Tuesday, October 28, 2008
The Princess Within
Very cool. That was my weekend. I had a great chance to travel to Kinston, NC to spend Saturday with some incredible girls at a community center called The Gate. We talked about the life that the Lord wants for us...realizing the passionate love He has for us and wants us to have for Him.
Thanks to everyone who came! Let's do it again!
Thanks to everyone who came! Let's do it again!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Say "yes"
4:50 a.m. Not my ideal time for waking up, but if I am going to succeed at finishing a half marathon in December, it's what I have to do. You see, this is the time that my friends are able to run. If I'm not going to run alone, I have to get up and do what I don't want to do.
This morning, our run started out as normal. The two fast runners ahead, with my friend and I a bit behind, but shortly into our run, my friend felt sick and needed to turn back. What was I going to do? I needed to run at least five miles. I have been feeling weaker and knew I needed to push my body. But keeping up with two fast, well-seasoned runners in the pitch black seemed beyond me. I chose to go.
My legs burned as I struggled to keep up the pace. My lungs ached as it breathed in and out the cool October air faster than normal. I so wanted to quit. My mind kept saying, "It's ok, Lynn, you can't keep going at this pace. You'll be alright if you walk a bit." Yet, I knew that Greg would never want me to be out running in the dark alone. I needed to keep up.
As I fought to keep my body going, I thought of my Jesus. How He has given me life. How He has called me to keep going. Though my thoughts fight me at times. Though those around me fall behind or quit, He calls me to push on. Push myself to follow hard after Him, even when it feels like I cannot.
I made it. I ran 5 miles in 43 minutes and 22 seconds - faster than I have ever run before. I had friends who were with me and I didn't quit.
During my time of personal worship with the Lord this morning, I sang Him this song written by Matt Redman:
Yes and Amen
Hear your people saying yes
Hear your people saying yes to you
Yes to everything you ask
Yes to anything we're called to do
Hear your people say amen
Hear your people say amen to you
Let your kingdom come on earth
Let it be just like we prayed to you
Yes and Amen to everything that's in your heart
yes and amen to EVERYTHING that you have planned
We live to see your will be done
And see your perfect kingdom come on earth, on earth
Yes and Amen, we're taking up our cross for you
Give us the strength to take these dreams and follow through
We live to see your will be done
And see your perfect kingdom come on earth, on earth
Don't quit, Friend! Keep your eyes on Him and press on!
This morning, our run started out as normal. The two fast runners ahead, with my friend and I a bit behind, but shortly into our run, my friend felt sick and needed to turn back. What was I going to do? I needed to run at least five miles. I have been feeling weaker and knew I needed to push my body. But keeping up with two fast, well-seasoned runners in the pitch black seemed beyond me. I chose to go.
My legs burned as I struggled to keep up the pace. My lungs ached as it breathed in and out the cool October air faster than normal. I so wanted to quit. My mind kept saying, "It's ok, Lynn, you can't keep going at this pace. You'll be alright if you walk a bit." Yet, I knew that Greg would never want me to be out running in the dark alone. I needed to keep up.
As I fought to keep my body going, I thought of my Jesus. How He has given me life. How He has called me to keep going. Though my thoughts fight me at times. Though those around me fall behind or quit, He calls me to push on. Push myself to follow hard after Him, even when it feels like I cannot.
I made it. I ran 5 miles in 43 minutes and 22 seconds - faster than I have ever run before. I had friends who were with me and I didn't quit.
During my time of personal worship with the Lord this morning, I sang Him this song written by Matt Redman:
Yes and Amen
Hear your people saying yes
Hear your people saying yes to you
Yes to everything you ask
Yes to anything we're called to do
Hear your people say amen
Hear your people say amen to you
Let your kingdom come on earth
Let it be just like we prayed to you
Yes and Amen to everything that's in your heart
yes and amen to EVERYTHING that you have planned
We live to see your will be done
And see your perfect kingdom come on earth, on earth
Yes and Amen, we're taking up our cross for you
Give us the strength to take these dreams and follow through
We live to see your will be done
And see your perfect kingdom come on earth, on earth
Don't quit, Friend! Keep your eyes on Him and press on!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Stand True
Today is the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity. We must speak up for those who cannot speak. For those whose voices are silenced every day.
Below is some information from Stand True. This is a ministry my teen daughter found on line from their website:
Make sure and register for the 2008 Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity at www.silentday.org
Today is the 5th annual Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity; are you ready?
I wanted to first share an e-mail which I received last night that brought tears to my eyes.
“I got one girl to not get an abortion because I took a ZERO in class for this and she started crying. She pulled me into the bathroom and told me she was pregnant and was going to have an abortion and she said because of how much this meant to me she didn't! We both sat in the bathroom and cried for a few minutes." The ended up giving birth and her baby was adopted.
Even if this were the only e-mail I got with a story like this, it makes all the effort worth it. The truth is, I get dozens of e-mails like this every year from students who participate in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity. We are so blessed to see what God is doing with this event.
Some Important Reminders
1. Please remember that not everyone is going to be nice to you tomorrow; in fact you will probably experience some harassment for participating. It is important that you remain peaceful and loving towards everyone, no matter how nasty they are to you.
2. This is a day of prayer and solidarity, not a day of rebellion. Please stay focused on why we are doing this and remain in a prayerful attitude all day.
3. If someone needs to talk to you about abortion it is ok to break your silence. The girl in the opening story broke her silence last year and was able to help her friend and a baby was saved because of it.
4. Please take pictures and write down your experiences about the day. You can submit them on the web site or e-mail them to us. This helps us show the world how many of us are pro-life.
5. If you have a blog, MySpace, Facebook or other web site, please promote this event tonight.
Here are some of the groups and events on Facebook and MySpace you can use to promote:
Invite your friends on Facebook to the official event at http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=5669658602
Invite your friends on MySpace to the official Silent Day Page at http://www.myspace.com/silenced12273
Invite your friends to the official group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=5669658602#/group.php?gid=2248662014
We would also like to ask everyone to please add the official song "Silent Screams", from the band My Brother's Scars to your MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/mybrothersscars
I want to thank you so much for taking a stand and being a voice for the babies and for Christ. I will be praying for all of you tomorrow as you light up the darkness.
Very Important
Has the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity been a blessing to you? Have you seen the amount of good that has come from this event over the past 4 years? Do you believe in this event and Stand True (the ministry that puts it on every year)?
If so, we would ask you to please consider helping to support this event with a donation. It takes a lot of time and money to make this amazing, pro-life, witnessing, opportunity happen. I know most of you are students and don't have a lot of money. Most of you will spend at least $5 on a value meal or some kind of fancy latte between now and the event. Would you consider skipping that meal or coffee to help the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity?
Here are four ways to donate:
1) Send a PayPal donation to store@standtrue.com
2) Go to www.silentday.org and click on the donate button
3) Call the office at 937.339.5648 and make a credit card donation
4) Send a check to Stand True - PO Box 890 - Troy, OH 45373
The Vision Behind the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity
In the spring of 2004, a student from McNeese State University asked me, "What can I do to work with other students around the country, in solidarity, to help end abortion?"
When I speak to students, I am often asked: "What can I do? I have ideas, but I don't know what to do with them. Can I really make a difference? I'm just one person."
In 2004, the question set off a spark in my head.
I replied, "What if we got students to not only act in solidarity with others, but also with the children that are dying every day?" As soon as I said it, I knew God had set something in motion.
At the time, I was working from the basement of my home with a computer, a web site, and a small e-mail list I'd collected over the previous months. I wasn't sure what could be accomplished with that, but I offered it to God and started sending out emails.
Now, something that started as just a few thousand students from 300 campuses has grown into a nation-wide outpouring of love and action. The Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity is on its fourth year and there are tens of thousands of people on thousands of campuses around the world.
Hearts are being changed, babies are being saved, and women are being spared the trauma of post-abortive pain. People are coming together in unity to promote a culture of life. Personhood is being restored on campuses across the nation.
I really cannot take any credit for the success of this movement. It is only God who grants us the power to do this. I was one person who listened to God and through Him acted on the vision He gave me.
If you have an idea, a vision or dream, don't be afraid to stand up and let your voice be heard. Don't doubt what you can accomplish with Christ. Don't think that because you are just one person you can't make a difference.
"I have a dream"— a statement powerfully spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and yet so much more than just words. He did not cower in the face of adversity. He spoke those words with passion and conviction. He challenged the world to stand up for the rights and equality of all men.
I, too, have a dream. I, too, will not cower in the face of adversity. I believe that, through Christ, we can restore personhood to the most innocent of our brothers and sisters: the children in the womb.
Today, 4000 of my generation will be silenced.
Today, 4000 of my brothers and sisters lives will be ended simply because of their age.
Today, I will stand up and share my dream, my idea, and my vision with the world.
Will you stand with me?
For Christ I stand,
Bryan Kemper - bryankemper@standtrue.com
Founder - Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity
Change email address / Leave mailing list
Hosting by YourMailingListProvider
Below is some information from Stand True. This is a ministry my teen daughter found on line from their website:
Make sure and register for the 2008 Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity at www.silentday.org
Today is the 5th annual Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity; are you ready?
I wanted to first share an e-mail which I received last night that brought tears to my eyes.
“I got one girl to not get an abortion because I took a ZERO in class for this and she started crying. She pulled me into the bathroom and told me she was pregnant and was going to have an abortion and she said because of how much this meant to me she didn't! We both sat in the bathroom and cried for a few minutes." The ended up giving birth and her baby was adopted.
Even if this were the only e-mail I got with a story like this, it makes all the effort worth it. The truth is, I get dozens of e-mails like this every year from students who participate in the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity. We are so blessed to see what God is doing with this event.
Some Important Reminders
1. Please remember that not everyone is going to be nice to you tomorrow; in fact you will probably experience some harassment for participating. It is important that you remain peaceful and loving towards everyone, no matter how nasty they are to you.
2. This is a day of prayer and solidarity, not a day of rebellion. Please stay focused on why we are doing this and remain in a prayerful attitude all day.
3. If someone needs to talk to you about abortion it is ok to break your silence. The girl in the opening story broke her silence last year and was able to help her friend and a baby was saved because of it.
4. Please take pictures and write down your experiences about the day. You can submit them on the web site or e-mail them to us. This helps us show the world how many of us are pro-life.
5. If you have a blog, MySpace, Facebook or other web site, please promote this event tonight.
Here are some of the groups and events on Facebook and MySpace you can use to promote:
Invite your friends on Facebook to the official event at http://www.new.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=5669658602
Invite your friends on MySpace to the official Silent Day Page at http://www.myspace.com/silenced12273
Invite your friends to the official group on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=5669658602#/group.php?gid=2248662014
We would also like to ask everyone to please add the official song "Silent Screams", from the band My Brother's Scars to your MySpace. http://www.myspace.com/mybrothersscars
I want to thank you so much for taking a stand and being a voice for the babies and for Christ. I will be praying for all of you tomorrow as you light up the darkness.
Very Important
Has the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity been a blessing to you? Have you seen the amount of good that has come from this event over the past 4 years? Do you believe in this event and Stand True (the ministry that puts it on every year)?
If so, we would ask you to please consider helping to support this event with a donation. It takes a lot of time and money to make this amazing, pro-life, witnessing, opportunity happen. I know most of you are students and don't have a lot of money. Most of you will spend at least $5 on a value meal or some kind of fancy latte between now and the event. Would you consider skipping that meal or coffee to help the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity?
Here are four ways to donate:
1) Send a PayPal donation to store@standtrue.com
2) Go to www.silentday.org and click on the donate button
3) Call the office at 937.339.5648 and make a credit card donation
4) Send a check to Stand True - PO Box 890 - Troy, OH 45373
The Vision Behind the Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity
In the spring of 2004, a student from McNeese State University asked me, "What can I do to work with other students around the country, in solidarity, to help end abortion?"
When I speak to students, I am often asked: "What can I do? I have ideas, but I don't know what to do with them. Can I really make a difference? I'm just one person."
In 2004, the question set off a spark in my head.
I replied, "What if we got students to not only act in solidarity with others, but also with the children that are dying every day?" As soon as I said it, I knew God had set something in motion.
At the time, I was working from the basement of my home with a computer, a web site, and a small e-mail list I'd collected over the previous months. I wasn't sure what could be accomplished with that, but I offered it to God and started sending out emails.
Now, something that started as just a few thousand students from 300 campuses has grown into a nation-wide outpouring of love and action. The Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity is on its fourth year and there are tens of thousands of people on thousands of campuses around the world.
Hearts are being changed, babies are being saved, and women are being spared the trauma of post-abortive pain. People are coming together in unity to promote a culture of life. Personhood is being restored on campuses across the nation.
I really cannot take any credit for the success of this movement. It is only God who grants us the power to do this. I was one person who listened to God and through Him acted on the vision He gave me.
If you have an idea, a vision or dream, don't be afraid to stand up and let your voice be heard. Don't doubt what you can accomplish with Christ. Don't think that because you are just one person you can't make a difference.
"I have a dream"— a statement powerfully spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and yet so much more than just words. He did not cower in the face of adversity. He spoke those words with passion and conviction. He challenged the world to stand up for the rights and equality of all men.
I, too, have a dream. I, too, will not cower in the face of adversity. I believe that, through Christ, we can restore personhood to the most innocent of our brothers and sisters: the children in the womb.
Today, 4000 of my generation will be silenced.
Today, 4000 of my brothers and sisters lives will be ended simply because of their age.
Today, I will stand up and share my dream, my idea, and my vision with the world.
Will you stand with me?
For Christ I stand,
Bryan Kemper - bryankemper@standtrue.com
Founder - Pro-life Day of Silent Solidarity
Change email address / Leave mailing list
Hosting by YourMailingListProvider
Monday, October 20, 2008
'Rents...Can't Live With Them? Can't Live Without Them!
If you are joining me today after reading my post on RadRevolution, welcome! If you would like to read the devo, just click here.
So, let's just admit it. This stage of live is way hard! You want to make your own decisions; do your own thing, yet you don't have what it takes to do that. You still need your parent's home, car, food, you know, the basics. Hopefully, you also want more than that. Hopefully, you also want to get along with your parents and enjoy these last few years you have together before you are on your own!
Let me take a couple of moments, as the mom on the other side with three teenagers to give you some pointers on what goes a long way with me. Maybe you will find some similarities that will help you in your relationships as well.
1) Be respectful.
My kids and I cut up all the time. I try to understand their language, what they find is funny and even am the brunt of their teasing now and then. It is important to me, though, that they know where I draw the line. One line, for instance, is in correcting me. I don't mind if my child shares with me something she sees is wrong, as long as it is done with respect and not in front of others!
2) Be real.
Perfection is above us all and it is definitely above me and my family. Mistakes and bad choices are bound to happen; we're human. Just tell the truth when it does and then we can all go from there.
3) Be relational.
I get that my kids have friends. They have plans and stuff they need to do like homework, sports and jobs, but when they are home, I want to spend time with them, too. When I ask them how their day is, I would like to hear more than a grunt! When you have some time, step out of your world and step into your parents for a few minutes and talk about your day. It doesn't have to be deep (at least not at first if you don't want), just start talking. I think you will find this will go a long way toward developing a better relationship.
I hope these ideas help! I would LOVE to hear some more from you. Would you take a minute, click comments below and tell me what you do to try to get along with your family better? Thanks! I can't wait to hear from you!
So, let's just admit it. This stage of live is way hard! You want to make your own decisions; do your own thing, yet you don't have what it takes to do that. You still need your parent's home, car, food, you know, the basics. Hopefully, you also want more than that. Hopefully, you also want to get along with your parents and enjoy these last few years you have together before you are on your own!
Let me take a couple of moments, as the mom on the other side with three teenagers to give you some pointers on what goes a long way with me. Maybe you will find some similarities that will help you in your relationships as well.
1) Be respectful.
My kids and I cut up all the time. I try to understand their language, what they find is funny and even am the brunt of their teasing now and then. It is important to me, though, that they know where I draw the line. One line, for instance, is in correcting me. I don't mind if my child shares with me something she sees is wrong, as long as it is done with respect and not in front of others!
2) Be real.
Perfection is above us all and it is definitely above me and my family. Mistakes and bad choices are bound to happen; we're human. Just tell the truth when it does and then we can all go from there.
3) Be relational.
I get that my kids have friends. They have plans and stuff they need to do like homework, sports and jobs, but when they are home, I want to spend time with them, too. When I ask them how their day is, I would like to hear more than a grunt! When you have some time, step out of your world and step into your parents for a few minutes and talk about your day. It doesn't have to be deep (at least not at first if you don't want), just start talking. I think you will find this will go a long way toward developing a better relationship.
I hope these ideas help! I would LOVE to hear some more from you. Would you take a minute, click comments below and tell me what you do to try to get along with your family better? Thanks! I can't wait to hear from you!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Motel 6 - Just Passing Through
Not too long ago, I took a plane trip. Shortly after I got on the plane, I settled in. I hung up my curtains, put up my family picture, rolled out a rug, plugged in my tv, computer and phone and hung up my clothes. Ridiculous hun?
I was thinking this morning as I was preparing to speak at a teen event in a couple of weeks, that this is exactly what lots of us are doing in this life. We are "settling" in on this planet as if this is our final destination. Our daily routines reflect this. The amount of time we spend watching TV and on the computer reflects this. Our plans for the weekend reflect this. But if we truly believe that heaven is our home, than this place really needs to be seen as the temporary passage that it is.
Greg and I have carpet in our upstairs that is 12 years old. As you can imagine, with 3 kids growing up here and countless others who have called it "home" over the years, it is one sorry sight. We have had plans to replace this fall, but are rethinking those plans. In the long run, is it really very important? Sometimes, I really need to take a step back and ask myself that question. In light of eternity, who really cares if my carpet is worn out?
Today, let's look at our lives and ask ourselves: Does my life reflect the fact that I am just passing through? If not, Lord, show me today how you want me to change and then give me the strength to store up my treasures in heaven and not here on earth. What can you do today that will impact eternity? Ask the Lord for an idea - He is sure to have plenty!
I was thinking this morning as I was preparing to speak at a teen event in a couple of weeks, that this is exactly what lots of us are doing in this life. We are "settling" in on this planet as if this is our final destination. Our daily routines reflect this. The amount of time we spend watching TV and on the computer reflects this. Our plans for the weekend reflect this. But if we truly believe that heaven is our home, than this place really needs to be seen as the temporary passage that it is.
Greg and I have carpet in our upstairs that is 12 years old. As you can imagine, with 3 kids growing up here and countless others who have called it "home" over the years, it is one sorry sight. We have had plans to replace this fall, but are rethinking those plans. In the long run, is it really very important? Sometimes, I really need to take a step back and ask myself that question. In light of eternity, who really cares if my carpet is worn out?
Today, let's look at our lives and ask ourselves: Does my life reflect the fact that I am just passing through? If not, Lord, show me today how you want me to change and then give me the strength to store up my treasures in heaven and not here on earth. What can you do today that will impact eternity? Ask the Lord for an idea - He is sure to have plenty!
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