"It is one thing to come and talk about things such as human rights, religion, and democracy. This only builds a foundation; people must have their needs met. What do rights and democracy mean on an empty stomach? People listen better when their stomachs are full and their basic needs are met." -President Kagame of Rwanda.
"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor, but it is not fashionable to talk with them." -Mother Theresa
Two years ago, Bryan and I got involved with a ministry in Memphis, TN. Brinkley Heights Church sits in the Binghampton area of Memphis. This is one of the roughest, most crime laden areas of Memphis. As the crime and poverty rates grew in the area, rather than move to a safer, more attractive area, they embraced the community. They have made it their mission to take back the neighborhood and enable the people of that community to make a difference.
The people of Brinkley Heights were the first ones I thought of when I read the quotes above. Yes, they know that Christ is the answer for their community, but they also know that they can't just walk up to the crack houses or the substandard housing developments and shove Jesus down people's throats. These people are an incredible example to anyone wanting to truly make a difference in their community.
Brinkley Heights has food ministries, clothing ministries, and educational ministries (among other things). The people of Brinkley Heights go to their neighbors and offer them groceries and shoes for their children. They offer after school tutoring and even private schooling for the children. They offer a free safe place for children, teens, and even adults to play sports. They offer them free summer child care that includes free food for the children in their very own neighborhoods.
When they become aware of needs, they bring the family to the ministry center, get their information, give them the needed food or clothes, offer them budgeting and financial planning help, and share the gospel with them. They don't walk in the door and get preached to, they get what they need and before they leave they are enabled to help themselves, and then they are prayed for and the gospel is presented. They know that most of these people will never walk through the doors of their church on a Sunday morning or Wednesday night and they don't hesitate to meet their needs. It is not about growing the numbers of the church, but meeting the physical needs of the community.
These people understand that when the physical needs are met, the people are seeing Jesus in action. They are presenting the gospel just as Jesus would have. Just as people couldn't walk away and not be changed in some way after meeting Jesus, neither can the people of Memphis. It takes a lot of faith and courage to reach out to drug dealers and gang members and the people of Brinkley Heights do it everyday. They don't discriminate, they don't judge, they just meet their needs. They are filling stomachs and meeting needs. They aren't talking about the poor, they are talking to them. They are taking back their neighborhood!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Meeting the right needs Part 1
"It is one thing to come and talk about things such as human rights, religion, and democracy. This only builds a foundation; people must have their needs met. What do rights and democracy mean on an empty stomach? People listen better when their stomachs are full and their basic needs are met." -President Kagame of Rwanda.
"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor, but it is not fashionable to talk with them."
-Mother Theresa
Bryan has said many times that in the Bible Christ always met physical needs before he tackled spiritual needs. As we stood by Weldon's bed in the trauma unit, he told Bryan that he was afraid that he was going to meet his maker that day. This hit Bryan very hard. He has always been concerned about his dad's salvation. He feels that he has accepted Christ, but he has never out right asked. In the car driving away, Bryan asked me how he could approach that question.
We talked about waiting until he is a little more stable. Right now he is in tremendous pain and is awaiting several surgeries to reconstruct and/or set the numerous crushed and broken bones. The quote from President Kagame reassures me of this decision. Until he is physically healing, he won't fully realize the need for spiritual healing.
Though I found this quote when reading about adoption and missions, God has shown me how to apply it to our most current situation. I want to share more thoughts on this later this week. For now, please pray for Weldon. He has a long tough road ahead of him as he recovers. Also, pray for Bryan as he seeks God's wisdom and timing.
*Quotes from Seeds of Change
"Today it is very fashionable to talk about the poor, but it is not fashionable to talk with them."
-Mother Theresa
Bryan has said many times that in the Bible Christ always met physical needs before he tackled spiritual needs. As we stood by Weldon's bed in the trauma unit, he told Bryan that he was afraid that he was going to meet his maker that day. This hit Bryan very hard. He has always been concerned about his dad's salvation. He feels that he has accepted Christ, but he has never out right asked. In the car driving away, Bryan asked me how he could approach that question.
We talked about waiting until he is a little more stable. Right now he is in tremendous pain and is awaiting several surgeries to reconstruct and/or set the numerous crushed and broken bones. The quote from President Kagame reassures me of this decision. Until he is physically healing, he won't fully realize the need for spiritual healing.
Though I found this quote when reading about adoption and missions, God has shown me how to apply it to our most current situation. I want to share more thoughts on this later this week. For now, please pray for Weldon. He has a long tough road ahead of him as he recovers. Also, pray for Bryan as he seeks God's wisdom and timing.
*Quotes from Seeds of Change
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Change of Plans
Today (Friday) did not go at all as I had planned. My plan was to spend my morning and afternoon making my treats for our Christmas parties, bathe the dog, and get dressed up for the party. Bryan's staff party was tonight and mine is tomorrow night. Bryan left to eat lunch with a friend and I began the treat making.
I was beginning to wrap up the baking with the intention of taking my shower and getting dressed to be at the church by 5:00. Still in my pajamas, the phone rang at 2:00 and with my chocolate covered fingers I answered. On the other end Bryan sounded very upset. He had just received the call that his dad had been hit head on. He was headed to the scene.
I immediately got the chocolate off my fingers, pulled out some clothes, texted my best friend, and jumped in the shower. After brushing my teeth and throwing on clothes I headed to the scene myself. This was not the kind of accident that you want to arrive at. It was not one of those dented bumper, missing mirror kind of things. The fireman standing guard seemed to think that he was not going to let me walk up to the scene. Well, he thought wrong.
As I approached I saw Bryan and Sammy. Sammy, Bryan's best friend, had beat us both there. Weldon had already been cut out of the van and transported to the hospital. The other man had been transported as well. We observed the scene and tried to determine what may have happened. After taking a few pictures we left and headed to the hospital. This is where we spent the next several hours.
God is good! Weldon does not appear to be seriously injured nor does the other man. The van Weldon was driving and the BMW that hit him were both totally destroyed, so we really didn't know what to expect. The other man has minor injuries. Weldon will have a long road ahead due to the amount of reconstructive surgery he will under go. His right shoulder, hip, and knee were crushed. His right lower leg may be broken as well. There are broken ribs which are causing some breathing problems.
The surgeries will begin tomorrow morning. We are praying for things to go smoothly and for protection from pneumonia. Please join us in praying!
I was beginning to wrap up the baking with the intention of taking my shower and getting dressed to be at the church by 5:00. Still in my pajamas, the phone rang at 2:00 and with my chocolate covered fingers I answered. On the other end Bryan sounded very upset. He had just received the call that his dad had been hit head on. He was headed to the scene.
I immediately got the chocolate off my fingers, pulled out some clothes, texted my best friend, and jumped in the shower. After brushing my teeth and throwing on clothes I headed to the scene myself. This was not the kind of accident that you want to arrive at. It was not one of those dented bumper, missing mirror kind of things. The fireman standing guard seemed to think that he was not going to let me walk up to the scene. Well, he thought wrong.
As I approached I saw Bryan and Sammy. Sammy, Bryan's best friend, had beat us both there. Weldon had already been cut out of the van and transported to the hospital. The other man had been transported as well. We observed the scene and tried to determine what may have happened. After taking a few pictures we left and headed to the hospital. This is where we spent the next several hours.
God is good! Weldon does not appear to be seriously injured nor does the other man. The van Weldon was driving and the BMW that hit him were both totally destroyed, so we really didn't know what to expect. The other man has minor injuries. Weldon will have a long road ahead due to the amount of reconstructive surgery he will under go. His right shoulder, hip, and knee were crushed. His right lower leg may be broken as well. There are broken ribs which are causing some breathing problems.
The surgeries will begin tomorrow morning. We are praying for things to go smoothly and for protection from pneumonia. Please join us in praying!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Visiting the archeologist
The week of Thanksgiving I over heard one of our students talking to his trainer. The day before he had been to the dentist. Here is how the conversation went...
Student- "Yesterday I went to the dentist and now I have to visit the archaeologist."
Trainer- with a completely straight face "the archaeologist? what are you visiting the archaeologist for?"
Student- "For braces"
Trainer- again with a completely straight face "the orthodontist?"
Student- "Yeah, the orthodontist."
Brooke & Crystal- Snickering under our breathe, trying VERY hard not to burst out laughing.
Bill Cosby was right. Kids say the darnedest things.
Student- "Yesterday I went to the dentist and now I have to visit the archaeologist."
Trainer- with a completely straight face "the archaeologist? what are you visiting the archaeologist for?"
Student- "For braces"
Trainer- again with a completely straight face "the orthodontist?"
Student- "Yeah, the orthodontist."
Brooke & Crystal- Snickering under our breathe, trying VERY hard not to burst out laughing.
Bill Cosby was right. Kids say the darnedest things.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Product Review
Friday night we had a family get together with Bryan's family. At some point in the night, my 7 year old niece got into my mother in laws purse and found her lipstick. Her lipstick of choice: Cover Girl's Outlast All Day Color. The color: bright red.
When I saw Gailey, the first thing that I noticed was the bright red lips. Think about those old ladies who you see nothing but red lips coming and that is the color she was wearing. My mother in law swears by this lipstick. She says that she eats off every other kind.
Well, let me say that their claims are true. It doesn't wear off. It doesn't rub off and it doesn't wash off. When Gailey arrived at my house Saturday afternoon, the lipstick was as red as when she applied it Friday. Even after baking and sampling all of our goods, the lipstick still had not come off or faded. My sister in law had asked me to try to remove it with Vaseline, but I forgot. Sorry Tracy!
So, if you are looking for some long wearing lipstick... you may have found your winner.
When I saw Gailey, the first thing that I noticed was the bright red lips. Think about those old ladies who you see nothing but red lips coming and that is the color she was wearing. My mother in law swears by this lipstick. She says that she eats off every other kind.
Well, let me say that their claims are true. It doesn't wear off. It doesn't rub off and it doesn't wash off. When Gailey arrived at my house Saturday afternoon, the lipstick was as red as when she applied it Friday. Even after baking and sampling all of our goods, the lipstick still had not come off or faded. My sister in law had asked me to try to remove it with Vaseline, but I forgot. Sorry Tracy!
So, if you are looking for some long wearing lipstick... you may have found your winner.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Me Being Transparent
Productivity seems to be my enemy lately. It seems like I get lazier and lazier everyday and I hate it! I would love to chalk it up to the natural aging process, but I am only 30 not 80. Honestly, sometimes I have no motivation to be productive. I would rather sit and watch TV or play computer games than anything else. I HATE, let me repeat, HATE that. There isn't enough time to waste.
Let me share just a bit of the evidence that I have become down right lazy. My house is always a wreck (really unnerving since I am a neat freak), there are about 6 or 8 unfinished projects at home (some have been unfinished for months), my quiet time is almost non existent, I have sat in one adult service since the beginning of Oct, and my prayer life stinks (it has become simply a wish list rather than a conversation).
It makes me sick to think of all the time that I waste everyday. If nothing else I could be exercising. That would help with my constant whining about my weight gain. Since I am so eager to sit on my behind, I could at least be reading my Bible or praying.
I know that this is no one's fault but my own. For several years I have longed for an accountability partner. I really do desire to have someone ask me the tough questions and challenge me. I need that. I desperately need that. At different times I have prayed for that and it never seems to happen. It is not clear to me if I am missing something, or if God is telling me to wait.
Being introverted, I think people think that I don't want to be approached. They may think that everything is ok and that I would let them know if I needed something. Unfortunately, that couldn't be more false. I am very independent and believe that I always have to appear strong and in control. This makes it nearly impossible for me to approach someone and be totally transparent about what is going on in my world. The fact that there is the holy stigma of a pastor's wife doesn't help either. I feel trapped!
Thankfully, I love to write and have always been able to express things on paper (or a computer screen) that I could never say. Usually, that never goes any further than the journal on my nightstand. This a huge step for me. Not only am I being transparent, I am putting it out there so that anyone with Internet access can read it (or at least the 20 or 30 people that read this blog regularly).
Some friends of ours just started a life group for us. They wanted to love on us. We have met only once due to the holidays, but we will meet this week. The group consists of Bryan and I and two other couples. One of these couples we have been close with for several years (we were in each others weddings) and the other couple we have known for about a year. There may be others that join us, but it is fine if they don't. I am comfortable with these girls and feel like I will be able to connect with them. Hopefully, this is that accountability that I have been praying for and I will find my motivation.
Please pray for me. I really do want to get past this. I want out of this season of life and I never want to be back here again. This is one season that I won't miss.
Let me share just a bit of the evidence that I have become down right lazy. My house is always a wreck (really unnerving since I am a neat freak), there are about 6 or 8 unfinished projects at home (some have been unfinished for months), my quiet time is almost non existent, I have sat in one adult service since the beginning of Oct, and my prayer life stinks (it has become simply a wish list rather than a conversation).
It makes me sick to think of all the time that I waste everyday. If nothing else I could be exercising. That would help with my constant whining about my weight gain. Since I am so eager to sit on my behind, I could at least be reading my Bible or praying.
I know that this is no one's fault but my own. For several years I have longed for an accountability partner. I really do desire to have someone ask me the tough questions and challenge me. I need that. I desperately need that. At different times I have prayed for that and it never seems to happen. It is not clear to me if I am missing something, or if God is telling me to wait.
Being introverted, I think people think that I don't want to be approached. They may think that everything is ok and that I would let them know if I needed something. Unfortunately, that couldn't be more false. I am very independent and believe that I always have to appear strong and in control. This makes it nearly impossible for me to approach someone and be totally transparent about what is going on in my world. The fact that there is the holy stigma of a pastor's wife doesn't help either. I feel trapped!
Thankfully, I love to write and have always been able to express things on paper (or a computer screen) that I could never say. Usually, that never goes any further than the journal on my nightstand. This a huge step for me. Not only am I being transparent, I am putting it out there so that anyone with Internet access can read it (or at least the 20 or 30 people that read this blog regularly).
Some friends of ours just started a life group for us. They wanted to love on us. We have met only once due to the holidays, but we will meet this week. The group consists of Bryan and I and two other couples. One of these couples we have been close with for several years (we were in each others weddings) and the other couple we have known for about a year. There may be others that join us, but it is fine if they don't. I am comfortable with these girls and feel like I will be able to connect with them. Hopefully, this is that accountability that I have been praying for and I will find my motivation.
Please pray for me. I really do want to get past this. I want out of this season of life and I never want to be back here again. This is one season that I won't miss.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Party Time
Saturday I hosted a Christmas party. My seven year old niece and my 11 year old twin cousins joined me for a day of holiday fun. We made cupcakes, baked cookies, decorated Christmas Ornaments, and we made a few other treats. I was really excited about this since I don't have any little ones of my own to share the fun with and the fact that my husband does not find this fun at all. As with anything, I had a plan and thought that I had it all figured out. No drama and no surprises.
Well, as usual, that is not exactly how it went. There were no major accidents, but I did learn somethings. Mostly, how different children can be, even twins.
The twins arrived first and I noticed as they edged from the steps to the door that someone had brought a big pile of mud with them. This was an unwelcome guest! My aunt also noticed the mud and told the girls to take off their shoes. One of the twins replied, "my shoes are clean, it is not me." She never even looked at the shoes. Yes, she was the culprit. She was sitting on my couch and leaned over to reach my computer when I saw the mud covering her shoes. The shoes that were now on my couch.
As you can imagine, I was a little on edge. I kept staring at the shoes just waiting for that one wrong move. Thankfully, there were no traces of mud on my slipcover. My niece then arrived and we moved into the kitchen. The girls put on the aprons that I had bought for them at IKEA (super cute!) and we began to make cupcakes.
I walked the girls through the steps and helped them measure everything out. They did so well and were so nice to each other. All three of them are very well behaved and considerate. As we were finishing up the cupcakes, one of the twins asked if she could start on the cookies. I opened the cook book to the right page and put some of the necessities out for her.
Baking Lesson #1: Follow the directions. All the directions including the order of ingredients.
All of the ingredients were measured correctly and promptly put into the mixing bowl. There was no mixing in between. That had to be the grainiest cookie mix ever. The consistency was so off that I wouldn't even consider it dough. The goo was scooped out and onto cookie sheets. These were the only flat cookies that I have ever baked. They spread out, but not up.
Baking Lesson #2: Butter Crisco is not a substitute for regular Crisco.
As I pulled out the ingredients for the icing, I noticed that the pre-measured Crisco cup was actually butter flavored. After opening it, I also noticed that the consistency of it was beginning to change. That was the grossest icing ever. Even the kids didn't want any.
Baking Lesson (and life lesson) #3: Never give kids a meat tenderizer.
We were making peppermint brickle which required broken peppermints. I put the mints in a ziploc bag and pulled out the rolling pin. (Just as the recipe said.) You are supposed to use the rolling pin to smash the mints. I don't know if the girls just weren't forceful enough or if this just doesn't work. After thinking about it for a moment, I decided to pull out the meat tenderizer and let them use it like a hammer. The good news is that it worked and we had smashed mints. The bad news is my kitchen table has some awesome texture to it now. I never even thought about that.
Baking Lesson #4: Don't just explain, DEMONSTRATE!
Once the cupcakes had cooled and the icing was mixed I put a plate out in front of each of the girls. Their cupcakes were placed on the plate with a spreader for the icing. I also put a few cans of different sprinkles on the table. The idea was for the girls to ice the cupcake and place it back on the plate and shake the sprinkles over the plate. Two of the girls did just that. One of the twins however, did not. The muddy twin chose to hold her cupcake away from the table and sprinkled right onto the floor. I then pointed out what the plate was for and she continued to shake over the floor.
All in all, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed sharing the day with the girls. I learned a lot! As crazy as it was, I think we will try again. I even promised the girls that they could come back during Christmas break.
Well, as usual, that is not exactly how it went. There were no major accidents, but I did learn somethings. Mostly, how different children can be, even twins.
The twins arrived first and I noticed as they edged from the steps to the door that someone had brought a big pile of mud with them. This was an unwelcome guest! My aunt also noticed the mud and told the girls to take off their shoes. One of the twins replied, "my shoes are clean, it is not me." She never even looked at the shoes. Yes, she was the culprit. She was sitting on my couch and leaned over to reach my computer when I saw the mud covering her shoes. The shoes that were now on my couch.
As you can imagine, I was a little on edge. I kept staring at the shoes just waiting for that one wrong move. Thankfully, there were no traces of mud on my slipcover. My niece then arrived and we moved into the kitchen. The girls put on the aprons that I had bought for them at IKEA (super cute!) and we began to make cupcakes.
I walked the girls through the steps and helped them measure everything out. They did so well and were so nice to each other. All three of them are very well behaved and considerate. As we were finishing up the cupcakes, one of the twins asked if she could start on the cookies. I opened the cook book to the right page and put some of the necessities out for her.
Baking Lesson #1: Follow the directions. All the directions including the order of ingredients.
All of the ingredients were measured correctly and promptly put into the mixing bowl. There was no mixing in between. That had to be the grainiest cookie mix ever. The consistency was so off that I wouldn't even consider it dough. The goo was scooped out and onto cookie sheets. These were the only flat cookies that I have ever baked. They spread out, but not up.
Baking Lesson #2: Butter Crisco is not a substitute for regular Crisco.
As I pulled out the ingredients for the icing, I noticed that the pre-measured Crisco cup was actually butter flavored. After opening it, I also noticed that the consistency of it was beginning to change. That was the grossest icing ever. Even the kids didn't want any.
Baking Lesson (and life lesson) #3: Never give kids a meat tenderizer.
We were making peppermint brickle which required broken peppermints. I put the mints in a ziploc bag and pulled out the rolling pin. (Just as the recipe said.) You are supposed to use the rolling pin to smash the mints. I don't know if the girls just weren't forceful enough or if this just doesn't work. After thinking about it for a moment, I decided to pull out the meat tenderizer and let them use it like a hammer. The good news is that it worked and we had smashed mints. The bad news is my kitchen table has some awesome texture to it now. I never even thought about that.
Baking Lesson #4: Don't just explain, DEMONSTRATE!
Once the cupcakes had cooled and the icing was mixed I put a plate out in front of each of the girls. Their cupcakes were placed on the plate with a spreader for the icing. I also put a few cans of different sprinkles on the table. The idea was for the girls to ice the cupcake and place it back on the plate and shake the sprinkles over the plate. Two of the girls did just that. One of the twins however, did not. The muddy twin chose to hold her cupcake away from the table and sprinkled right onto the floor. I then pointed out what the plate was for and she continued to shake over the floor.
All in all, it was a lot of fun and I enjoyed sharing the day with the girls. I learned a lot! As crazy as it was, I think we will try again. I even promised the girls that they could come back during Christmas break.
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