God amazes me in ways I can't explain...daily. Whether that be through making my finances work...my patience grow...my perspective to change...or my heart to heal...God divinely amazes me. When you rely on the one that created you...when you surrender your life to His will...when you discover the purpose of this time...there is no emotion to explain it.
Many argue that they "believe in God"...but if you truly believe in God...does it not intrigue you to peal back the layers of mystery and discover His plan awaiting you? For what good is believing in Him...or knowing about Him...if you don't actually know Him?
I used to think it started with a rulebook...it never occurred to me to start with Him. Throw out the rulebook mentality...it's simply a time to get to know His character...His purpose...His love...His forgiveness...it's simply a time to get to know...Him.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Let Him
"One of the kids lost his bible this week...and since I had two...I gave him one of mine...and when he got on the bus...he held it up to show me through the window...and smiled." One of our counselors in training shared a moment...that makes the chaos of summer camp...worth the burden.
Anger brews just below the surface in many of these kids. Issues will arise. You learn...with God given patience...to view them as teaching moments vs. disturbances to your own plan.
God works in His own time.
Let Him.
Anger brews just below the surface in many of these kids. Issues will arise. You learn...with God given patience...to view them as teaching moments vs. disturbances to your own plan.
God works in His own time.
Let Him.
Friday, July 20, 2007
The greatest of these...is love
Monday nights are dedicated to a Beth Moore bible study I hold with a few girls...grown up girls. :) We're currently studying the Fruits of the Spirit. The video is followed by 5 days of homework that I try to slide into my morning routine.
With the coffee brewed...I sat at my kitchen table...and scripturally walked through why my salvation is God's rather than my own...then Beth requested her readers to pray..."Ask God to show you the significance of the truth that salvation belongs to Him. After you have prayed, answer this question: Why do you think salvation is described as God's rather than yours?"
Admittedly...I skipped the prayer...and stared at my blank page. The clock ticked...I sat in frustration...just write something...get on with the routine...still...nothing. Ok...a quick prayer. Eyes back open...
What is the significance of the truth that salvation belongs to Him?
...Because he loves us more than we love ourselves. Because you and I...spending eternity in heaven...is more important to Him...than it is to us. Our salvation...is our everything...but somehow to God...it's more...because he loves us that much.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
With the coffee brewed...I sat at my kitchen table...and scripturally walked through why my salvation is God's rather than my own...then Beth requested her readers to pray..."Ask God to show you the significance of the truth that salvation belongs to Him. After you have prayed, answer this question: Why do you think salvation is described as God's rather than yours?"
Admittedly...I skipped the prayer...and stared at my blank page. The clock ticked...I sat in frustration...just write something...get on with the routine...still...nothing. Ok...a quick prayer. Eyes back open...
What is the significance of the truth that salvation belongs to Him?
...Because he loves us more than we love ourselves. Because you and I...spending eternity in heaven...is more important to Him...than it is to us. Our salvation...is our everything...but somehow to God...it's more...because he loves us that much.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Still changing lives...
We held a camp reunion for the 3rd and 4th graders at the center. "What just happened?" Christina asked as we dropped off the last round. Good question! It was mass chaos...fighting...screaming...bleeding...you name it. I inform Chris of the disaster a couple days later. "Oh you made the mistake of thinking they were still in camp mode...you forgot...they've been home since then."
Poverty takes on many different forms. Tonight during a camp sign up...it was a house...if it had doors...I’m not sure where they were...full of bugs...seemingly abandoned...the grandmother drudgingly filling out the paperwork...cussing...irritated...while her 6th grade granddaughter patiently waited outside.
"You have to emotionally remove yourself don't you?" Christina asked. And you do...although I admit...I've laughed at inappropriate times...and sobbed just out of earshot. Overall...I have begun to understand my role isn't to take them out of their situation...but give them hope and joy...while still in it.
Another of the camper's grandmothers came into the center today to sign him up. It was her daughter that was stabbed and killed New Year's Day. She was very somber as she ruffled through the papers..."I received some very upsetting news today...I can't shake...my daughter's trial was pushed back...again." We talk...and the conversation gradually turns back to her grandson...and camp...and a smile slowly creeps onto her face..."Miss Betty was here when I used to come...what a sweet...sweet lady." Perhaps this was her only smile all day...remembering a woman that dedicated her life to this ministry...still touching hearts...still changing lives.
Many of the kids are wise beyond their years. Not sure where this will go...but Christopher (Teen Staff) started a blog...I found worth sharing: http://lifeandtestimoniesofchrisburton.blogspot.com/
Poverty takes on many different forms. Tonight during a camp sign up...it was a house...if it had doors...I’m not sure where they were...full of bugs...seemingly abandoned...the grandmother drudgingly filling out the paperwork...cussing...irritated...while her 6th grade granddaughter patiently waited outside.
"You have to emotionally remove yourself don't you?" Christina asked. And you do...although I admit...I've laughed at inappropriate times...and sobbed just out of earshot. Overall...I have begun to understand my role isn't to take them out of their situation...but give them hope and joy...while still in it.
Another of the camper's grandmothers came into the center today to sign him up. It was her daughter that was stabbed and killed New Year's Day. She was very somber as she ruffled through the papers..."I received some very upsetting news today...I can't shake...my daughter's trial was pushed back...again." We talk...and the conversation gradually turns back to her grandson...and camp...and a smile slowly creeps onto her face..."Miss Betty was here when I used to come...what a sweet...sweet lady." Perhaps this was her only smile all day...remembering a woman that dedicated her life to this ministry...still touching hearts...still changing lives.
Many of the kids are wise beyond their years. Not sure where this will go...but Christopher (Teen Staff) started a blog...I found worth sharing: http://lifeandtestimoniesofchrisburton.blogspot.com/
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Just Kids
There is value in serving...there is self-worth...in serving. For so long...the kids at Christian Friendliness have been served. Given their neglect...their circumstances...do not misunderstand...they deserve it. However...they also need the chance to serve...to be valued...to have self-worth.
Chris and I are determined to change the mindset at the Rock Island Youth Center. When you feel like a charity case...there is a good chance that will mold you into one. We didn’t join CF to mold charity cases.
Last week...I heard them being called “Hoops kids” and it convicted me...the many times I call them “CF kids” or even “my CF kids”...I think it’s probably time we just let them be...kids.
Chris and I are determined to change the mindset at the Rock Island Youth Center. When you feel like a charity case...there is a good chance that will mold you into one. We didn’t join CF to mold charity cases.
Last week...I heard them being called “Hoops kids” and it convicted me...the many times I call them “CF kids” or even “my CF kids”...I think it’s probably time we just let them be...kids.
Monday, July 9, 2007
More Ovaltine Please
My mother...and my condo...make me a better Children's Director.
Some days it still amazes me that I moved to this place in Rock Island...before taking this position at CF. I couldn't have handpicked a better location for this ministry.
A pan of my mother's lasagna was burning a hole in my fridge. Far too much to eat alone as I would have tired of the leftovers by the third day. Hoops 4 Hope ended...as I pulled out of Rocky...my car turned right towards one of the housing complexes instead of left towards home. I drove through...and spotted a few of the regular CF girls...anybody hungry?
My phone rang after church today...it was Emily (wife of founder of Hoops 4 Hope).
Ever since Jabari returned from CF camp...he has wanted to go horseback riding. I've been trying to figure out how to accomplish this when they announce at Hoops 4 Hope they have a few sponsored spots for kids to go to a Christian horse camp.
"Brandy, you know how you recommended Jabari for the horse camp...well I have a spot for him...get him signed up...he leaves tomorrow."
...and he will in fact...leave tomorrow.
The kids are starting to blend into my every day routines...and it simply...fits. The first Girls of Grace night...the girls slid up to my breakfast bar..."we feel like we should be on a commercial...more Ovaltine please"...this time...it was more lasagna. :)
Some days it still amazes me that I moved to this place in Rock Island...before taking this position at CF. I couldn't have handpicked a better location for this ministry.
A pan of my mother's lasagna was burning a hole in my fridge. Far too much to eat alone as I would have tired of the leftovers by the third day. Hoops 4 Hope ended...as I pulled out of Rocky...my car turned right towards one of the housing complexes instead of left towards home. I drove through...and spotted a few of the regular CF girls...anybody hungry?
My phone rang after church today...it was Emily (wife of founder of Hoops 4 Hope).
Ever since Jabari returned from CF camp...he has wanted to go horseback riding. I've been trying to figure out how to accomplish this when they announce at Hoops 4 Hope they have a few sponsored spots for kids to go to a Christian horse camp.
"Brandy, you know how you recommended Jabari for the horse camp...well I have a spot for him...get him signed up...he leaves tomorrow."
...and he will in fact...leave tomorrow.
The kids are starting to blend into my every day routines...and it simply...fits. The first Girls of Grace night...the girls slid up to my breakfast bar..."we feel like we should be on a commercial...more Ovaltine please"...this time...it was more lasagna. :)
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Hoops 4 Hope
A Rocky basketball coach’s son...with a burden on his heart for inner-city youth...found a few volunteers...and a few kids...and held the first Hoops 4 Hope basketball camp. Six years later...many more volunteers...and over 200 kids...one man's dream...became his reality. Because the camp reaches our same youth...the Rock Island Christian Friendliness staff canceled programming this week in order to support and volunteer at Hoops 4 Hope.Christina requested we be partnered together as Huddle Manager and Huddle Leader...and requested the 4th graders. As we check the list to verify our assignments...we high-five as we discover we are paired up...then stand in disbelief when we find out it is with the 8th and 9th grade boys.
I boldly take my position at check-in...here they come...ok...I can do this. Check-in my first two campers...going to be a bit more intimidating than I intended...but if this is what you had in store for me God...ok. Then walks in Little Timmy. I should tell you...Little Timmy and I have history...the first kid I ever had to kick out of the center for kicking a basketball in my face...he's also my rock thrower that broke the glass block on the side of the building. Alright God...now you're just getting a sense of humor.
Day 2...I had a moment with Little Timmy...as he told me about his dad who had just gotten out of jail...who he hasn't seen in years...but recently called.
Day 3...we nominated him as camper of the day...for most Christlike behavior...for most improved attitude and staying positive....even in defeat.
God had a moment...with Little Timmy.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
The Dream Giver
"You may not be able to describe it. You may have forgotten it. You may even no longer believe in it. But it's there."
Directly after making the decision to leave my career and enter into this ministry...I pulled a book from my bookshelf...where it had rested...unread...I dusted it off...and began to read...The Dream Giver.
I began reading...with a certain amount of arrogance...as it told a tale of Ordinary...who dared to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. I related as Ordinary struggled with leaving his comfort zone and faced opposition. But then Ordinary entered the Wasteland...a place of trial and tribulation...before reaching his dream...a place of doubt. Surely Ordinary was weaker than I...after surviving the turmoil of reaching this decision...I did not have room for doubt. I marched forward...
...directly into Wasteland.
Family and friends would question my decision as they witnessed my struggles. Truthfully this fueled my own doubts...which I refused to publicize. How could I convince others what I knew in my heart to be right...was worth the struggle. Feeling alone...isolated...distant. Eventually...like Ordinary...I learned to trust the Dream Giver, even when he's nowhere in sight...
...and found Sanctuary.
I recently met with the pastor's wife of my church...to discuss children's programs and better serving the inner-city youth. What a fabulous...inspiring woman of God! She is connecting me with many other young adults and organizations with the same heart. Filled with excitement...and a growing support system...opportunity seems to be around the corner. Big things...start with big dreams.
Ordinary warns of the Valley of Giants..."Some like Moneyless were obstacles that he had to get around. Some, like Corruption, opposed his Dream and fought him fiercely. Some, like Rejection, attacked him personally and left him deeply wounded. But Ordinary met other Dreamers, too. During seasons of rest, they gathered to tell stories about the Dream Giver and encourage each other. From other Dreamers, Ordinary learned to see a bigger picture: Every Giant was another opportunity for the Dream Giver to receive honor."
Beware Giants.
Are you living your dream? Or just living your life?
The Dream Giver ~ Bruce Wilkinson
Directly after making the decision to leave my career and enter into this ministry...I pulled a book from my bookshelf...where it had rested...unread...I dusted it off...and began to read...The Dream Giver.
I began reading...with a certain amount of arrogance...as it told a tale of Ordinary...who dared to leave the Land of Familiar to pursue his Big Dream. I related as Ordinary struggled with leaving his comfort zone and faced opposition. But then Ordinary entered the Wasteland...a place of trial and tribulation...before reaching his dream...a place of doubt. Surely Ordinary was weaker than I...after surviving the turmoil of reaching this decision...I did not have room for doubt. I marched forward...
...directly into Wasteland.
Family and friends would question my decision as they witnessed my struggles. Truthfully this fueled my own doubts...which I refused to publicize. How could I convince others what I knew in my heart to be right...was worth the struggle. Feeling alone...isolated...distant. Eventually...like Ordinary...I learned to trust the Dream Giver, even when he's nowhere in sight...
...and found Sanctuary.
I recently met with the pastor's wife of my church...to discuss children's programs and better serving the inner-city youth. What a fabulous...inspiring woman of God! She is connecting me with many other young adults and organizations with the same heart. Filled with excitement...and a growing support system...opportunity seems to be around the corner. Big things...start with big dreams.
Ordinary warns of the Valley of Giants..."Some like Moneyless were obstacles that he had to get around. Some, like Corruption, opposed his Dream and fought him fiercely. Some, like Rejection, attacked him personally and left him deeply wounded. But Ordinary met other Dreamers, too. During seasons of rest, they gathered to tell stories about the Dream Giver and encourage each other. From other Dreamers, Ordinary learned to see a bigger picture: Every Giant was another opportunity for the Dream Giver to receive honor."
Beware Giants.
Are you living your dream? Or just living your life?
The Dream Giver ~ Bruce Wilkinson
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