Resilience

November 4, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 2 Comments

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
II Timothy 2:3

Courtesy of Creative Commons

I have been thinking a lot about the word, resilience. Merriam-Webster defines resilience this way:

An ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.

This week and in the days ahead, the people of New York and New Jersey will continue to endure hardship and be resilient.

The extent of damage from Hurricane Sandy is apocalyptic.

We (my family) were fortunate, even so, we are feeling the after effects. We are not able to purchase gas. The lines to get gas remind me of the 70’s when there was a shortage.

I must have been about eight or nine years old. I remember it was the summer.

One hot and humid day, I decided to be industrious and drag a cooler filled with cold sodas and water in a red wheelbarrow to the nearest gas station. There was a long line of cars waiting for gas.

At that time, there wasn’t air conditioning in the cars, so I was able to sell all the water and soda quickly.

My entrepreneur, restaurant owner and chef father was proud of me. He was bragging about what I did to all of his customers.

These long lines remind me of back then, only this time, it’s not hot out.

I do not think the gas situation will be resolved quickly. Another factor which is now being  introduced is a shortage of oil.

So not only are we experiencing a shortage of gas, but we will also be experiencing a shortage of oil.

The apartment complex where I live runs on oil. So this will be interesting.

Every time I feel overwhelmed or begin to worry, I remind myself of how we were spared. Right now, there are countless people who lost their homes or who still don’t have any power or worse, a mother who lost both her children.

It is cold out. There are families with little children who are freezing. Those who don’t have family to stay with or the means to stay in a motel or even get around. I can’t deny feeling blessed and grateful despite the weight of anxiety and sadness I feel.

A good friend of mine told me to blog about what is happening. I actually hesitated to write about it, but perhaps she is right. Maybe I do need to write about what is happening here in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

For those of you who reached out and are praying, on behalf of my family and I, we want to say thank you. May the Lord bless you for caring and for your heart of compassion during this difficult time.

Let There Be Light by Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina Sr.

November 2, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Fortis Publishing (August 30, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937592200
ISBN-13: 978-1937592202
Price: $8.95
Purchase: Amazon

 

 

Description

For the rest of your life to “work well”… and for you to be able to help others… you have to focus on yourself first. But, in order to do that, we all need help and guidance along the way.

And that is the purpose of this book… to offer practical guidance on how to get from where you are to where you want to be in your spiritual life-and we all know that what is in our heads and hearts can be manifested in the real world.

What you will take away from this book is how the things you control are the key in creating a life worth living and having a relationship with yourself and others that is fulfilling and sustainable… one that can last… forever.

I have served others as a counselor, pastor, teacher, leader and friend for many years. In that time I have seen good people, who were well intentioned, go through life-just getting by-existing rather than truly living it to the fullest. There are many reasons for this situation; the most prominent being that human beings are creatures of habit. We are most comfortable with what we are most familiar.

Left on our own, it’s often very hard to make changes to improve our lot in life. In fact, for many it’s hard to even pinpoint what’s really wrong without some sort of outside stimulus-some prod-that goads us to evaluate or assess ourselves. And while everybody is responsible for their own lives; it certainly helps to have something or someone that becomes a catalyst to break through your life routine and be the “kick in the pants” needed to take action.

Life is short and too often many have a voice inside that says, “I wish I had…,” or “If I only…,” or worse it’s whispering to you, “You’re just not good enough… not smart enough….” The voice in and of itself is not a terrible thing. I believe all humans have heard it inside their head at some point. The tragedy is when that voice becomes a constant-never ending-drumbeat in your head that becomes a question you can’t answer or a statement that you can’t refute. It becomes something you believe about yourself that is only true if you let it become true.

I just shared with you something that is worth an incalculable amount of money if you take it to heart. Things, bad and good, become true only if you let them or make them come true.

In this book we’ll talk about letting light come into your life and creating a life worth living.

Review

I received this book from a co-worker friend of mine. I have known this young man for many years and have a great deal of respect for him. When he asked me to review his pastor’s book, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.

I finished Let There Be Light in a couple of days. I was unable to review it sooner because I was away at a conference.

This book offers common sense mixed with biblical wisdom. Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr. generously shares his life experience and education.

Let There Be Light offers encouragement as well as gives practical advice and pointers to create a life worth living.

If you are going through a difficult time in your life and need a book full of anecdotes, positive thinking and inspiration, then this book is for you.

I would be remiss not to mention the creative illustrations done by Ian Coate. I think his illustrations are a nice addition to this book.

In conclusion, I want to thank Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina, Sr., Fortis and my friend Daryl Moore for giving me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Reverend Dr. Demetrius S. Carolina Sr. is widely recognized as a spiritual leader and advocate for justice and human rights. He maintains a respected reputation as a man of conviction, one who consistently demonstrates hands-on leadership and a commitment to his congregation and issues affecting all humanity. Having a deep concern for issues that relate to spiritual empowerment, economic equity, educational development and human rights, his work has taken him to several continents on behalf of these issues. He holds an Associate’s Degree in Communications, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science, History and Education, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration Leadership from Temple University and a Doctoral in Educational Leadership and Management from the University of Phoenix. He also accomplished post graduate work at New York University, CUTS Theological Seminary, Westminster Seminary Graduate Studies Program and Philadelphia College of the Bible. He is married to Bernice Resto-Carolina and they have three wonderful children: Dior Isaiah, DeLisa Monet and Demetrius Solomon Carolina, II. http://www.DemetriusCarolina.com

Rainbows in the Midst…

October 31, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 10 Comments

But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Hebrews 11:6

I woke up with this scripture on my mind. I thought it apropos given the aftermath of the Allume Conference and Hurricane Sandy.

Courtesy of Kurt Wilberding

It was a blessing to be able to attend the Allume Conference and finally meet Tricia Goyer (who is an absolute sweetheart), Mary DeMuth, Sarah Markley, Sarah Mae, Jessica Heights, Christin Slade, Kelly Thorne Gore, Rachel Wojnarowski, Christy Stroud from Tyndale Publishers, Revell Publishers, Zondervan Publishers and so many other wonderful people.

We drove three hours to get to Pennsylvania, checked in and headed over to register. I was given a beautiful bag filled with goodies.

It was my first time attending this conference, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was definitely excited with the line up.

Darren Rowse (a.k.a. ProBlogger) and Ann Voskamp were on the top of my list. I never heard either one of them speak before.

I was really touched by what Darren Rowse shared at his key note. He didn’t speak about how to make money with your blog, but more about his testimony and faith.

I enjoyed listening to Sarah Mae and Jessica Heights key notes as well. I love their hearts.

My hat goes off to Sarah, Jessica and their entire team for all their hard work and pulling off such an amazing conference. It truly was a success.

After awhile, it began to feel more like a Christian woman’s conference than a blogger’s conference which was refreshing.

My favorite place was the Prayer Room which was sponsored by The Seed Company.

Courtesy of Laura Gish

Isn’t the prayer room beautiful? I spent my free time there to unplug, pray and write in prayer journals. The Seed Company blessed us royally.

The highlight of this conference for me was hearing Ann Voskamp speak for the first time. I never read Ann Voskamp’s blog or her best selling book, One Thousand Gifts. I only heard wonderful things about her through the grapevine. Now I know what they were all talking about.

Prior to her keynote, there were two videos shown by (In)Courage and Compassion International which moved me. I love to support causes helping disadvantaged children and Compassion International does amazing work.

After the videos, Ann Voskamp began to speak and tears rolled down my face. What she spoke about pierced my heart. I was riveted and touched by her every word. What an anointed woman of God. I pray I could get a copy of her key note, because I want to hear it again. I felt God used her to confirm what He was speaking to my heart throughout the conference.

Unfortunately, I had to abruptly leave right after she spoke due to Hurricane Sandy. We left and drove home to prepare for the impending storm. I do not believe I have to reiterate how devastating this hurricane was to our city. It was truly unprecedented. Please keep us in your prayers.

I am grateful the Lord is still in control and on the throne. Despite the devastation, I chose to see rainbows in the midst of the storm. I continue to pray for all those who were affected.

Please let me know how I can pray for you today. Please leave your prayers in the comment section below.

 

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews

October 22, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 4 Comments

Paperback: 232 pages
Publisher: CrossHouse Publishing
Language: English
ISBN-10: 161315027X
ISBN-13: 978-1613150276
Price: $15.95
Purchase: Amazon | BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is the inspiring true story of a Midwest husband and wife that become disenchanted with the relentless pursuit of the American Dream and embark on a journey that spans six countries and redefines their values and lives. The story begins in a small town in Wisconsin and weaves its way through South and Central America as the couple gathers an army of supporters and establishes an organization to save the lives of children in the end stages of starvation in eastern Guatemala. The narrative is filled with action-packed adventure and heartwarming victories as the characters face incredible odds and seemingly hopeless situations, while hundreds of volunteers join mission teams to offer help and hope through the programs of the ministry. Readers of all ages will enjoy the roller-coaster ride of emotions–from laughter to tears to sheer joy–as they realize that ordinary people can make a difference one life at a time.

Read Chapter One Here

Review

There are times when things happen in the most interesting way. For instance, how I found out about this book, Tears Water the Seeds of Hope.

I happened to be visiting a book bloggers page on Facebook, when I came across Lori Caswell’s post requesting bloggers to review Tears Water the Seeds of Hope for her blog, Great Escapes Book Tours. I read the description of the book and was hooked. I wrote her a private message and expressed my interest in reviewing Tears Water the Seeds of Hope and she graciously accepted.

A couple of weeks later, I received the book in the mail directly from the author Kim Tews. I was so surprised when I opened the package. She had tied a ribbon around the book, which also had a flower on it and matched the flower on the book cover. She even wrote a lovely note on matching stationary, thanking me for being willing to read her book. I immediately saw Kim Tews heart and was touched by her kind gesture.

I was eager to begin reading the book and I finished it in four days. I couldn’t get enough of this book. I simply didn’t want to stop reading it. I was completely drawn in from start to finish.

Kim and Randy Tews live in Wisconsin. They are both successful real estate agents. They were living comfortably and had all they needed, except they felt a void. They began attending church and felt a calling to help the poor in Central and South America. They eventually wound up helping high risk children in Guatemala and started a program called Outreach for World Hope.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is about their story, from their humble beginnings to the present. Kim Tews did not sugar coat anything nor did she hold back anything. I found their story to be riveting and convicting.

I was touched and inspired by the what the Tews were doing. They took many risks and witnessed a lot of difficult situations. Quite frankly, I admired that they didn’t lose their faith by all they witnessed and experienced.

I really respect the Tews, many people would have simply given up and thrown in the towel with everything they’ve been through. But they did not give up. They kept going by the grace of God and kept loving the children of Guatemala no matter what. Now this is what I call exemplifying the Lord with your life, which is very rare today.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope especially touched me because I did a short missions trip in Guatemala years ago. Everything described in this book is the truth. I know it to be true, because I was there and saw it with my own eyes.

Tears Water the Seeds of Hope provoked, inspired and challenged me all at the same time. This book resonated with my heart’s desire to help children. I hope I can return to Guatemala again one day.

In the meantime, I will continue to read and tell others about wonderful books like this one. Christians, here and around the world, who making a difference in this world.

I highly recommend this book. If you have been on a missions trip, this book will inspire you.

In conclusion, I want to thank Lori Caswell, Kim Tews and Cross House Publishing for facilitating and sending me a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Kim Tews was raised in Madison, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Economics. She and her husband, Randy, pursued careers in real estate before beginning mission work together in Ecuador, South America, in 2001. In 2005, they established the non-profit organization Outreach for World Hope to save the lives of starving children in eastern Guatemala. The couple lives in Verona, Wisconsin, with their three children, traveling back and forth to Guatemala frequently to facilitate the ongoing programs of Outreach for World Hope (www.outreachforworldhope.org and Facebook).

Everything by Mary DeMuth

October 21, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Date: October 16, 2012
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1400203988
ISBN-13: 978-1400203987
Price: $16.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN

Sample Chapter

 

 

 

 

Description

“I don’t write this book as a condemnation or as a sermon. The last thing I want to do is provide a ‘how to be the best Christian in ten easy steps’ guide. I pen these words as a fellow struggler who is learning that what we think about God matters, how we allow Him to reign in our hearts matters, and how we obey Him in the moment matters. It all matters. Everything.”

Author and speaker Mary DeMuth has been abused, foreclosed, abandoned, and betrayed. She has been pressed and drained till it was too much . . .

But it was just enough to bring her to a place of surrender, piece by precious piece. In that surrender, she found the freedom of giving everything to God. And through Scripture, community, and the work of the Holy Spirit, she gives it all over again, every day.

In this gentle and challenging book, DeMuth describes the process and the nuances that shape us to be more like Christ. Her words are clear, vulnerable, and thought provoking, and every chapter is infused with Scripture.

Most of all, DeMuth provides personal and practical evidence that there is no greater pursuit than Christ. We must surrender everything, but it does not compare to the Everything He is, the Everything He gives.

Review

I received an advanced copy of Everything to review. I also had the privilege of endorsing this beautiful book.

I read this book on my week off from vacation back in July. God spoke to me that week through Everything. I was beyond blessed.

While I was reading about Mary DeMuth’s life and experiences. I was able to put myself in her shoes. At times, I even felt we lived parallel lives.

I laughed and cried throughout this book. Everything made me think; it convicted me as well as challenged my walk with Jesus.

I had to ask myself the same question many times while reading this book, is Jesus my everything? If I say He is my everything, do I live as though He is?

I loved Everything and I highly recommend it.  I believe in the message and believe every Christian should read this book.

***Special offer for a limited time only***  If you’d like to receive these sweet gifts, purchase Everything October 16-23 and send the receipt to EverythingPromo@ThomasNelson.com. Check out the details here.

Mary DeMuth is an author and speaker who loves to help people lived uncaged, freedom-infused lives. She’s the author of fourteen books, including six novels and her critically acclaimed memoir, Thin Places. After church planting in Southern France, Mary, her husband, and their three teenagers now live in a suburb of Dallas.

Website:    MaryDeMuth.com
Facebook: AuthorMaryDeMuth
Twitter:      MaryDeMuth

He said He wanted to Kill Me

October 17, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 25 Comments

Last night I decided to go to church for prayer service. Before I was married and had kids, I lived at Times Square Church. I was there every Tuesday and Friday night and all day Sunday. I even served on the choir before someone told me they wanted to kill me.

I never told a soul. I just stepped down quietly from the choir. I mean, who in their right mind was going to stay in the choir after that? Maybe I should have stayed, but deep down, I was disillusioned.

Courtesy of Creative Commons

Early one Sunday morning, I was praying alone in the choir section when I sensed a presence. I opened my eyes to find a tall male standing before me. I recognized him, he was in his choir robe like me. He said he needed to ask my forgiveness. I asked him for what (since I never had any dealings with him). He said for wanting to kill me.

I think I was traumatized at that moment because all I said was, I forgive you. I can’t believe that’s all I said.

Why couldn’t I have told him, “Hey dude, what did I ever do to you to warrant your wanting to kill me?” I mean, wouldn’t that have been more normal?

Eighteen years later, I think back and wish I would have had enough courage to ask him why.

I went through a whole gamut of emotions and questions. All I was doing was praying. Aren’t you suppose to feel safe in church? I did not feel safe at all. I actually never looked at church the same way again.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Times Square Church greatly. It is where God brought me, put me, planted me and where I grew up in the faith. It is where I first experienced the presence of God. The preaching is phenomenal and I’ve made great friends there. Many who are now leaders or serving overseas as full time missionaries.

It’s not the church’s fault, it’s not anyone’s fault. However, last night, memories began to flood my mind and emotions began to well up. Yes, I forgive this man, wherever he is. The irony of it all is that I didn’t even know his name. But his face will be forever etched in my memory.

Conceptually, I understood at twenty-seven that evil was using this man as a host. But it’s still hard to grasp something like this magnitude, especially since it happened in church by a supposed brother in Christ. I couldn’t understand it, still don’t and perhaps I never will.

However, since then, I no longer close my eyes when I pray in church. I do for second or two, but then I open them again. I only pray with abandon when I’m alone and in the confines of my home.

I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience in church?  If so, please share. I would love to know I’m not alone.

Tolstoy and the Purple Chair by Nina Sankovitch

October 16, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 2 Comments

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (June 19, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061999857
ISBN-13: 978-0061999857
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | BN

 

 

 

 

 


Description

Caught up in grief after the death of her sister, Nina Sankovitch decided to stop running and start reading. For once in her life she would put all other obligations on hold and devote herself to reading a book a day: one year of magical reading in which she found joy, healing, and wisdom.

With grace and deep insight, Sankovitch weaves together poignant family memories with the unforgettable lives of the characters she reads about. She finds a lesson in each book, ultimately realizing the ability of a good story to console, inspire, and open our lives to new places and experiences. A moving story of recovery, Tolstoy and the Purple Chair is also a resonant reminder of the all-encompassing power and delight of reading.

Review

Have you ever fell in love with a book? Well, I fell in love with Tolstoy and the Purple Chair. I did not want this book to end. As a matter of fact, I even stalled to finish it.

Nina Sankovitch is a beautiful writer. Every page of this book spoke to my heart. I will forever remember this exquisite and graceful memoir.

This memoir is about how Nina Sankovitch dealt with the untimely death of her sister Anne-Marie. She decided to read one book a day for an entire year. She did this as a way to grieve and heal.

Now, for a old bibliophile like me, this equates to heaven. I couldn’t help but live vicariously through this inspiring memoir.

Tolstoy and the Purple Chair begins with the stark reality of Anne-Marie’s illness and all that it encompasses. I felt as if my heart was going to burst from sorrow. I was in tears and felt everything Nina Sankovitch described. If I could have jumped into the pages to console her and her family, I would have.

I was grateful for Nina Sankovitch’s generosity in writing this poignant and transparent memoir. I felt as if I was walking alongside her on a beach and listening to the twists and turns of her life, her story. She really won my heart.

I enjoyed the progression of this memoir; the richness, nuances and color. There is beauty exuding from each page. Each chapter brought insight, wisdom and meaning.

The following quote encapsulates this memoir for me:

“I was ready–ready to sit down in my purple chair and read. For years, books had offered to me a window into how other people deal with life, its sorrows and joys and monotonies and frustrations. I would look there again for empathy, guidance, fellowship, and experience. Books would give me all that, and more.” (Page 31)

I wholeheartedly agree, books do that for me too. Nina Sankovitch and I are kindred spirits for sure.

I highly recommend Tolstoy and the Purple Chair. I do hope Nina Sankovitch writes another book because I definitely want to read it.

In conclusion, I want to thank Regina Eckes of HarperCollins who generously sent me a complimentary copy of this book to review.

Nina Sankovitch launched ReadAllDay.org in 2008, and at the end of her reading, she was profiled in the New York Times. She continues to review books on ReadAllDay.org and for the Huffington Post. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and four sons.

Where Faith Grows by Joseph Iregbu

October 12, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 25 Comments

Today’s guest post is by Joseph Iregbu. Joseph leads on purpose and is passionate about raising the next generation of leaders. He is the author of Even in the Well and a free eBook Lines of Impact. He lives in Germany with his wife and daughter, and is a coach and mentor to young leaders across Europe and Africa. You can connect with him on Twitter @J_Iregbu, and his blog, where you can read about his Story of Hope.

 

Have you ever heard the phrase: “Just take a step of faith?”

I have, almost every week. It’s a good phrase. It’s powerful too, and church folks love it. But here’s the problem: we have become too familiar with Christian jargon that we no longer understand what they mean in reality.

Taking a step of faith means you have to move. Well, you cannot do that by sitting on the couch all day. You must do something. For some, it might mean to dust your résumé and apply for that job, or take on that part time work you would rather not do so you can pay the bills in the meantime, or volunteer at the charity organisation where you get to impact lives locally while waiting for your big break on national level.

Faith Grows in Unexpected Places

Next time you ‘pray’ for faith, God is saying; “Start doing”.

Faith grows in unexpected places. No one experiences transformation under a sunny beach, sipping red wine. You could try. But it probably won’t work.

True transformation is not experienced in the place of ease. We experience faith in hard places, when we make hard choices. We must be willing to step into the unknown like Abraham, not knowing where God was leading, but trusting that He was faithful to lead well.

You cannot simply ‘pray’ faith into your life. Trusting God doesn’t come by meditation but action. You have to ultimately do something to demonstrate you believe. Don’t get my wrong; praying is fundamental. You must do that. Oh how we ought to pray more! Praying is indeed a demonstration of faith to some extent.

My point is that there are times we become so spiritual about issues that God has given us the platform to deal with. We become overly holy; we convince ourselves “I am seeking the face of the Lord” when God has clearly given us His leading on the matter. In doing this, we often fail to maximize His known purpose and will for our lives.

Faith Embraces Pain

We grow faith when we act. We grow faith when we step into the messiness of life and get our hands dirty, doing the work we may not naturally desire while we trust and wait for God’s leading on the next move. That certainly contrasts with a life of ease. Why? Because faith embraces pain.

Faith is not theoretical but practical. Faith is life. And life comes with making hard choices at times.

What practical and hard step will you commit to take this week to grow your faith?


My Birthday Prayer

October 9, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 27 Comments

Courtesy of Creative Commons

You are probably wondering why I’m posting this photo on my birthday?  Well, that’s a very good question…

In 1995, I had the pleasure of hearing Heidi Baker speak at my church, Times Square Church. She was a visiting missionary and spoke about her experiences on the mission field in Mozambique.

I was a baby Christian at the time. I remember my heart swelling with longing and tears streaming down my face. I also remember falling on my knees at the altar and telling God I would go.

Umm, it’s now seventeen years later and I haven’t gone. I mean, I’ve gone on a short term mission trip to Guatemala and other adventures, but I didn’t give it all up for God like I prayed that day at the altar.

Lately, I have been bombarded by the same theme.

It started out while reading Mary DeMuth’s book, Everything. Then Jeff Goins’ book, Wrecked to Kingdom Journeys by Seth Barnes.

It doesn’t stop there.

Last week, I watched Half the Sky and thought my heart would explode.

Last, but not least, I began reading a book last night for a blog tour on October 22nd called Tears Water The Seeds of Hope by Kim Lews. Yet again, the same theme.

This coming Friday starts the 25th Anniversary and Missions Conference at Times Square Church. I am looking forward to catching up with all my missionary friends who are serving overseas. I was suppose to be one of them. But chose a different course.

God isn’t over with me yet. I believe He is directing me somewhere. I’m not a hundred percent clear on what it is yet. But, I have been so convicted and burdened lately. The more I read, the more I see, the more I want to help.

Today is my birthday. I am grateful to God for another birthday. He has been amazing and wonderful to me. He has blessed me and my family in tremendous ways. I am truly thankful.

But, somehow the words of Nicholas Kristof echos in my mind and heart…

“Talent is universal, opportunity is not.”

This statement haunts me because it is true.

Again, this same theme/concept jumps off the pages of Tears Water The Seeds of Hope, which is… What are we going to do with what God has given and blessed us with? Are we going to just sit on it, use it for ourselves or give back and help?

I yearn to make a difference in this world. I don’t enjoy seeing starving children, nor girls stuck selling themselves in the Red Light District.

It hurts that poverty is rampant and children are dying from starvation or from diarrhea because parents are so poor to afford antibiotics.

It is despairing that here are multitudes of people around the world who don’t have access to clean water.

I repent of ever complaining, especially when there are so many living in sordid conditions around the world.

So the question remains, what am I going to do about it? I can’t simply talk about it, but I must DO something about it.

I’m realizing if the Christian community chips in, we can make an enormous impact and difference in this world. Yes, the need is great, but if we each did our part, imagine the ripple effect it can have?

In my humble opinion, Christianity is more than going to church on Sunday, reading your bible and paying your tithes.

Christianity is this, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27

The verse the Lord keeps reminding me of again and again.

Today, my birthday prayer is to give and make a difference to those less fortunate than myself. I want to help the poor, needy and hungry. Those who have nothing, who need food, medicine and clean water.

I am not sure what this is going to look like, but this is my real ‘dream’. Yes, I want to write and use my gifts to the glory of God and bless others.  However, my biggest desire is to make a difference, not for myself, but for the children around the world.

Does this resonate with you? Do you have a burden for the poor? Do you want to use your gifts to make a difference in other people’s lives? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Guest Post: Did You Miss The Boat?

October 8, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | Leave a comment

I wrote a guest post today for my friend Tammy Helfrich, who is enjoying a much deserved vacation right now. I met Tammy on line and then in person at the Quitter Conference a couple of weeks ago. We developed a quick friendship, she is one of the nicest people I know. I’m so blessed to have connected with her and become her friend.

I had the pleasure of attending my first Quitter Conference last week. I admit, I didn’t have high expectations. I actually went to meet all of my new Quitter friends.

I had become a cynic with regards to dreams.

I remember years ago when I first met my husband, he started telling me about his dreams. I would scoff at him. I would tell him things like, “Oh come on, give me a break, dreams are for kids,” or “Dreams are not for grown ups.”

Through the years, as I “matured”, my dreams began taking the back seat. I would hear someone talking about their dreams and I would think to myself, “Oh boy, here’s another ‘rainbow in the sky’ person.” I would politely smile as I listened to their banter on ‘dreams’.

Then I met these Quitter dreamers on line.  I started to watch and observe them interact with each other. I loved how they were supportive of each other’s dreams. I liked them because they were all positive and encouraging people.

To read the rest, please click here.

Holy Surrender

October 5, 2012 by Ordinary Servant | 7 Comments

Courtesy of Creative Commons
Daniel Smith Photography

God woke me up at 6:00am this morning. I don’t know what is happening lately, but I feel as if my heart is about to explode. Since reading books like Mary DeMuth’s Everything and Seth Barnes Kingdom Journeys, something is changing in me. I can’t quite put my finger on it or explain it, but it’s all good.

I woke up to this song on my mind, “A Broken Spirit and a Contrite Heart”. Interesting that I would wake up to this song in my head. It’s not like I’ve been thinking about Psalm 51 which is David’s prayer of repentance to God after committing adultery.

For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it;
You do not delight in burnt offering.
 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit,
A broken and a contrite heart—
These, O God, You will not despise. ~ Psalm 51:16-17

I meditated on the above verses this morning and just wept. I have no idea why I was weeping or why my heart felt like it was going to come out of my chest. But I didn’t move, I just stayed with it and worshiped God.

I have this great love for God, but if I try to explain how or why, I am at a loss for words. How does one explain the enormity of God’s love? Words get in the way or become small and limiting. He is so big and vast. He is beyond beauty and grace. He’s perfect and wonderful.

My logical mind wants to confine or define Him. But you can’t put God in a box or explain Him. He says, I am that I Am. Simple as that. But we seem to want to complicate Him.

There are times I want to convey Him to others. I want them to see the enormity of His love. But again, I am limited. Limited by my flaws and failures.

My words don’t do Him justice. I can’t really translate what it is I feel for Him. My love for Him goes beyond feeling and emotions. I just know Him.

I hear Him, feel Him, see Him and love Him. He is the air I breathe and my beating heart. He is the light by day and a song by night. He is my inspiration. He is my all and all.

The constant wooing, yearning, craving and longing perpetually drawing me to Him. Sometimes I don’t know whether to throw myself at His feet or scream from the highest mountain. The intensity of His love is too much for my body and heart to contain.

How do you explain love? When you love someone, you know you love them. From hence does it come?

It comes from God. The creator of the universe. He composites love. He embodies love. He creates love. He is love.

By now, you are probably wondering if I’m a flake? Nope. I’m not. I’m just sharing my love affair with you.

My intimacy and relationship with God is a big part of who I am. I am who I am because of Him. He created and formed me. He gives me life, He makes me breath, He motivates and inspires me. He makes my heart sing and speaks to me in the night. He is my constant companion and my loyal friend.

Jesus is my Everything.

So no, I don’t know what exactly is happening, but I want more. I want to experience the fullness of God. The depths and heights of His love, I want to experience it all.  I don’t want the rules and regulations. I don’t want the stale bread of religion. I don’t want to live a hum drum existence. I want to live a life of bountiful faith. I want to live fully alive.

I want to live holy surrendered in Him.

In conclusion, I want to share an awesome worship song I listened to this morning. It’s called “Sweetly Broken” by Jeremy Riddle. I love the lyrics.