A Franciscan Benediction

May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that you may live deep within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain into joy.

And May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

AmenAmenAmen

Kelly

Wanted To Share This

Hint: Go to the bottom of the page and turn off the music before watching!

God Opened My Eyes

Long story...made short. Last night I had to run to Wal-Mart for something. I left at 9:05 (dark, but not completely). I turn onto a main 4 lane road and proceed to drive...off in my own world...listening to a great song. I am a pretty "straight-ahead" kindof girl...in life and on the road. For some reason (????) I looked to the right...and we made eye contact. It took a second to register in my brain...it was a LITTLE boy...just standing there against the guardrail. I quickly pulled to the shoulder..at the same time realizing he really was alone. Luckily another car stopped at the same time. He was scared, wearing only shorts and carrying a dandelion (he had picked it for his grandmother...that's where he thought he was heading). It took us a couple of minutes to reassure him and figure out he left home because his Dad had just left and walked away (from home) and had been gone a while and the little boy didn't know what to do. He was carrying his Dad's wallet (later, I figured he did this because he had seen his Dad always grab his wallet on the way out...cute)....anyway we called 911...the officers were great and after about 35 minutes an uncle and than grandparents (have you ever seen the relief in a grandmother's eyes when she sees that her grandbaby is okay...after receiving a call that he is walking down Keith St. ??) showed up. This child was so funny and smart....he told his dad's name, mom's name, grandmother's name, where he went to school, his birthday, and what colors the power rangers are (this is education to me)....did I mention he was FOUR....this precious baby had walked about 4 to 5 city blocks and taken a couple of turns...one officer was amazed that no one had noticed him...me too! But I am sure Satan would have loved it if no one had noticed at all....but God turned my head and opened my eyes...God is my hero. The little one was okay (I will continue to pray for "C" )...I did Wal-Mart and went home. On my trip home God spoke to me...you know, when He just explains it....Yes He opened my eyes so I would see that sweet baby...but God likes to teach in every circumstance....He was speaking to me about how I need to not always be so focused on what is in front...what is to come....what I have MY sights set on....if I will turn my head...He CAN open my eyes to things He would love to use me for...there are things all around that He can use us for....there are people around every corner who could use a hand, an ear or a hug... it goes on and on. Grow where you're planted....Enjoy the feast God has laid on the table before you (instead of letting it get cold, because all you can think about is the dessert to come)...in Ethiopia there will be so much need...and of course I have my own ideas...but I have to be willing to let God gently turn my head and open my eyes to those HE wants me to approach....I pray it will be so.....

His Name Alone makes the demons shudder,
Kelly

Homeschool Loose Ends

I went Friday to our local Homeschool Fair to get Math books. I have been putting it off. In May there is a huge Homeschool Fair in Atlanta....a group of us go from here and make it a fun weekend!! Anyway, I like the math we use, but have felt like I need to move to something else. It's hard because the choices are endless....anyway, I bit the bullet and made a choice...and paid lots of $$...ouch. Of course I picked up a couple of other things too :) Honestly, I still need one thing and I need to order it or I won't have it in time. It was fun and I ran into some other Homeschool Moms I know. Now comes the crazy task of getting all these books to Ethiopia...they are heavy...and extra luggage is EXPENSIVE....this should be fun (yes, read that with a hint of sarcasm).
Also, my cousin and her three children were visiting from South Carolina, so it was nice to spend some time with them this week:)
Have a blessed day!!!

Kelly

Called to be Uncomfortable

I think if I'm comfortable in my church, my relationship with God, or my daily life that I've lost touch with Jesus. I believe we are called to be uncomfortable...it keeps us alert and it keeps us in need of God. I am reading an amazing book called "The Irresistible Revolution...living as a ordinary radical" by Shane Claiborne....it has challenged me. I wanted to share something he said about allowing God to make our life uncomfortable. From some of the rich young ruler text which appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke......"After Jesus' teaching that you must enter the kingdom like a little kid, a wealthy man comes up and asks Jesus what he needs to do, and Jesus tells him he lacks one little thing. ("lacks" is an interesting word to use, since the rich man thought he had everything.) And what might that one thing be? You can almost see him get excited. Then Jesus drops the big one: "Sell everything you have and give it to the poor!" The man's face sinks and he walks away with his riches. I think it broke Jesus' heart to let the man walk away. The text says that Jesus looks at him and "loves him" as he walks away. But Jesus doesn't run after him saying, "Hey, it's a journey, just give half, or Start with 10 percent." He simply lets the man choose his wealth. In our culture of "seeker sensitivity" and radical inclusivity, the great temptation is to compromise the cost of discipleship in order to draw a larger crowd. With the most sincere hearts, we do not want to see anyone walk away from Jesus because of the discomfort of the cross, so we clip the claws on the Lion a little, we clean up a bit the bloody Passion we are called to follow. I think this is why the disciples react as they do. They protest in awe, "Who then can be saved?" (Why must you make it so hard? We need some rich folks here, Jesus, we're trying to build a movement.) And yet Jesus lets him walk away."
I think the point is...God's gonna ask you to give up or give away what makes you comfortable. This happens through out the bible in different ways. And half way isn't good enough. I want to be uncomfortable. Jesus warns us to count the cost before putting our hands to the plow...and he allows us to walk away. I am challenged to not walk away in any part of my life !!!
Sorry so long:(

Kelly

Tired But Alive...

We are back from camp and it was a blast. Yes, I was worn out....only three hours of sleep the first night but a solid eight the second night. As usual...God sustained me and I had energy that could have only been from Him. Kenli had so much fun and heard wonderful messages about how important she is to God and how He has a wonderful plan just for her. There was so much food...I think I gained 5 lbs.. The children loved the waterslide, the pool, basketball, volleyball (okay...the truth is our cabin built sandcastles), putt-putt, the obstacle course and the lake. There was super praise and worship and enough sugar snacks to keep them going !!! There were ten girls in our cabin (BTW did I mention we won cabin clean-up) and they were so great. I am glad we went and am so greatful for the relationships that were built (for me and Kenli). A huge thanks to Ms. Tara, Ms. Donna, Ms. Jenny, Mr. Jim and the countless others who made it happen :) Our Father is soooooo good and gives us such wonderful gifts.

oops...Kenli lost her mat...but still loved it.

Love,

Kelly

Off To Camp...

Well, we are headed to Breakaway Camp. It's a two night camp my church does every year for elementary age children. Kenli is very excited....and I (brave counselor) know I will be very tired !!! I am praying that each child has an experience with God....one that opens their eyes and fills their heart with joy...one that speaks to them in a way they understand....and very well may even change the course of their life. Pray BIG or go home :)

Wish me luck,
Kelly

A Journey to Where?

What's the gameplan..you ask? Well, we hope to leave in August or early September.... paperwork seems to pick the date. We will be heading to Adama (also called Nazaret) which is about a two hour drive south of Addis Ababa (the capital). The plan is to live and work in The Orphans and Widows' Home. Right now there are seven widows and about ten or twelve orphans....they hope (and know) the numbers will grow. There is also a food and sponsorship program in Adama and Tede (a nearby village).... they give flour to widows and single moms and help pay for schooling and other things. I'll know more details once I get there. Most things will have to be worked out through trial and error. I will be homeschooling Kenli in the mornings and working (cleaning, laundry, english lessons, etc.) in the afternoons and evenings. The days will be full and HARD... I am sure. We are working on details now...buying a water purifier, wind up flashlights, voltage adapter, hand sanitizer :) and many other things.....like OFF and more OFF !!!! Oh yeah, and I need mosquito nets...the list continues to grow. I am excited..really not very nervous. I have to put the details in God's hands (along with all the big stuff). If you want to be inspired today go to www.weloveourlucy.blogspot.com and scroll down just a tad and watch their Gotcha Day video of the gorgeous Lucy...... yes from Ethiopia. This family is amazing !!!

Serving the One who has plans for ALL His children,
Kelly

The Journey Begins....well, not really

This is my first blog entry....does anybody really want to read the first entry? Am I supposed to introduce myself? My blog journey officially begins. But this is not the beginning of my journey. I guess that began at birth....skip ahead many, many years. I have done a year of training with YWAM (Youth With A Mission) and have waited here at home for a year (well maybe God was waiting on me more than me waiting on Him)....I have a patience issue. My daughter and I are now preparing to move to Ethiopia. Most who read this blog already know us...but I hope new friends will be made along the way. I have established this blog to keep an account of God's glory. Not to say "Look at me".....but to say "Look at Jesus" (you'll find him in the poverty...you'll recognize him in the eyes of the orphan). We are on a journey to the least of these....therefore we are on a journey to be with Jesus....yes, yes, I know He is everywhere...I know I can find him in a song, a breeze, a child, my heart, the Word, laughter.....but I want to find Him MORE. I was put on this earth to follow Him....to be like Him.....to be Him to others...to know Him and make Him known. He has called each of us to follow Him....and the best way to do that is to follow in His footsteps. No doubt, Jesus would walk in Ethiopia (He is there)....He says "will you"....I say "yes". I know there are many adjustments ahead...and even more hard work. I know that He will teach me things that I can't even imagine right now. I know His ways are better and His plans are bigger.....so I go....and I trust. This isn't about me (or my daughter)....my life is not my own (nor is hers). I am on my knees and I ask that you join me. That He will always get the glory...not me. That He will give me His eyes, His hands, His ears and His heart. That I will remain empty, so that the Spirit can pour through me

We've had our shots.
We've got plane ticket $.
We need visas.
We need tickets.
We need a departure date.
and many other details.

So glad I serve the King of all Kings,
Kelly