Significance In Serving

I have always had an ambitious and possibly unachievable approach toward community development, and I am beginning to understand why. My outlook has shifted from numbers and quantity to significance. An individual may not be able to execute a movement on their own, but I think there is great value in individual relationships contributing to transformation. I have learned so many lessons around this concept in the past year, primarily through gaining an inside look into our service at Garden Gate and Ladera Palms.

Verronica is my dear friend who lives at Garden Gate. We have prayed together, served together, laughed together. She had been considering the opportunity to start a small group at Garden Gate around the same time that my cell was ready to multiply. Together we prayed about a seemingly open door to start a cell and felt that God confirmed this opportunity that he had placed before us. Verronica visited our cell and connected with several people in the group. I was so happy to hear that they all spent time together while I was in Vietnam! Our new cell begins in Veronica's home at Garden Gate next Monday. I have a deep sense that God is going to use our group, to grow our group, to multiply our group and invite transformation into the community. This is not a program, it's not an event, it is an opportunity to develop genuine relationships. I'm bothered by the reality that words like "outreach" and "service" carry a somewhat draining connotation in our culture. These words mean something completely different when relationships are formed and we genuinely see each other as brothers and sisters. In the Kingdom of God, there is no mentality of "us" and "them". When we attempt to serve through our resources alone, we reject an opportunity to share the true love of Christ that connects people to each other. It is so important to me to serve alongside the people that we have been called to serve. Next month at Garden Gate, residents will be doing their spring cleaning, and they will bring donated items to the clubroom to "swap" with each other. Then they will bring additional donations to a charitable organization. What a great opportunity they have to bless and serve each other!

I've observed a similar dynamic through our to service to refugee populations at Ladera Palms Apartments in Fort Worth. We have had many opportunities to interact with children and families in this community through engagements of all kinds. The most poignant stories are those that come from individual and significant relationships that are formed between volunteers and refugee families. The spirit comes in when a volunteer's identity changes to a friend, a brother, or a sister. It is no longer a mere commitment or service opportunity. I am anticipating more cells and families to catch on to the great reward that comes from "adopting" these refugee families that are new to America. Our cell has done it, and we have had a blast! Whether we attend birthday parties, bring them to church, or just have tea in their home, they are always so welcoming and loving toward us.

The opportunity to serve is truly God's gift to us. We were designed for relationships, and to be in community with one another. When we run after this opportunity he blesses us through relationships in ways greater than we could have imagined.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Have you told Bob happy birthday yet? I am beyond blessed that this man is my father, my teacher, my mentor, my friend. Thank you dad for what you mean to me and so many others. You are dearly loved!!

Old Testament, Modern World

This month I have been reading through Ezekiel and I've become fixated on both the character of God, and the nature of man.

Idolatry was such a struggle for the Israelites, probably the most significant sin that removed God from his throne in the eyes of the people. This downfall is seen as a theme through the history and stories of the Old Testament, so much so that it's current impact on modern society seems diluted.

Sadly, idolatry has continued to find a home in the empty hearts of man, who fall short of acknowledging Christ as the Lord of their lives. The desire to worship something is instilled inside of every man, we are eternal beings, and we long to feel connected to something greater than ourselves. Whether it's fortune, fame, acceptance, approval, there is a need and a longing to sense immediate fulfillment deep inside of us. Today, I would argue that our greatest idol is not time, talent, or even money, but simply each other. Comparison destroys, approval haunts, and we become enthralled with others to the point of worship. I'm bothered by the concept of "God shaped holes" in our hearts. Isn't God so much greater than something to seep into the cracks and emptiness of our beings? I want him to be more than that in my life! I want God to have all of me, because I know that his plan and desire for my life is so much greater than anything I could fathom on my own. He is worthy of my whole heart, my entire being and spirit. When HE is on the throne, the emptiness of this world and the idols we have created can not claim power over the hearts of man.

The REAL campaign for real beauty.

Thinking about the manner in which our society approaches self esteem among young girls makes me feel tired. I have become familiar with the resources available that attempt to redefine the way girls perceive themselves, and if you aren't a hermit, it's likely that you have too. We have saturated ourselves in it. Do you feel like it's been effective? I remember my awkward years...actually there's not a lot to remember, mine seemed to last longer than most. My roommate and I were getting ready for work in our apartment discussing our childhood (one that we were blessed to share together) and though we endured the painfully awkward years, we remember being happy and oblivious to our flaws. It's only painful now when we see the pictures of ourselves from years ago. Have you noticed the shift in our strive for perfection among girls at such an early age? It seems that the "awkward years" have nearly been eliminated from traditional stages of development. So what is causing this tension between the convergence of a forceful push toward positive self-esteem among girls, and a greater strive for perfection? There seems to be a selfish fixation that is fogging the intent of efforts toward healthy self esteem. The power of suggestion has created an emphasis on the ways in which girls perceive themselves. Maybe they were ok with who they were until so many voices were telling them that they should learn to become comfortable with themselves. This has caused us to question ourselves and reach unhealthy conclusions. Materials that encourage girls to think differently about themselves often lead them down a path of self-centeredness. Why is it necessary to search and analyze ourselves to the point of exhaustion? I have found that true identity is revealed when we have the opportunity to look outside of ourselves and serve others as we are called to do. That is when God's unique design and creation of man's heart becomes exposed. Furthermore, such a greater beauty comes from the girl who is kind, and loves others genuinely than the one who has forced herself into a healthy thought process about who she is. Girls don't have to watch super models or look in magazines to realize that they aren't perfect. They don't need to see a video that shows how "fake" that person actually is smiling on the billboard. All they have to do is walk to class at school where comparison is inevitable. We do not have the power to sustain a forced mentality of acceptance of self. It is my desire for girls to know that they are beautiful because they are fulfilling God's call in their life to serve others. Genuine inner beauty is defined by Christ shining through a willing spirit, and impacting others with confidence.

Not tryin to be someone, just tryin to do some things

This is simple math, but I still feel the need to articulate my idea about our strive to become something great. I was hanging out with a friend I hadn't seen since college last night, and as we were talking about the different things we were pursuing and hoping for, I had a realization. I wish someone in college had told me To stop thinking about who I want to be, and instead to consider what I want to be doing. Our culture has harvested a hunger for significance, not defined by what we actually do, but by who we are. I used to have a vague idea of what I wanted to do, but I knew I wanted it to be something "big". I didn't care how I got there or who I was advocating for, I just wanted be someone. My perspective of the way god is going to use me has since transformed. I still want to make a significant impact by serving vulnerable populations, but I also want to volunteer and hang out with refugees RIGHT NOW. I can do that! See, it's about what we can do, not WHO we want to be. If I am always dreaming about being on a stage in front of influential business leaders advocating for vulnerable populations as a 40 year old, I am going to miss out on what I could be doing as a 22 year old. I want to write a book, so I am writing, I'm not aspiring to be an author. I'm still dreaming big for my future and I'm not

Putting any limits on the way god can use me, but it's now more important for me to see how he is using me today. Who is he putting in my path to love now that will impact and influence my

Future? I want to change the world, but it's just important to me that my children think I'm a good mom. I'm taking it day by day and trusting that god is going to lead me to the place I am going. Significance should not be so heavily based on image, but by our ability to impact

Others through love. So to anyone feeling the suffocating pressures of becoming who you want To be, start focusing on what you can DO. It sounds a little backwards, but I'm right.

On Young People Feeling Disconnected.

Who's with me? My assumption is that is a majority of you who are reading this post between the ages of 21 and 25. I'm convinced this is a crucial season of life that I am experiencing along with many others my age, and I don't want to take it for granted. What a unique time the Lord has set aside for me to grow, mature, and absorb everything I possibly can, while learning a valuable lesson in patience. I'd like to make an attempt to encourage anyone reading this blog who's future seems mysterious. At first the mystery may excite you, make you feel like the possibilities are endless. Then it's Monday, then Tuesday, then March comes around, and before you have had the chance to send out another resume the mystery loses it's glamour and appeal. You become discouraged. The mystery becomes uncomfortable. Suddenly it dawns on you that your life has less structure than what makes you feel comfortable, productive, or like you are contributing to society in a valuable way at all. What is wrong with this mentality, and why does it seem to plague those of us who feel that we are in a trying time of transition? I don't have the answers, but I know that something is wrong with our skewed perception of success, value, and worth. I think we have missed the beauty and necessity for simplicity, which has long been fleeting from our society and more specifically our culture. There is something incredibly refreshing and peaceful about simplifying. We have been called to pursue relationships for the sake of spreading the love of Christ to others. The theme of Genesis through Revelation is love. How has our mentality become so convoluted? God has equipped each of us to love in a unique way through our giftings and passions. I've never believed in formulas, but I do think that trusting God with genuine faith gives freedom to pursue passion. God will show you how you will spend the rest of your life loving. You will know what to do, and you might even get paid for it.

Native American

Vietnam is Lovable

• The diversity of the regions makes it seem like three countries in one
• Vietnamese people value starting their day at 5 am
• They also value two-hour naps after lunch (They have been awake since 5 after all!)
• Life is lived outside
• “Children’s day” is celebrated and that’s the cutest

Music that I can’t stop playing

• Noah and the Whale
• Vampire Weekend
• Catpower
• Animal Collective
• William Fitzsimmons

Must be incorporated into every day

• Coffee
• Prayer/solitude/quiet/Jesus
• Friendship
• Driving with empty lyrics playing
• Productivity of some kind

Life giving activities

• Visiting Somali refugees
• Time with Viet students
• Hanging out with my brother
• Spending time with my parents
• Making you laugh

The morning is better

• It.s when coffee thrives
• Mysteries of what the day will bring
• Vibrant Blue skies
• Opportunities that the sleeping world will not have
• Newness

Movies that will entertain from beginning to end

• Edward Scissorhands
• 500 Days of Summer
• I frequent the theatre solo fashion
• My friends know I fall asleep in every movie
• When Im with people I want to be talking

Things worth Pursuing

• Writing
• Relationships
• The things deep inside that only you can reach
• Full potential
• The things and people you adore

Cities

• Portland
• Austin
• Hanoi
• Paris
• The ones I have yet to explore

Bucket list items

• Learn to play violin
• Black eye
• Write a book
• Travel the world
• Meet my children so that I don’t have to miss them anymore