3 years ago- I slept on the ground in Downtown Waco
2 years ago- I slept in a card board box out side of Austin
this weekend- I am not going to sleep
Why the random updates on odd sleeping arrangements?
I was participating with thousands of people in the US to raise awareness for the Invisible Children- child soldiers forced into slavery by the LRA in Uganda.
This weekend we are at it again.
First we commuted in solidarity with children that cannot sleep in thier own homes for fear of being abducted from their beds; then we slept in make shift refugee camps to remind the world that displacement is not a permanent solution; this weekend we will wait to be rescued. Over a 1000 of us will wait for someone of power to care that we are sleeping in a park- waiting for them to acknowledge the heart breaking war- waiting for President Obama to take a stand on the longest running war in African history.
I am hopeful- I know that people sleep in the parks of my city every night without rescue- nonetheless I will ask for rescue, and I will wait.
Check out the website to learn more: therescue.invisiblechildren.com
Join us if you can- it will change your life.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
it has been too long since I took the time to write something meaningful here- Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter all moved me beyond the words I have failed to say.
mostly I have been processing grace a lot lately- I am in am in awe of how painful it can be to be on the receiving end of such a powerful gift. a full on meditation on this will hopefully come soon. right now I am mostly just aware of how it hurts in a way that tells me I am growing and learning.
mostly I have been processing grace a lot lately- I am in am in awe of how painful it can be to be on the receiving end of such a powerful gift. a full on meditation on this will hopefully come soon. right now I am mostly just aware of how it hurts in a way that tells me I am growing and learning.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Reflecting on the $1 Challenge
This is a bit late but here it is:
As the week began I made the statement to a friend that I could never really be poor- society would not allow it. I am too involved in my privileged class. As my last post reflects I am using the term privilege loosely to include all of us that have a college education, have ever owned a car, have the freedom to choose to be poor for a week (most people that live on a $1 a day don't do it by choice). I realize these things might not sound like a lot, but when statistics say that anyone with a roof over their head, a bed to sleep in, and a refrigerator are wealthier than 75% of the world- I would have to say I am rich.
With that said here is how my eating and socializing went last week:
I might try again soon- and this time not allow others to pamper me. Who knows maybe God just wants me to experience abundance. Statements of that nature make me uneasy- I believe that God desires abundance for all people. Why am I part of the 25% that experiences it so freely?
As the week began I made the statement to a friend that I could never really be poor- society would not allow it. I am too involved in my privileged class. As my last post reflects I am using the term privilege loosely to include all of us that have a college education, have ever owned a car, have the freedom to choose to be poor for a week (most people that live on a $1 a day don't do it by choice). I realize these things might not sound like a lot, but when statistics say that anyone with a roof over their head, a bed to sleep in, and a refrigerator are wealthier than 75% of the world- I would have to say I am rich.
With that said here is how my eating and socializing went last week:
- Sunday- Amy threw a dinner party
- Monday- Leah's brother was in town, we went to a hookah bar- they knew I was trying to not spend money- they paid
- Tuesday- Jen made me a great rice and bean dinner
- Wednesday- we had dinner at staff meeting
- Thursday- I was invited for wine and tasty treats to discuss a women's conference coming up this summer (PURE- it is going to be beautiful!)
- Friday- I stayed home b/c you can't do anything social for a dollar- I chatted on the phone with a friend and watched old Grey's episodes I was behind on (it was a great night! I had the apartment to myself and probably would have stayed in even if I had money!)
- Saturday- Rachel bought me coffee and a coconut at this amazing coffee club in the Sunset (Trouble Coffee) We went to the beach. I broke my $ by getting my groceries. I had to do it Meg had a car!! Cars are so great when you need to buy groceries!! (however I waited on eating the groceries till Sunday so I could at least feel like I hadn't busted my $1) I almost broke the $ again by going dancing (I have decided recently that I should dance more! It is so fun.) Instead I went over to one of my best friend's houses to paint. We painted and had a much needed chat- another wonderful night.
I might try again soon- and this time not allow others to pamper me. Who knows maybe God just wants me to experience abundance. Statements of that nature make me uneasy- I believe that God desires abundance for all people. Why am I part of the 25% that experiences it so freely?
Sunday, March 22, 2009
$1 a Day- Day 1 of 7
Melanie has inspired me to take the $1 a day challenge. I am committing to only spend $1 a day for 7 days. I have to eat what is already in my fridge. I can only spend $1 all day- entertainment, food, whatever only $1. Today is day one, and it has me thinking about how some things that change possibly shouldn't.
The summer after my junior year in college I experienced a great loss. My Zoe, a '92 Mercury Capri, with white billows of smoke died. With $3 in the bank I traded her in for D.C., a '02 Ford Focus.
With $3 in the bank I bought a slightly used car. (We wonder why our credit system has crashed???)
Buying a car with no money and a low paying job, while also paying rent, paying for college, and all the other needs of life forced me to live as cheaply as possible during my senior year. I was the type that would skip meals and be a little on the hungry side to pay for concerts. That year was a year of creative spending.
I remember opening my fridge on many occasions, seeing basically nothing. Some cheese, an egg, some left over rice, salsa- WAIT! I can put those all together and make a meal! Yay!! The next day- there was no egg, but there is still rice and salsa- another meal!
Each creative creation made me proud.
I was 21, I was paying for my own life (mostly, thanks mom and dad for the health insurance). I worked 3 jobs, I pulled a 4.0 and I was happy. I went to the gym and payed flag football- because they were free. I studied more, therefore earning the 4.0, because studying is free. My friends and I sat on the hillside watching the sun set. We found so many ways to entertain ourselves without spending money. I cannot deny that there were many moments of freak out, because I had spent all my money on a trip down town- still every time I figured out how to stretch my resources I was excited.
What changed? I graduated. I took out more loans in grad school so that I didn't have to be that poor. I got a job that paid me well. The past few years were great years of full fridges and expensive nights out.
This past fall I experienced another great loss- my financial security was lost when I took a risk at a job that required I raise support- I left that job and as I was unable to find a job within my passions.
The car is paid off and sold. Rent, paying off my student loans, and looking for a job that fits my passion are draining my wallet, and I am relearning the sense of accomplishment when I open my fridge to see Quinoa, black bean soup, a tomato, and an half gone onion- Perfect! Throw that together and it's a fabulous meal!
Somethings should never change- the ability to be grateful in plenty and in want is one of those things. (Paul said something like that once. Phil 4:12)
The summer after my junior year in college I experienced a great loss. My Zoe, a '92 Mercury Capri, with white billows of smoke died. With $3 in the bank I traded her in for D.C., a '02 Ford Focus.
With $3 in the bank I bought a slightly used car. (We wonder why our credit system has crashed???)
Buying a car with no money and a low paying job, while also paying rent, paying for college, and all the other needs of life forced me to live as cheaply as possible during my senior year. I was the type that would skip meals and be a little on the hungry side to pay for concerts. That year was a year of creative spending.
I remember opening my fridge on many occasions, seeing basically nothing. Some cheese, an egg, some left over rice, salsa- WAIT! I can put those all together and make a meal! Yay!! The next day- there was no egg, but there is still rice and salsa- another meal!
Each creative creation made me proud.
I was 21, I was paying for my own life (mostly, thanks mom and dad for the health insurance). I worked 3 jobs, I pulled a 4.0 and I was happy. I went to the gym and payed flag football- because they were free. I studied more, therefore earning the 4.0, because studying is free. My friends and I sat on the hillside watching the sun set. We found so many ways to entertain ourselves without spending money. I cannot deny that there were many moments of freak out, because I had spent all my money on a trip down town- still every time I figured out how to stretch my resources I was excited.
What changed? I graduated. I took out more loans in grad school so that I didn't have to be that poor. I got a job that paid me well. The past few years were great years of full fridges and expensive nights out.
This past fall I experienced another great loss- my financial security was lost when I took a risk at a job that required I raise support- I left that job and as I was unable to find a job within my passions.
The car is paid off and sold. Rent, paying off my student loans, and looking for a job that fits my passion are draining my wallet, and I am relearning the sense of accomplishment when I open my fridge to see Quinoa, black bean soup, a tomato, and an half gone onion- Perfect! Throw that together and it's a fabulous meal!
Somethings should never change- the ability to be grateful in plenty and in want is one of those things. (Paul said something like that once. Phil 4:12)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
What can you do to end slavery?
Slim's hosted a smattering of people- some from ReIMAGINE, some from Crew, some friends of friends, a bunch of actual fans of the music (and the music was worthy of fans). It was a beautiful gathering of people. Joined together in response to the need to bring slavery to an end.
27 million people are in slavery.
It can end in this life time. I believe that with all my heart.
Justin Ancheta did a great job using his gifts as a musician to craft this night. He did what he knows how to do- he gathered musicians and fans. The event was able to raise some money for the organizations represented. Admittedly not all that had been hoped for- but I think it was a fabulous endevor nonetheless.
So this is my question: what are you good at? What can you do to end slavery?
All of us can do something.
27 million people are in slavery.
It can end in this life time. I believe that with all my heart.
Justin Ancheta did a great job using his gifts as a musician to craft this night. He did what he knows how to do- he gathered musicians and fans. The event was able to raise some money for the organizations represented. Admittedly not all that had been hoped for- but I think it was a fabulous endevor nonetheless.
So this is my question: what are you good at? What can you do to end slavery?
All of us can do something.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Slim's Tonight!
A group of fabulous people have done some great work to get a concert together to raise funds and awareness to aid trafficking victims and the organizations that serve them.
So head out to Slim's tonight to support them!
The show is $15.
Four local bands will be there! I love Weather Pending! and Justin has done great work to set this up. I can't wait to hear him!
Organizations that will be present include:
Not For Sale
S.A.G.E
and
The S.O.L.D. Project
Hope to see you there!
So head out to Slim's tonight to support them!
The show is $15.
Four local bands will be there! I love Weather Pending! and Justin has done great work to set this up. I can't wait to hear him!
Organizations that will be present include:
Not For Sale
S.A.G.E
and
The S.O.L.D. Project
Hope to see you there!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Beautiful Choas
"Hello!"
"Where does the food go?"
"Where can I chop this?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Hi!"
"I haven't seen you in weeks!"
"Put me to work."
The kitchen was filled with people. The living room as well. The tiny apartment was crowded with love, energy, and close to 25 people. We chopped onions, attempted to make queso, burned some corn chips, forgot to buy plates and cups, cooked up a fabulous pot of rice, and created a feast!
Tonight was simple and beautiful. My community gathered together to celebrate God's provision, to craft a meal, to be present with each other, to learn from others experiences, to be in the presence of a Holy God as we enjoyed each other, and to feel just a bit of the Kingdom surrounding us.
"Where does the food go?"
"Where can I chop this?"
"What do you want me to do?"
"Hi!"
"I haven't seen you in weeks!"
"Put me to work."
The kitchen was filled with people. The living room as well. The tiny apartment was crowded with love, energy, and close to 25 people. We chopped onions, attempted to make queso, burned some corn chips, forgot to buy plates and cups, cooked up a fabulous pot of rice, and created a feast!
Tonight was simple and beautiful. My community gathered together to celebrate God's provision, to craft a meal, to be present with each other, to learn from others experiences, to be in the presence of a Holy God as we enjoyed each other, and to feel just a bit of the Kingdom surrounding us.
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