Why is it not an emergency?

Today's blog will be long, intense, informative, and challenging. I am writing specifically about human trafficking, child sex trafficking, and everything in between. I hope to share with you the truth and horror of this issue, as well as give you resources to get involved and the hope that you can make a difference. Here we go...

I want to begin by quoting from Francis Chan's book, Forgotten God:

"Two years ago at a dinner I sat next to a man who runs a human trafficking awareness organization. He described how these children, most of whom were sold or abducted into the sex trade, are raped and abused every single night, again and again, how they have no one to advocate for them, and how there is no way out.

That night I literally lay awake in my bed for hours and imagined my own children in this situation. Maybe that was a stupid thing to do, but suddenly, vividly, I was sobbing and I couldn't get the images out of my mind. I started thinking about what I would do if this really happened to my little girl. I know that I wouldn't stop until I had saved her. I would mobilize everyone I know through whatever means possible to get them to help... then something happened. I'm not one to often hears God's voice distinctly, but on this night the Spirit of God said to me, 'I want you to love them as your own children.' This was overwhelming to me. After all, if I treated them as my own kids, I would never stop praying for them. I also wouldn't stop passionately begging people to figure out ways to seek them out and rescue them. I literally wept for hours. I was now on a mission. A mission from God.

... But over the course of several months, I got distracted. People around me started calming me down about sex trafficking. They said, 'Francis, you can't save the world,' and 'You're already doing so much, don't be so hard on yourself.' ... My wife and I recently decided to give all of the profit from my previous book, Crazy Love, to the Isaiah 58 Fund. All of the money goes to the needy of the world.We reasoned that if we kept this money, we would spend it on things we didn't need. I was a bit shocked and discouraged by some of the response we received.

People told us we were being foolish and irresponsible with the gifts God gave us. They said we should have at least put some away in case of emergency. My response back was, 'Is it not an emergency that children in Cambodia and Thailand and even in the US are being raped every single day of their lives? Why is that not an emergency??' I think the church often inadvertently teaches that the sex-slave trade is not an emergency. And this, I believe, is sin. Is an emergency only an emergency is it affects me and my immediate family?"

What comes to your mind when you hear the word "prostitute"? Maybe a person who is addicted to drugs and has no other way to support their habit. Or a promiscuous girl who was looking for a good time and decided to make a living that way. Well, what comes to mind when you hear "sexually exploited child"? It's not the same reaction, is it? This is where we start. We have to change the way we see this issue. It's not just prostitution, it's exploitation, slavery, abuse.

I'm not sure how to go about this. I have learned SO much over the last couple months about this injustice, and it's hard (and exhausting) to put the information into my own words whereas to convey to you the enormity of this darkness. I probably won't include everything in here, but it is a lot. And it will make you sick.

A definition: Human trafficking is the practice of humans being tricked, lured, coerced or otherwise removed from their home or country, and then forced to work with no or low payment or on terms which are highly exploitative.

This includes sex trafficking and labor trafficking.

Labor trafficking is widespread in a variety of situations that encompass domestic servitude and small-scale labor operations, to large-scale operations such as farms, sweatshops, and major multinational corporations. Sex trafficking is one of the most lucrative sectors regarding the illegal trade in people, and involves any form of sexual exploitation in prostitution, pornography, bride trafficking, and the commercial sexual abuse of children. Under international law, any sexually exploited child is considered a trafficking victim, even if no force or coercion is present.

• Approximately 30 million children have lost their childhood because of human trafficking in the last 30 years.
• Every 2 minutes a child is being prepared for sexual exploitation.
• The average age worldwide that a child is trafficked is 12 to 14 years old.
• 1.3 to 2.6 million children runaway from home every year. Within 48 hours, two-thirds of them are abducted and recruited into the sex trade.
• In the US alone, 300,000 children are trafficked every year.
• Approximately 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year.
• The main consumers of pornography are 12 to 15-year-old boys.
• This is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Currently, it generates $32 billion a year.
• A typical night for a victim of sex trafficking is 10 to 15 buyers. If you take the conservative approach, which is 5 buyers a night, for 5 days a week, and she is in captivity for 5 years, that means she has been raped 6,500 times.

Many people do not realize that it includes more than street prostitution. There are different "games" and places that buyers can choose from to find their victims-- street prostitution, gang originated prostitution, family based prostitution (a parent or family member sells the child), brothels/ pimp houses, strip clubs, adult bookstores, or online ads.

What most frustrates me about this crime is its secrecy and organization. If, for example, a girl is forced into trafficking in California, she is quickly and constantly moved around the US, and possibly out of the country. This is why it is essential for everyone to educate themselves about the signs of trafficking.

Here are a few I have learned: (for more tips, visit the Polaris Project link at the bottom of the page)

• The girls must refer to their trafficker, or pimp, as "Daddy." There is a family-oriented relationship that is formed. The other girls who "belong" to him are often referred to as the stable, or wife-in-laws.
• A girl must not, at any time, make eye contact with another pimp. If she does, she is brutally punished.
• The phrase, "Pimps up, hoes down" means that the girls must walk on the street while the pimps are walking down the sidewalk. It enforces the idea that the girls are simply property, something to be sold and used as her trafficker wishes.
• If you want to approach a girl you assume is being held against her will, your contact with her must be very fast. The pimps are always watching their girls and know when a person is intervening and trying to mess with their business.
• The pimps will often brand the girls that they own. Usually, they will tattoo their names on a girl's arm, neck, or breast.
• Dates, johns, or tricks are some commercial names for the buyers.

Now to something that REALLY angers me-- how these young girls are coerced and manipulated into slavery. There are many different ways of going about it, but mainly the recruiter, or trafficker, will observe in neighborhoods, schools, malls, and other public places. He will look for the girls who are obviously insecure, and will prey on that insecurity. If there is an apparent void in her life, like a missing father figure, he will use that to build a bond with her. It's often called "love bombing" when he makes his move & showers her with affection and gifts to make her feel like she is special to him. He sleeps with her for a while to build a physical bond. After this, she is hooked, and so begins the rape and abuse from not only him, but other men as well.

Children (anyone under the age of 18) who are trafficked do not receive any payment for their "work." Sometimes, if a girl has been with her trafficker for several years, he will allow her to keep some of her money. But to my knowledge, this is rare. Every part of the victims' lives are controlled. Everything about this life is a mind-game. The victim does nothing without their permission. This is why when someone is rescued from this industry, it is so easy for them to return to that lifestyle. It is what they know, and they have formed what is called a "trauma bond" with their captors. You may know this as Stockholm Syndrome. Even if a girl really wants out of the life, their fear and dependency on their captor usually keeps them from escaping.

There are 4 major relationships that a trafficker represents to these girls: father figure, landlord, boss, and boyfriend. The trafficker finds a need in their victim's life, and in some way, fills that need. He provides a form of "love" for her, creates a false sense of hope for her future, provides instability that causes intimacy, and even though he severely abuses her, at least he is always there.

Can you see how this is the church's responsibility? We are the one who carry the very Spirit of God inside of us, who have the ability through His power to love our neighbor, and yet this is happening still. We aren't loving. We aren't paying attention. We must change this!

I praise God for a hope that never fails, and a love that conquers sin! Confronted with all the realities of this injustice, I am still full of passion to make a difference, and I hope you are too. Not everyone is called to this specific issue, but we are called to pray without ceasing, to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and to loose the chains of injustice that are binding this world and preventing the positive work that people are trying to accomplish. Just by informing communities that this CAN happen and DOES happen in their own backyard, we will be able to find more missing children who have been brought into this terrible crime, and we will restore countless lives around the world.

There are SO many organizations, churches, and individuals who are bringing this darkness to light worldwide. This is just a small list of some that I am working with, praying for, and contributing to. Most of these sites have videos and other resources available to help spread awareness about human trafficking.

"He who knows what he should do, yet does not do it, to him it is sin." Do what you can; what you feel God leading you to do. We know about this now, and we are held responsible for our action or inaction. I pray that this has opened your eyes, like it has opened mine. And I pray that we would not be so distracted by our comfortable, safe lives that we ignore the lives all around us that are being ended. We can make a difference. We can help save them.

• Global Child Rescue
• KLAAS Kids
• Love 146
• Not for Sale
• Polaris Project
• GEMS Girls
• Jenny Williamson, Courage to be You
• The A21 Campaign
• SHE Rescue Homes

"Welcome to the movement."

"Ahem."

Basically, I couldn't think of a smart title, if you are wondering what that means! And my throat is hurting. I guess that's why I'm here tonight. I just made a nice cup of tea, and the thoughts are swirling.

I'm not sure if I want to blog about Forgotten God yet. There is a whole lot I want to share with you about that book. I think I need to save that for another night when I'm a bit more competent.

I'll start by sharing something I have yet to tell you about this season of my life. When I spoke with my dear friend Tasha, I was shocked to hear that even she hadn't heard about this new thing. What I terrible updater I am. A counselor once told me that I was too deep to be practical. That really shows itself to be true when it comes to this blog! So forgive me, and let me attempt to "practically" fill you in on my life:

I am a maid. Mostly for the elderly. After taking an online Spiritual Gifts test (not sure how accurate it is?) I discovered that my highest scoring gift is Mercy. Working with the elderly was an option they listed. So lookie there! I'm in my niche, and trusting that this is how my Lord is providing for my needs for now.

My friend Jenna & I are hoping to have enough free time to enjoy a few games of Bingo with the lovely residents of a local Assisted Living home. They performed an amazing play the other night! I am very excited to hear their stories and share mine with them as well.

Also, I am privileged to be serving with a group called Global Child Rescue. I still have much to learn about the organization specifically, but I do know that these wonderful people God has brought into my life have such a passion to stand together and fight the injustice of human trafficking, especially in our community. We are currently preparing to present a drama for a seminar at a local church where this issue will be addressed & awareness will be spread. Praise God! The more we inform each other, the more effort we can put forth to see this horrible crime lessened. I wish that I could confidently say that we can stop it, but the truth is that our world is steadily getting more and more evil. But that fact, by no means, is an excuse for us to watch it go up in flames around us while we hide in our church services & simply pray that it be stopped. In case you have forgotten... YOU are the church! The living, breathing, active Body of Christ! We CAN make a difference. Let's do it together.

I think that covers my life for the most part. Ha! It's so funny to me because this is not where I expected to be at all. But the neat (and comforting) thing about it is that I am not in control! WOO! It's not up to me. Hallelujah. I don't have to waste money on college classes because I'm not following society's life plan of getting a degree and making a hefty salary. Sorry, world, and all you people who assume to know better than me. I am following the Way of Christ, which is a much better Way than every other way there is. It's narrow, but so fulfilling. It hurts at times, but I am honored to suffer in some way so that I may become more like Jesus. Each day I am blessed with, I get to wake up and say, "What is there for me today, Lord? Who can I meet? Who can I love? Show me Your path!" How spontaneous and fun and challenging and humbling. I'm so grateful.

I admire these quotes & the lives behind them-- that they were people just like me, they heard the call, and they lived lives worthy of that calling:

“And people who do not know the Lord ask why we waste our lives as missionaries. They forget that they too are expending their lives…and when the bubble has burst, they will have nothing of eternal significance to show for the years they have wasted.” -Nate Saint

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliot

“I have but one passion-- it is He, it is He alone…” Count Zinzindorf

When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.”

Oh man, that last one gives me chills. May I die each and every day so that He may have His way in me. As Oswald said so well, "Is He going to help Himself to us, or are we taken up with our conception of what we are going to be?" I know that though my life looks foolish to many, God uses the foolishness of this world to bring glory to Himself and to shame those who think themselves wise. I do not know what He will do with me, and I don't want to ever profess that I do. I've learned quite a few lessons from being so bold as to claim I know God's plans for me. And I am so thankful for His disciplining grace!

More to come on the subject of His will from Francis Chan. Until next time...

My Monologue.

I surrender all to you my God. I will give You all I have, for You took my filthiness and made me clean.

I lay down my life, my plans, my rights, for I’m captured by Your love.

And though I lose this world, I will know You.

This is my monologue.

The theme of my life, and the theme of the stories I’ve heard for so long. That God is faithful. God is love. He does not push, He does not shove. He waits for me patiently, but wills that I come. Not to be busied, but to be overcome, with the wonder of Him. To lay it all down, all the attention, all the crowns. I pick up my cross and follow His way. Not my way, but His. Come what may, I choose to obey. For He is my pearl of greatest price. What else in this world could suffice? There is no such thing!

I am a seed in His wind, a sparkle in His eye, a tool in His hand. I cling to Him-- my Daddy, my Friend. It is for Him that I sing, I dance, I write. All day and all night will I worship and praise. Though my life often feels like a maze, I will trust Him at all times.

No words can fully describe this amazing King of mine. What valor, what strength! He has gone to the greatest length, to win back my love. Oh Jesus, my sweet Redeemer, the One who paid my ransom. I must say, I consider You quite handsome. You’ve turned my ashes to beauty, and anointed me with joy. My cup is overflowing, and my desire for You is growing. Ask of me what you will. Do not give me blessings, give me You. I want the faith that is tried and true. A faith refined by fire. A faith that lifts You higher.

Less of me, Lord, less of me. This has become my humble plea.

I need You more. I need You more! You are all that I adore.

Even if words lose their meaning, I know You see my heart beaming. For I was once lost, but now I’m alive in You. And I cry, Thank you Jesus!

Take my life and let it be fully pleasing unto Thee.

Blessed are the... huh?

I have had an ideal day. Thank you, Good Lord! I worked, spent time with two fabulous women of God (and one precious boy), then spent time with two of my other favorite people (and one sweet puppy dog). It's been a long, filling day!

Oh dear, this might be one of those entries that is just all over the place. I'm so tired, but when I have this much on my mind & heart, AND drank coffee after 6, you'll have to bear with me!

I re-read the book Passion and Purity the other day and was so challenged. And feel spurred on to greatness! (I'd give you quotes, but I've already given my book away!)

I've almost always been very guarded about my heart, but Jim and Elisabeth Elliot take it to another level. A level that is not only uncommon in this culture, but is practically gone in our generation and lacked in the generation before us. This whole, "Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of your faith," or, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." How are those verses being lived out today? Are they being lived at all?

I guess we have to first think about what we name pure and impure. I had this discussion tonight with some friends. Where's the balance between someone "not having that conviction," and someone who doesn't agree with anything that seems "too worldly," including watching t.v. and listening to secular music? I know there must be a balance, but in my opinion, the church has used that as an excuse to invite a load of sin into their lives. If we're going to be the pure of heart, there's a cost. But there is also a great reward: we enjoy the beauty and presence and anointing and freedom of God's Spirit.

For far too long has the devil influenced God's people, using complacency and distractions and divisiveness to tear us apart and keep us from pursuing the purity and holiness that God doesn't just want us to have, but requires us to have. The Bible does NOT say, "You can be holy if you want to. You know, whenever you feel like it." Nor does it say, "You are made holy by attending church and not breaking the rules." It says, "Be holy, for I AM holy."

But how do we do that? How are we supposed to be in this world, but never take part in its sin and shenanigans? It's a simple answer, but not an easy one. None of us are pure in any sense of the word apart from the blood of Christ. Once your heart has been drawn to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will keep drawing you closer to Him for the rest of your life. But that doesn't leave you and me out of the equation. We must choose to listen, to act & obey, and to seek. I honestly believe that if you are in a daily, moment by moment, passionate pursuit of God, you will become the pure of heart. How? You will be so consumed with Him that nothing else in this world will appeal to you anymore. You'll realize the wasted time in front of the t.v. or on the computer. You'll have these heart-wrenching, breath-taking, world-changing experiences with the Lord that will move you so deeply that even thinking of breaking God's heart in any way will turn your eyes from the things of this world to the things of heaven. You'll start thinking about how to help others more than thinking about what you want.

Eventually, we will lose our sense of self. Not in the way that makes you a robot or unable to still be unique. That's the wonder of the Church as we were meant to be-- everyone's differences and gifts, coming together in love and unity, all portraying a piece of God's heart, His creativity. Jesus himself said that there is no greater love than laying your life down for your friends. He also said to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. Where are we going? To our own deaths. And thankfully, to our resurrections! The new you has something special to give to the world; something that another person will not be able to give. There are people around you who will be more affected by your life than by any sermon, song, or bible verse they hear.

A neat thing I've thought before, and just heard again on Sunday, is that when we're following Jesus, pursuing purity and consumed with His passion, nothing is a sacrifice. Some things might be hard to give up, but think of what He gave for you. When your will is killed, and you bring it to His feet, something magnificent happens.

"All of the sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions, eclipsed by glory. And I realize just how beautiful You are and how great Your affections are for me..."

You come to the knowledge of all that He is and all that He has done, and you wish you had more than just your life to offer Him. It seems like such a small thing in comparison to the events He has sovereignly maneuvered to meet you where you are, right here right now. And compared to the plans that He has been planning since before He breathed the earth into it's existence. He has it all figured out, and He chose you to play a specific role in His-story.

So I exhort you, lovers of this amazing God, in view of His mercy, give. Give yourself. All of you. Give your time; it's not in vain. Give your money; it's just a tool. Give your desires; you'll be given better ones. Give your relationships; you'll also be given better ones. Give your needs; they will be fulfilled. Give your heart & all that's inside of it. When I came to His feet, mine was pretty empty anyway. But I have no words to describe what I've received by grace. I grieve at the thought of wasting my life in any other way besides for His glory and honor. To be thought worthy by the Creator of the world to be used for His work in this world, to be His ambassador, His servant, His friend. He even calls us His bride! C'mon!! What greater thing is there? I dare you to tell me. And that's a double-dog dare.

Words could never say

the way He says my name

He calls me lovely.

No one ever sees

the way He looks at me

He sees me holy.

It ends & so it begins...

Wow, I very much enjoyed reading the New Testament! I encourage you to do it! (I can send you the plan). I never felt like I "had to" read it-- it was really a joy. And I feel so refreshed and quite more knowledgeable about where to find what I need, if you know what I mean.

I was just thinking about the last few sermons I've heard from Pastor Brian Houston, at Hillsong. He's been preaching about the end of a season or time in your life & how the end is not really the end, but a beginning of something new. He told this hilarious story about a woman at the airport who seemed to have never seen one of those moving sidewalks. He said she very cautiously stepped onto it, and was doing really well, until she saw the end of it. She wasn't sure how to get off of it (and there were a lot of people behind her). She took one little step and just stopped completely. He said the place was a mess! Luggage was flying everywhere, people were trying to run backwards to avoid the wreck. I thought it was a perfect example of his point-- just because you come to an end of something, doesn't mean you need to stop your life altogether. "There's a major difference between the ending of an era or season and the completion of your destiny."

When Jesus breathed His last and said, "It is finished," His job was finished, but HE was not finished! The Word says that He is the Beginning AND the End. Your ending could be a beautiful beginning that God has been planning for you. Keep going!

I've had to deal with a lot of emotions about that very subject. Feeling that age-old lie of "God doesn't really want me to be happy," or "God is holding out on me." Those sound pretty lame, but when you find yourself in a time of not having any direction whatsoever, they come up pretty fast. Now I feel like a dunce for even thinking that! God has given me so many opportunities for here and now, which is what I should be focused on anyway. Lesson learned. I'm reminded of the verse that says, "Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the One who shapes it, saying, 'Stop, you're doing it wrong!'" Needless to say, I have been that silly clay. When I should be asking, "Who am I that You are mindful of me, Lord?!" He really is too great to us. And yet we still find the time and attitude to bombard Him with our ridiculous rants, raves, and questions. I guess He's used to it by now :)

One of the "new" things I've started is a Bible Study called Lies Young Women Believe. I'm so ready to take that plunge into my own heart (and the hearts of the beautiful ladies I'm studying with!) and let God continue to heal & free me. I've been down this road before, and He did such a work in me. I can't wait to see the new things He shows us and to experience even more freedom. Please, please, please don't ever think that He is done with you! Not only is that pride, but you are missing out on so much. He will never be finished with us while we're here on earth.

(I am found, again, so intrigued by His plans for us, the Church. I've learned much about this subject, so He is allowing me to help others in their journey. At the same time, He is positioning friends, leaders, pastors, teachers, all around me to challenge me and speak to me. Ephesians 4:16 says, "He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love." Ah-mazing!)

Man, what would the Church look like if we all took the time to understand what gifts we have been given and how we can use those gifts to strengthen and bless others? And if we could see that the way we manage our own households & lives truly does affect the entire body, not just ourselves? What if we took our eyes off our own faces and turned them to God who has promised not to just get us to heaven, but make our faith perfect, lacking in nothing? How could that change us and the world around us? I know that some believers are living that, and I pray that He would take me there, too. Did you know that change is your choice? I want to keep reading and praying and studying, not because those things are "right" or "helpful," but because I do not want to get to the place where I think everything is ok in me or around me. There's major work to be done here! Jesus said that it starts IN the church. Let's take a good look at ourselves today and choose to welcome His Spirit. My prayer lately has been, "Jesus make Yourself at home in me!" I don't want to just be a good person, I want to be holy just as He is holy (1 Peter 1:15-16)

At the close of the Bible lies one of my favorite passages. When faced with the wonder of God's judgement & the completion of His plan, John writes this:

"The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' Let anyone who hears this say, 'Come.' Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of Life... He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon!' Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!"

I hope I will forever say yes to Him. To wherever, or come whatever, Yes! Come Lord Jesus. Have Your way in me. Let me be a vessel from which Your gifts & Spirit flow. And let my heart be a comfy place for You, in all of Your holiness, to live.

write upon my heart.

Revelation time!

Don't you love those moments? I must say that there are few feelings more exciting to me than that tingle in my brain, flutter in my stomach, and joy in my spirit when I understand a new thing about God! Ok, maybe "understand" is not the right word... more like, an opening of the eyes. Seeing something completely new out of something I've always heard.

So today I was finishing up Luke, following the Newthru30 plan, and I can't remember what started stirring a thought in me. It was something about Abraham, I think. Anyway, I know that feeling well by now! I grabbed a pen and wrote whatever was coming to me, trying to figure out exactly what I was starting to see more clearly. It was about God's Redemption Plan. Possibly for the first time in my life, I realized the magnitude and sovereignty and perfection in God's plan. Or was at least taken a step further into it- I'm sure there is so much more! This is what came to me...

God's purpose in creating man was for Himself-- His pleasure and His fellowship. (I have read that there is nothing more selfless that a perfect Being can do than share Himself with imperfect ones). ALL people were chosen for this fellowship-- the Lord did not pick and choose from the nations, for there were no nations. Just man. Just God. Once sin entered into this world, we were broken apart, no longer to be in beautiful harmony with our Maker. Because of this, the glory of the Lord no longer rested upon man. But our God was not finished. From the faith of one man, Abraham, He made a nation set apart for Himself. They would be His people and He was their God, proclaiming His greatness to all. To make this fellowship possible, the people had to wash, cleanse, sacrifice, and obey laws to allow the presence of God to be among them. Note: His Spirit would come upon people, but it did not yet indwell them. These things were but preparation for the coming Messiah, the Savior of creation. The Redeemer of man. The Bible says that just as sin entered the world through one man, salvation would also come by one man. Jesus' blood, the final sacrifice, has finally made it possible for all men, once again, to be joined together with their Father! We have been recreated, redeemed, returned, if you will, to a picture of our original design: to be in fellowship with, and to reflect the holiness of God. Only because of Jesus and by the power of His Spirit can we experience this reconciliation. We are all His people, neither man nor woman, slave nor free, Jew nor Gentile. We are His & He, again, is ours!

Does that just blow you away or what?!? He has bought us back, and will bring our faith and our fellowship to completion when we leave this world and are "swallowed up by Life." (2 Cor. 5)

Newthru30 also brought me to Ephesians, one of my favorites, & all of this is explained in the first couple chapters. Oh, it's too wonderful for words. Poor me! I strive to express these things that really are too wonderful for me. I know King David felt my pain-- I think he said exactly that in one of the Psalms.

It breaks my heart when baby Christians get so frustrated in their growth process. If I could preach only one message with my life, only testify to one Truth of God, it would be that there is SO MUCH MORE. He blesses those who hunger and thirst for Him, never giving up because nothing else in this world will satisfy. If only humanity would be awakened to that one thing... this isn't it. This stuff... it's not as great as we think. It's definitely not worth us wasting our days trying to accumulate while this world and its beautiful, lost, starving people fade away.

To contradict MJ's tour title. THIS ISN'T IT! Please remember that, and live your life in that conviction. God is everything. And if you knock, He'll open to you.

Sheesh, I get carried away! I wanted to tell you about one more thing: this great new book, found by me at the $5 Christian Bookstore! Hoo ha. It's callled, "New Monasticism," by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove. I'm not finished yet, but soon to be. This guy is a friend of Shane Claiborne's, author of the Irresistible Revolution, a book that I have quoted on here many times.

So this book is about monasticism, obviously, which should take your thoughts to a picture of a monk. A monastic life is like a counter-culture. It's all about community and returning to the raw values and principles of the Gospels. More specifically, the Sermon on the Mount. Now hear me out-- this may sound like a freak show to you, but it's not. It is, however, getting back to the basics, as I would like to say. All through history God has called people out of the "normal life" to challenge a straying Church and guiding it back to its true purpose and identity. Jonathan agrees that no, we are not ALL supposed to live together. That would be insane. But we are meant to love each other, grow together, help those in need, share so that everyone will be lacking in nothing. It's safe to say that the American church has mostly become a building where we gather for once, maybe twice a week services. Nearly everyone in the room has more than they need, yet the community around them is desperate. Call me crazy, but I think we should take Jesus seriously when He said it's difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God. And it's time for us to do something about it. I know it's not easy, but with God, anything is possible. I believe that one of the greatest demonstrations of God's heart is generosity. To those whom much is given, much is required. Think about that one... I definitely am. And seeking how I can best bless this place.

Let us see, Lord. Let us see what really matters & how much our lives lived in surrender and pursuit of You can change our world. Decrease us until there's only You. Help us to learn to live from Your plenty, and not our own pleasures. I want to send a message that contradicts the heartbeat of this world. Oh Lord, give me grace.

"Now, all the glory to God, who is able through His mighty power at work within us to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think." Ephesians 3:20

Reformers:

The Ramp. If you've never heard of it, look it up! It's right here in Sweet Home Alabama. It really is an amazing ministry. I took notes on a couple videos from their website. One sermon was about a Reformed Life, with the scriptural example of Josiah who was crowned King of Israel at the age of 8. (2 Chronicles 34)

So this speaker, I don't remember his name, began by sharing a few things that he felt this generation was all about. The main thing being reformation, like King Josiah. Here's most of it:

"God has marked you. You will never fit in the box labeled normal. You are meant for change. You love God, but you hate religion. When you taste Him it only makes you hungry for more. You crave His presence but loathe the average church service. You refuse to let the world around you shape you or define you. When you dream, it is about the impossible. When you see pain, you know you are called to heal it. When you face adversity, you don't fear because you measure it against your God. You are dangerous to Satan because your life is not your own. You will never fit into the typical societal nitch because you are a reformer. Bullets don't scare you-- mediocrity scares you, indifference scares you. Losing your life doesn't scare you-- wasting it does. You've already died, so you are free.

*CHOOSE hunger, passion, fire. Don't wait for some impartation, you must choose it!

*It's time to cross the line. You can't make a difference if you aren't willing to BE different."

And this next part is from the video called The Seeker's Journey. Awesome stuff-- really encourage you to watch that one!

"If you never stop seeking, you will never stop finding. Have you ever thought about WHY we have to seek God? He isn't lost. Is He hiding? Or is He trying to show us that the glory is in the pursuit? The reason why He wants us to seek Him is because He is a seeker. If you were God, what would be cool to see on earth? A mirror.

Why should we give? When we become givers we draw the favor of God because we start to align ourselves with the character of God- He is a giver! And He is a seeker.

He brings you to His face so you will know what you're supposed to reflect.

Cancer will not respond to you. But what it will respond to is an image of Someone much more powerful than you. Satan will not flee from just you-- until He sees an image of Someone He recognizes-- Someone who has already defeated him! Christ Jesus.

The sun doesn't control the tide... the moon does. It's not the source of the light that determines the depth of the water, but the reflection. The moon is significant only in the fact that it doesn't have the ability to produce the light, but to reflect light in an hour in which the light can't be seen. God needs more reflections!

People don't really want to be reflections, but representatives. A representative is someone who used to stand in someone's presence & now speaks for the person in whose presence they used to stand. But if you're not in His face NOW, you cannot maintain His reflection. It must be your ever-current state. Just be in the right position.

How could Peter's shadow heal people? It was not because he had it goin' on. A shadow is just a by-product of a reflection. He was reflecting the image of His Savior."

Dang, I love that! Like I said, go to theramp.org to watch their services. Or come visit me and we'll road trip it! :)

In my previous blog I mentioned this New Thru 30 program. Ok, I am getting so much out of it. What a great tool to teach me the daily discipline of getting into God's Word. Not just for a minute or two! But really taking the time to soak it in and pay attention to His timeless message, these beautiful stories and letters of hope, miracles, trials and victories, and Love. The real kind. The saving kind.

I'm going to end with a few of my favorite verses-- some old, some newly discovered. All encouraging!

Peace to you, wherever you are!

"But let us who live in the Light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." 1 Thess. 5:8

"He chose to give birth to us by giving us His true Word. And we, out of all creation, have become His prized possession." James 1:18

"Christ made us right with God; He made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin." 1 Cor. 1:30

"We now have this Light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure." 2 Coer. 4:7

"He Himself gives life and breath to everything & satisfies every need... His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him- though He is not far from any of us. For in Him we live, move, and exist." Acts 17: 25,27

" 'Now I say to you that you are Peter, which means Rock, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it...'" Matthew 16:18

"Oh Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike." Matt. 11:25

"Dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good." 2 Thess. 3:13

"So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of His call. May He give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do. Then the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with Him." 2 Thess. 1:11

It's NEW.

Disclaimer: This will be more of a "resource" blog today. Sorry for those of you who really do enjoy attempting to read about and understand my usual depth and ramblings. This one will be a bit of a bore for you ;)

I am, in just a few minutes, starting this thing called New thru 30. It originated with Elevation Church in Charlotte, and our church is joining as well. It's an outline to read through the New Testament in 30 days. Sounds fun, right?! For me, YES. I'm finding that with friends gone and holidays over, I really do have too much free time. This will be most delightful to journey through. I have been wanting some kind of Bible Study or something to guide me through God's Word. So here I go! If you want to join us in this you can go to newthru30.com/readingplan to get a copy of the outline.

Next: I watched another GREAT message from Pastor Steven Furtick (he's the pastor of the church who started this New Thru 30 deal). I will most likely be watching the newest sermon from yesterday later on this evening. But the one from last week, Chinese New Year, really blessed me. He spoke about crisis and how we always want to jump over any kind of danger in our lives and just arrive safely at where we want to be; but really, without a crisis or a big need, there's no need for a big, miracle-working God to show up in our lives. It's very good- watch it @ elevationchurch.org!

Next, next: I found this lovely little inspiration in book-form called Hope, Pure and Simple. It's by Max Lucado, and although I have never read one of his adult-sized books, I really love his children's books and gift books. This one would be a gift book, and it's so full of, well, HOPE! Here's some little thoughts from it:

"God can live anywhere in the universe and He chose your heart. Face it, friend-- He's crazy about you."

"God never promises to remove us from our struggles. He does promise, however, to change the way we look at them."

"God is God. He knows what He is doing. When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart."

"Of all the blessings of heaven, one of the greatest will be you! You will be God's magnum opus, his work of art. The angels will gasp. God's work will be completed. At last, you will have a heart like His."

"Someday God will wipe away your tears... the hands that stretched the heavens will touch your cheeks. The hands that curled in agony as the Roman spike cut through will someday cup your face and brush away your tears. Forever."

It's such a great little book! I'm giving it to one of my aunt's for her birthday. If you know of anyone going through some tough times, I do highly recommend it!

Ahhh, lastly, I pray all of you will be blessed this year-- not just with money, but in the deepest desires and needs of your soul; I pray that you will find immeasurable love and peace and assurance in His presence, and that you and I would continually learn to be seekers of His face, prophets to our generation, and professional lovers of ALL people. Amen!

PS: I have a friend, Julie, who I know from YWAM. She is an amazingly talented singer/songwriter and she is recording her first album! She needs some help to get into the studio, so if you would like to bless her, and also be blessed by her music, go to http://thejulieanne.wordpress.com/ to get a copy!!