2010

2010.

It was a year of change, a year of joy, a year of struggles, a year of memories.  Yes, much like every year.  In short, it was the latest of the small number of years God has granted us to live on this earth.  We need to savor every one of them.  With that in mind, here is a short list of things that stood out to me about the year that just ended.

1. Africa.  For two weeks this summer I entered a world that my imagination could never have done justice.  I learned so much from the kids and people we met there, and I have been changed forever.  A part of me will always be there, and I know God wants me to permanently be a part of bringing his love to the people there, and also orphans everywhere.  I'm still learning, but that two weeks changed my life.
2. Pasadena.  I was blessed to begin the year by traveling to Cali with my nieces, dad, and a very good friend.  I love Alabama football and the tradition of excellence it stands for.  To experience a national championship in the place where the Tide's championship tradition began, and to do so with those close to me, was unforgettable.  "Remember the Rose Bowl, we'll win then."
3. Europe.  Remember that cloud of volcanic ash that shut down airports over there for about a week?  Yeah, I was one of those who got stuck.  (And yes, I know there are worse fates.)  I will tell the whole story on this blog one day, hopefully soon.
4. Tuscaloosa.  I spent more time than usual there the first half of this year, because of a relationship with an amazing woman there.  I leaned alot of from that time, and wouldn't trade it for anything.  I also spent time there doing some calculus with my niece who, as an environmental engineer,  will one day save the world from unsafe water.
5. LOST.  The television show I consider to be the greatest in history came to an end, and for me, it did not disappoint.  The thing that caused this to make the list however, was not (as awesome as it was) the show.  It was an amazing evening as friends and family gathered at my house for a big finale party.  That was a night to remember, and I'll always be glad I shared it with y'all.
6. Facebook and Twitter.  Yeah, I know.  Waste of time.  Scrambles our brains. Scourge of the earth.  All that may be true (and definitely is if we don't keep in moderation), but I have so, so many friends that I would be out of touch with without these tools.  Let's face it - ten years ago, when a friend moved away, most of the time we would drift apart.  Not anymore, at least for me.  So to all my online friends, I am grateful for you and your daily encouragement.

Yes, it was a great year.  And I am not even touching on all the things that make my life great year after year: my awesome family, my church, my career, and of course God's love, mercy, and grace.  Those things are constants, and 2010 was no exception.

So goodbye 2010.  Welcome 2011.  I can't wait to see what you have in store.

On their way...

Tonight my heart and mind is in Washington, D.C.  No, not because of concern over our country's leadership.  Or because of the Biblical command to pray for our government.  Goodness knows those are good reasons, but tonight, it's something else.  You see, I have friends who are there as a stop on their way back to Africa.

A  mere six months ago, my life was changed by two weeks in Africa.  I met some amazing people who made up our team.  We met and loved on children, most of them orphans, who needed to see God's love in the flesh.  It's a mystery how a short time with these children can make a difference, but I can attest that God used our team in amazing ways.  One of the best accounts of what he taught us is in this facebook note. Yes, he planted in our hearts a love for Africa and his children there.

None of us will ever be the same.  One is moving rapidly toward going back there permanently.  Another, not yet out of high school, has plans to spend several months there next summer.  At least a couple more believe God's plan for them ultimately is a life serving him overseas.  Another is adopting a second child as a result.  I am planning to return next summer myself.

But tonight, I have five good friends on the way, and another leaving tomorrow.  (This is the trip I was referring to in the next-to-last paragraph of this post.)  So, I ask you to join me in prayer.  Pray for Elissa, Jennifer, Nathan, Rachel, and Chip -- members of our summer team who are on their way back.  Pray for Frank, a friend of 25 years who introduced me to Visiting Orphans and is leading a second team leaving tomorrow.  Please pray for them to have strength, patience, good health, enthusiasm, and most of all that they would make a difference in the life of every child they meet.

If you want to follow them, I have a feeling there will be posts whenever possible here on the VO blog.  The internet service over there is very spotty, but I will be checking the blog frequently hopeful of updates.

God tells us the reaching out to widows, orphans, and the oppressed are the true expression of our faith.  For the next two weeks or so, I can do that by praying for my friends.  Join me, if you will.

The greatest story

No, the Bible isn't a book of rules or a book of heroes.  The Bible is most of all a story.  It's an adventure story about a young hero who comes from a far country to win back his lost treasure.  It's a love story about a brave prince who leaves his palace, his throne, everything...to rescue the one he loves.  It's like the most wonderful of fairy tales that has come true in real life.  You see, the best thing about this story is, it's true.  There are lots of stories in the Bible but everything is telling one big story: the story of how God loves his children and comes to rescue them.  It takes the whole Bible to tell this story; and at the center of the story, there's a baby.  Every story in the Bible whispers his name.  He is like the missing piece in a puzzle, the piece that makes all the other pieces fit together; and suddenly, you can see a beautiful picture. (Andrew Peterson, opening narrative, Behold the Lamb)

 As we prepare the celebrate the birth of the Christ, I wish every reader the most joyous of times with your family or friends.  I wish you comfort for any pain that comes from loved ones whom you may miss this holiday season, either because of schedules or loss.  I pray that you will receive the joy of knowing that others love you enough to bless to bless you with gifts, and the greater joy that comes from giving them something that makes them happy.  But most of all, I pray that you will know fully the joy that comes from responding to the Hero's love in the true story that dominates history: God's pursuit of us to redeem and rescue us.

I heard the narrative above last Thursday while attending a performance of Behold the Lamb with friends.  Friends that share a passion for being God's hands and feet in rescuing his children.  It was followed by what may have been the most compelling musical telling of history's story that I've ever seen and heard. Amazing.  It traced the story all the way from Abraham to Jesus...and then to us.

At the emotional heart of this telling is one of my favorite Christmas songs ever.  Sung from Mary's point of view, it reminds us that Christmas is not all angels and singing and a happy nativity scene.  It is the God who made the moon humbling himself to a very difficult birth in very difficult circumstances, because he loved us that much.  And, as Mary learned that night, obedience to him is not always easy, but it's worth it.

It's just below; as you watch the video and listen, may God bless you with an new awareness of how much he loves you, and how much he wants to bring us all home.  Merry Christmas!



Lyrics:
It was not a silent night
There was blood on the ground
You could hear a woman cry
In the alleyways that night
On the streets of David's town

And the stable was not clean
And the cobblestones were cold
And little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
Had no mother's hand to hold

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love

Noble Joseph at her side
Callused hands and weary eyes
There were no midwives to be found
In the streets of David's town
In the middle of the night

So he held her and he prayed
Shafts of moonlight on his face
But the baby in her womb
He was the maker of the moon
He was the Author of the faith
That could make the mountains move

It was a labor of pain
It was a cold sky above
But for the girl on the ground in the dark
With every beat of her beautiful heart
It was a labor of love
For little Mary full of grace
With the tears upon her face
It was a labor of love

A Christmas dedication

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.  Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out,“Abba, Father.” (Galatians 4:4-6)

Yes, Christmas is about God sending his Son so that we can receive adoption as God's children through him.  Without Christ, we are all orphans.

So the video below is dedicated to Chip and Susan, who recently brought home a little girl from China to be theirs.  To Frank and Robin, who are doing a wonderful job raising their daughter Ella Grace, also from China. To Tymm and Laura, who are raising a daughter from Ethiopia and will soon travel back there to bring home another child.  To Corey and Sumer, who are in east Africa making sure many children (including my sponsored kids Brouk and Hagersaw) are in school for the first time this fall.  To Amanda and all my friends who are part of Visiting Orphans, bringing love to children all over the world.  And to countless others who live out God's heart, some of whom I'm sure I should be mentioning by name here.

This song is for y'all.  Merry Christmas!




Lyrics:
There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
And prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas