Inspiration to Nonviolence

I think we should pay attention to what moves us to tears.  Those stories, people, events are often connected to our destiny.  What breaks my heart?  Inspires me to move forward?  If I continue to follow the Lord and walk through doors he opens and explore ideas he presents to me, I believe I'll find my life connected to the stories that move me to tears.

Martin Luther King, Jr and Gandhi inspire me.  I cannot engage in their stories without sobbing.  I recently read a short book called, "Jesus and Nonviolence: A Third Way," by Walter Wink.  If you are moved by MLK Jr. or Gandhi, you really need to read this book.  Really.  What I'm saying is, READ "Jesus and Nonviolence."  :-)

There is a beautiful strength in nonviolent, non-wimpy revolution.  And Jesus was the greatest leader in this of all mankind.  "Jesus, lead us first into your heart, in intimacy and then lead us wherever you would take us to bring your Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven."

Here's a link to part of Jason Upton's song, "Never Alone Martin."  It's worth 5 minutes.

Thank you to all those who bring the love and justice of Jesus to a hurting world in bondage.

Smile of the day!

As a child, I spent hours watching Sesame Street. My favorite was Ernie. Now maybe I should've chosen more wisely since I have been called "Ernie" mistakenly for the last thirty years of my life! Ernie and Emie look very much alike to the reader at a glance. But alas, I still love Ernie from Sesame Street. The clip on You Tube below is one of my all time favorites, never failing to make me laugh out loud. Grab your kids and have a laugh! :-) Happy day to you.
Bert and Ernie Fishing


And for those of you with kids who always seem to be missing a shoe, sock, coat, or if you're like Asher, a SHIRT when you're walking out the door 3 minutes late already, this song, sung by B.B. King, written by our beloved board book author, Sandra Boynton, will make you smile!
One Shoe Blues

My Song of the Year

Yesterday I turned 34. I had a beautiful 10-10-10 birthday! Had a fun birthday call at 10:10 on 10-10-10 from some friends, met with a girl I'm discipling in the morning, had a couple of peaceful hours at the park journaling my 33rd year while 2 hummingbirds zipped around me, came home to enjoy the rest of the day with my precious family, put them to bed and finished the day by watching my favorite movie, "EverAfter" with my Prince Charming. It was a perfect day. Thank you to all who sent birthday wishes! You make my life more full and rich.

This has been my favorite worship song for several weeks. As I listened to it yesterday, I decided it would be the theme song of my next year. I don't know what the year will hold, but this song details what I desire to do come struggle or joys. It's called "Love Came Down (If My Heart is Overwhelmed)" by Brian and Jenn Johnson on the album "Love Came Down."

If my heart is overwhelmed
And I cannot hear your voice
I'll hold on to what is true
Though I cannot see
If the storms of life they come
And the road ahead gets steep
I will lift these hands in faith
I will believe

I remind myself of all that You've done
And the Life I have because of Your Son

Love came down and rescued me
Love came down and set me free
I am Yours, I am forever Yours
Mountain high or valley low
I sing out remind my soul
I am Yours, I am forever Yours

When my heart is filled with hope
And every promise comes my way
When I feel Your hands of grace
Rest upon me
Staying desperate for You God
Staying humbled at Your feet
I will lift these hands and praise
I will believe

I am Yours I am Yours
All my days, Jesus, I am Yours

Song of the Day

As I go into a very busy couple of weeks, I was reminded last night that my job is to worship through it. The song that is filling my head is called "My Romance" by Melissa Wise from the "We Cry Out" Jesus Culture music. This is my heart's desire for the next couple weeks.
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Unto You be all the glory
Unto You be all the glory
Unto You be all the glory

The angels dance around You
The earth it sings about You
Open up the heavens Lord
Let Your Kingdom come to earth

My praises all surround You
My soul can't dance without You
Open up the heavens Lord
Let Your Kingdom come to earth

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Jesus, my soul can't dance without You and I want to DANCE through the next two weeks. Let Your Kingdom come to earth!