Sharing the Love

Just a few things I am loving right now:

Hiking through Cameroon with JD at Compassion Can. Through her vivid story telling and beautiful photos, I feel like I am part of the adventure as she shares her journey, combining two of my favorite things: hiking, and remote African schools. I can almost feel my calves burning and the distant sounds of children singing...



Photo by JD

Mark's beautiful celebration of women over at Conspiracy of Hope, in honor of International Women's Day 2012.

Going to bed 30 minutes earlier each night. I recently met a doctor in a casual setting, and he asked me if I was a regulary sleep deprived person (not a good sign). I am reminded that sleep is just as crucial as exercise and diet in living a healthy life, and the extra 30 minutes of sleep makes me feel so much more alive and ready to celebrate the day when my alarm clock goes off.

Committing atleast 20 more minutes of play time (exercise time) with my dog each day. Between the increased play time and the beautiful spring weather, he is one happier companion and I am one happier mama.

Rereading through Hope Lives with Jill at Compassion Family, as well as a wonderful blog community. What a great way to lead up to Easter, and remember Jesus' ministry here on Earth.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,  to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair... (Isaiah 61)

Speechless Once Again

Today I recieved one of the most beautiful gifts I could ever recieve, and from a stranger. Well, atleast he was a stranger two days ago.

Within moments of posting Speechless the other day, I was able to connect with the artist of the breathtaking photo hard working woman.

For some reason, after seeing this photo, I could not get her out of my mind. I feel like I know this woman...or atleast her spirit. She is strong, yet humble; resilient, yet gentle; bold, yet kind.

I left a comment for the artist, Musin Yohan, and the next morning I had a message from him in my inbox. After some conversing, today he and his wife Bibiana gave me my beautiful gift.

Instead of selling me a print of this photo, they blessed me with one as a dedication to the international ministry I love so much.

I cannot even begin to express what a wonderful and meaningful gift this is to me.
I will just say, with all my heart, thank you.

Speechless

I saw the following picture on a blog the other day, and it completely blew me away. Its beauty left me speechless. I have searched for it, but all searches have only led back to posts on blogs, and not the original artist. Although I can't give credit where it is due, I just have to share it with you.



Hard Working Woman by Musin Yohan

If you can tell me who the artist is, I will love you forever. (I'll probably love you forever anyways, but maybe I'll love you even more).

Okay, so Mark was the winner. You can see more of Musin Yohan's beautiful photography at MyMusin.

Great stuff for kids!

Recently I have been shocked by a couple things: first, the technological knowledge of children, and second, the completely inappropriate and immoral content of most of the websites geared towards children. They are plagued with violence, bad language, and immodest clothing. And when I say websites geared towards children, I mean they actually say "for children ages 6-12." It scares me to see the young boys in my class absorbing the language and violent behavior, and it breaks my heart to see little girls idealize the scantily dressed girls and "dress-up" dolls on these sites.

All this to say, I have discovered a ray of hope amongst all the filth. It is called Quest for Compassion, and it is the coolest website for kids I have ever seen! Its a game, its fun, and it exposes kids to different countries, cultures, and languages. The coolest part, it also tells kids about Jesus. Prayerfully it will inspire kids to help others rather than hurt others, and will help little girls find meaning and purpose beyond what the world tells them they should look like.

I encourage you to get your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, and friends' kids involvled in this website! It is www.questforcompassion.org.

Enjoy!

Meeting Dilsili

The main reason most go on a Compassion tour is to meet their sponsored child(ren). I sponsor one child in India named Dilsili. She is 17 and she is beautiful. Out of all the many wonderful expriences I had in India meeting her was the best. On the trip there is a set day for all sponsors to meet with their children. Unfortunately, since Dilsili is in standard 12 and her annual exam was on the meeting day she was not able to come, so I met her on another day. We only had a few hours together because of the long trip (it took her 14 hours each way), but I appreciated every second of it. She brought along to show me every letter and picture I have ever sent her. Among the gifts I brought her was a photo album. When we went through it she could tell me the names of each person! It really hit me at that moment how special those simple letters and pictures are to her. She brought me some gifts she had made, but my favorite gift is the song she sang for me. Now you all are lucky enough to share this gift with me. The words mean that God's grace is sufficient.

Hope Rises, yes it does.

Do you know what is awesome and amazing?

Kids with passion.

And I admit I may be somewhat biased, but kids with passion for Africa hold an especially dear place in my heart.

That is why I am so stinkin' excited about an organization called "HOPE RISES". Not only are they committed to bringing about change and life in a community in Swaziland, they are igniting the passion to serve in kids here in the States. In December, ten of my Youth for Christ students became penpals with ten children from Swaziland. How cool is that? Kids who have never been on the north side of Fresno or seen the ocean are building friendships with kids in Africa.

Want to know something even cooler? Eleven students from Sunnyside High School will be going to Swaziland in April to serve the Herefords community there. Hope Rises has started a club at Sunnyside H.S. that gets students involved in service. Year around students volunteer in the Fresno community, and raise money for the Swaziland community.

And they do it with passion.

In December I was invited to the Hope Rises Christmas party at Sunnyside H.S. I was able to take 4 of my YFC students, all in elementary school. My elementary age students saw what the H.S. students are doing, and all of a sudden the passion is spreading like wildfire. I have a 6th grader who is practically counting down the days until she is in high school so she can go to Swaziland! It brings joy to my heart!

Coming up February 6th is an easy way you can partner in this ministry. Jon Shabaglian will be performing at Sunnyside High School, proceeds going towards the Swazliand trip in April. Please checkout the Hope Rises website for more information on the concert and other ways you can get involved!

God Bless,
Rebecca

Extreme Happiness

So I have never been one to go hysterical over meeting famous people (aside from the Ashley Angel ordeal :). But today, I must say, I got a little giddy when I went to visit the site of Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I didn't want to get my hopes up just to be disappointed, so I really didn't count on meeting or even seeing any of the cast. That made it all the more exciting when I got meet Michael

and John

and I got to watch Ed film a clip for the show.


I would have loved to have been a volunteer, but sadly I was in Colorado when it was announced, and by the time I found out it was too late. But I am happy that I at least got to meet a few of the kindest and most sincere people around.

Can I get an Amen...

Today at church on my left there is a precious 5 year old girl singing praise as loud as she can (she got good and warmed up in the car on the way there).

To my right is one of my best friends who I picked up from rehab that morning for a day pass, praising her Redeemer with hands lifted high and singing her heart out.

Two seats to my right is a man I don't know, well into his seventies. He's swaying with gusto, clapping off beat, and singing off key with all his heart.

And that is what I call church.

A Favorite Thing

I found these shirts by The Love Alliance, and I personally think that they are super cool. These shirts open the door for some great conversation (so if you wear one make sure you know the facts!), and the proceeds goes to a great cause. So check 'em out! Buy one here!