tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10763790281911059342024-02-18T17:36:48.910-08:00El Mundo... the way i see itJessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-47895794003450423302019-02-05T20:44:00.004-08:002019-02-05T20:44:59.291-08:00Turning 35 or Turning Into My Mom...For as long as I can remember, my Dad has teased me that when I turned 35, I was going to turn into my mother. He joked that my mom all of the sudden had my Grandma Lois' quirks once she turned 35.<br />
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It used to really bother me. Mostly because I saw myself as other. And I still do. There are a lot of times when I feel like I see the world differently and interact with the world quite differently than anyone else in my family. I am my own person and I have my own personality... but on the eve of my 35th birthday, I'm thinking about the ways I'm like my mom. And for the many reasons I'm thankful that there are parts of me that just might be turning into my mom.<br />
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<b>My mom loves to make friends. And so do I. </b> We used to joke that we literally couldn't go anywhere without running into someone my mom knows. Or that she'd never met a stranger. I, myself, have been accused of using the term "friend" a little too liberally. But I like that I quickly accept others into friendship. And that I am able to have friends from many different places and life circumstances. Relationships are important to us. One of the things I am most grateful for is that my parents are genuinely interested in my life - and want to know my friends. And, I love that we share so many friends. <br />
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<b>My mom loves our family deeply. And so do I. </b> My mom is loyal and cares deeply for each member of our family. She longs for everyone to know that they are known, loved, and appreciated. I am so grateful for my parents intentional and significant involvement in my nephews' lives and for the way they help take care of sick family members. If you are a part of our family, my mom prays for you to know that you are loved most by Jesus. And so do I. <br />
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<b>My mom invites others in. Hopefully, so do I.</b> There's room at the table. There's a bed to spare. There's a place for you. There have been a few seasons in my life when our home was shared with my Great Aunt Jayne or a family from our church. Those experiences taught me a great deal about how to generously invite others into all of your life. <br />
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<b>My mom is gifted teacher. And its also a gift I believe I've been given</b>. While my mom's gift is most easily seen in a classroom setting (at school or at church), she also enjoys informally mentoring young teachers and moms. I mostly prefer to use this skill through modeling and mentoring.<br />
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<b>My mom loves children. And so do I</b>. My mom has a special gift with small children and I think God gifted me with a special gift for tweens and young teenagers.<br />
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<b>My mom loves water. And so do I</b>. I love that my mom taught me to swim as a baby and gifted me with so many experiences with water - competitive swimming, boat rides, a backyard with a pool, and "Perrycations" at the ocean. Being in or by water brings us both great joy. <br />
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<b>My mom has a sweet tooth. And so do I. </b>I swear I inherited my inability to pass on any opportunity to eat a cinnamon roll. <br />
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For as long as I can remember, one of my deepest desires has been to become a mom. I have always known that my mom loves me deeply. She tells me and shows me all the time that I'm loved. And I hope that I can be a great momma... just like mine. Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-20632775258812153642019-01-30T23:30:00.001-08:002019-01-30T23:30:19.079-08:00He Said...<br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’ve been playing ultimate Frisbee as a fun hobby for
several years now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I haven’t improved
much – and it’s a little embarrassing that I can no longer call myself a beginner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, occasionally it works to my
advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually, whoever is guarding
me isn’t too concerned about the Frisbee being thrown to me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because, well…. It doesn’t happen a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly that’s on me, I still haven’t figured
out the best routes to run and I’m still really slow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it’s also because it’s not guaranteed
that I’ll actually catch whatever is thrown my direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So mostly ultimate has become a great place
for me to run around, getting great exercise and being around a different group
of interesting people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m there to have
fun, not focused on perfecting my skills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And I have a lot of fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were halfway through the game; and I slipped away
unnoticed from the person guarding me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
managed to make the right run, clear line from the handler to me in the end
zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made eye contact and threw the
disc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I started repeating in my head….
Just catch it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two hands. You got
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And simultaneously… whatever you
do don’t drop this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t screw this
up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took a deep breath, and crocodile
clapped my hands around the disc and quickly pulled it to my chest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He looked at me, laughed, and smiling said, “<b>I believe in
you more than you believe in yourself.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And it’s true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
trusted me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He released the disc and
sent it soaring to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for the rest of the
game, all I could hear in my head was “I believe in you.” “I believe in you
more.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And I soared with confidence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And all I kept thinking is how much I want that to be what
other people hear in their heads when they are on my team on the field, and in life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friend – I believe in you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in you more!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-46908430935612459752019-01-02T16:02:00.001-08:002019-01-02T16:02:11.620-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
Reading Log for 2018</div>
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Again - I mostly post this for my own benefit - but again the books in bold are the books I recommend from what I read this past year. My goal this year was to read books that were written mostly by people who were not white males (nothing against them, just they've typically written most of what I read and wanted to expand my experience). I succeeded. This challenge led me to find out more about life for North Koreans, explore Latino authors, and pick up a couple of books about race. I actually read all of these as my current travel entertainment has been changed to podcasts. </div>
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<b>1. Historicas Biblicas de Jesus para Ninos (Jesus Storybook Bible) por Sally Lloyd-Jones</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">If you haven't read the Story Book Bible, I highly recommend it. It brings the Bible to life (and shouldn't just be for kids!) Yes, I read the whole thing in Spanish because I gifted it to my godsons and wanted to be able to say I'd read the whole thing first. </span><br />
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2. Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer<br />
3. Connect the Stars by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague<br />
4. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech<br />
5. The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera<br />
6. I am not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika Sanchez<br />
7. Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk<br />
<b>8. My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Sonia Sotomayor is on the US Supreme Court. Her autobiography tells her story of adversity and triumph. She has had to prove herself worthy for most of her life and has a great perspective as she sits on the bench. There's very little legal talk - its her life story, and I recommend it.</span><br />
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<b>9. Belong to Me: A Novel by Marisa de los Santos</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Seriously, just read it. Incredible characters and great character development. You keep wondering how all the stories are going to intersect - and its just beautiful. Thanks Joanna Crossett for recommending it!</span><br />
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<b>10. The Girl With Seven Names: Escape from North Korea by Hyeonseo Lee</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is an incredible story of perseverance and will help you appreciate all that you have!</span></span><br />
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11. Booked by Kwame Alexander<br />
12. The Very Good Gospel: How Everything Wrong Can Be Made Right by Lisa Sharon Harper<br />
13. It's Not the End of the World by Judy Blume<br />
14. Waking Up White and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving<br />
15. Going for Kona by Pamela Fagan Hutchins<br />
<b>16. Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">It's a story about a Holocaust Survivor - but its a page turner. </span><br />
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17. The Giver and the Gift: Principles of Kingdom Fundraising by Peter Greer & David Weekley<br />
<b>18. Unseen: The Gift of Being Hidden in a World that Loves to be Noticed by Sara Hagerty</b><br />
19. The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race by Jesmyn Ward<br />
20. All the News thats Fit to Tell and How to Tell It by Amy Young<br />
21. Let's Get Lost: A Coming of Age Novel by Adi Alsaid<br />
22. Stars Between the Sun and the Moon by Lucia Jang and Susan McClelland<br />
23. Ashley's War: The Untold Story of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon<br />
24. The Single's Guide to Thriving by Lina AbuJamra<br />
25. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman<br />
26. Scary Close by Donald Miller<br />
<b>27. Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">It's Bob Goff - so seriously do I need to say more? Be challenged. Laugh. Enjoy his adventures.</span><br />
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28. Praying for Your Children by Elmer Towns and David Earley<br />
29. She is Free: Learning the Truth about the Lies The Hold You Captive by Andi Andrew<br />
30. Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado<br />
31. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford<br />
32. Love in a Torn Land by Jean Sasson<br />
33. Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate<br />
<b>34. Everything Happens for A Reason and Other Lies I've loved by Kate Bowler</b><br />
<span style="color: blue;">A young mom who is diagnosed with stage four cancer honestly talks about how facing death has changed the way she experiences God and well-meaning people. It's raw and vulnerable and a great help for anyone who has a friend or family member who has cancer. </span>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-54022833245214469422018-10-02T18:27:00.000-07:002018-10-02T18:27:01.331-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Ugly Cry (Part 2)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was never my intention to go silent. I knew what I had to write about. I knew the source of my ugly cry's tears. But I didn't know how to share what was waging war on my brain and my heart. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was afraid I would be misunderstood. I was afraid I'd be ignored. I was mostly afraid that those I told wouldn't care.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't even tell you how many drafts of this I have written, edited, and erased. So, I finally decided I would just write and then post. Because this hasn't left my heart or brain. It's still important. It still needs to be talked about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching the stories of immigrant families being separated at the border from my computer while sitting in Costa Rica was extremely difficult for me. Not only because it is just plain wrong to separate children from loving parents. We know that separation causes trauma. We know that detention causes trauma. We know that being in a place where you cannot clearly communicate with those in authority causes trauma. And there is plenty of research to explain why detaining asylum seekers, and especially separating families is just wrong. The US government in their review of immigration two years ago stated, "Detention
is neither appropriate nor necessary for families." I hope I don't need to bother spending time explaining why this was and is (as all children have not been returned to their families) just wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The thing that broke my heart was the conversations I heard surrounding me. It's Trump's fault. No, its Obama's fault. Well, we can't just open the borders and let everyone who wants to come in walk right on in. We need order. We need rules. They need to go back home. Us versus them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two MAJOR problems I have here...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">US History 101: The United States is made up of immigrants. The Native American, or FIRST people, community only makes up 2% of the US population, according to the 2015 Census. That includes people who indicate mixed heritage. So, 98% of the US population claims a heritage of immigrants. So it absolutely blows my mind that there is an us versus them mentality. When did we forget exactly who we are? Who we were?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Secondly. according to Raices Texas (raicestexas.org), 85% of people in immigration detention centers in Texas are from Central America. Most commonly from Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatamala. I love Central America. I've lived in Costa Rica for 12 years. I have traveled quite a bit throughout Central America and I have friends in each country in the region.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Anyone who knows anyone from Central America, knows two things about them. They are extremely family oriented and they love their country. I've never known anyone to love their families and countries more. I can't explain the amount of fear and desperation it would take for a family to choose to leave. Or for a mother to send her child away. Or for someone to leave their extended family in hopes that maybe they might be granted asylum in the United States. The situations these immigrants are leaving are extreme. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend of mine who lives in El Salvador had a gang boss show up on his doorstep one day and tell him that he had two days to leave the city with his family, or they would be killed. The threat was real. My friend knew of other families in which no one was spared. Families where children were tortured and killed in front of the parents before their lives were also taken.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Raices Texas also states that 90% of murders of women committed in Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala go un-prosecuted. Where do you go when the threat on your life is real and the authorities do not care? Where do you turn when the police and government officials are known for their corruption? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How desperate do you have to be to pack your bags and make a treacherous journey towards a detention cell in the US while seeking asylum? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My heart continues to break for this broken world. I'm glad I'm a part of an organization that is changing the lives and futures of Central Americans. I believe that Central America is a beautiful place to live and raise a family, but there is also a lot of brokenness and terror. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I just wish that everyone would take the time to hear some immigrant's stories. I pray that we would all continue to fight to make each part of this world a better, safer place. And I pray that we could remember that we are all just humans trying to survive and thrive. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And that maybe you would take a second to pray for the nearly 3,000 (mostly Central American) children and teenagers being detained in the tent city detention center in Tornillo, Texas - that they might know that there is a God who sees them, knows their names and their stories, and loves them deeply. They are on my heart tonight.</span><br />
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<img src="https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018/06/20/reader-center/13MIGRANTKIDS-01/merlin_139819185_e47ce2d3-4c06-48ab-af2d-2729dcdbcd6f-articleLarge.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&disable=upscale" />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-12672283283226571342018-06-24T19:11:00.000-07:002018-06-24T19:11:31.388-07:00<br />
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<b>The Ugly Cry (part 1)</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I stood in the middle of the worship service this morning
and ugly cried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can picture it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tears streaming down my face; there was snot
involved; and I’m sure that my eyes were red and puffy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a time not that long ago in my life
that I would have been petrified to ugly cry in a public place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today I wasn’t the only one ugly crying
and I welcomed the tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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My heart was breaking for the things that break the heart of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we were singing of His
redemption and restoration.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His promise
that He is not through with us, but making something beautiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His promise to love us always, to never leave
us, to never abandon us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Colossians
1:17b rang true, “He holds all things together.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t completely fall apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brokenness is met with hope and healing in
Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Today was a multi-sensory, experiential service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were invited to remove our shoes so that
we could symbolically put ourselves “in the shoes” of the vulnerable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were invited to open our eyes and hearts
to see these people with God’s eyes and God’s love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="Image result for hopelessness" height="240" src="http://www.netnewsledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/hopelessness-amanda-todd-suicide.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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We walked into the first room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in a small bedroom with a mattress on
the floor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A woman walked in who had
just finished working selling herself on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We watched her breakdown, crying out to God
for there to be another way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Crying out
for someone to come into her life and really love her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then the angry landlord banged on the door
reminding her she was late on her rent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A baby cried in the corner of the room, and the woman loving went to
him, comforting him with “momma’s here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Everything’s going to be ok.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for homeless" height="180" src="https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/sites/sbs.com.au.topics/files/styles/full/public/gettyimages-451952126_2_homeless_larger.jpg?itok=JVPhNwU-&mtime=1497227201" width="320" /></div>
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Then we went “outside on the street” where we encountered some
homeless people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We listened as a young
man told his story of how he found himself living on the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked of his desperation for food and a
dry place to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he sought drugs
for comfort and then hated himself for using drugs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he felt like he was less than human and
ignored by those who passed him by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
leader asked if she could hug him and pray for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She prayed that he would know that he was
seen and known and of great worth.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="Related image" height="180" src="https://optimumpsikoloji.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/5721bcf967b0a91ac081a07f.jpg" width="320" /></div>
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We walked into another room where we sat in chairs and were
blindfolded so we could really listen and feel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An 8-year old boy began to
share his story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He talked about how his
mom abused alcohol and couldn’t even remember his name some days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How his father had abused him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How he wished he could live at school because
he never wanted to come home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How these
nice ladies from the government came to his house to ask him about his
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How they were so kind to him but
how their eyes got really wide when he was talking to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How a few days later those nice ladies came
and took him away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know who
they were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He didn’t know where they
were taking him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they took his hand,
and whispered in his ear that he was going to be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, someone took my hand and
whispered in my ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He told us how
scared he was and we heard his mom screaming and crying and his dad angrily
responding to the social workers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
we arrived at his foster home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
scared by this kind couple who welcomed him and explained to him that he was
going to be living with them for a while and he would be safe in their
home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He hadn’t understood that he was going
back to his mom and wasn’t sure what to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But they gave him a stuffed animal and a blanket and hot chocolate and
yummy food that filled his stomach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
then – the woman hugged him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
described how he’d never felt so loved and cared for in his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Commence the ugly cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This small child’s voice describing how other’s
brokenness had hurt him, his fear, and his innate need for love broke me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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And I sobbed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I
sang with all that I had, grateful for a God who is present in these difficult
situations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whose love never runs out,
never gets tired, never abandons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grateful for a God who invites us to walk into the lives of the hurting
with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grateful for the reminder that
I need Jesus just as much as everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Grateful that my life story isn’t over and neither is anyone else’s… and
the plan is big and beautiful and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Hold tight to hope. Hold tight to Jesus. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-50504918394701152232018-05-11T13:53:00.000-07:002018-05-11T13:53:10.002-07:00<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Happy Un-Birthday"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I walked into the room and tears immediately clouded my
view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcjqZ7WLgZH-MBrhaqTYlicxqGxtUGG9qrXUxyIz7w6WcIub42JCOTKnqIkfy-swj4egZfuQmFFkcS6Ljl31epJKcgCaCd1_U8CYimOBbZMK8SJh1n4U0S7IjSr6j7_l7ULAAUzrfvUL2/s1600/30725916_10157306564112519_11972301891058728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcjqZ7WLgZH-MBrhaqTYlicxqGxtUGG9qrXUxyIz7w6WcIub42JCOTKnqIkfy-swj4egZfuQmFFkcS6Ljl31epJKcgCaCd1_U8CYimOBbZMK8SJh1n4U0S7IjSr6j7_l7ULAAUzrfvUL2/s320/30725916_10157306564112519_11972301891058728_n.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The room was decorated with balloons and banners. There were cupcakes and candles and sweet women singing “Happy Birthday.” There were gifts and cards and party hats. The perfect “un-birthday birthday party.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The Azmera Retreat team wanted us to feel special, and they so succeeded. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5adrl5EJo4QX4_2FLFpVkyUTrp3LVNYFo9kEXPF-ylSNJrqBsv23cE1Yl4TmPDx2Q6EKIpcoY7he7l-77u_0_Itqo8oim-rqCtLIlOJfDr6WATnnX8FSBsOQnj9EAqa5dC50-QirCmwHJ/s1600/30704113_10157306564392519_907800049412476900_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5adrl5EJo4QX4_2FLFpVkyUTrp3LVNYFo9kEXPF-ylSNJrqBsv23cE1Yl4TmPDx2Q6EKIpcoY7he7l-77u_0_Itqo8oim-rqCtLIlOJfDr6WATnnX8FSBsOQnj9EAqa5dC50-QirCmwHJ/s320/30704113_10157306564392519_907800049412476900_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It took me several days to even wrap my head around why this simple but overwhelming expression of love moved me instantly to tears.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">They celebrated us – me – for being born.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It wasn’t about what we were doing in ministry or in our homes.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was simply a Kingdom celebration for the daughters of the King.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And there was dancing (and maybe some cupcakes went flying… but that’s on the down low). There is something in me that just wants to let loose and dance like crazy. And I feel like I can when I’m in a dance circle of women who are doing the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love to celebrate and am often looking for excuses to have a party. I might be throwing an un-birthday birthday party of my own sometime soon! Thanks Azmera!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2_r56a8EjeOKvsX2Cr4A0up6Q6vbnv2j4uU2PPLtBs5IXL2fzCcg3b_uqqpbyLJ3gSsa4P1Kpz91_1nkNecZa69aLoReQvy_jRC9FlENP7QFp9Uqf4elAipla97JO97IYyd2ZG7J-XK9/s1600/31230538_10157332000077519_6795380519775292921_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2_r56a8EjeOKvsX2Cr4A0up6Q6vbnv2j4uU2PPLtBs5IXL2fzCcg3b_uqqpbyLJ3gSsa4P1Kpz91_1nkNecZa69aLoReQvy_jRC9FlENP7QFp9Uqf4elAipla97JO97IYyd2ZG7J-XK9/s320/31230538_10157332000077519_6795380519775292921_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loved getting to spend the weekend with this amazing small group! So thankful for each of you opening your hearts and sharing your stories!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Hd1Aae6BbmJqxCrBolWuUi-xTIy8G42uCZbmydDwqNe_X0WsLZE3o8IfeBWfyUUqiOSMAU1kHy5bWNahIBjZZ_LlEhbIsUWwr0t1BwYI5gllgeMTrTesEakr78LzSa4FdrZO7ljX6GVt/s1600/30710925_10157307252637519_4137785697474320574_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="700" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Hd1Aae6BbmJqxCrBolWuUi-xTIy8G42uCZbmydDwqNe_X0WsLZE3o8IfeBWfyUUqiOSMAU1kHy5bWNahIBjZZ_LlEhbIsUWwr0t1BwYI5gllgeMTrTesEakr78LzSa4FdrZO7ljX6GVt/s320/30710925_10157307252637519_4137785697474320574_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-28084935568685554302018-05-04T13:40:00.000-07:002018-06-24T21:21:21.738-07:00<br />
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<b>A Full Heart, Yet Still Longing </b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjhqtcoRdn9aYEBtcQL9LaV1ArmYBTEXzr9q1_YgatH5BKZoM1WskAp0B5TF-7HciWmyvwZoBEC0kpeNimxF-PqJivpCHq1SCduLhf4-t5oMb5OxPeKBiVPxJcqU23a-sAZttJvXBszHh/s1600/IMG_2900%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjhqtcoRdn9aYEBtcQL9LaV1ArmYBTEXzr9q1_YgatH5BKZoM1WskAp0B5TF-7HciWmyvwZoBEC0kpeNimxF-PqJivpCHq1SCduLhf4-t5oMb5OxPeKBiVPxJcqU23a-sAZttJvXBszHh/s320/IMG_2900%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dEKxAFI4ZbyxtTV6gOTYq2mf2HtHU25vJNPC-WWAzI9xHWSHEV5BnH5NtGXopSCHbffh_rt8m1tXldKQOAziyu1e15Teq7DXk6lk-Jkz0OM_QwAnLJA56m8fRh8lB3RFyxc9BVMDQbIx/s1600/IMG_2890%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dEKxAFI4ZbyxtTV6gOTYq2mf2HtHU25vJNPC-WWAzI9xHWSHEV5BnH5NtGXopSCHbffh_rt8m1tXldKQOAziyu1e15Teq7DXk6lk-Jkz0OM_QwAnLJA56m8fRh8lB3RFyxc9BVMDQbIx/s320/IMG_2890%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a>We spent the afternoon at the park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boys had run tirelessly up and down
ramps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keilor laughed with such pure joy
after he finally was able to get up the highest ramp on his own (well maybe my
dangling leg helped a little).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’d
conquered their fears after they’d climbed way too high in a tree and had to
get make their way back down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Erick
couldn’t stop smiling as he told me he was so convinced that he was going to
fall that he still wasn’t sure he hadn’t and he couldn’t make his heart
stop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joshua squealed on the sea-saw
when he was left hanging at the highest point and it was unclear if or when his
brother was going to let him down. They
were invited to play soccer with some new friends. Erick schooled them and then was generous to
make sure his brothers scored. It was a
pretty perfect afternoon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-msMRtwiljiPqVWFdAxacemJ4PBcPxIEWBfnCwui7BemcYEOHS90Ewo8EtWX5ZPTqSVWTKvHhhVRNfry9hdO5680PorUyg84I7LKIRzodAsOk0-4Gzd-Wc9Tqw6ir_CwEweKNS0BTjvN/s1600/IMG_2896%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn-msMRtwiljiPqVWFdAxacemJ4PBcPxIEWBfnCwui7BemcYEOHS90Ewo8EtWX5ZPTqSVWTKvHhhVRNfry9hdO5680PorUyg84I7LKIRzodAsOk0-4Gzd-Wc9Tqw6ir_CwEweKNS0BTjvN/s320/IMG_2896%255B1%255D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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My heart was
full and there was a big smile plastered on my face.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On our walk towards their home, Keilor stopped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He pulled me down to his level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, he grabbed my ear
with both his little hands until his mouth was practically inside my ear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then he whispered, “They should tell you that
you’re the best godmother ever.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And my
heart broke open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart spilled out
joy, love, and pride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so grateful
to be a part of these boys’ lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
love playing with them, laughing with them, and talking about Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m so glad that they love me being a
part of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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It’s so good.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And yet… </div>
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And yet... my heart also spilled out sadness, longing, and
desperation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to accept that
these are the extent of relationships with children that God has in my life right
now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The love on you for a few hours and
then send you back home kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
godmother, friend, leader kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
are relationships I cherish and am grateful for… but heading home alone
sometimes is just really hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will
post these pictures, and I will live off the laughter and joy of this afternoon
for days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will thank Jesus for letting
me be a part of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will
remind Jesus again of how my heart aches for a sweet little boy to pull me down
to his level, to grab my ear with his hands, and whisper, “Mama”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-91370076394184411512017-12-31T11:23:00.003-08:002017-12-31T11:23:38.277-08:00Journeying Through Pages<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Reading through 2017</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1076379028191105934" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>People who know me well, know that I love to read. This year I wanted to read 52 books and I was very close. I greatly surpassed my goal if you count all the Children's books I read this year, especially if you counted the 10 times I read The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss (but I won't). I have to admit that this quantity of books was mostly made possible by the Text-To-Speech feature on my kindle and San Jose traffic. I also want to thank my Fuller professors for making it so clear to me how much of what I was reading was by old white men, and widening my reading lists. I benefited greatly from that challenge this year, though I still have far to go.</div>
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I'm posting this mostly for my own benefit, but thought I'd recommend a few books I read this year as well. The books are listed in the order that I read them. The titles that are in bold are my top reads from this year that I highly recommend.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for reading" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" 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<span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">― <a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61105.Dr_Seuss" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Dr. Seuss</a>, <span id="quote_book_link_7785"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2333951" style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!</a></span></span></div>
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<div style="color: #181818; font-family: Merriweather, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<ol>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Wonder by Emma Donoghue</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Legend by Marie Lu</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Love Warrior: A Memoir by Glennon Doyle</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Kisses from Katie by Katie Davis</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Rare Bird: A Memoir of Loss and Love by Anna Whiston-Donaldson</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Faraway Nearby by Rebecca Solnit</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Soul Keeping: Caring for the most Important Part of You by John Ortberg</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah </b></span></span><span style="color: blue;">Seriously, you just need to read this book. Trevor was born in South Africa during Apartheid to a black mother and a white father; literally his being born was a crime. He uses his humor to talk about a difficult childhood and the brokenness of the world.</span> </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Homegoing: A Novel by Yaa Gyasi</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Falling Free: Rescued from the Life I Always Wanted by Shannan Martin</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">For the Love: Fighting For Grace in a World of Imperfect People by Jen Hatmaker</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Insanity of God by Nick Ripkin</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids With the Love of Jesus by Elyse Fitzpatrick</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Road Back To You by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Problem with Forever by Jennifer Armentrout</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Calling Me Home by Julie Kibler</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Love Lives Here: Finding What You Need in a World Telling You What You Want - Maria Goff</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Yes Please by Amy Poehler</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Find Her by Lisa Gardner</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson </b></span></span><span style="color: blue;">Most U.S. citizens will admit that the correctional system in the U.S. is broken. But this book is mind-blowing. Bryan Stevenson's work with death row inmates, battling discrimination and prejudices in the justice system is noble and something you should know about.</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">See Me by Nicholas Sparks</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="color: #181818;">The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch </b><span style="color: blue;">A dying father writes the things he wishes he could teach his children and talks candidly about the process of dying. Great book to get a good perspective on life.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="color: #181818;">The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics - Daniel James Brown </b><span style="color: blue;">I read this book because it was recommended to me by a good middle school friend who said it was incredible. I would have never picked it up myself, but I'm so glad he clued me in. It is just a great book about real people and the triumphs and difficulties of life.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">How to Be Here: A Guide to Creating a Life Worth Living by Rob Bell</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race by Margot Lee Shetterly</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We Should All Be Feminists - Chimamanda Ngozi</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">A Year of Biblical Womanhood: How a Liberated Woman Found Herself Sitting on Her Roof, Covering Her Head, and Calling Her Husband Master by Rachel Held Evans</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="color: #181818;">Three Little Words by Ashley Rhodes-Couter</b><span style="color: #181818;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">The life story of a child who spent many years in the broken foster care system in the U.S. and was adopted as a teenager. Anyone who has a heart of children in foster care and adoption should learn from this brave young woman.</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Three More Words by Ashley Rhodes-Couter</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Coming Clean by Seth Haines</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Captain's Bride by Lisa Tawn Bergen</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Becoming Home by Jedd Medefind</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Sanctuary by Ted Dekker</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">David and Goliath: Underdos, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">When God Says Wait: Navigating Life's Detours and Delays Without Losing Your Faith, Your Friends, or Your Mind by Elizabeth Lang Thompson</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Free of Me: Why Life is Better When Its Not Really About Me - Sharon Hodde Miller</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Tossing and Turning by John Updike</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Stronger Than You Know by Jolene Perry </span></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
</span>Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-11732918656837755622017-10-24T22:31:00.002-07:002017-10-24T22:31:45.398-07:00Embrace Your Inner Ezer<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">It’s not always easy to embrace my identity. Or to fully
understand it. To believe that I am loved,
known, and valued. Telling teenagers
that they are known, loved, and valued is something I have dedicated my life to
doing. And yet, sometimes I need to
remind myself that it is also true for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I have to silence the voices of the lies that tell me I will never
be enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">There are plenty of overt voices, but I think we also have to be
aware of the subtle ways that we are making girls and women feel or believe
that they are second-class citizens, just because they are female. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The church has been a subtle voice that has made me personally
feel <i>less than.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">There are so many voices who have told me because I am female, I
cannot possibly hear the voice of God in the same way as a man. That I
must always be under the authority of a man when teaching coed groups.
All these voices trying to tell me that I am not hearing God's clear calling on
my life correctly. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Thankfully, they were never the only voices that I heard. There is an army of witnesses that have
spoken truth over me, who have affirmed and encouraged me. Unfortunately, the truth hasn’t always been
the loudest voice in my head. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here's the reason for the soapbox moment: I recently learned that
our English Bible translation might be part of the confusion about the value of
women. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for ezer" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">In Genesis 2, God decides to make a “suitable helper” for
Adam. “The help” is the woman who is
later named Eve. This word has always
been difficult for me because it seems demeaning… like I was made to <i>help </i>fulfill the man’s needs, or to do
the things he is unwilling to do. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Here’s the blow your mind truth that I just learned. The word that is typically translated as help
– really is a <b><i>strong</i></b> word. The Hebrew
word to describe the woman that God is going to create is <i>ezer. Ezer<b> </b></i>means “strength” or “rescue”.
Meaning God created Eve to be Adam’s strength. God created women to be rescuers in times of
other humans’ great needs. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The word <i>ezer </i>is found
21 times in the Bible. Twice we find <i>ezer</i> in Genesis, in reference to
Eve. Three times the nation Israel begs
other nations for military <i>Ezer</i> –
strength, rescue. However, <i>ezer</i> is used sixteen times to describe
God’s great power and strength; His faithfulness to rescue us in our
distress. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Psalm
33:20 - </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">We put our hope in the <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">He is our (<i>ezer) </i>help and our shield.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Psalm 70:5- </span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">But as for me, I am poor and needy;</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">please hurry to my aid, O God.</span></span> You are my <i>(ezer) </i>helper and my savior;</span> <span class="text"><span style="background: white;">O <span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span><span class="small-caps"><span style="background: white; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span></span></span><span class="text"><span style="background: white;">, do not delay.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God could have called women anything he wanted. But He chose a word that means strength. I’m so sorry that’s been lost in
translation. But women, let this truth
wash over you… You are strong. You are
of equal strength as men. You were not
created to be his helpmate, but to be his strength. God used a word that describes him to
describe you. God didn’t call us a
helper. He called us strength. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><img alt="Image result for girl power" src="http://media.gettyimages.com/photos/little-superhero-girl-picture-id488486586?s=612x612" /></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">YOU ARE STRONG. So today, hold your head high, and embrace
your inner <i>ezer</i>.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-37048329853356263252017-10-18T20:09:00.000-07:002017-10-18T20:09:58.593-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
I Stand With HER!</div>
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October 11th was International Day of the Girl and it stirred something in me. I have a front row seat to watch the cycle of poverty, machismo, under-resourced public education (or lack of education), and broken governmental systems fail girls, teenagers, and women. I understand the pressing need for girls to be educated and empowered. <br />
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I think of Sophia* whose mom is selling herself on the street, and whose dad is selling drugs on the same street. Sophia moved out of their house fearing for her own safety, and thankfully found refuge with some loving neighbors. However, Sophia dropped out of school because she feels she has to pay her own way in the world and she can't cause financial strain on the family who has taken her in.<br />
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I think of courageous Eva. She's a teen mom due to sexual abuse. When she shares her story, she recalls that her own mother sold her to men to support her own drug habit. She continues to live in a highly volatile environment, but hopes for a different future for her daughter. <br />
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I think of Lara who tells me that the only role for women that is valued in her neighborhood is becoming a mom. So she doesn't understand why anyone would want to delay becoming a mom. Mothers are valued and have someone in their lives who is always going to love them. That's why she dropped out of school and purposefully became pregnant at a young age.<br />
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I think of Carolina who misses school on a regular basis to care for the brood of younger brothers who fill her house while her parents work to try to keep all the bellies full. She's extremely responsible and works hard but is failing her classes. <br />
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I think of Maria who after struggling and failing to pass the 7th grade, her parents pulled her from school. They basically told her that she could not instead of looking for educational support. <br />
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I also think of Maricel - an amazingly courageous women who walks the streets of an at-risk neighborhood to show teen moms that they are loved, valued, and have great potential. <br />
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I think of Reina who chose to build a house in that same neighborhood so teen moms could see a healthy, loving family who wants to support them. <br />
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I think of Guadalupe who herself is striving to break the cycle of poverty with her own education. She's finishing up her first year of university. While studying, she spends time to visit other teen girls in a highly impoverished neighborhood. She wants the teenagers in that neighborhood to know they can succeed in school too, and help their families have a different future. <br />
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Girls need to be in school, given opportunities to make a future for themselves. I think we can all say, "Yes, I believe in girls all over the world receiving an adequate education." We want to stand up against governments and social structures that are denying girls access to education. But I also want to stand up for those women who are on the front lines everyday. Maricel, Reina, and Guadalupe don't need a special day to remind them of the human rights of girls and women. Nor do they need to be encouraged to fight for them. These women are my heroes. I stand with them in the fight for basic human rights for girls!<br />
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*<i>Names of girls have been changed for their privacy and to protect them.</i><br />
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-5770374475694984392017-10-04T07:24:00.001-07:002017-10-04T07:24:06.911-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">BeLOVED, Sweet
Daughter<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last few weeks I’ve been on a rollercoaster ride. I’ve learned some things I honestly wish I
didn’t have to deal with… I learned
about some ugliness that I would like to simply erase from my mind and
history. But it happened and I’m still
dealing with the consequences of other’s actions. And I’m
learning to take responsibility for what is mine, and not take responsibility
for what’s not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This situation has forced me to really examine once again my
identity and who I want to me. I don’t
want to be a person who simply reacts to what happens to me. I want to be a person who invites others to
embracing who they really are. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hear this great truth from my friend Henri Nouwen – <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“’You are my Beloved, on you my favor rests.’ That voice has
always been there, but it seems that I was much more eager to listen to other
louder voices saying, “Prove that you are worth something; do something
relevant, spectacular, or powerful, and then you will earn the love you so desire.
Meanwhile, the soft gentle voice that speaks in the silence and solitude of my
heart renamed unheard or, at least, unconvincing.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let it be convincing.
Remember – no matter what happens around you, YOU ARE LOVED! You are the beloved. The Lord looks at you and is well
pleased. BE LOVED, my friend! Celebrate the love and embrace it. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-90412010559598577252017-09-26T16:58:00.000-07:002017-09-26T16:58:16.999-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Weight of the Papers In My Hands</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't even begin to describe the emotions and thoughts that have been twirling around in my head and mind these last few days. It feels too big to grasp - too much hope, too much opportunity for disappointment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over a year ago, I made a very public announcement that I was moving towards the process of adoption. I had to let people in at the beginning. I live as a result of the generosity of others and wanted them to be aware of what God was calling me to do and that I would need their help. A year has past and finally I have received the final documents necessary to be able to turn in my application packet. All the official documents with their official seals and their official translations. The papers feel weighty: futures held in the balance of a bunch of paperwork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have found my heart wanting to protect itself this past month, because a yes and a match is not a guarentee. But as I´ve been challenged to write things I want my children to know... here's what I´d like my son to know today.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sweet boy,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You have not be forgotten. You are seen. Your story is not complete. I´m fighting for you. This is the verse I´m declaring over you today:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eph-3-20" id="en-AMP-29272" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">"Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, </span><span class="text Eph-3-21" id="en-AMP-29273" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen." </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eph-3-21" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">(Eph. 3:20-21, Amplified Bible)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Superabundantly more- yup... more than we can even dare to ask. And I´m daring to ask a lot for you. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am sad that today I don´t get to hold you close, to pray over you, and remind you that you are loved. But know I am praying for you. And you have the absolute best Father there is! He is with you now. And I´ve asked Him to hold you tight and whisper His love in your ear. And I´m praying that His voice will be louder than anything else that might be going on around you. You are loved, champ!</span><br />
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<img alt="Image result for jesus holding a child" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" /></div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-77119164214365932502017-09-17T22:54:00.000-07:002017-09-17T22:54:28.498-07:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The KNOWN Stranger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">“Humanity is like a gigantic spider web. Touch it anywhere and the whole thing
trembles. For as we move about our
world, a kind word here, an ugly act there, what we do for good or ill will
touch this person, this person will touch another, and so on, until who knows
where the whole things ends. No man, no
woman is an island.” </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">–Frederick Buechner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On August 28<sup>th</sup>, 2006, I caused my world’s spider
web to tremble. My life changed
radically as I sat staring out the window of a plane that had landed in San
Jose, Costa Rica. Just hours before, I
had waved goodbye to my parents as they stood helplessly crying at the security
gate in Indianapolis, Indiana; I had just moved to Central America. An entourage of Young Life staff met me at
the airport, and took my to lunch before they took me to my “home” to meet my “family”. I moved directly into <i>tico</i> (Spanish slang for Costa Rican) culture and full-time
Spanish. I was surrounded by new people,
smells, and sounds. I stuck out; I’m a
nearly albino, freckle-covered red-headed <i>gringa.</i> My status as a stranger is impossible to
miss. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's amazing how fast someone can become a stranger. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In one day, I had gone from a
place where I was known and loved by many in a culture where I knew what was
accepted and “normal” behavior to be a stranger lost in a strange, new land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You’d think 11 years later, I would no longer feel like a
stranger. But the word stranger still
seems like a good description most of the time.
Obviously, I still physically stick out.
My Spanish is pretty good but my accent immediately gives away my very
much non-native-ness. There are days
when I declare that I am <i>Tica de Corazon </i>(Costa
Rican at heart) and I honestly feel it and believe it. (I do cheer on the Costa Rican Men’s Soccer
team over the USA and encourage you to watch them in the World Cup next summer –
they are incredible!) Most days I follow
cultural protocol without having to think about every move. Wear pants even though it’s really hot and
humid. Throw the toilet paper in the
trash can. Greet everyone with a kiss
when you walk into a room, and don’t forget to kiss them each again when you
say goodbye. But there is always
something that reminds that I don’t fully belong. I’m still an outsider, a stranger. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for you are known" src="https://i.pinimg.com/236x/f6/25/72/f62572efb55c691093e29da24658930d--faith-you-are.jpg" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week I sat across the table of another immigrant friend
who said, “I really just miss <i>being
known.”</i> Her honesty resonated with
me. At first, I was saddened by the fact
that I feel there are such a small number of people that surround me that make
me feel truly known. But then, I was
excited because I’ve been given the opportunity to understand a piece of so
many people’s journeys: people who find themselves living outside of their
passport country for a myriad of reasons; people who are strangers. </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I also realized how incredible it is to know that we are
known. We are KNOWN. Every hair on our head counted; every tear
carefully caught; every thought and prayer heard; every passion, hope, desire,
and dream recognized and celebrated. I’m
not a stranger to the Creator of the Universe.
None of us are. We are known <i>deeply</i>.
Know that today. You are not a
stranger to the King. You are beloved
and </span><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">known. </span></i></div>
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<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1"><img alt="Image result for you are known" border="0" 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" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-43733293020789070362017-09-12T18:20:00.002-07:002017-09-12T18:20:19.486-07:00<header class="luna-data-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; text-align: center;">To My Tribe</header><header class="luna-data-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b>tribe [trahyb]</b></header><header class="luna-data-header" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><b><br /></b></header><div class="def-set" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-bottom: 17px;">
<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">1.</span></span><div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">any</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">aggregate</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">people</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">united</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">by</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">ties</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">descent</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">from</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">common </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">ancestor,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">community</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">customs</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">and</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">traditions,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">adherence</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">the </span><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">same</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">leaders,</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">etc.</span></span></div>
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<div class="def-set" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; padding-bottom: 17px;">
<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">2.</span></span><div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">local</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">division</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">an</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">aboriginal</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">people.</span></span></div>
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<span class="def-number" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; float: left; padding-right: 5px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">3.</span></span><div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">division</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">of</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">some</span> <span class="oneClick-link" style="box-sizing: border-box;">other</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;">people.</span></span></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px;">
<i>It takes a village to raise a child.</i> It's true children become healthy adults when they are raised in a community that loves them and invests in them. However, I think this proverb falls short.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: center;">
<i><b>It takes a tribe to thrive, to live abundant life.</b></i></div>
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<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
I have an incredible tribe! So, I just want to take a moment to be thankful to my tribe, to the people who surround me and love me. Those who invite me into their lives, who give me space to be me and let them in. </div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
THANK YOU</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for the invites to join your family for dinner and be a part of normal family rhythms.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for texting and emailing just to check in or be encouraging.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for making me laugh.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for reminding my sweet nephews that their <i>tia</i> loves them so much.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for crying with me.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... sitting next to me at church.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for celebrating with me.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for asking how to pray, actually praying, and following up later.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for challenging me to grow and walking with me through refining processes.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
... for simply reminding me that I'm not alone.</div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="def-content" style="box-sizing: border-box; padding-left: 37px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Image result for it takes a tribe" src="data:image/png;base64,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" /></div>
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Thank you. I know that I am so much better because I'm not living this life alone. Thank you.</div>
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-48950279957570368992017-06-04T14:32:00.002-07:002017-06-04T14:32:50.363-07:00<h1 class="head-entry">
<span class="me" data-syllable="con·demn"><span class="js-headword"><span class="syllable">con</span><span class="last-syllable">demn</span></span></span></h1>
<h3 class="head-entry-variants">
<span class="pron spellpron" style="display: inline;">{k<span class="dbox-italic">uh</span> n-<span class="dbox-bold">dem</span>] </span> <span class="pron ipapron" style="display: none;">/kənˈdɛm/ </span> </h3>
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<div class="def-list">
<section class="def-pbk ce-spot" data-collapse-expand="{"target": ".def-set", "type": "def"}"><div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">1.</span> </span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">express</span> <span class="oneClick-link">an</span> <span class="oneClick-link">unfavorable</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">adverse</span> <span class="oneClick-link">judgment</span> <span class="oneClick-link">on;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">indicate</span> <span class="oneClick-link">strong</span> <span class="oneClick-link">disapproval</span> <span class="oneClick-link">of;</span> <span class="oneClick-link">censure.</span> </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">2.</span> </span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">pronounce</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">be</span> <span class="oneClick-link">guilty;</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">sentence</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">punishment:</span> </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">3.</span> </span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">give</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">grounds</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">reason</span> <span class="oneClick-link">for</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">convicting</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">censuring:</span> </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">4.</span> </span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">judge</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">pronounce</span> <span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">be</span> <span class="oneClick-link">unfit</span> <span class="oneClick-link">for</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">use</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">service:</span> </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">5.</span> </span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">force</span> <span class="oneClick-link">into</span> <span class="oneClick-link">a</span> <span class="oneClick-link">specific</span> <span class="oneClick-link">state</span> <span class="oneClick-link">or</span> <span class="oneClick-link">activity:</span> </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span class="def-number"><span><span class="oneClick-link">6. </span></span></span><span><span class="oneClick-link">to</span> <span class="oneClick-link">declare</span> <span class="oneClick-link oneClick-available">incurable.</span> </span></div>
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<span>"14% of children who enter our care each year are condemned to institutionalized care until their 18th birthday."</span></div>
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<div class="def-set">
<span>The crazy thing is that that statement didn't just linger in the air. I'm sitting in a Costa Rican government-run workshop on adoption, surrounded by incredible families who desire to adopt. No one else seemed to be enraged by the words. The presenter wanted to skim over it. As if it's just a reality we can't do anything about. I wanted to stand and defend these children. CONDEMNED? Why are they being sentenced for other's behavior? Condemned? Kids being sentenced to a life without the basic right of being raised in a family. Condemned. </span></div>
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<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span>Why are these kids condemned? Simply because there are not enough families to raise them. Not enough people willing to be courageous and love an older child. </span></div>
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<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span>And how I wish this was only an issue in the developing world. In the US, there are currently 100,000 kids in foster care waiting to be adopted. 20,000 kids age out of the system each year without the safety net of a family.</span></div>
<div class="def-set">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQU_OeBz7-WIo4aNUUzIi8CL-WPVnzTb-v-458goY8kydpxA6ACqWCQGuYYSqvCX8LICTlfA83QvzVvgrnmwL-Dbdch0dk4I7L1khgZrkKXctPKWcJS0wZzqVZyno93W-JTQXly2Hv8hb/s1600/NFCMHomebanner2_IKN_2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="960" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQU_OeBz7-WIo4aNUUzIi8CL-WPVnzTb-v-458goY8kydpxA6ACqWCQGuYYSqvCX8LICTlfA83QvzVvgrnmwL-Dbdch0dk4I7L1khgZrkKXctPKWcJS0wZzqVZyno93W-JTQXly2Hv8hb/s400/NFCMHomebanner2_IKN_2015.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span>We are the ones that should be condemned. Condemned for our apathy. Condemned by being overwhelmed by the hugeness of the problem that we don't make a life-changing decision for one. Condemned because we continue to perpetuate myths that older children in child care deserve nothing more from us. </span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span>So here I am, standing up, and saying this is not okay. This is not a future I want for the world. This is an area where we can make a difference.</span></div>
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<span><br /></span></div>
<div class="def-set">
<span>Would you join me in praying for freedom? For grace and courageousness. For hope. For liberation. For a world where kids not only simply have the right to be raised in families, but <i>are</i> being raised in homes where they have a place to belong and be loved. We are never outgrow our need for family. So I'm dreaming big and believing that Jesus followers around the world will continue to step up. I believe there is a family for every waiting child. Let's be that family. </span></div>
<span></span></section><section class="def-pbk ce-spot" data-collapse-expand="{"target": ".def-set", "type": "def"}"><span></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><div class="def-set">
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</section></div>
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-12270279475852567012017-05-11T14:04:00.003-07:002017-05-11T14:04:46.358-07:00<i>Things I'm doing these days</i>:<br />
- Scouring the internet for Costa Rican adoption stories<br />
- Rejoicing with some friends who recently brought their children home<br />
- Watching way too much television<br />
- Spending nights staring at profiles of children waiting to be adopted and praying for them, longing for them to have a family and a home to call their own<br />
- Trying not to convince myself that I'm simply just crazy. And trying to keep the worries that are too prevalent at bay: Finances, being a single parent in ministry, living 4,000 miles from family, public school here in not ideal, etc. <br />
- And well, all the normal ministry things. Meeting with leaders. Praying. Young Life Clubs. Planning. Training. Contact work with kids - so grateful for that and for joy they bring to my soul!<br />
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<i>Things I'm learning these days</i>:<br />
<span style="color: blue;">Trust.</span> Been learning to lean more and more into Jesus despite the circumstances. I know He knows what He is up to. Trusting that my obedience will result in the best story.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Joy</span>. Joy is a choice and a gift He's giving to me. I will find joy today in the fact that I'm loved and have the opportunity to love others!<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Peace</span>. Peace is something I have to ask for. Peace is something I have to fight for. Peace is not something I can create. Peace is a gift.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;">Longing</span>. I long for my present and future to be different. To be more like Jesus, to follow Him well. To hear His voice. For governments to see the same future possibilities that I can see. For kids to know that they are loved and wanted. For kids to understand that Jesus loves them more than they could ever know.<br />
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So grateful for the opportunity to keep learning and to keep loving and to keep serving. <br />
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-51813145480947419882017-01-31T12:36:00.000-08:002017-01-31T12:37:43.322-08:00It's a Miracle!There are days when I just need to know that You are there... that You are here... that You are working. There are days when I just need to see You - Your face and Your hands.<br />
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This was one of those days - and you let me see a miracle.<br />
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It took me a few weeks to give myself enough courage to head to the Central Authority's office (PANI) to ask for the letter explaining that Costa Rica would gladly do a home study for an US foster care adoption (because Costa Rica had said it was impossible for me to adopt here), or they would allow a US social worker to come and assess me. My life always seems to be way too complicated and I was afraid that once again a door would be closed in front of me after I felt that I was called to walk into it. <br />
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I finally decided that I wasn't going to let the fear of the unknown win. I wasn't going to allow the worse case scenarios to play on repeat in my brain. I was going to pray like crazy and then actually walk into the office and see what happened. I wasn't going to accept a no - I was asking an either or question. Either you say yes to this option or yes to this option. I'm not going to leave without a yes.<br />
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So I put on a "I'm a beautiful powerhouse outfit" and I promised myself in the mirror that I could do this. That Jesus and I could do this. I asked Jesus once again to confirm that He was in this crazy process. And I went.<br />
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Long story short - I ended up in a meeting with the director of the adoption department and an amazing social worker. The director seems like an incredible man who really wants to be helpful. The social worker was compassionate and kind. They informed me that Costa Rican adoption law was changing in three weeks. Wording would change from "citizen" to "habitual resident". This cracks open the door for the <b>national adoption</b> process for me! This means applying to adopt a Costa Rican child, here in Costa Rica. This is the best case scenario that I had been told was absolutely impossible. I am witness to a miracle. God is changing the adoption law!<br />
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I love how Jesus is allowing me to watch what He is doing. Giving me more evidence that He is trustworthy and fighting for me. That if I won't give up walking where He's asked me to walk (even when it seems unproductive to me), He will show up. <br />
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I am currently collecting a mountain of paperwork to prove that I actually live in Costa Rica and not only enjoy "traveling" to Costa Rica - as my legal status appears. Please pray for God to continue to give me favor with government officials. Thank you for praying and believing with me for this miracle of adoption to take place!<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-64274389109910725902017-01-04T12:08:00.001-08:002017-01-04T12:08:37.105-08:00I'm Your Momma - We Just Haven't Met YetHey there... It's me, your momma. I'm waiting for you. I'm fighting for you. I LOVE YOU!<br />
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I wish I could sit in front of you today and see your handsome face and tell you how long I've been thinking about you. Even though I had no idea (and still don't) what you would look like. <br />
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This is what I know...<br />
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You are loved. You are desired. You are known. God made you perfectly. You are worth fighting for! <br />
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I am praying for you. I am fighting for you in the best ways I know how. <br />
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I am longing to be able to sit at the table to laugh and cry with you. To listen to you. To learn with you. <br />
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One day this dream will be a reality. We may never know why we had to wait so long to meet each other, but I'm trusting and praying for you as I wait. So today, I pray you know.... know you do have a momma somewhere and she loves you very, very much.<br />
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<br />Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-81585708427873219832016-12-24T08:40:00.000-08:002016-12-24T08:40:37.451-08:00Christmas Eve for those who are WaitingIt's Christmas Eve - a day about waiting hopes being fulfilled. It's a day where we are told that the world and our future is completely different. Jesus showed up and He changed everything. People had waited for so long - and <b>HE CAME</b>.<br />
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<img alt="Image result for manger scene" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuqsLzw4VBNRtZSZrY1_BLpsYZYxW2GDD5SzsfaGvBGi3Verul" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="mE7HFo-lrM59MM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQuqsLzw4VBNRtZSZrY1_BLpsYZYxW2GDD5SzsfaGvBGi3Verul" style="height: 168px; margin-left: -10px; margin-right: -20px; margin-top: 0px; width: 236px;" /></div>
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But today, I'm thinking about those who continue to wait. <br />
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" 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" 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I saw a video from the Aleppo crisis, where a man shouted, Muslims, where are you? Where are you? And my heart broke. Christians, where are we? Why haven't we done a better job of showing these people love and providing their basic needs? Why did we wait so long? Why are we still waiting to show up in the lives of so many in need? <b>Jesus, show up</b> in war-torn areas today!<br />
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" style="height: 182px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; width: 124px;" /><img alt="Image result for adopt us kids" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMWQ5THOwnB5I-dSdRZKvT3zHk-ulpMaRDDflOnr6d287xjGwCbA" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="X8igRmvc3bFI4M:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMWQ5THOwnB5I-dSdRZKvT3zHk-ulpMaRDDflOnr6d287xjGwCbA" style="height: 184px; margin-left: -13px; margin-right: -22px; margin-top: 0px; width: 274px;" /><br />
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I think of the faces of the kids listed on the adoptuskids.org website. These beautiful children of God who are simply waiting for adults to step up and be loving parents to them. So many children just waiting. So many children who tonight may not know that there are people who care deeply for them, who are praying for them, and desire to fight for them. <b>Jesus, show up</b> in these kids hearts today!<br />
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<img alt="Image result for military families separated at christmas" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="U0ssZAzq0JiiXM:" 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" 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I think of the families who are separated because of war and the act of peacekeeping throughout the world. Military families who will not be able to celebrate on the same continent because of their sacrifice to their country. <b>Jesus, show up</b> on military bases and in the homes of their families today!<br />
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<b>You came. You are here. You will come</b>. </div>
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We will celebrate. We will pray. We will love.</div>
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<img alt="Image result for as we wait on the lord" class="rg_ic rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="IgeUtq0uvv-kYM:" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkE8KaJ7DLU-SK6jgGm8ecUtTbwxNy2gOfO3x-lHiXD59Q4Cjz" style="height: 186px; margin-left: -2px; margin-right: -2px; margin-top: 0px; width: 186px;" /><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></div>
Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-12485118930621195842016-10-23T19:51:00.001-07:002016-10-23T19:53:04.699-07:00You will come like the rain<b><u>rain</u> - </b><br />
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1. water that falls from the sky to bring nourishment and new life to the earth<br />
2. moisture you can see <br />
3. the source of puddles and maker of mud<br />
4. what forces me inside several months of the year...<br />
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I was just introduced to "My Soul Longs for You" by Jesus Culture. Check out the song - (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUJQx_JmtVA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OUJQx_JmtVA</a>). Here are the lyrics to the whole song: </div>
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My Soul Longs for YOU</div>
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Nothing Else Will Do</div>
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I believe You will come like the Rain</div>
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You'll come like the rain</div>
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We are entrenched in rainy season. October is always the rainiest month of the year. When I attempt to describe it to people who have not experienced it, I usually say... well, it will be completely clear skies one minute and then the faucet is turned on full force the next. And you are drenched. All the time. Rain coats and umbrellas only slightly help. So usually, I think that all worships calling out for rain or to "let it rain" should be banned during the rainy season. But this week, thinking about the certainty of Jesus coming like the rain poured out hope, joy, and peace on me. He will come. He is here. And he comes like the faucet on full force. Like an October day in Costa Rica. How great it is to know He will come like the rain. Makes me want to go dance and run in this rainstorm and thank God for coming to be here with me.</div>
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-41714759648269987102016-10-12T22:53:00.000-07:002016-10-12T22:53:16.430-07:00Living in the Waiting<u>waiting</u><br />
<ol>
<li>the time in between the ask and the answer</li>
<li>wandering in the "desert" in search of the promised land</li>
<li>battle between being frustrated and being hopeful</li>
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You said that I didn't have to wait anymore. You said to go. I spent two weeks making sure that I was hearing you correctly, then checked in with people I trust. We heard You say go, move, now is the time. So, here I am trying to go. And the very first step and ran smack into a very tall, very sturdy brick wall.</div>
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Yet, I know what I heard. I trust You. I know You know exactly how this will work out. But seriously, after waiting for years for you to say Yes, Go! This wait is much more challenging, more painful. It feels almost cruel; like a smack in the face. Doubt is constantly creeping in on the edges of my mind. </div>
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Then You had someone speak straight to me. "You don't want to be like Abraham and create a family on your own timing. That was a mess and has caused generational turmoil." Okay, I get it. I definitely don't want to do that. You spoke to Abraham. You fulfilled Your promise - even after Abraham took things into his own hands and screwed everything up. You still followed through with Your plan and Your promise. So don't let me be like Abraham. Let me live in the waiting. Let me be prepared for when You decide to bust open opportunity and make miracles happen. I'm watching and waiting. <br />
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Psalm 27:14<br />
"Wait patiently for the LORD. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD."<br />
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I think you repeated that for me.... yes, yes, I get it. I will wait.</div>
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-55520597061232105522013-09-22T21:43:00.001-07:002013-09-22T21:43:34.296-07:00feeling frustrated...So google has failed me this weekend. My searches have been completely futile. You see my friends are concerned for me. They seem to think that I am on the fast track to burn out. Several friends have told me that they think I need a serious ministry break - to take that sabbatical. Several friends have expressed concern in other ways... "It seems like you are really distracted" "You are tired most of the time." You know, friendly, saying.... something is just not right.<br />
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Enter google.... So finally I've decided that I needed some ammunition to counteract my friends comments. I wanted to be able to tell them, okay here's the plan. This is what God and I are going to do. So I googled spiritual health for youth pastors, retreats for ministers, spiritual growth for pastors, etc. And I found basically nothing. So I'm at a bit of an impasse. I have no answers, no action steps, no plan. So I'm going old-school. I've just busted out my Bible and journal and asked God to speak. Begged him to (a good friend prays frequently begging God to speak and I've stolen that language, because I want desperately to communicate how much I want to hear). <br />
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And I'm trying to figure out how to be quiet... <br />
how to wait....<br />
how to hear...<br />
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jesus, I am begging you to speak. I am begging you to calm my heart, mind, and ears to be able to listen. Don't let me keeping running in circles that don't make sense, that you didn't design for me to run. Don't allow me to exhaust myself working for you instead of with you. show me where and how and who. show me when to go and when to wait. give me the patience to follow your lead. I want to be known as a follower of the Way. lead me. I'm begging. amen.<br />
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"But God's not finished. He's waiting around to be gracious to you. <br />
He's gathering strength to show mercy to you.<br />
GOD takes the time to do everything right - everything.<br />
Those who wait around for him are the lucky ones."<br />
Isaiah 30:18 (The Message)Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-3402345169558845672013-04-10T22:31:00.000-07:002013-04-10T22:31:09.292-07:00<strong><u>screaming</u> [skree-ming]</strong><br />
<ol>
<li>loud, bursts of unexpected ear-splitting sound making it known that one is afraid or in need of help</li>
<li>attempted singing, but loudly and off-pitch</li>
<li>sound that comes out of mom's mouths on the side of the soccer field.</li>
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i was immediately shot-rocketed out of my deep, sleep as my name was shrieked into the calm, quiet of the night. he was screaming uncontrollably. my name. it was the middle of the night and his three-year-old world was very scary. it's amazing how loud a terrified toddler can be and how fast i can jump into motion in the middle of the night. who knew? screaming stops. tears are wiped away. his name is now softly heard over and over. it's okay. you're okay. sweet little boy once again curls up and falls quickly asleep. quiet returns, joy fills my heart, and soft toddler sleep breaths are all that is heard.Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1076379028191105934.post-68302007027081313952013-03-11T21:20:00.000-07:002013-03-11T21:20:40.611-07:00gifts....<strong><u>gifts</u> [gift]- </strong><br />
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1. unexpected surprises to let you know that you are loved<br />
2. something given without any expectation of something in return<br />
3. something you received without earning<br />
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today's gifts to me:<br />
hope. beauty. sunshine. laughter. listening ears. attentive eyes. hugs. wonderful, simple food. mail. pictures of my newborn nephew. abundant generosity. so many shades of green. friends. joy. my boss telling me that nothing I have done was a waste of time. internet working. quiet in the city. hope.<br />
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Jessiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10245980255151670196noreply@blogger.com0