Feed My Starving Children

During the past couple weeks I have had two opportunities to serve with Feed My Starving Children. The first was with my family (mom, dad, and sis). We went to the Bright Hope facility where they partnered with FMSC. It was the 1st time I had volunteered with FMSC and it was alot of fun. Basically we were filling bags with food: Chicken, Veggies, Soy, Rice. It’s an assembly line and I really enjoyed serving in this capacity. We had a pretty big group overall and everyone was clipping along at a good speed. We worked for 2 hours and were able to feed 67 kids for a year. 

Me and Mom at Bright Hope

These particular boxes of meals were being shipped to Haiti. They gave us some info on their partnerships there and how much of a difference the food makes. I think one of the most heart-breaking things I heard was about how they are so hungry that they make these mud cakes to eat. They mix it and let it dry out. But the thing that really makes it worse is that things are so bad that people have to buy the mud cakes to eat and she said prices had gone up. It’s really hard for me to wrap my mind around that kind of poverty when I can go to my fridge any time and have something to eat. It really breaks my heart. 

With that in mind I was happy to serve again with Feed My Starving Children this past week. We did it at their facility in Schaumburg with our small group from church. Even though there were only a few of us who could make it I think we’d all agree we had a great time. It’s such a simple thing we can do. It doesn’t take much thought or effort and only a little time. We were a much smaller group overall and only worked about 1.5 hours. We were able to feed 15 kids for a year. That might not seem like much, but to those 15 kids I bet it seems like the world. 

This is something that continually is laid on my heart. How can I serve more? How can I give more? But I want to make sure that what I am doing and giving is actually going to those who need it. No offense, but our government does not do a great job of that. They might give money but it is not distributed correctly. However, that’s a whole other issue because they have no money management skills. Dave Ramsey, can you take on the government? They need to start the debt snowball already! Where is their gazelle like intensity? 

Sorry, tangent. John and I have both been convicted in this area. I think God is really  challenging us to give, and not just give what we think we can afford, but to give generously and freely. That might mean we have to make sacrifices in some areas. But so what? Is it too much to sacrifice a convenience so someone else can eat a cup of rice to keep from starving to death? In perspective our wants and desires seem so small. 

It is a struggle though because we do have needs too and are trying to save and do the best with what God’s given us. It feels like a balancing act for sure. But I think the important thing is being willing to give. If God lays it on our hearts to give then we need to give no matter what we were saving that money for. One thing we’ve found throughout our marriage is that God has blessed us tremendously; Not necessarily financially because our income is about the same as it was before we were married. But He always provides. Sometimes it’s through meals from my family or other people allowing our food budget to stretch out longer. Sometimes it’s gifts from birthdays or Christmas. Things that we’ve thought about doing but held off on because it wouldn’t be good use of our funds God has given to us through other people. It continues to amaze me! 

We have a long way to go and I know God will continue to work in our hearts, but I would challenge you to think about ways that God may be asking you to give more, whether that is time, talents or money. And you should definitely check out Bright Hope and Feed My Starving Children as they are both local ministries that you can volunteer with and both work with people living on less than $1 a day. That’s less than $365 a year. Ouch!

North Carolina Christmas

Now that January is almost over I guess it’s a good time to update you on our Christmas vacation. Can I just say GOD IS SO GOOD! He answered our prayers in so many ways! First of all, we had wonderful travel days. We had no problems with the roads whatsoever and the only time we ran into any traffic was a little getting out of the city. Thank you Jesus!

Secondly, it was just such a wonderful time. Nothing felt rushed. We were able to spend so much time with all of his family. It was great to just chill with our NC peeps. Apparently John’s family and youngest sister are hooked on NCIS and own 6 seasons. Needless to say we watched alot of NCIS. I actually enjoyed most of it, other than the violent parts in the beginning or when they were doing work on the bodies. The characters are very unique and endearing. 

Other than watching NCIS we played a few games, ate alot, visited with family, ate alot, played out in the snow, ate alot....did I mention we ate alot?! The Daniel’s dinner on Christmas eve was a blast. So much good food and we played a little football too. It was a nice day, at least much nicer than Chicago. However, that would not last too long. 

White girls can jump...who knew?
(Photo courtesy of John Dodson)

Yummy Daniel's Dinner
(Photo courtesy of John Dodson)

Christmas day was nice. Just hanging out all day at John’s house with the whole family. His grandparents came over as well as sister Jess and brother in law John, and Brittany and boyfriend Ethan. Had fun opening gifts and then played one of them. John got Star wars trivia pursuit and I don’t think anyone will be able to beat him in that game.

Allyson buried beneath all the wrapping paper

Christmas evening it started snowing, and it kept snowing. Alot of people in NC where he is from have never seen a white Christmas. They got one this year. By the morning we probably had a good 5” on the ground. It was gorgeous! Church was canceled so we had a really relaxing morning and then geared up to head over to mama’s. We all 5 piled in the pickup truck (the front seat) and drove a few miles up the road. At Mama’s John and I took a walk and just soaked in the winter scenery. It was a mild day outside and the snow was perfect for packing. Needless to say a few snowballs were thrown. How can anyone resist such perfect snow. 

John's thinking face

Me trying to be a statue

After a wonderful and very filling lunch we bundled back up and made our way outside again where everyone got in on the snowball action. Then we built a gigantic 8’ snowman and a snow igloo. We worked really hard and I think most of us were actually getting warm about mid-stride, but we kept at it and got to have the satisfaction of completing something that looked really cool! I think that was one of my favorite days of the trip. Had to come to North Carolina to play in the snow. Crazy!

Making our huge snowman

He was huge. Probably like 8 foot tall.

The start of our snow igloo

The finished product

Jessican and John D made a snow dog as well. How cute!

The rest of the week was a little more low key. His parents took us out driving showing us where some of the Cox family relatives used to live. We hung out with his younger cousins and grandparents. We spent some more time with his sisters. We went to see Narnia the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, which I must interject was absolutely amazing and makes me yearn for Heaven all the more. We took his parents out to eat for their Christmas gift at the Tavern restaurant in Old Salem. Ate dinner with a good friend Dave. Had to get in some good NC BBQ sometime. Watched some more NCIS, ate more and I think that about sums up our trip. 

At Old Salem, an old Moravian village

At the Old Salem Tavern where we took his parents for lunch

To ring in the New Year we stayed the night with our good friends Richard and Rachel and Dave. Played Dave Ramsey’s game Act your Wage! Really good principles to follow in that game. It was just a fun evening of laughter and fellowship. The next day we (us, richard, rachel, dave) got together with all John’s family and had a really nice meal out. It was the first time we had all been together since our wedding and it was such a great way to say goodbye and draw a close to our time down south. Even though it is never easy to say goodbye, we both felt like we were able to enjoy our time so much that it wasn’t as hard.

Thank you Lord for an amazing Christmas vacation and our wonderful families you have blessed us with!

Population: Me

The lyrics below really have been speaking to me this week:

In my own little world it hardly ever rains
I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet
In my own little world
Population: me

I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church
I throw a twenty in the plate, but I never give ’til it hurts
I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see
It’s easy to do when it’s
Population: me

What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
I could be living right now
Outside my own little world

when i Stopped at a red light, looked out my window
I saw a cardboard sign, said “Help this homeless widow”
And above that sign was the face of a human
and I thought to myself, “God, what have I been doing?”
So I rolled down the window and I looked her in the eye
i thought how many times have I just passed her by?
I gave her some money then I drove on through
And my own little world reached
Population: two

Father break my heart for what breaks Yours
Give me open hands and open doors
and Put Your light in my eyes and let me see
That my own little world is not about me

What if there’s a bigger picture?
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose
That I could be living right now
and i know theres a bigger picture
I dont wanna miss it now
i know theres a plan and a purpose
I can be living right now
Outside my own little world

I recently heard this Matthew West Song on Klove and absolutely love it and was so convicted by it. Isn’t that how we live so often in the world of population: me? I know I do. I wish I could say I was more selfless and cared so much more for others but I would be lying. I want to but I get caught up in the entanglements of this life and my world so easily.

I love the line where he says he saw the widow holding up the sign and above the sign was the face of a human. It kind of reminds me of Jesus. He was all about the individual. We can’t change the world all at once or make a difference in everyone’s life. But we can make a difference and notice one person at a time.

Oh Lord, forgive my selfish heart and open my eyes to the ways I can notice and love those around me even if it’s just one person everyday. Turn my eyes upward and outward instead of inward. My world is of little consequence in the grand scheme of things. Give me greater Heavenly perspective. Amen.

Homeless for the Holidays

I received a free screener copy of a Christmas movie a few weeks ago so I could watch and review it. I’ve seen it in the Family Christian Store magazine so I figured it couldn’t be that bad. I am usually skeptical of these type of low budget films and don’t care for them too much.

However, this one had a really good message. No, the acting won’t win any academy awards and there were some cheesy, over the top moments. But overall, I thought it was well done and a good family movie.

The premise of the movie is what happens in the life of a man and his family when he loses his job and finds himself homeless for the holidays. It touches on some great truths about the way men and women think. It deals with the pride of a man and his desire to provide for his family. How much is too much and what is really important? What is a man willing to do to provide for those he loves? It deals with the insecurities of a woman and how important it is to be supportive of your husband.

Most importantly it speaks of the issue of generosity and how much of a blessing we can truly be to others, even when we don’t have much to give. It was certainly a challenging message but a great reminder of what Jesus calls us to do. And not just this Christmas season, but always. We are called to give generously and to love others. How often I fall short of that!

So despite the weak moments in this film I would recommend it as a great tool for reminding yourselves and your kids of what the truly important things are in this life. And even better is if you are able to put into practice the truths brought to life.

Go check it out at: http://homelessfortheholidaysmovie.com/

1st Things 1st

Life has recently gotten away from us. Oh we've been living and busy but some important things got pushed to the back burner. I could make up excuses. Our schedules have changed, we have more going on at night, we're too tired. Like I said, excuses. But God really convicted me last week that we needed to make a change. I feel like he was telling John the same thing in a different way.

When we were dating we would pray together on the phone. When we were engaged we would pray together almost every night. When we first got married we did devos and prayed quite frequently. And then the past few months is when life got away from us. We both know how important it is for us to be praying together. Personal time with God is important too, but praying together is a special time when we are spiritually connected and laid bare before God and each other. It's key to the health of our marriage.

So God prompted my heart to mention that I miss praying together and John agreed. We came up with a new schedule and so far so good. We've been getting up a little earlier, both of us, so that we can pray before breakfast and before work. This seems to work better for both of us because we are fresh and not tired from a long days work. It is so refreshing to start off the day that way.

I am telling you this not to brag, but to be an encouragement. There are so many things in this life that we can't do. We can't fix everyone's problems.  We can't even fix our own problems most times. We can't heal people. We can't be there for everyone all the time. We can't be everything for our spouse. We can't be everything for our family. We need help. We can't always give of our time or money to help others. But we can pray. And it's one of our best spiritual weapons against the enemy. And when we pray together it unites us in serving together.

I also think it helps in a marriage because it is a place of transparency. Hopefully you don't intentionally hide things from your spouse, but you can't hide from God. And if you are really open to Him when you pray together you will be surprised at the things God shows you. After all He knows us better than we know ourselves.

So I challenge you to try it out. But you have to be intentional about it. And feel free to check up on us. We're definitely not perfect. So I hope we can keep it going too!

Sometimes you just gotta get away

Two weekends + two road trips = too much fun!

A few weeks ago John and I headed out to Kansas for one of my friends wedding. It was a 9 hour drive one way. And two more hours to the wedding. So I figure if I add it all up we spent nearly a complete day in the car. 22 hours. Oddly enough, we both really enjoyed it. Here's some highlights at lightning speed:

1. BBQ, yum. John really liked it. And I had not had ribs in forever.

2. The food at the wedding was really delicious. 

3. Chik-fil-a. I am so excited they are opening one near us. It tasted so good and they gave us a sample of their new peppermint shake. Soooo good! Can't wait to go buy one. It's the little things.

Ok so beyond food, there were other really fun things:

4. Meeting up with an old friend who we rode to the wedding with. Yay for Sara.

5. Shannon's wedding was beautiful!

6. Laughing, singing and talking with my best friend for 18 hours

Last weekend we went our separate ways. John headed to a men's retreat in Indiana with my brother in law and dad, and us ladies (me, mom, and sis) went to Kenosha, WI for a shopping trip, and boy did we. We shopped til we dropped. Saturday we started out with a Panera breakfast and I just have to say that I absolutely LOVE their asiago cheese bagel. So the day started out great. We shopped at the outlets from 10-4. And then went to Cracker Barrel for a much needed hearty meal. Played phase 10 at the hotel and hit the hot tub before crashing. Sunday we visited the Jelly Belly warehouse and got some free samples before heading to Gurnee Mills and doing more shopping. I think I wore my family out but it was some much needed shopping therapy for me.  I did find some great deals, though I did not get as much Christmas shopping done as I had hoped. Oh well. 

A beautiful sunset greeted us as we pulled into the hotel. I had to snap a shot.

At the Bass store with my sis. Pretty warm for the North Pole.

We didn't completely fill the back of Jen's car but we did have quite a bit

No more traveling for a little while. But we do have a Christmas road trip to North Carolina planned so that should be loads of fun.

Fall Changes

This fall season has been wonderfully mild overall and gorgeous as usual. I love the changing leaves. I don't however love the colds that have been going around. I've been fighting with a cold for a few weeks now. I think I am winning, but you just never can tell with these persistent little guys. I think John has begun to get a little congested as well. Hopefully he will fight better than me. 

The squirrel that hangs out on our patio. We named him Wally. He likes to run up and down the wood from our place to the neighbors above us and back down again. 

We've had Star Wars on the brain recently. We had a Halloween party this weekend that we were dressing up for. I had found some discounted Star Wars costumes at a garage sale a few years back so we decided to dress up as a Storm Trooper (me) and Darth Vader (John). It was alot of fun. In preparation we watched the original Star Wars trilogy between last weekend and this one. I hadn't watched them through in quite some time. They were still good. It does boggle my mind though how one trilogy can have such a huge impact on our culture. 

For the same Halloween party I tried to make some cheesy breadsticks to bring. They were called Ooey Gooey Witch Fingers. The picture looked cool so I gave it my best shot. I've never made homemade dough before and I don't think it came out quite like it was supposed to, but I went ahead anyway. They did taste ok but most of the cheese snuck out of the dough while cooking. Sneaky cheese. Anyway, so they were not quite as ooey and gooey, but they did look like witch fingers, or monster fingers. I enjoyed them anyway. 

Next weekend we are going to Kansas for my friends wedding so we only have a 4 day work week. Work has been crazy so I need to work hard for these 4 days. Yay for 4 day weeks.