Reading Material fit for the Motherland

I really thought long and hard about what my reading material would be for "The Passage to India", since essentially, I'll be traveling for 20 hours on a plane(s)! (barf)

Instead of exerting too much mental strain, I decided to let inspiration just come to me, as I browsed a local bookstore.


And, there it was...


Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light.*



To be honest, I felt kinda cliché about getting the book: traveling to India, reading a book about Mother Teresa. C'mon Maureen, I thought to myself, that's even too corny for you.



But I remember reading excerpts from the book in TIME a few years back, being absolutely mesmerized by her words and her uncanny willingness to completely dedicate her life to God. I had made a mental note to get the book then, but for whatever reason, I didn't and completely forgot about it.


But as I stood in the bookstore that night holding the book in my hand, I knew that I was meant to read it...on my way to India.


This trip for me is (God willing) going to be an integral part in a rejuvenation process for me and I hope that by reading about this extraordinary woman's extraordinary relationship with her God, I will find some answers in figuring out the next level in my relationship with my God.


Happy...and insightful...reading...to me!




* Also right next to Mother Teresa's book, was C.S. Lewis' Great Divorce. I took it as a sign and got it as well.

You, (Yes You!) Are Awesome...and for that, I am Thankful

I've been fortunate in my life, to know a lot of people.

Certainly, as with anything in life, there are obvious pros and cons that come with that.

I know many people that I share the same interests, beliefs, lifestyle, etc., with and then, there are many people who are the polar opposite from me.

Frankly, I love that I have a wide-ranging spectrum of friends and acquaintances because quite honestly, who wants to surround themselves with people just like themselves? What an incredibly (boring) sheltered bubble of a life that would be to live.

But it's those very differences that I want to take a moment to celebrate and cherish.

I strongly believe that when you meet someone - whether a coworker, a friend, a friend of a friend, a server at a restaurant, a salesperson, a social networking connection, etc., - God divinely intended for that meeting/introduction to happen.

For what reason? I may never know right this second how the people I meet are supposed to figure out in the equation of my life, but I know, without a shadow of a doubt, our "collision" in life was divinely ordained and serves a greater purpose other than just the superficialities of this world/life that we can see.

I know I must rub many of you I know the wrong way, whether it be through my strong personality/beliefs/opinions/etc and for that, I am truly sorry, but thanks for putting up with me. Please find it in your heart to forgive me. I know I have done the same for you.

As I look through my Twitter and Facebook feeds, I look at each and every one of you and think to myself, "Wow. These people are awesome." Why? Because God loves each and everyone of you and gave me the privilege of getting to know you all.

And with Thanksgiving just two days away, I reflect on all the things I am grateful for, and I am grateful that you are part of my life.

Whether through an @ reply on Twitter, a Facebook wall post/comment, a social opportunity to hang out together, a hug, an email, a phone call, a text, a blog comment...you all have meant the world to me, in some shape or form.

You, being in my life, has enriched me in so many ways that are far numerous to list at this moment. I learn something every day from you.

You are so special and awesome, that God made only one of you in all your beauty and glory. You are magnificent. You are wonderful.

I want to tell you that I care about and love each and every one of you.

Why?

Because you, you are awesome.

God certainly thinks so.

And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

With Love and Thanksgiving,
Maureen

A Reason for Everything

I strongly believe that God places us in certain positions, situations, circumstances, seasons in life...all for the sole purpose of meeting that certain someone.

I may not fully understand what exactly God is trying to tell me, but that's okay.

What's important is my willingness to listen...and my willingness to act accordingly to what He tells me.

Because in the end, I know God is in control of my life and I'd rather trust in Him, than in myself (or anyone else)...any ole day.


Your will be done Jesus.


Amen.

A Friday Night Just Out of this World

So tomorrow night, I have a hot date.

Technically, I will be an official escort for a hot date.

Make that a hot...blind...date.

That's right.

I'm going to be an escort for a hot date whom I have never met before.

Sounds like an exciting Friday night doesn't it?

I bet you're wishing that you could have in on some of the same sweet action...don'tcha?

Well, you can!

My church, Vineyard Community Church, will be hosting its 2nd Annual Prom.

But this isn't just some ordinary-run-of-the-mill-high-school-wanna-be prom.

The Vineyard's Prom is going to be out of this world!

Why?

Because Prom 2009 is all about our VIP Guests...all 1,000 of them.

1,000 individuals with special needs who have been overlooked by society. Who have never been invited or had the opportunity to attend a prom in their lifetime.

So on Friday, October 2, 2009, from 6-10pm, a magical evening of dancing, games, food and fun has been scheduled.

The theme will be "Out of this World" and for one night, Vineyard will be transformed into another galaxy in order to host hundreds of stars.

It's all about showing God's extravagant love in a fun and practical way by celebrating our friends with special needs.

Make that our 1,000 hot dates.

Help is still needed, so sign up here to see how you can get a piece of this sweet Friday night action!

And watch the video below (from Prom 2008: A Evening With the Stars) to see why Prom 2009 is just gonna be...out of this world...

A Simple Prayer

Dear Jesus,

I have one simple prayer.

Please help me...

Please help me to NOT be ...

...rageful
...angry
...quick-tempered
...hateful
...misleading
...lustful
...perverse
...conditional
...evil
...judgmental
...critical
....emotional
...paranoid
...ungrateful
...jealous
...envious
...covetous
...gluttonous
...slothful
...lazy
...insecure
...shallow
...unclean
...pessimistic
...apathetic
...unmotivated
...listless
...numb
...distracted
...revengeful
...forgetful
...foolish
...hasty
...harsh
...mean spirited
...hopeless
...lost
...confused
...longing
...unforgiving
...depressing
...bitter
...unfriendly
...sensitive
...careless
...wasteful
...unsatisfied
...anxious
...worried
...stressed
...fatigued
...unlikable
...confrontational
...despised
...prideful
...easily affected
...impatient
...unstable
...disrespectful
...stubborn
...combative
...narcissistic
...immature


...and most of all, please help me to NOT be a disappointment to you.

All this I ask in your name,

Amen.

Excellence

Today will mark one month since I've been working at Purple Trout.

It's really hard to believe, since it only felt like yesterday, that I was still at home, job hunting from my couch.

Guess time flies when you're having fun.

Every day I'm grateful to God for His blessings and the opportunities He's placed before me, but in typical human fashion - and mainly because of the insecurities instilled in me after being let go from my job back in January - I find myself constantly doubting my abilities and the security of my position. I always feel like things are a little too good to be true and that with a *SNAP* everything will disappear.

But no matter what happens...or doesn't happen...I realize that I don't have any control over my job situation, or my life for that matter.

All I can do is trust in God.

And do my part.

Because that's how it works: you do your part and God will do His.

We are expected to do our duty, whether that means being the best employee, employer, teacher, student, parent, sibling, friend, etc., or whatever your current role in life may be...you have to strive to be the best.

That is our duty as Christians: utilizing the gifts, talents, skills and abilities that God has placed in each of us, to the best of our abilities.

Once we do that, God will do His duty: honoring and rewarding our diligence.

Here are a couple of things I've learned from my previous...and present...employment experiences:

1. Remember that your boss is God. By honoring your human boss, you honor God, but God is the One who you're working for.
2. Everything you do should bring God glory...not your ego, your boss or your company.
   
3. Never put your faith/trust in man: man (including your own self) will ALWAYS fail you; God NEVER fails you.
4. Never let money be a priority. Once you let money become important to you, it ruins you...and those around you.
5. Remember that none of it: the job, the career, the title, the money, your abilities, etc...NONE of it belongs to you. God has GIVEN you everything. What He gives, He can take away. Jut keep that in mind, when you are reluctant to pay your tithes and hold on to your paycheck.
6. Be grateful...for everything: the good, bad and the ugly. God has put you in your current job/career for a reason...understanding and recognizing that will change your attitude.
   

Below is a devotional that, ironically, I just read yesterday.

Rick Warren outlines five characteristics that all successful - Christian - people should exhibit/strive for.

It's the "work module" that I currently apply, and hope to perfect, in my "strategy" for excelling at my career...and everything else in my life for that matter.

Excelling at What You Do

By Rick Warren | Wednesday, August 5, 2009 | 4:22 PM EDT

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).

During the 2008 Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps gave us an extraordinary display of the pursuit of excellence. But the truth is every athlete in the Olympics pursues excellence as peak performers in their categories of competition.

The Bible identifies five characteristics of people who excel at what they do.

1. People who excel work with enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).

2. People who excel sharpen their skills. They never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving: “If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 TEV). It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember, you’re never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”

3. People who excel keep their word. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they’ll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society: “Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (Proverbs 20:6 TEV).

4. People who excel maintain a positive attitude. Even under pressure, or change, or unrealistic demands, they don’t allow themselves to become negative: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV). And remember: “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT).

5. People who excel do more than is expected. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You’ll never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus said, “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously” (Matthew 5:40–42 MSG).

The Broadway lyricist Oscar Hammerstein once told the story of seeing the top of the Statue of Liberty from a helicopter. He was impressed because of the incredible detail the artist had sculpted on an area that no one was expected to see. In fact, the Statue of Liberty was completed with no idea that man would someday be able to fly over the statue!

When you’re tempted to cut corners, thinking, “No one will ever know,” remember God is looking down and sees everything you do. Give him your best this week!

(Devotional taken directly from: http://www.purposedriven.com)

Heart of Mouth

When given the opportunity, who did you choose to honor and promote...God...or yourself?

When you were given your soapbox, your talents, your skills, your moment in time...who did you choose to talk about/dwell on/direct people's attention to?

When given a forum to reach hundreds, and even, thousands of people, who did you choose to give praise to?

When the marquee was up, whose name was in bold, flashing, bright letters?

Have you assumed the lead role/star of the production position...or do people know that God is the director and leading role?

If it's all about you, then it is never about God.

Your ego CAN NOT compete with God's.

Who is at the bottom of you heart?

You?

Or God?


Two Kinds of People


"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

Luke 6:45 (New King James Version)

The Next Chapter: Part 2

My, "The Next Chapter", post made local news yesterday.

It originally aired in the 6p.m. Sunday broadcast, then again at 11p.m., and then made the Top 5 stories during Monday's News 5 Today broadcast.

Special thanks to Michael Altman, Andrew Setters and Dan Roark at WLWT. And even more special thanks to Altman who wanted to take the faith angle with the story and insisting the interview be done in the parking lot of Vineyard Community Church...just before I attended my regular service on Sunday. I wouldn't have done the interview, if I couldn't talk about my faith. Altman and Setters, thank you both for making sure that angle remained in the package.

The moral of this story kids?

Give God...and social media...at least...one chance.

"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

1 Corinthians 10:31 (New International Version)

"...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."

Zechariah 4:6 (New International Version)

*UPDATE*

• The story was picked up by MSNBC.
• The sis has been my biggest cheerleader and unofficial paparazzi on "set." See pics here.

Being A Christian Means Setting Your Standards Low...Very Low

In my post on July 6th, I talked about living with frequent mistreatment and figuring out ways to sincerely love people who don't deserve to be loved...just as Jesus would.

I've learned that, for me at least, the best way to cope and handle all the negative "stuff" that comes my way...is not necessarily with a positive, sunshiny approach, but rather, in a more negative approach...

...by setting my expectations and standards low...very low.

"Huh?!" You may ask...scratching your head. "That doesn't make any sense! I thought Christians were all about sunshiny positiveness?"

Well, instead of me rambling on...I'll let Jesus' own words do the talking...

The World Hates the Disciples

18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.

20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

21They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.

22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.

23He who hates me hates my Father as well.

24If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.

25But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'"

John 15:18-25 (New International Version)

So in those moments, when I want to react in anger and retaliation to those who are rude or mistreating me...I just say to myself, "Who do you think you are Maureen? Do you think you should receive special treatment? If they treated Jesus badly, do you think they'll treat YOU any better?"

This is what I've been saying to myself for a while now.

Is it a defense mechanism on my part?

Absolutely.

But a defense mechanism that Jesus approved of, judging from the verses above.

In fact, I've definitely noticed that as my faith and love for God grows deeper and deeper on a daily basis and I mature more in my spirituality, the "worldly" reactions I get are more and more hateful and malicious...and more frequent.

It's gotten so bad, that now I've been able to look past people's actions and recognize them for what they really are: spiritual attacks.

Christians have self-centered expectations that they deserve the best of the best and should be treated like royalty. Those promises that God made for His children do exist...but they've been taken out of context. Those promises are to be fulfilled in heaven. While here on earth, this life we live is not to mirror that of royalty...but should mirror Christ's.

Jesus lived a working class life here on earth and He died like a lowly criminal. He was never treated as the true king He was. Why is it then that we Christians believe that we should be?

When Christians remove their high expectations of being treated like princes and princesses while here on earth, when reality hits them, they won't be so disappointed and quick to leave the faith.

Loving and living for God means dying to one's self...and one's ego: you are nobody. Jesus is everything.

Gotta admit, when someone wrongs me, it's an instantaneous good-mood crusher and I feel awful, but in a weird way I find myself smiling to myself. Because I know that this incident just means that I must be doing something right...so right that the devil can't stand it and is wriggling in hate and frustration. He'll do anything to get me down.

Well guess what buddy? I'm onto you...and your lil game...and guess what?! Your antics really just amuse me...nothing less, nothing more.

Because the more the world hates me, the more my love for God is validated.

What Would Jesus' Face Do?

I've often wondered about Jesus' facial expressions while He was here on earth.

Were the people around Him able to read His emotions?

Did Jesus wear His emotions on His sleeve?

There have been numerous documentation in the Bible about the various human emotions that Jesus felt and experienced. There's no denying that while He felt sad, angry and disappointed, that those emotions would play out physically in His demeanor, gestures and expressions.

What I want to know is, how did Jesus (non-verbally, facially) react to those who persecuted or mistreated Him?

I've been pondering this more recently since I find myself trying to practice grace more and more in my daily life with people that are just plain ole rude and disgusting.

I know how to look past someone's despicable behavior and love them like Jesus would...that I have down pat. But it's the how I look when I'm doing it...that has me a little bewildered.

Because sometimes when I say, "God bless you," - to the countless mean sales clerks who don't even make eye contact with me and literally throw my merchandise and receipt at me - I can't even muster the strength for a fake smile. It's like my face doesn't match the words coming outta my mouth and I bet if someone were watching me in closed caption, they would think I was just mumbling a swear word.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not like I have a sour puss face on...I think what would best describe my usual expression when confronted with obvious hatred and meanness would be...stone faced or emotionless.

In general I don't think there's anything wrong with that, but I don't feel right about it...and that's usually a strong (divine) indication, to me, that I need to change my behavior...ASAP.

Did Jesus put on a fake grin and exuberantly shout, "Bless you my son!" when someone spat in His face? Or did He just utter the words stone faced? I can't imagine Jesus ever being fake and insincere.

But I really want to know...what would Jesus' face do in a similar situation?

I do believe that I should be sincere in blessing those who curse me, otherwise, in God's eyes, I'd just be going through the motions.

And when I say to someone, "God bless you," after they have mistreated me, I sincerely mean it from the bottom of my heart, because I recognize that it's not the actual person that's doing it...but rather it's just a Satanic attack.

Now if I can just get my face to convey my sincerity...

SOS 2009: June 22-26

Every year, during the third week of June, hundreds of junior and senior high school students flood the Vineyard Community Church for SOS: Summer of Service.

In a nutshell: SOS is not your average summer camp for kids.

Instead, SOS is a MEGA service-oriented camp/conference during which, for one week, hundreds of young people will be loving the people of Cincinnati into a relationship with Jesus, through various daily outreaches/community projects such as free car washes, block parties, water giveaways. Also, the kids experience powerful worship with some pretty cool national acts and great messages from some pretty cool speakers everyday. The whole point of SOS is to give students an opportunity to grow closer to God while developing a heart to serve those around them and instead of just telling people about God's love, getting creative in showing His love in practical ways.

This year, more than 900 students have registered and you better believe it's gonna be a blast.

Needless to say, with all those hyped-up-excited-to-serve-God-and-people teenagers running around...you better believe that TONS of adult supervision is required...about 1,500 adult volunteers to be exact.

I've been involved with SOS throughout the years, working a few days/hours here and there at a couple of block parties and water giveaways, but for the first time this year (I seriously believe that God provided this time in my life when I'm in between jobs, as an excellent serving opportunity), I'll actually be "working" all day, all week! Talk about an alternative...über fun..."full-time job!" Oh! And to top it all off, the sis will be serving along side me since she's off for the summer from UC! (another God sign that we TOTALLY should be doing SOS!)

Everyday, except Thursday, I'll be doing the block parties. Thursday I'll be doing something that's entirely new to SOS this year, serving as a Special Ops Team member. Also, there's a HUGE, special surprise event scheduled on Thursday that's supposed to knock the socks off the kids!

Words can't even describe how excited I am about this leg of the week, during which I will be paired with an awesome cool cat named DaJuan in making sure, that despite his special needs, he'll have an awesome experience! Hopefully, DaJuan won't think I'm an uncool, old lady and he'll get my corny, sarcastic sense of humor! HA! Can't. Friggin. Wait!

If you are interested in serving, there are still spots available throughout the week. Even if you can only do an hour, every bit o' help...helps! So sign up and come be part of a serving experience I guarantee...you'll never forget...or never regret!

So stay tuned for my twitter updates and blog posts regarding all the SOS hoopla. And make sure you're in the loop with all the official SOS updates:

Twitter (as well as all mentions of #summerofservice on Twitter)

and

Facebook

This year's SOS focus/theme is social justice (ha! something that I'm definitely ALL ABOUT! Another God sign?...I certainly think so!), with the scripture, Micah 6:8, serving as inspiration. So all SOS initiatives will be focused on serving the hungry, the poor, the illiterate, the forgotten and the minimized.

Imagine. One week. One week to change your life. To change other people's lives. To join hundreds of other junior and high school students to impact the city of Cincinnati in revolutionary ways.

It's gonna be freakin AWESOME!

"He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8 (New International Version)

*All photos from SOS Facebook

Show Me What I’m Looking For

“Show Me What I’m Looking For”

CAROLINA LIAR

Wait, I’m wrong
Should have done better than this
Please, I’ll be strong
I’m finding it hard to resist
So show me what I’m looking for

CHORUS

Save me, I’m lost
Oh lord, I’ve been waiting for you
I’ll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for…oh lord

Don’t let go
I’ve wanted this far too long
Mistakes become regrets
I’ve learned to love abuse
Please show me what I’m looking for

CHORUS

Save me, I’m lost
Oh lord, I’ve been waiting for you
I’ll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for…oh lord

Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for

CHORUS

Save me, I’m lost
Oh lord, I’ve been waiting for you
I’ll pay any cost
Just save me from being confused
Wait, I’m wrong
I can’t do better than this
I’ll pay any cost
Save me from being confused
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for
Show me what I’m looking for…oh lord

When?

When will ___ be Jesus?

...my time?
...my turn?
...my chance?
...my moment?
...my opportunity?
...my happiness?
...my destiny?
...Your will for me?


When?

Vigilantism: God's Way

*Caveat: This post tends to ramble a bit, but I make my point...eventually...I promise."



Innately, I am a vigilante.

Merriam Webster describes a vigilante as:

"a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law are viewed as inadequate) ; broadly : a self-appointed doer of justice."

I don' know why it took all of my 29 1/2 years here on earth (turning the Big 3-0 in September! Eek!) to figure this out.

But it all came to me, last year, when the Vineyard did a series called "Fearless" and Dave Workman talked about the spirit and life of Moses.

As I sat there and heard Moses' story, for the millionth time, it was like I had a spiritual realization "a ha" moment: "Hey! I'm A LOT like Moses!" "Moses was a vigilante!"

Now, to those who aren't hip to the story of Moses, I highly recommend checking his story out here: The Brick Testament: Moses Commits Murder. Or you can get the "real" version, here.

Now, I'm not using this post as a means to confess to murder, (how dumb would that be, right?!), but I understand why Moses did what he did.

Here's a man, who upon seeing an injustice being done, i.e., a slave being mistreated/beaten by an Egyptian slave master, instinctively reacted with "justice," or at least his interpretation of "justice."

Now to some, avenging a beating with murder isn't exactly what you'd call "justice." But it's that initial...vigilante...reaction that Moses had that I want to focus on.

Moses could've have done a million different things, other than murdering the slave master. But his initial response was "tit for tat."

Now, obviously God wasn't pleased with Moses' decision and actions. And I'm sure when Moses was hiding the victim's body in the sand, that God's heart was hurting in disappointment and pain at Moses' sinful actions.

I'm not condoning what Moses did, but I can certainly relate to what Moses was feeling.

When I see or hear about a person being discriminated or mistreated, an animal or child being abused, a group of people being slaughtered in a genocide, a homeless man beaten to death, a mentally-challenged person being taunted, a bully tormenting a kid on the playground or a man beating his wife and children...my initial reaction is make the oppressor pay for what they have done. My initial reaction is to come between them and the victim and sock one right in the attacker's kisser. Or probably worse.

That's just how I roll. How I am made. That is my guttural instinct.

Nothing gets my blood boiling than seeing someone pick on someone weaker...and defenseless...than themselves.

IT MAKES ME ABSOLUTELY LIVID.

So would I have reacted the same way that Moses did upon seeing a slave master beat up a defenseless slave?

Absolutely.

Would that make me a good Christian?

Absolutely...not.

But here's where my story differs from Moses.

I made a different choice.

Why?

Because I have the fear of God in me.

I strongly believe that in that enraged moment, Moses, lost sight of God and his fear of Him, and allowed the devil to take over him and hence, committed the murder.

We all have those moments in our lives.

Moses was supposed to be the "chosen" one to deliver the Israelites from 400 years of Egyptian enslavement.

Yet, even as the chosen one, Moses allowed his sinful self to emerge. He didn't channel that innate instinct into something for the glory of God. Instead Moses shamed God with his actions.

But that's the thing about God.

He knew that Moses had this vigilante spirit. He knew that Moses was the only man at the time, who would have a genuine burden and compassion for the Israelites. God knew that vigilante/rageful spirit could be used for the glory of God and ultimately, the birth of a nation.

That's the beauty of God. He takes our innate sinful desires and passions and turns them around for His glory.

Each of us are born with passions that we care about.

I have a passion for justice, just like Moses did.

That's why I became a vegan...to stand up for the countless animals who are being mistreated. I wanted to say that I was making a difference.

That's why I volunteer and help those less fortunate or those shunned and wronged by society.

But unlike Moses, I'm a reformed vigilante of sorts.

Instead of going around and making everyone pay for the wrongs that they've done, I have learned, through God's grace, to channel those feelings into making a difference through love and forgiveness...instead of violence and bloodshed.

If I didn't have God in my life, I would pull a Moses on anyone who abused an animal or child. No question about it.

But BECAUSE I have God in my life, I haven't.

I can honestly say that if it weren't for God's grace in my life, I would be sitting behind prison doors.

Honestly.

During those times of anger about the injustices of the world, I remember that I am a Christian and the whole point of Christianity: dying to your sinful self and giving yourself up to God and committing your new life to love and service.

But I still understand why animal rights militant groups such as ALF...and sometimes PETA...do what they do. I get it.

I understand what their intentions are: avenge those who have been wronged.

And to an extent, I can understand Scott Roeder's motives. Roeder was identified Sunday as a possible suspect in the slaying of prominent Kansas late-term abortion provider Dr. George R. Tiller.

And just as I don't condone Moses' actions, I don't condone the allegations against Roeder.

I understand that these people's ways aren't God's ways.

God is a God of love.

He commanded us, "Thou shalt not kill."

So I take that commandment and apply and interpret it...literally.

That's why I'm a vegan...a Christian vegan. That's why I'm against the death penalty. And that's why I'm against abortion.

Roeder should've channeled his passion for aborted children by praying for the cause and educating people about humane choices, in a non-violent, peaceful way. Instead of killing Tiller, he should've prayed for him that God would make him have a change of heart in performing the abortions.

Roeder obviously put more faith in a phyiscal, man-made weapon and not in the powerful, supernatural weapons of prayer and God's Word.

We humans have this funny way of thinking that somehow we are actually capable of administering adequate justice for all the injustices of the world.

How petty an assumption.

Why can't we - and by we, I also mean myself - learn that God will ALWAYS do it better than us?

There will come a day, where the Egyptian slave master and all the perpetrators of this world's injustices - including "non-perpetrators" - will stand before God, and be held accountable and have to answer for all they have done. One day, Moses will have to be held accountable for his attack, as will Roeder and as will Tiller, for his role in murdering countless babies who were literally, almost about to be born.

Trust me, I'd rather have people stand before God and let them receive His judgment rather than our petty, human judgments. ANY day.

So what's my point with this post?

The point is, no matter how furious we become about something or someone and the wrongs they have committed, let's keep in mind that our petty vigilante ways will accomplish nothing, besides making us look like the hypocritical, un-Christ-like, bad guy.

We all can learn a lesson or two from Jesus, who, despite being the Son of God and possessing the powers to annihilate the persecutors who brutally tormented Him before/during His crucifixion, instead...prayed for them:

"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

Luke 23:34 (New International Version)

Satan's way and the way of this world is to respond with violence, bloodshed, hate and revenge.

God's way is to respond with prayer, love and forgiveness.

Now, that's vigilantism.

Freestore Foodbank/Healing Center Memorial Day Hunger 5K Walk/Run

"A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

- Margaret Mead

Freestore Foodbank/Healing Center Memorial Day Hunger 5K Walk/Run
Monday, May 25, 2009

To the lay person, these results would qualify us as "losers":

Place Name Ag S City St 5k Pace S

1197 JAMIE KENNEDY 30 F CINCINNATI OH 1:15:34 24:23 619/685 F
1340 CHRISTINA DIPUCCIO 28 F CINCINNATI OH 1:15:05 24:14 F
1349 DREW REMINGTON CINCINNATI OH 1:15:28 24:21
1352 SANDRA DIPUCCIO 63 F CINCINNATI OH 1:15:31 24:22 F
1353 MANDIRA JACOB 23 F FLORENCE KY 1:15:32 24:22 F
1354 MAUREEN JACOB 30 F FLORENCE KY 1:15:32 24:22 F


But I see differently.

This group of "losers," raised $90 and 840lbs of food for The Healing Center.

840lbs.

Seems like a win/win to me.

Thank you Jamie, Alon, Christina, Drew, Max, Sandra and Mandy.


*Photos by TEAM AWESOME's beautiful, talented photog.

GO Cincinnati

6,500 church volunteers.

More than 300 community service projects.

1 day.

4 hours.

1 city.

1 God.

On Saturday, May 16, a group of friends and I, along with thousands of others, gathered on a stormy, wet Cincinnati morning, at Crossroads Community Church.

It wasn't even 8:30 a.m.


Have you ever been in a room filled with thousands of other people - without an open seat in sight - all gathered together, at the same time, same place, with the same mission/goal?

Try it sometime. I highly recommend it.

So what brought us all together?

Two words: GO Cincinnati.

GO involves an army of church volunteers impacting Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky through various service projects in a one-day, citywide blitz of compassion by loving-on hundreds of community-based organizations throughout the city.

Last year, more than 4,000 people from Crossroads and other partner churches went out into the city to serve the homeless, pray with the broken, paint schools, clean camps and help make a difference in the city.

This year, they had a goal of 5,000 volunteers, 200 projects.

But God had other plans and instead, 6,500 people showed up.

This year's GO "anthem" was The Robbie Seay Band's "Rise." They couldn't have picked a more perfect anthem for energizing the army of volunteers gathered at the "pep rally."



Our group was assigned to Dohn Community High School in Clifton. We did everything from painting, moving boxes of books, to helping out wherever we were needed.

We were a sweaty, dirty, dusty, paint-splattered mess, but in the end, we met a lot of cool people, and most importantly, for four hours, we breathed hope and a new sense of vitality into the halls of a school that needed some aesthetical TLC.

New this year to the GO blitz, was GO Grub, a block party feast, held after the service projects, in Washington Park for the volunteers and the OTR community.

David Falk - chef at Boca Restaurant - gathered his 13 industry-chef friends from the city's finest restaurants such as Nicola's, Nada, Boca, Daveed's and Bootsy's (to name a few), to provide a massive feast that included some mighty fine grub (and I was even able to get some vegan options!)

Click here and here to view footage of the fête.

To see some of the inner city residents enjoying, what surely must've been their first gourmet meal, was simply priceless.

Falk did a really good thing. He will be truly blessed for it. And hearing him share his testimony at the rally was even more of a blessing for those who heard it.

There were many sights, sounds, smells and emotions that afternoon in the park, but somehow, this woman's happy dance seemed to sum it all up for me...

God is good.

Yes, He is.

Distant

I feel so distant from You right now.

I know that it's all my doing and none of Yours.

I know I should be talking to You.

And instead I'm not.

I'm just extremely frustrated right now.

I'm so cold and numb right now.

Help me find and feel Your warmth again.

For it's the only thing worth living for.

The Apple Falls...Very Far from the Tree

What do you do when one of your parents lets you down?

How does a child assume the "parent" role in a situation?

God's sixth commandment is to, "Honor thy father and mother," but what if sometimes you just don't agree with the choices a parent makes? Do you still go along with his or her decisions and actions, just in the name of "honoring" them?

I understand the context of the commandment and how the word "honor" really translates to respecting and obeying one's parents, but what if what your parents are doing something that goes against EVERYTHING you fundamentally believe in and try to live your life according to, and ultimately, is jeopardizing the whole family dynamic?

Dear Jesus, please help me honor

...your words.

The Ugly Let Down

Why do You put up with me?
How can You tolerate me?
I let You down every time.
When will I ever be good enough for You, Your love, Your forgiveness, Your grace?

I am so easily tempted.
I am so easily persuaded.
I am so weak.
I am so evil.
I am so dirty.

Please.
Forgive me.
Once again.

As Long As I'm Not Hurting Anyone...

Meet Noel Biderman.

Husband.

Father of two.

Founder and CEO.


His name doesn't ring a bell?

Well, you might have heard more about his "brainchild" of a company, AshleyMadison.com.

Never heard of The Ashley Madison Agency?

Well...take a look see...



Here's additional info about the company...in their own words:

Are you Married but Looking? Ashley Madison is the place for Married Dating.

Feeling neglected and in need of some excitement? You came to the right place.

Ashley Madison is the world' s #1 Married Dating service specifically for ATTACHED men and women who are looking to have an Extra-marital Affair.

Meet People Just Like You, in Absolute Confidence!

If you're looking to have a Discreet Affair use Ashley Madison - the ONLY certified Married Dating service that' s been featured on Oprah, Larry King, FOX News, 20/20, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil and Howard Stern.

Just create a FREE member profile and in seconds you can start meeting other members from your local area or abroad. You'll have access to millions of member profiles, private photo sharing and live chat – all in a 100% SECURE and ANONYMOUS environment.

Where do I begin with this?

First off, let me focus on Biderman himself.

Here's a guy - a married, father of two - who claims that he didn't invent infidelity...he's just providing a more "honest," "upfront" service for individuals who want to engage in it.

Biderman was on The View today - gotta hand it to him for having such balls to go on that show, on that panel, with that audience - and claimed, "...monogamy is difficult for a lot of people because it's not in your DNA. That's just a fact. We're all human...when we put monogamy as the central tenet of a marriage, that might be really unhealthy. Marriage is so much more about than sex."

Ok. Did anyone else catch that? He said, "...marriage is so much more about than sex."

That's funny. He created a web site based solely on the purpose of strangers HAVING SEX!

Biderman's theory? The U.S. should de-emphasize monogamy and sex, like other countries such as Italy, Japan and France do, all of which have higher infidelity rates, but fewer divorce rates. He claims that infidelity will strengthen American families.

3.86 million.

That's how many members are signed up with the Ashley Madison Agency.

3.86 million.

This could only happen in America.

A land whose moral code is: "As long as I'm not hurting anyone...I should be free to do whatever I want."

If I had the opportunity to speak with Biderman, I wouldn't waste my time or his time with a lot of unnecessary debates.

I would just read the following to him:

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
listen well to my words of insight,

2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.

3 For the lips of an adulteress drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;

4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.

5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave. [a]

6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths are crooked, but she knows it not.

7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.

8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,

9 lest you give your best strength to others
and your years to one who is cruel,

10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich another man's house.

11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.

12 You will say, "How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!

13 I would not obey my teachers
or listen to my instructors.

14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin
in the midst of the whole assembly."

15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.

16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?

17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.

18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.

19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be captivated by her love.

20 Why be captivated, my son, by an adulteress?
Why embrace the bosom of another man's wife?

21 For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD,
and he examines all his paths.

22 The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him;
the cords of his sin hold him fast.

23 He will die for lack of discipline,
led astray by his own great folly.

Proverbs 5 (New International Version)