Jan 23, 2010

My Prayers for Haiti


I could not bring myself to post on the devastation I have witnessed via television from the Haiti earthquake until now. I use my blog as a journal, and I really want my children to know one day the feelings and impact that this moment in history has had on so many. First of all up to date, the death toll has reached 110,000 people, and may end up as high as 200,000. I cannot fathom that number. Growing up in a midsize town of 65,000 people, I cannot imagine the whole town dying and then the surrounding smaller towns included. It is so horrific and the way we can be there via television and internet, it has been overwhelming for so many to sit and watch the event unfold.

Of course we can give our resources, and praise God we all are doing that through our churches and relief efforts by so many wonderful organizations. We can pray for the people who have lost so many loved ones and for the thousands of people left homeless, sick and in fear of their future. And most of all continue to support these loving people by continuing to support them as a country to help them get back on their feet physically and spiritually. I read an amazing blog post from some wonderful American Christians who were there in Haiti and shared there experiences. You can go here to read this account from the Beth Moore blog.

Just over the last several days I have been sick with a stomach bug, and couldn't do much of anything but lay and watch tv. I was unable to eat, barely move, and felt like I had been hit by a truck. However, my temporary sickness was absolutely a blessing because it was temporary, I was surrounding by my loved ones who cared for me, had warm bed, a roof over my head, food nearby and hope. I sat in my bed and just prayed for those hundreds of thousands of people in need, and those who felt hopeless. I begged God to give them hope in Him, and to send his favor and blessings on the people in such desperate need. I see God answering those prayers through so many people. So many have given their talents, their finances and their many resources to help the people of Haiti. On every channel I watch, people are finding ways to support the relief efforts and get involved in making a difference locally, nationally and globally. However, I never want to forget that God is the Lord of all, and it is Him alone who we put our hope in and our assurance for all things.

Psalm 46 "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. "

Jan 18, 2010

How to Make New Friends???


Me and one of my BFF's Tiffany

Hey girls, are you having difficulty making new friends, or better yet Godly friends who share similar beliefs and morals? I think often times we think it should just happen as we continue to stay at home and do nothing. I thought it would be fun to share ways I have made new friendships over the last couple of years, and even more recently, the last two weeks. Here are my ideas, and I would love to hear yours too. All of us can experience loneliness at times, and may need a refresher course in, Friendship 101.

1. Be nice. Smile. Yes, sometimes it is that simple. Also, when I met someone and then run into them more than once after that...I hug them! Yes, I do. If they shy away, I give them more time. However, I believe that we don't hug enough. Sometimes, it is the only hug a girl may get throughout the day.

2. Begin attending church, but don't just stop there. Join a ministry. Some of the dearest, sweetest friends I've met this past year are serving with me in our children's ministry.

2. Use Facebook and Twitter. You not only connect with old friends, but you can get to know new people better by chatting, encouraging, praying for and sometimes attending events together.

3. Be open to meet and talk to new people. I started exercising at a nearby Zumba studio a little over two weeks ago, and since then I have met some precious women who share a love of getting back into shape and dancing. It is like another little family there. Maybe a bible study, MOPs group, or a play group is more your style. No matter what you choose, be friendly and interested when you get there. Most people are not as cliquish as you think, and could always use another friends.

4. Go places. It is amazing how when you get out, you meet people.

5. Organize get togethers. I love connecting women to one another through large events. We had a women's chick flick/lunch this month, and we are now going to make it a regular monthly thing. The girls each met new people, and look forward to our next gathering. I am also looking forward to attending a Zumba praise and worship night at my exercise studio next month. Just set things up and invite. So simple. You may ask, "What if no ones comes?" I guess in that case you may need to re-evaluate what you are doing. Cost? Opportunities to have fun? Can they bring a friend? Lots of things come into play when people are afraid of new meetings.

6. Don't wait to be invited over for dinner or a game night. You have it! It doesn't take much to order pizza and make a call to friends. If there is a few girls you have clicked with, have them over for coffee and dessert. Keep it simple, and believe me, it will mean the world to them.

Let's hear your best ideas for finding new friends!