Red Oak LLP :: insurgency of love

laundry love

We had our first Laundry Love Project in the Red Oak area tonight – specifically in Glenn Heights.

We had hoped and planned to do our first LLP in our neighborhood but we had some trouble communicating with the owner of the local laundry mat. So rather than force the issue we decided to do a surprise insurgency of love just a few miles north of us in Glenn Heights.

It was unannounced, non-advertised. We just showed up and offered to pay for people’s laundry as they walked in the door.
Continue reading Red Oak LLP :: insurgency of love

Update on my cousin’s baby

It’s been a while since I’ve posted any updates on my cousin’s baby but we have some great news tonight that I wanted to be sure and share.

Tests show that the baby does have down syndrome but we’re still praying it will be a mild case. The baby is due in October and we’re praying that she continues to grow strong in healthy as she develops.

Also I received this update from my aunt tonight…

We have great news tonight!!! Amanda and Bryan (my cousin) went to see the specialist in Garland. He told them that the hygroma is resolving itself. PRAISE THE LORD! Ava’s heart is doing good and she is gaining weight. We have so much to be thankful for. God’s healing is continuing and He is not through yet. I have prayed that He will finish the good work He started in her from the beginning. He is doing just that. We still have a way to go on this journey, but God remains faithful. Keep them in your prayers and thoughts.
Giving GLORY to the Father who is in heaven!

Please keep Bryan, Amanda and Ava in your prayers. Thanks!

Listening in prayer

waterfall

Hush.
Be still.
Hush.
Be still.
Hush.
Be still, and know I am God.

Rest.
Be still.
Rest.
Be still.
Rest.
Be still, and know I am God.

I am in control.
And I am in love with YOU.

So don’t be afraid.
Right now, I’m giving YOU breath.
Right now, I’m holding YOU.

Hush.
Be still.
Hush.
Be still.
Hush.
Be still, and know I am God.

Rest.
Be still.
Rest.
Be still.
Rest.
Be still, and know I am God.

Words by Michael Armstrong.

These words came to me tonight while trying to clear the noise and thoughts rolling through my mind. Always a great reminder – no matter how many times you hear them.

Photo from today’s trip to the Ft Worth Botanical Gardens.

Monday Briefs

briefs1

Highlights of the week ::
We finally made our trip to Fort Worth and went to the Botanical Gardens today. We had a great time enjoying the public gardens (a lot cheaper than Dallas’ Arboretum :-)) followed up by a stop at Sonic and driving through Kessler Park looking at homes. It was a warm day and a bit muggy, but I didn’t seem to notice walking in the shade most of the time.

Laurie’s got some photos on her Flickr page and I’ll probably upload some soon too.

What I’m chewing on ::
Isaiah 58

“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The God of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, God will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’
Continue reading Monday Briefs

justice friday

Today is justice friday (#justicefriday) on the web…

What is it? It is a day that different people “tweet” about, blog about, facebook about, and generally raise awareness for all sorts of justice issues. From human trafficking to malaria, all sorts of justice issues are raised, with the end goal of generating awareness and action. The point is not just to share statistics, the point is to help other people understand the great justice issues of our day, and how they can respond and act to bring justice.

You can get involved in a couple of ways:

  1. Follow the action by searching the hashtag #justicefriday on Twitter – read the tweets. (Here’s how hashtags work…)
  2. Tweet, blog, update your Facebook status and also retweet (repost) stats, info, and facts about your favorite justice issues. Do you have a favorite organization like the IJM or Not For Sale or Compassion? Follow them on Twitter and retweet their info for the rest of us! There are lots of ways to get involved. Remember to use the #justicefriday hashtag.

What injustices are you passionate about? What would you like to see your friends and family and others become more aware of and involved in?

What other meme’s do you take part in throughout the week?
HT to exagorazo for the info.

This is your brain on God

Your Brain on God | Image from NPR.org

Ever wonder why Jesus says, “Pray for your enemies, bless those who persecute you.”? Ever started praying for someone and realize that while sometimes they may change — it’s usually you who changes the most in the process.

I had a friend in college that often warned me, “couples who pray together – lay together.” His logic was that if praying for your enemy changes you so much – then praying with and for your significant other makes the attractions that much stronger. Can’t say I disagree.

Scientists are now starting to see that in meditating and praying for people we physically mold our brains differently!

NPR reports…

More than half of adult Americans report they have had a spiritual experience that changed their lives. Now, scientists from universities like Harvard, Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins are using new technologies to analyze the brains of people who claim they have touched the spiritual — from Christians who speak in tongues to Buddhist monks to people who claim to have had near-death experiences. Hear what they have discovered in this controversial field, as the science of spirituality continues to evolve.

Methodist minister Scott McDermott says, “I think we’re wired for the supernatural. I think we’re meant to sense a world beyond our five senses. Come on! Taste and see that God really is good.”

What do you think? Check out the full 5 part series on NPR.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3