Thoughts on Compassion

Stirrings and Questions

Do you ever feel God stirring in your heart, yet you don’t know what to do about it? Feel compassionate, but no outlet for it? Desire to help others, but you have no idea where to start? Ever feel like you just want to sell everything, and move to Africa (or where ever)….just because you desire to help…and to love? But, at the same time, you feel like you have no idea what that would all look like…how to get there, where to help, what organization to support…and how to still make sure you’re taking care of your God-given responsibilities that you do have here and now (your own children, for example).

Finding the Balance

I’m learning to find the balance. I feel compassion for the world, and want to just GO…but I know that I have two little ones to care for right now. God has given me (along with my husband) the great responsibility of shaping the lives and hearts of our children to love the Lord, and love others. That is a mission in itself.

At the same time, I don’t want “being a mother to little children” to become an easy excuse to not fight for the freedom of others. That’s where I’m asking for God’s wisdom and guidance. How much of an impact can we have on our children’s lives if they could see us fighting for what truly matters? And what kind of impact can we have on the world by shaping the next generation to be compassionate and self-sacrificial for the glory of  God and the freedom of millions?

I also need to remember that there are SO MANY men, women and children that are hurting, homeless, lonely, and/or enslaved in America too. Let us be compassion to our neighbors AND the world. I have a lot of growing to do in this area.

Awareness

I recently went to an awareness party about human trafficking, and once again, felt this stirring in my heart. I’m still wondering what God will do with all of these stirrings…where he will lead my husband, myself and my family. Wondering what the “big picture” will look like…but I’m learning that sometimes (probably most times) we will only be able to see the next, seemingly small, opportunities and choices. I’m feeling challenged to re-evaluate how I make decisions, the things that I purchase, and the things I spend time doing and thinking about.

With all of that, I want to challenge you as well…those of you that read this blog somewhat regularly, or those of you who have randomly found your way here. Do you ever feel these stirrings in your heart? Please don’t ignore them.  Ask for God’s guidance. And start choosing to DO things, or PURCHASE things that support individual lives and well-being.

Don’t Waste the Pain and Sadness, Turn it into Action

My dear friend lost one of her precious triplet baby boys just a year ago today. A scar she will bear the rest of her life. But her pain has not led her to stay closed off in the darkest corner of her room, rather it has compelled her to love others. I am amazed at what God can do through our most painful experiences. Through her loss, others are being blessed and cared for. I admire her compassion in the midst of such suffering. And her precious son now lives on in others, through being an organ donor. The loss of his life has given life to others. (You can read their story on her blog bissingfamily.com)

When we read or hear stories of pain (death, drug addiction, trafficking, abuse), sometimes we can become numb to it, because we don’t want to think about it. If we think about it, then we get upset…and feel like something should be done. Which is exactly why we shouldn’t ignore it.  Please allow God to shape your heart as you hear of pain and sadness. Ask Him how He might have you help.

How to Help

Here are a few practical ways you can show compassion and love to others, followed by resources/websites:

-Give to or Purchase from Groups/Organizations that Fight for the Freedom of Others

-Become an Organ Donor

-Support Adoption

-Be Pro-Life, and Fight for the Rights of the Unborn

-Be Informed about What’s Going On in Our World

Better Way Imports - promotes the glory of God through operating a business which seeks to advance the companies that are working to end sex-trafficking. *A wonderful place to buy unique, handmade gifts, while at the same time, helping rescue women from slavery*

Samaritan’s Purse – a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has helped meet needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine with the purpose of sharing God’s love through His Son, Jesus Christ.  *Please take a look at their Gift Catalog*

International Justice Mission (IJM) – is a human rights agency that brings rescue to victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to secure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to ensure that public justice systems – police, courts and laws – effectively protect the poor.

Invisible Children - uses film, creativity and social action to end the use of child soldiers in Joseph Kony’s rebel war and restore LRA-affected communities in East and Central Africa to peace and prosperity.

Just Love Coffee Roasters – as passionate as we are about creating outstanding artisan coffees, we are equally passionate about helping those in need. Every delectable cup of Just Love Coffee you drink has a portion of its proceeds go to someone who could use a helping hand. In our first two years of business we have given over $200,000 to adopting families, non-profit organizations, and the arts.

Ten Thousand Villages -  [Their] mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term fair trading relationships.

Show Hope – Show Hope is a ministry that enables individuals and communities to change the world for orphans by not only addressing a child’s need for food, shelter, care, and spiritual nourishment, but by also addressing the root issue for an orphan: the lack of a family.

Blogs:

Aware To Care – A Blog by a “Freedom Fighter” for Better Way Imports.

For This Child – The story of the adoption process of two young ones from Ethiopia

Thoughts from Uganda on Life and the Orphan Heart – These are thoughts from the heart of those working hands on with orphans in the heart of Uganda with an organization called New Hope Uganda.

*This is just some of the information/organizations that I know of. If you have other information/websites you would like to share, or ideas of how to support those in need, please let me know! Thanks!*

A Few Things I’ve Learned About Surprise Parties

This is NOT a How-To, these are just some of my own, personal reflections.

-Have a Plan to Get Your Birthday Boy/Girl Out of the House

Pretty obvious, right? Have a friend take them out for a few hours while you prepare at home. Or perhaps arrange for the party to be at a restaurant or park, and that way you can bring the Man of the hour TO his party, as if you were just going out for an afternoon together.

-Let Go of Your Expectations

It’s so easy to get this picture in your head of the perfect surprise party, where old friends reunite in honor of your beloved birthday guest, you’ve thought of all the perfect little details and decorations, and your man (or woman) of honor is overwhelmed with joy and tears of happiness as playful bubbles and confetti swirl around them after they walk through the door.

But in reality, things don’t always work out the way you pictured them in your head. And it’s OK! Often, not all the guests will be able make it. Some may have to back out. Plans may have to change. Keep in mind (as my husband told me), you are the one who knows the guest list.  Your Birthday Boy/Girl most likely does not know, and will be blessed by seeing those who are there to celebrate! They are most likely not aware of who couldn’t make it. So let it go!

-Go with the Flow

So what if things aren’t perfect? What are you here to celebrate-your loved one, or your carefully crafted decorations? Hopefully it’s your loved one! Do what you can to make the party special, but try not to stress about things that, in the end, don’t really matter. Showing love is what really matters!

-Don’t Forget the Kids Drinks!

Yeah….I definitely forgot this part!  Oops! Thankfully we had water (which is probably best for all of us!). But really, if you’re going to have kids there, don’t forget to buy some juice boxes or something similar! It’s become so common for me to just have pop as our usual party beverage, but then I realized…”wait…I don’t even give my own kids pop yet!”…and the fact that a friend was asking for kids drinks, and I had to tell her I didn’t have any.  Lesson learned.

-Ask for Help and Be Specific!

FYI, this is NOT something I am good at!  Sometimes a “what to bring” list on an evite can be overlooked or forgotten, leaving you a bit concerned if you will have everything you need for the big day. That’s when you need to make some actual phone calls!  Most of your guests would be very happy to bring something.

-Include Something Thoughtful

I really wanted my husband to have some words to read….thoughtful, encouraging, or even silly.  Something to make him smile even after the guests left the party. I cut and folded some colorful cardstock into little cards, put out some pens, and a big, clear, glass cookie jar (an empty one!), so the guests could each write a little note for him.  It was fun to watch him read him notes at the end of the day!

-Remember, It’s About Them, not You

How often do we think-or even say out loud-how things would have been better if this, that, and the other thing went differently? Or the sandwiches tasted better? Or more friends could have come? Or…or…or…

When the party is over, and you talk to your loved one about their day, ask them about how THEY felt. What did THEY enjoy about their day? When I plan things (or create things, as an artist) I tend to always notice whatever is lacking, instead of all the good. And really, that’s making it about myself, wanting to be validated, or reassured that I did a good job, blah, blah, blah. Going down that road can take away from their day, and instead puts the focus on you. But really, this is their day, not yours!

-Have FUN! And Try to Take Some Pictures!

Pretty simple. But easy to forget! You’ll be glad you took some pictures to remember your day. Maybe even ask someone to take pictures as the birthday boy/girl arrives, so you can get their reaction on camera! Thankfully a few people did this for me, even though I forgot to ask for it! (Thanks!)

-Thank Your Guests

Planning a surprise party involves a lot of details! Don’t forget to thank your friends and family for their help pulling it all together!

THANK YOU!

My heart drawn to eternity

Big Brother and I walk slowly down the basement steps-a mini adventure for him-to get a can of coconut milk for our smoothie.  A Josh Garrels song echoes in the background and I watch my little one carefully take each step down as he holds the railing with one hand, and holds my hand with the other.

I notice that this is one of those times that mothers with grown children talk about when they tell young mothers to cherish every moment.  I felt like I was watching and listening as if my life was a movie for those 30 seconds, and I was experiencing its beauty.

I am so struck by these simple moments sometimes that my heart wants to burst…What can I even do with this moment, so profound and yet so quickly passing?  It can be experienced but not long held.

But today, the Lord is reminding me that in these precious passing moments, Heaven is to be found.  The eyes of my heart have been once again opened to eternity, the beauty of the Creator, and all that He has created.  If I have found such inexpressible joy in these 30 seconds, how much greater joy is to be found when we are finally in his presence?

What We’re Dancing To: Brooke Fraser – Flags

“Music is what feelings sound like”  – Unknown Author

Sometimes there’s nothing better than a piano and a a single voice.

The piano itself stirs my heart and moves me to tears. And then her words cause me to stop everything and see that this is an important moment…a moment where being moved by God’s blessing of music is more important that putting away the dishes.  I scoop up Big brother and hold him, swaying back and forth with tears in my eyes and we listen. Oh the precious gifts we are given. The gifts of LIFE, of each other, of words that communicate the things deep within our heart, and the gift of music…the sounds that describe what our words cannot.

Take a moment to truly LISTEN…perhaps put on headphones if you can, or turn it up loud in your living room, kitchen, where ever. Allow yourself to be present in the song. Allow yourself to be moved.

Flags (Acoustic version) – Brooke Fraser

Come, tell me your trouble
I’m not your answer but I’m a listening ear
Reality has left you reeling
All facts and no feeling
No faith and all fear

I don’t know why a good man will fall
While a wicked one stands
And our lives blow about
Like flags on the land

Who’s at fault is not important
Good intentions lie dormant and we’re all to blame
While apathy acts like an ally
My enemy and I are one and the same

I don’t know why the innocents fall
While the monsters still stand
And our lives blow about
Like flags on the land

I don’t know why our words are so proud
Yet their promise so thin
And our lives blow about
Like flags in the wind

Oh oh oh oh

You who mourn will be comforted
You who hunger will hunger no more
Oh, the last shall be first
Of this I am sure

You who weep now will laugh again
Oh, you lonely be lonely no more
Yes the last will be first, of this I’m sure

I don’t know why the innocents fall
While the monsters stand
I don’t know why the little ones thirst
But I know the last shall be first
I know the last shall be first
I know the last shall be first

Laminated Coloring Book

I find that I often need to stuff my bag full of toys or activities to occupy my little ones when we’re out and about (which is rare, but does still happen at least once a week…a.k.a. church! ) Books, things to chew on (for little brother), snacks, etc. Our somewhat recent addition is a little laminated coloring book.  Ok…so right now it’s not technically a book…but eventually it will be. Anyways, I think mommy is probably more excited about it than the boys, but I’m fine with that! I imagine at some point they will get more use out of it…at least for now it might occupy big brother for a good 2 minutes or so.

Perhaps this will be useful in your family, for your kids. I also do this with several to-do lists and daily planner pages for myself (home management binder), and use dry erase markers…Less paper waste, which also means less clutter for me (I’m the type that typically has a million little lists and pieces of paper jammed in my purse or pockets…so this is a huge help for me!)

Ok…on to the actual project for you and your littles!

Laminated Coloring or Activity Book

Materials:

-Laminator with sheets OR buy a laminating roll and cut out the sheets yourself

-Key Ring – Try to find one that snaps together, rather than the coiled kind

-Coloring pages – go online and look up some of your kid’s favorite characters. Copy and paste the images to a word document and size them as desired

-Dry Erase Crayons – We use Crayola (I am NOT getting paid to say this! I found them at Meijer, and gave them a try and they work great for this!)

-Hole Punch

The How-To:

1) Print and cut out your coloring pages

2) Laminate your pages using your laminator or cutting your own sheets out of a roll. Once your pages are laminated, you may need to trim the edges. Leave a little bit of an edge, otherwise they might separate.

3) Hold punch your sheets, all in the same spot. For example, I punched a hole in the top left corner of each page. You could also do three hole punches with three key rings down one side to make it feel more like a book.

4) Put all of your pages onto your key ring, and you’re done! Now try out those dry erase crayons!

You could also do this with other kinds of activity pages, depending on the age of your kids. Mazes, puzzles, word searches…Let me know what you come up with!

Even the Smallest of Details

I love how God speaks to me in my own language.

Being an artist, He often gets my attention through the seemingly insignificant things….like pouring cream into my cup of coffee. But oh, how significant it truly is! There is such beauty in the mingling of the two liquids. The white and the deep, intense brown. And then they begin to swirl together, making the caramel color that I usually wait for before I sit down to drink it.

This moment is but a few seconds…and yet I see the Creator Himself involved in it. He could have just made the liquids do nothing at all, and just instantly become the delicious coffee and cream that I know and love. But instead, he decided to make it beautiful and intricate. He is present in even the smallest of details.

He could have made sunsets less vibrant. Foods less flavorful. Sounds but no music. Seasons without the leaves changing color. He could have.  But He didn’t.  He made things beautiful, and gave us the ability, the opportunity, the privilege, and I would even say the need to enjoy it. And I do need to {enjoy it} because it helps me to see how intricately beautiful He is.

What We’ve Been Making This Winter (Craft and Recipe Links!)

Happy Monday, Friends!

I thought I’d share some of the crafty fun we’ve been up to here over the past few weeks (actually months, considering the green grass showing in the picture above!). And a few tasty recipes we’ve enjoyed (at the bottom).

Here are some awesome links we’ve enjoyed. (Thank you to those of you who passed these on to me!) Also, I’ve included instructions to make a paper garland to hang in your windows (or where ever!)

Crafts for Kids and Moms too!

Mess-Free Finger Painting (The Hippie Housewife)…I LOOOVE this! We’ve had it taped to our table all weekend!

Homemade Finger Paint (Easie Peasie)… These go great with the previous link!

Cloud Shapes in a Baggie (Once Upon a Grain of Sand) Oh the joys of water, oil and food coloring!

Bird Nest Necklace (Sarah Ortega) So beautiful and simple. I think it’s so precious I haven’t made one yet, but I hope to! Thanks, Carissa, for posting this on your blog. And I love the ones you made too!

Paper Garlands for your windows! (Pictured above)

Kids can help punch shapes, color the shapes, or draw pictures on them. And maybe if they’re old enough, they could help with the sewing too!

Ok…so I know there are millions of other people that have made these, but this is how I did it. You can also use felt … that would be a bit more durable probably. But can you cut through felt with those craft punches? I’ve never tried! Anyways…here’s how I did my paper garland.

Materials:

• Paper/cardstock
• Craft Punch, different shapes and sizes if available
• Sewing Machine
• Thread

1.  Punch out lots and lots of shapes out of your paper/card stock!

2.  Bring your shapes to your sewing machine. Pick some thread you want to use. Make sure your machine is threaded and ready to go!

3.  Before sewing, leave a long “tail” of thread (that way, later, you can tie it to something or tape it up somewhere depending on where you decide to hang your garland)

4.  After pulling out some thread for the “tail”, start sewing your paper punches. Yep, just take one piece/shape, and push it through your machine as you slowly press the peddle.

5. After each shape, I just kept “sewing” with my foot on the peddle, just to leave a little space between shapes.  I would make sure to gently pull each shape out after I finished sewing it, to make sure nothing got tangled.  Then I continued to add the next randomly chosen paper shape until it reached the length I wanted. Or if you want, you can skip making the space, and just sew then right next to each other.

6  Cut thread when finished, make more if desired, and hang up some pretty, crafty, paper garlands around the house!

What we’ve been eating lately!

Chilaquiles for a Crowd (Rick Bayless)…Yum. We didn’t really make this for a crowd, tho, so we cut down the recipe a bit. I served it with some chopped lettuce. And leftovers are great too…I like to add some fresh chips with the leftovers, along with more lettuce and sour cream. That was you can scoop it and eat them like nachos. Also, for the salsa, we used Frontera Chipotle Salsa.

Simple, Wholesome Granola (Food.com) I love this stuff. I also added 1/4 c. of wheat germ. Big brother really loved “helping” mommy make this. By helping I mean eating it, of course.

Fruit Bottomed Yogurt (Simple Bites) This is delicious, and how great is it to have breakfast ready in the fridge so that you don’t have to make it in the morning!? Love this. It really helps a lot, since we are often starting the day at 5:30 a.m. (Yes, that is early. Hence the reason we are party-poopers, and head to bed around 9 p.m.

Well…time to get a few other things done while the boys sleep.  Maybe brush my teeth? I know. Seriously. Are we still friends?

Pondering the Beauty of God’s Grace

I don’t understand your grace.

How can you be so gracious? To me? To others?

Sometimes I can barely comprehend it. It feels so hard to give grace…at least for me. But I’m learning that it is directly related to the fact that I have a hard time receiving your grace, just as it is. Grace. There’s nothing that I can do to earn it. It is your free gift. So why do I try to earn it? You have already given it to me. And while I’m trying to earn it, at the same time I don’t think that I need it. Probably because, in my mind, on my ”to-do” list of Christianity, I think that perhaps I’ve completed enough of the tasks to be made righteous. In reality, this is terribly self-righteous. And I am. But I thank you, Lord for Your grace, as You continue to drive out the sin in my heart…and somehow make me into a more gracious woman.

 

*Just a brief note regarding comments on posts or photos…If you do know me/my family, I ask that you would please respect the privacy of our children and not mention their names on this blog. (But I don’t mind if you use mine!…well, my first name, that is! ) Thanks friends!*

Some Encouragement and a Day (morning) in My Life

Real Helps for Real Busy Moms #7

“Believe it: I have all I need for today. The needs of our day are great, but God is greater and we call Him Providence because we believe: He always provides. {And when God provides, He should be praised, and if God always provides, shouldn’t praise always be on the lips?}”

 God has provided me with so much encouragement over the past few days…even weeks. And it has been in the midst of the great and many challenges of motherhood. I usually don’t recognize when or how He provides till I reflect.

He brought this blog post-An Open Hearted Letter To Moms of Young Children-to my attention just yesterday. I really needed it. Thank you Lord. I encourage you to read it as well. Just a heads up, it’s really long…but so good. It made me cry…in a good way

10+ Real Helps for a Really Busy Mom has also been a wonderful encouragement as I press on in this mothering adventure.  I think these are reminders I need on a daily basis!

And just for fun, I thought I’d give you a little “day in the life” picture of what our morning looked like today.  Enjoy!

(Times are approximate…imagine that!)

6 a.m.  I got to sleep in! It’s already a great day!

6:30-7:15 Boys up (they slept in today too! Wonderful!), breakfast, diaper changes and play clothes.

7:45 Get the boys ready for the grocery store. Socks, shoes, jackets, hats, snacks, diapers and wipes (just in case!). Me…wallet (often forgotten, but not today! phew!), keys, bags, gloves, coat, children. Ok…time to go!

8:15 Everyone is buckled in and we’re heading to the store!

8:25 Parked the car, grabbed a cart, and started getting the boys out of the car. Little brother pooped his pants. Sorry my dear, you’ll have to wait! (I decided to not use those diapers and wipes I brought…wondering how long it would even take us to try and work in a diaper change right now. Since it’s not explosive, we head in the store!)

Successful shopping! Only minor complaints from the boys, but the longer we are there, the more they increase. But the snacks and baby book I brought seem to keep them occupied for at least 5 minutes or so.

9 ish Big brother is getting covered by all the groceries…and Little brother is pretty fussy…it’s naptime….I haven’t finished getting groceries, but it’s really time to go already. I’ll have to come back later in the week for the other items. Plus, we already have a full cart.

9:20 In the checkout. Such a blessing to have a happy cashier! Filling our cart with the bags…have to take Big brother out of the cart (too cramped, poor guy!), so he will walk out with me.  Held on to him with one arm as we walked, and pushed the cart with the other arm, occasionally having to steer the cart using my foot (anyone else?), since it would often veer to the right.

9:30 In the car, heading home. Phew!

9:40 Home. Change the baby’s poopy diaper, nurse him, and put him down for a nap.

10 Snack for Big brother at the table, while I go and get the groceries out of the car.

10:08 Call from a dear friend! We laugh over the chaos of motherhood with littles. She too was returning from a shopping trip. Love you Zaza!

Continued putting away groceries while talking and giving Big brother more of his snack.

10:45 Read books with Big brother. Then he plays.

11:15 Nap for Big brother! And he went down pretty easy. BOTH boys are sleeping right now! I am so thankful to have a few moments of quiet…so thankful.

*Celebrating a successful shopping trip, two napping boys and a few quiet moments for mom!!!*

Totally unrelated: If you’re looking for a tasty snack that’s easy, delicious, and good for the kids…try these No Bake Energy Bites (We like to call then Granola Bites…and we loooove them!). But just a warning…they’re made with Peanut Butter for any of you who may have allergies.

You made it through another one of my random posts…congratulations! What successes are you celebrating TODAY?

What To Do With That Old Calendar

What do you do with those beautiful calendar pictures after the year is over?  Make them into artwork for your wall!

We had this little calendar with pictures of Japanese woodblock prints, and they were just beautiful. I held on to that calendar for a few years…certain that someday I would figure out what to do with them! And I finally did!

Find some cheap (but not junky) frames that would fit your pictures, cut the images accordingly, hang your new artwork on the wall and smile about the fact that you didn’t have to throw out that lovely calendar!