The Orphan & Beyond. Step Two.

Are you ready for step two of the Orphan & Beyond series?  You can check out what this series is about HERE & read about step one  HERE.

Step No. 2

You will need: Knees to pray on.

Truly, this is a call to most all of us to repent & pray for a change of heart.  How many times have you seen a homeless man, or a homeless woman...or family...on the street corner with a sign asking for help and you have thoughts things like:

• Lazy!  Why don't they look for work?
• They made their choices...and now they have to live with the consequences.
• Maybe if they didn't spend all of their money on drugs...
• If I give money to the homeless I'm just enabling them
• Go to a shelter.  

Do you see how NONE of those sound like something Jesus would say?  Not one time in the Bible do we read about Jesus condemning the poor & impoverished.  Rather he has a perfect & sinless heart full of compassion to those who need Him...to "the least of these"

Mat 25:40

"And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did [it] to one of the least of these My brethren, you did [it] to Me.'

Mat 25:45

"Then He will answer them, saying, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do [it] to one of the least of these, you did not do [it] to Me.'

So, as I used to say to my sister when she would tell me what to do...Who died and made you boss???  The answer is NOBODY.  Jesus did NOT die so we could judge, criticize & condemn the children He has created in His image.  He died so we can be free of such sin .

I know I have been guilty of thinking cruel things towards the children of God...there is a freeway exit I frequently use that is always crowded with people asking for money.  I never gave.  But when I have cash, a snack, or even a meal my mom has sent me home with...I hand it over.  It is not my job to to ensure my money be put to proper use.  My job is to love like Jesus loved & leave the rest up to the Lord.  And when I find my inner voice giving attitude to the man on the corner...I know it's time to

 

So, please.  Pause for a moment.  Maybe even get on your knees.  Close your eyes.  Bow your head.  Repent.  

I am sorry Lord for the times when I find myself judging your people.  When I boast in my own strength and all that I have.  When I feel superior because I have been so blessed with financial provisions, a support system when I did find myself traveling down a destructive path, and a family who has taken me in in times of need.  The only thing I have to boast in is YOU.  I pray for COMPASSION, I pray for a heart overflowing with LOVE to freely give, and I pray for a change in my thoughts, of the sweeping generalizations of the poor to be tossed out the doors of my heart.  Lord, help me to humble myself & be Your hands & feet.  Amen.

 

Auction 4 Africa

The auction has begun!!!  Please make sure to "like" my Facebook page so you can keep up with all that's going to be given away!  Auctioned items will also include a coffee basket, a Mary Kay makeup bundle & an awesome clutch from Florero Creations...just to name a few!  Today will start the auction for a family photo session with OC Baby Photos so if you are local to Southern California, this one is especially for you!

All money earned from the auction will go towards the cost of my missions trip to Africa this summer to serve "the least of these" in Ethiopia & Uganda!  I truly hope this will be fun for everybody, that you will find something you want to bid on, that you win, and that the money needed to serve God's people is raised!

Check my Facebook page out & place your bid!!!

F. Y. I.

• I just thought I'd let ya'll know...My blog has been redesigned!  I am so excited for it to go up!  I think it's much more "me."  Jessica, you nailed it!!

• If you want to help me get to Africa...and let's face it...I need all the help I can get...you can donate (see paypal button on the right side) or you can be a part of the online auction fun!  Just make sure to like my facebook page to keep up with all the goodies that are going to be auctioned off!  I am going to auction off one item at a time that way I can spend more time gushing about the generous donors and highlight all the awesomeness of their donations!  The first auction starts tomorrow and you can with this:

• Also, I am being serious when I say I need your help!  I joined a weight loss challenge to earn some more money for my trip & of course, to loose a little weight...and I weighed in last week just to find out I gained TWO POUNDS!  I gained!  Which means I had to pay $2!  Does anybody have any good recipes?  Work out tips?  Offer free liposuction?  No on the liposuction???

• And don't forget....The Orphan & Beyond Series is still going on!