Be Thou My Vision

So, I thought I would post another song :)  This time I thought I'd post one of my favorite hymns.  We sang this in church this morning.  This is my "keep things in perspective" hymn, whenever I'm tempted to lose my focus. This version is by Selah and it was the best (in my opinion) one that I found on Youtube.  They left out two of my favorite verses, though (verses 3 & 4 below), so I've included all of the most commonly sung lyrics below the video.  Click here to learn more about this ancient hymn.

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul’s Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

JJ Heller: What Love Really Means

I've become a JJ Heller fan over the past year.  Her music really ministers to me. I think this is because her songs are simple, fresh and feel so real -- no pretense.  My youngest daughter has some mental health problems and JJ's song Your Hands has been a tremendous encouragement to her (and us) in times of worry and discouragement. A friend of mine who is involved in ministry with us sent me a link to What Love Really Means.  One of the comments we hear frequently from some of our friends is that they don't feel worthy of God's love.  I have explained to them that perhaps the reason they feel that way maybe because we want to put God in the same conditional box we put our human relationships in.  JJ Heller captures the unconditional, redemptive love of God so well in this song.

Psalm 92 Women -- Margaret and Millie

There is a new pastor at of one of our partnering churches, and I really love his preaching style.  He spoke on thankfulness as a mark of the Christian walk this morning, and Psalm 92 was the scriptural text.  I was particularly drawn to verses 12-15 in this passage:

 The righteous flourish like the palm tree

and grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

They are planted in the house of the Lord;

they flourish in the courts of our God.

They still bear fruit in old age;

they are ever full of sap and green,

to declare that the Lord is upright;

he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (ESV)

I've know a few older saints that have met the above description of an aged, righteous person, but I want to mention two of them in this post:  Margaret and Millie. 


Margaret was a mentor to me when I was a young adult.  She was in her eighties when I first met her at my church. After just one conversation with her, I knew she was someone who I wanted to spend time with.  Over the next year or so, I began to meet with Margaret for lunch from time to time.  It was a wonderful opportunity to get to know her and learn from her. 


Margaret was a single woman who had never been married, never had kids.  She lived in a tiny apartment (in an unattractive complex) by herself. She had no family that I was aware of. For me, as a single person at the time, it seemed like hers would be a miserable life.  In fact, singleness was one of my greatest fears as a young adult. So in my mind, being in your eighties with no husband, kids, or grandkids would be a recipe for lots and lots of complaining; yet Margaret was one of the most joyful women I had ever met.  One time I asked her if she ever regretted never marrying.  Its been 25 years and my memory is pretty fuzzy, so I don't remember her exact answer.  


I do remember, though that the answer was "no."  While at a younger age, she longed for a husband and children, at some point she surrendered her desires to God and accepted His plan for her marital status, which turned out to be celibacy and singleness.  Margaret reminisced how full her life had been as an overseas missionary and how good and faithful God had been to her all her life. Her life was rich and full because of her relationship with her Savior.


I don't remember now even where Margaret served (I think it was somewhere in Africa), but I remember thinking that when I got to be Margaret's age, I wanted to be just like her, even if I never married.  That she was content and joyful in God's calling and purpose in her life was evident in both her speech and gentle, gracious attitude. If bitterness and resentment over unfulfilled dreams were ever part of Margaret's life, no trace was left of these when I knew her.


The other woman who has recently set an example of aged godliness is Millie.  I'm guessing that she is in her late 70's.  She attends one of our partnering churches. When we visit her church, she is faithful to let us know that she is praying for us.  


I don't think I know a sweeter soul in my town than Millie.  Someone told me that she prays faithfully every morning for 3 hours.  When I asked Millie about this, she acted like it wasn't that big of a deal. In fact she was pretty matter-of-fact about it.  


When I asked her if she kept a prayer journal or if she had some special routine that she went through.  She simply replied, "No, I just kneel down and pray what the Lord gives me to pray."  Millie loves her Savior, and her righteousness is evident to all through her meekness.  She doesn't call attention to herself or make it a point to display her righteousness before men. I love this sweet, unassuming woman!  Millie is on a limited income, but never have I heard a complaint about finances.  She has a richness of faith that no amount of money can purchase.  


Meek, humble, unassuming, steadfast Millie.  Contented, joyful, gentle, gracious Margaret.  I want to grow up to be like them someday.

They still bear fruit in old age; 

they are ever full of sap and green,

Reaping in Due Season

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 -- ESV)


I was listening on Family Talk to an interview with Steve Fitzhugh, director of The House, a ministry directed toward inner-city youth in Washington DC. Steve mentioned the impact that a church busing ministry had on his life, starting at the age of 12.  Dr.  Dobson also mentioned the influence that a church-based children's ministry had on his wife Shirley (who came from a dysfunctional home) when she was a child.  


In a previous post, I mentioned the importance of treating children from dysfunctional homes with kindness in church.  Steve and Shirley's lives were transformed, and in turn, their lives have impacted the lives of others in innumerable ways, because adults took the time to care about them and invest in their lives.  


I was so encouraged by this podcast, since so frequently I am tempted to "weary in well-doing" -- even yesterday I was feeling heavily this way. Sometimes this feeling is exacerbated by those in the Church that don't seem to want "those kinds of kids" coming to "our program".  Unfortunately we've encountered this attitude more than once. 


We've also been blessed by some children's leaders in the Church who have God's heart for "those kids".  They are willing to "stick it out" and instead of being content to just continue "blessing blessed people" they are earnestly trying to reach the ones most desperately in need of healthy, godly adult relationships and role-models.  


We have some friends, Steve and Tina, who planted a church in a low-income area of their town.  Dr. John M. Perkins, founder of the Christian Community Development Association (he's a "big-wig" in our field of ministry) visited their church.  What an honor it was for them!  Dr. Perkins told Steve that ministries like his typically don't see significant fruit for about 15 years, because the change is generational.  When we visited Steve and Tina a while back, they were at the 14 year mark and were starting to see significant fruit being produced in their work.  God had used them to build a thriving ministry made up of many adult leaders whom they had been discipling since childhood. 


Unfortunately, I think we sometimes discount the importance of spiritual investment in the life of a child -- especially those who have limited access to healthy adult role models or whose fathers are absent from the home. I know I find myself slipping into this way of thinking from time to time. In this interview with Steve Fizthugh, Dr. Dobson asked him to name the adults who had changed the trajectory of his life. 


He named the bus driver, the Sunday school teacher, the pastor, and the woman who "adopted" him on Sunday mornings by letting him sit next to her (the children were supposed to sit with their families and his family didn't come to church).  I loved that Dr. Dobson had him name these people; it really encouraged me.  To this day Steve remembered their names.  


At the end of the podcast, Steve read a song he had written about a young man named Mike.  Mike was murdered shortly after this song was written.  Steve had written the song as if Mike were telling his story. It details some of the struggles that children and youth in at-risk situations face.


Destiny
by Steve Fitzhugh


I can't hardly see the light of day 'cause misery stays in my way,
Still I dream to be free like them boys on my TV,
But every day is just the same; I'm got nothin' but pain on top of pain.
I can't escape this hopeless dream, open my mouth, but cannot scream.
So, here I am, me and my crew, not knowin' what we are to do.


The street's our only road, no other life to us was told.
Poverty ain't nothin' new; that's all I knew since I was 2.
Mom's did the best she could, struggling down here in the hood.
I'm steady hating that deadbeat dad; disappointment's all I had.
I got to face the dreadful fact, my daddy's never coming back.


Now, I gotta be a man all on my own, yet they don't want me actin' grown.
Street soldiers poppin' their Glock, young'uns keep dyin' up on my block.
I'm scared to close my eyes tonight, 'cause I'm feeling like something just ain't right.


Still I'm tryin' to speak my heart. Too bad your fear keeps us apart.
I can't believe it till I hear it. I can't hear it till you tell it.
If the truth is what you preach, won't you help this brother reach ... his destiny?


And I reminisce about all these scars; it's like I'm in prison and they're my bars.
I'm locked away from the joys of life. Am I destined for streets and strife?
Am I ever gonna win a wife? Ever gonna have a pain-free life?
Ever gonna travel around the world? Would I get another chance to raise my girl?
Will I ever sleep without this hunger? Makes me wonder, makes me wonder
Why I live in so much pain. Will I lose my mind? Will I go insane?
And when I hear the final bell, will it be heaven? Will it be hell?
Will I die when I'm in my prime? Can I ever renew my mind?Is there a God that can forgive all the wickedness I did?


I can't forgive my thugged self. Got too much pride to cry for help.
Facts too hard for me to admit. If it don't fit, you must acquit.
But if my record were true and right, I ought to be serving double life.
They should have thrown away the jailhouse key for the sins locked up inside of me.


No solution for my drama; I'm too old to run to Mamma.
I want to change. How do I pray it? How many times do I got to say it?
You've got sight; why can't you see it? Without you, will I ever achieve it? What? My destiny.


Still I choose to go on. Gotta survive. I've gotta stay strong.
How many times I said, "That's it." How many times I wanted to quit.
Like when Shorty broke my heart, I was true blue right from the start.
"Why me," I had to plead. Gave love a chance and still I bleed.
Regret I wasted time. True that all the blame was mine.


They tell me today's another day; they tell me it's not too late to change.
They say I can still redeem my life; they say there's a way to walk upright.
But when I close my eyes real tight, I'm still seeing demons in the night.


I'm ready to pay about any price just to get a little peace back in my life,
Like the time when we was young, me and my homeys just havin' fun.
Sometimes I want to go way back when; sometimes I want to upstart again.
No more thug life under them street lights. No more sadness. No more sin.


Wish you could help me find my way, 'cause I'm living in fear of Judgment Day.
Even the clock's my enemy, 'cause everybody dyin' look just like me.
It's like my grip is about to slip; it's like I'm down to my last clip.
I'm dodging shadows, but they was mine. Don't let me die before I find ... my destiny.

Summer: Eric's Birthday and Frogmore Stew

We celebrated Eric's birthday with friends in California.  I made something called "Frogmore Stew" for the party.  I found out about the idea from a facebook friend and Googled the recipe.  I have made this twice now:  for Emma's birthday last year and for Eric's birthday this year.  Everytime I have made this I get strange looks from the people I have served it to because the presentation is so quirky.  However, once the eating gets underway, everyone ends up having a great time and becomes convinced that it is "okay".  Contrary to its name, this stew contains no frogs.  Its called "Frogmore Stew" because the creator of it is from Frogmore, South Carolina.

To make this you choose a selection of sea food.  I selected shrimp (with shells on), snow crab, clams, and scallops.  You also choose a sausage (I chose kielbassa and bratwurst).  Corn and red potatoes are also included in the mix.  You cook these in a big pot of water with Old Bay Seasoning.

Poor Marianne!  The crab was "really fresh".  (She's a good actress, don't you think?)

Once everything is cooked, drain the liquid (I reserved it the last time for clam chowder) and then dump the whole mess on to an unset table covered with newspaper.


Supply each end of the table with a roll of paper towels and place condiments in dishes along the table.  I used ketchup and mustard for the sausage, butter and lemon for the seafood, and salt and pepper for the potatoes and corn. If you serve crab legs, it is helpful to have some pliers to crack them with.

Click here for a recipe and a little history of this delicious dish (like I mentioned, I used a wider variety of seafood than this particular recipe calls for).

Here is the cake that Emma made.  Eric loves VW Bugs.

The birthday hat is courtesy of some silly girls and a father willing to humor them :) 

Biblical Justice: Prison Entrepreneurship Program and Men of Valor

I heard a great podcast today on Q ideas. Catherine Rhor, a former New York investment banker left her $200,000 a year salary to form a non-profit ministry that teaches business and life skills to prisoners 6 months before they are released.  The organization, Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) also helps the ex-prisoners after they are released find jobs, pursue educational/vocational training opportunities, and develop friendships with healthy role models. The recidivism rate is 0% for the 256 graduates who are active participants in the program (as compared to the national average of 60%-70%).  For those who have only partially completed the program, the recidivism rate is 2.8 percent.

Catherine's story inspires me.  She shows how the faithful stewardship of resources and the power of relationship can transform the lives of prisoners.  Unfortunately there is not an embedded code that I can use to include the interview with Catherine Rohr in this blog.Click here to watch the interview.

PEP reminds me of a similar ministry, Men of Valor, I saw featured on the DVD Seek Social Justice produced by the Heritage Foundation.  Below is a video that gives an overview of the kinds of things this amazing ministry is doing.


Men of Valor | Mentoring from Compass Cinema on Vimeo.

Summer: Emma's Quinceanera Wannabe Fiesta

We've had a busy summer so far. I've been a little behind getting some pictures up.  I'll start with Emma's quinceanera fiesta last month.

Emma's "quinceanera wannabe" party (15th birthday party based on a Mexican Fiesta theme)

Making Tamales a few days before the party

Marianne's special "cross" tamale

Lizzy concentrating very hard on developing her tamale making skills

Fiesta Time!

This was a beautiful cake that my friend, Laura, generously made for Emma

 Pinata!

Eric having way too much fun keeping the pinata from being hit too easily

Mom & Dad

 Guitar Hero

Presents

A miniature "Painted Pony" from Marianne

Feliz Cumpleanos, Mija!