tell he had found his security of home. 

At the same time this weeks focus on the Philippines has also stirred up in me a BAZILLION emotions about his Mama. Anytime we talk about her and what she did for him I become a puddle of tears for a couple of days. I cannot even fathom. AND let me tell you - if she knew this little guy- if she could see his adorable face, hear his precious words and know his heart, there is not a chance in this world she would let him go. He is such a treasure. As my heart greatly rejoices in having this tender heart as my son, my heart breaks for the Mama who gave birth to him at a hospital.  

I have played out his arrival into the world in a mental movie many times... 

She arrived at the hospital all alone, scared and sad. She had absolutely no way to care for this precious one she was carrying, no money, no food, no shelter. As she was writhing in pain the nurse handed her forms to fill out. Between contractions she filled out the paperwork with all false information so she could not possibly be found. After a few hours of painful labor, she rested and spent some time holding her precious, brand new baby, she then gently got out of bed, laid him down and snuck off into the night... never to be seen again. 

I can tell you most of those events are in fact truth. I can't tell you what she looks like, I can't tell you the motivation behind her choices. I can tell you - I LOVE HER deeply! I think she was brave & beautiful.

We didn't see any of this weeks story coming. We were eagerly anticipating a week full of joy, celebration and prayer for the hurting in this country. I never for one second thought it would dig up some deep, painful questions. I believe though these are the defining moments in our life where we live out the love of Jesus authentically. Nate needed to go through this, we needed to go through this. We needed to seek God for wisdom in how to navigate this. We needed to walk it with Nate and show him how we respond when we feel under attack. And guess what? God showed up and did what only He can do - He brought light into a situation that seemed full of confusion and despair. 

Next weeks focus: India. Have I told you yet I am headed to India in a couple months? I am praying God allows this to be a week of strengthening and learning. It will be what it needs to be though. The battles make us stronger in the fight as we learn to pick up our weapons and face it head on. 

For today... we will rest and rejoice - for God is GOOD! and...

WE ARE F-A-M-I-L-Y!!!

And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we’ll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels. 

-Eph. 6:12 the Message

-Simply Sublime

My journey of 7 begins: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess

The countdown is on. What once was a GREAT READ has now become a personal life challenge. Oh, I didn't read it thinking I would end up actually doing, I mean, who would do that? Someone who is crazy town - that's who. Maybe I need to catch you guys up...

In January I read this humorous and challenging book by Jen Hatmaker: 7: An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess. As I was reading about the excessiveness of our culture paired with her challenge to living out reduction my feet just happened to be walking on African soil. I was on a vision trip to Kenya and Tanzania with a Pastor friend of mine (female) literally laughing out loud over and over again. The book is absolutely hilarious, yet it also brings you to your knees with a humble burden to reduce yourself, reduce your stuff, and increase God in your life.

Fast forward a couple months and I find myself telling my Big Sister (not officially related - but she really should be) about this book. She reads it and guess what? She wants to form a group and start the challenge. Yep - and we aren't talking the 7 week bible study version that is available but the FULL meal deal. (Pun intended)

Our first challenge for our first month is reducing down to 7 food items for a month. SEVEN (7) items of food for an entire month. This includes any beverage outside of water you may want. 7.

We are starting May 1st - so I have 1 day left of food freedom. Then it is down to this: (maybe)

1. Beef
2. Chicken
3. Eggs
4. Spinach
5. Green Beans
6. Apple
7. Almonds

What is totally cracking me up is how my list keeps changing. My family is doing this alongside me - so what I would have picked individually (tomato and avocado) have turned to beef and almonds. I am battling this inside - but feel there is a lesson in this itself. Probably something about teamwork, being submissive.... somehow I will be learning some valuable life lessons by giving up 2 of my 7 wants on my list. I imagine throughout the journey this give-up will rear it's ugly head on more then one occasion. Like when I am just dying for a big ole slice of gooey green avocado on my bowl of dry spinach.  Although now one of my dear daughters is wanting to eliminate a green veggie for tea. It is totally why you think too - the caffeine. (Hey - she is 19 year old, not 10 okay?)  So since we are switching it up for one maybe we each could have our own list? But then, that creates a NIGHTMARE for me in planning and cooking. I mean we have 5 of our immediate family living in the house multiply that by 7 food items - there is potential for me to have to juggle a total of 35 whopping ingredients / food items a day. ARE YOU KIDDING ME PEOPLE??? Who on earth could handle that kind of kitchen chaos? 

Oh yeah, me...On any given night when I am preparing one meal for our family. Typically you will find me tossing around fresh herbs, lots o'veggies, spices, our protein which typically has some kind of homemade seasoning on it. Yep, one meal easily has 35 ingredients. In fact our salads alone usually have a minimum of 5 plus dressing from scratch with another 5 for a total of 10. So I guess I could handle each of us having different allowances. Yet when I am crank-o-muster over food and I am dishing up something I cannot put in my taste tester there is the extreme likelihood I will explode.  Like, totally unleashed, back away from the table kind of fury. So back to the drawing board - the final, for sure selection will be decided by 11:59pm on the 30th of April and it will probably be something each member of our family is willing to ingest for 28 days.

So, check back in. It is bound to be a fun, humbling and exasperating ride. I am just waiting to have my ugly unveiled right before my eyes. I do believe God is going to peel back my eyelids so I see my yuck a little more realistically- of course the purpose of the reveal of it is to be FULLY  embraced and accepted by the ONE who adores me. As I humbly or boldly, standing upright or crawling, singing or crying come to Him he will gently work with me to refine me into something more pleasing to him. (and hopefully more pleasing to my family and friends too) 

I am SUPER excited to be treating this as a fast, expecting revelation and breakthrough. If you would like to jump in we would be happy to have you! You can comment along the way! 

-Simply Sublime!

It's as simple as going to school - or is it?

If you have been following me at all - you know Africa is near and dear to my heart. In the last 5 years I have made 5 life impacting trips to Tanzania and Kenya. Therefore I have 5 x 500 life stories that have rocked me to my core. Perhaps for some the routine exposure of poverty may end up leaving less mascara on their pillows at night. As for me? Whew - one story heaps on top of another story and weighs even heavier. Every little face has been pressed within my memory bank, especially the stories of children.

Just today I received an email from a little precious I met this last month. This isn't the first email in my inbox since I got back - this is email #3. Just weeks after returning three different boys have emailed me all with the same basic request: 

"Please Mama - can you pray that God would provide for my school fees. I have tested with high enough scores and it is time to go to Secondary School - but our family cannot afford it." 

Look closer at his precious little face. 

He even sent me a very proud copy of his school test result. He made it! This is HUGE!!!

Testing in Africa is not easy. These countries do not simply move kids up because they have reached a certain age. Unlike the US, where there is basically no holding kids back anymore, only a select few make it to Secondary (which would be like our High School). Making the grade is difficult because it takes focused time and energy over years of classroom learning and evening homework.

 Let's revisit what the basic day looks like for these kiddos: 

Breakfast is Tea with a little hot milk, possibly. Lunch, if they get this meal, could be a small amount of leftover from the night before. Dinner - if they are going to eat on any given day - this is the meal they will make sure to take in. They believe this meal will sustain them throughout the next day. So typically, Ugali (corn meal thick porridge) and possibly beans. Hmmm - this is a little different then what the typical US child consumes on any given day isn't it?

The problem for these children in Africa is these meals are not routine for most. Many times within a week families find themselves having to go without. Children are hungry, starving. When children are so, so hungry it is almost impossible for them to think, let alone lift their heads to take in what is being taught.

The other problem these wee ones face is chores. Their chores look a little different then our kiddos daily chores. You have probably heard before that the kids have to walk miles to fetch water? Seriously! This is true - they walk far and it is heavy. I asked many kids on this last venture what their daily tasks at home were after school. Many cook, many fetch water, many help wash the dishes and clothes. Where they live we aren't talking the typical throw it in a machine, watch it do the work, 5 minute kind of chore. These chores require hours of vary hard work. So by the time the kids get home from school, which is anywhere between 5 and 6pm, they have a couple hours of hard labor to do at home. What does that look like when they need to be studying hard to make the grade? Can you even image?  By the time they can sit down to study they are exhausted. And - 6am time to leave for school comes early. 

One of the saddest things I see happens when we visit the schools. It never fails - there are always a few kiddos slumped over in chairs using their arm to prop their head up. Even though they have the rare opportunity of visitors that would usually bring a bustle of enthusiasm, a few kids are scattered throughout the room that can barely move. They are hungry, they are tired - their life is hard. Hard like most of us can't even comprehend.

School is not something they simply go to because they have to. School is a luxury. School is their way to a hopeful future. School is the ONLY avenue to their DREAM!

As I continue to be faced with these situations of hardship God is continually showing me I am not the answer. There is no way I , one weak person, can solve the worlds problems. As much as I would LOVE to have a wallet that is overflowing with resources to help provide for the needy. I don't. God is showing me the real power for change happens in prayer. Prayer will lead change. Prayer will lead change in places we can't see and  in people we don't know. Prayer will spur others on to help make a difference of lasting change one by one. 

Don't get me wrong. I don't believe we simply pray and we stop there. I believe that true prayer, where you are in relationship with God, leads us to ultimately be stepping out in faith (taking ACTION) with God leading in bold new ways. 

So as I bring this post to a close I will challenge you to be praying for these three precious boys (and others like them) who need family income in order to go to school. Or they need to become part of a sponsorship program. Or...Or...Or...

God knows exactly what needs to happen and our prayers will help fuel that change. In that same sweet, precious,  prayer time why don't you also start asking God to show you how to help make a difference. Where might God be spurring you on to take a step into helping others? It could be in your family, neighborhood, your city, your country, or somewhere out in the world. I may even be so bold to say - it is probably all of those! 

"Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. Gods voice in response to mine is its most essential part." ~ Andrew Murray

James 5:13-14 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.

-Simply Sublime

Agressive Panhandling: Giving the face a name & making a difference

{Source: Town of Chapel Hill}

Recently there has been a new buzz on FB. It seems people are tired of aggressive panhandling in our city and are trying to bring a stop to it. Or atleast maybe help people become aware of the pattern. Or perhaps they just want to vent and Facebook provides a place for that as well. 

You see, in our little ole town of Bellingham panhandlers have been on the rise. Not only the people that stand around waving their signs on corners but we are now being approached in parking lots. The sad stories the beggars share vary greatly (sometimes even by the same person)  but the basic request is the same: "MONEY please?"  

Recently a Bellingham local created a FB Page called Gas Girl Bellingham. People are rapidly liking this page and sharing their feelings of frustration and anger. There is name calling, there is an abundance of heated words and there are assumptions being made. 

It wasn't until a friend posted a rant on this new FB Page that I actually clicked on the link and read through what people were saying. It was then I was hit pretty hard. As I read through the last post, there, in black and white, was a young woman claiming one of the women pictured was her child's Grandmother. I can't say what she posted was complimentary to the woman. Honestly, it was sad to read what the girl thought of her. Still, it did give the woman a face and a name - a FAMILY. This woman did BELONG somewhere. 

My heart instantly went out to this woman. You see, my past could have easily led me to this point. I won't go into all of the depressingly sad choices I made in my younger years - but it is only by the grace of God he lifted me out of the pit. Somehow in my desperation of digging deeper and deeper into the muck I looked up and found Him reaching down with his loving hands waiting to scoop me up into His arms. All I had to do was begin to move in his direction with the simplest of words, "Help me", and He immediately rescued me from my despair. 

I have spent a lot of time pondering on the "WHY". Why did I know to look up? How did I know to ask? When covered in the grey storm clouds of chaos and confusion, how did I know I needed to cry out to God at that particular time? Was it the praying people in my life? I honestly believe this is a BIG part of it. 

So then, if indeed this is a part of my rescue story...What if these begging people are out there and no one is praying for them? What if there is no one who loves them? What if everyone is so tired of their junk, their lies, their brokenness, that the hearts and thoughts of those that know them become... "Let 'em have it" or  "They get what they deserve!" And if family feels this way, how much more will strangers? 

Don't get me wrong,  I understand the fear of the unknown. I myself have times where I feel I don't want to expose my children to the potential risk a stranger might bring. Heck, there are times I feel uncomfortable with people approaching me at all. It is true though, that begging person on the street you see, that face has a NAME and a FAMILY. Even if they don't have family anymore they do have a CREATOR who loves and adores them. Who is just waiting to RESCUE them, if given the chance.

I wonder if everyone has given up on them, sees them as hopeless, worthless and is scared of them. If they simply make us angry because they ask (even if the ask is for an addiction). Well, how will they know the love of God? The love of God is RELATIONSHIP. The word relationship that we are talking about is an action of interaction, caring, loving. How can we possibly do this? 

As I bring this post to a close I think I am asking each of us to ponder and pray. There is not one of us who can possibly know for certain the "why"  behind a persons life choices. The "If" we should help them. The "How" to make a difference. We cannot possibly know what will make a lasting impact, but if we pray, God can and will use us in the lives of others. He will give us discernment and wisdom. Most importantly he will give us His HEART for the broken. On our own we are all broken with no hope. With Christ ALL THINGS are possible. So let's lean into Him and find the hope for the future. 

The more we reach out in love towards others, especially when they haven't earned it, will bring life change for the receiver and the giver. 

^{Ephesians 2:7-10} Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It’s God’s gift from start to finish! We don’t play the major role. If we did, we’d probably go around bragging that we’d done the whole thing! No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.  

-Simply Sublime

The Greatest Rescue Mission E.V.E.R. Countdown # 1-3

So if you all read my previous post you know our family is starting a new mission. We have decided our family lifestyle has been a wee bit sluggish when it comes to sharing the love of Jesus on a daily basis. Yes we have been wrapped up and cozy on our couches, spending family time playing games or watching tv. That is not the purpose behind the GREATEST Rescue Mission E.V.E.R. though. God sent his Son Jesus as a free gift to receive so we would LIVE IT OUT for Him.  We would cherish, love, appreciate and BUST at our seams with JOY over it!

So we decided our family would be hitting the streets everyday as we count down to Christmas. As we hop into the car we are starting in prayer, asking God to direct us to follow wherever he wants to lead us...an assignment...a daily mission if you will.  Every day could and probably will look different. But how exciting for our family to have daily practice at seeking God, listening and following where he leads. 

Mission #1

Was a trip to the mall. Talk about a challenge for the kiddos. This is the place of ME, ME, ME.... I WANT, WANT, WANT!  Is it possible to even hear from God in the mall? :) Of course it is - but let's face the facts - it creates a ton of distractions. Well the kiddos began in prayer - we had the cousins with us too. Six kids in all. Yes - call us crazy!!! This one was not easy. The larger group of kids together and the kid appeal flashing and grabbing at the kids EVERYWHERE left me reminding them over and over what the mission was. To be honest I had a moment of - "Oh forget it... let's start later - this isn't working." Until the kids found barrels of webkins they wanted. As they were sorting through them in admiration the oh so helpful sales clerk came and told us the webkins were only $1.99. 

Hmmm...WOW!!!

My thought process for a moment... "That really is a great deal. Maybe I should let them get one... " Then a LOUD BOOMING VOICE...

WAKE UP! What are you doing? Yeah - I admit it I am not anymore spiritual than the kiddos. Okay so let's redirect. I suggest perhaps the kids want to purchase one and then seek God on who would be blessed by receiving it. Someone within the mall. Not everyone wanted to participate - as some were quite bummed they weren't getting one of their own...and that kind of grumbling spreads. UGH! One precious spoke up and wanted to do it.  Oh bless your little heart -  SEE KIDS at least one of you loves Jesus! (Just kidding)  I was truly blessed by this one willing heart though.

Well the recipient was spotted. A little girl with her Dad. Two of them made the delivery. It was so precious to watch. Later we talked about how we have no idea what is going on in the lives of these people. When we typically think of people in need we picture someone holding a sign. But how many of us really hold a sign when we are hurting or in need? It is actually a very small percentage. The kiddos were really listening and contributing during this convo. We started thinking about the possibilities of scenarios for those hurting. How God KNOWS and we may never know...but we can be obedient without the know behind it. 

So Mission #1 would not rate in my book as a WOW mission in the action itself - but the follow up conversation was absolutely priceless. 

Mission #2

This one I wan't present for. I had Bible Study but my dear hub didn't let that stop us. He piled the kiddos in the car, they prayed and this time it was food delivery. 

McDonalds it was for 2 burgers. This I find funny - when he went to pay he handed the cashier a $20 and got some coins back for his change. Hahaha. 

$19ish for 2 Burgers???

I don't know why this cracks me up - other then they were on a mission for God and almost got stiffed. I am sure if I was feeling witty I could come up with a great analogy for that one.

Anywhoooo - they ended up getting the correct change back once brought to said cashiers attention. And off they went to find that one person who God had for them to deliver to.  

They ended up finding a gentleman who was collecting trash and staying warm by consuming his liquid beverage of choice. As they pulled up next to him our little man handed him the bag of food asking if he was hungry. Sure..he'd take it. As thankful as the man was he was also eager to hitch a ride - or possibly he was confused by his ingested liquid - he attempted to join the family in the car...

WHOOPS!

I guess my husband didn't feel God was asking them to let him hitch a ride, so they talked a minute. The question was asked "What are you doing with those kids?" (don't even want to spend too much time analyzing that choice of words) and my dear hubby told him those were his children and they were just trying to  find someone who might be needing a meal out in the cold. To which the gentleman relaxed his frustrated and angry face, smiled and said THANK YOU! 

Again - this may not have met our expectations of what the mission would look like. I am SO thankful for it though. I think so often we want a "feel good" experience for our sakes. We did something good and want to feel good about it. They should be grateful. NO!!! Not necessarily - that is not why we do this. We have no idea at all what God is up to and what part our obedience plays in it. 

My children learned some valuable lessons:

1) Do NOT be fearful God is with you.

2) Expect the unexpected

3)Do this for God not for the reaction

and more... 

Mission #3

We prayed and were driving down the road. I spotted a PSYCHIC sign and thought to myself - we should pray for them. 

5 seconds later..

my daughter says out loud. "Psychic"..."We should pray for them."

Quick confirmation. We pull over and we begin praying. Oh these prayers were so precious. The words and thoughts of children - do not look down on them. They nailed it! If our prayers are effective the lies will be bound and the name of Jesus is going to be proclaimed before they even know what is coming out of their mouths. Those listening will be experiencing the truth of Jesus Christ. I love how their little hearts were not about judging but more for the love of Jesus to pour out on the confusion and chaos the enemy had set up at this camp. 

Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity - 1 Timothy 4:12

-Simply Sublime