Be a Warrior

Dear friends,

I just learned that March 21st is World Down Syndrome Day. In preparation for that day, I am joining with many others to become a "warrior" for a precious little one with Down's Syndrome. I would like to invite you to join me.

Here is how it works.

First, please visit Reece's Rainbow's At Risk Page and look for Andrey, the child I have chosen to be a warrior for this month.


(Isn't he adorable??? Yet he is at high risk for being institutionalized in Eastern Europe. Once that happens, the chances of him being adopted are extremely small. For the sake of his future... will you please do something?)

Once you find him, please donate $21 (for the date of World Down Syndrome Day OR any amount that is possible for you) to go towards his adoption.

I know for some of us, $21 is quite a bit of money. But I am reminded of something I heard Ryan Dobson say recently; how much money is a life worth? How can you put a price tag on this little one's life? With that in mind, please give as generously as you can.

Now it's YOUR turn to be a warrior. Look through these pictures of precious children and choose one that you will fight for this month! Spread the word anyway you can and ask others to give $21 to bringing your child home. It's amazing... just by spending the last 20 or so minutes spreading the word about Andrey, I feel so connected to him; like I really am his voice to the world and his warrior. You can do the same for a little one.

Just so you know... Reece's Rainbow is a ministry that advocates for orphans with Down Syndrome. They collect grant money for specific children as well, in hopes of making the adoption expenses less of a burden on adopting their family. I have been aware of their ministry for some time and know they are worth supporting.

God bless you as you serve Him!

Love in Christ,
Brittany

P.S. Andrey currently has $240 towards his adoption. I am excited to see that amount grow!

Anguish

"I will walk humbly all my years
because of this anguish of my soul.

Lord, by such things men live;
and my spirit finds life in them too."

~Isaiah 38:15b-16a




Anguish. It is not a pleasant thing to experience. In fact, that is quite the understatement. Anguish is painful. Horrible. Completely and utterly heartbreaking.

But I want more of it.

Something inside of me longs to truly understand the truth of our world. My heart wants to ache with God's heart at evil. Hurt when I see injustice. Break at the pain. Feel anger at sin.

Because when I experience anguish, I am forced to "walk humbly," knowing that God is in control and that I am completely incapable of accomplishing anything. I hurt and mourn and ache... but in the end, I must give it to God or else I couldn't survive the pain. In anguish, there is surrender.

When I experience anguish, I know things that are worth knowing. My mind isn't focused on clothes or money or friends or my selfish needs and wishes. It can't be. I know hard truths that move me from complacency to action; from fear to courage; from doubt to faith. I cannot stay where I am. In anguish, there is change.

When I experience anguish, I have purpose. Faced with hard truth, my focus moves from within to without. There is nothing so strong as a deep desire to change; change myself and change my world. "Lord, by such things men live; and my spirit finds life in them too." In anguish, there is life!

It is not easy. It is not fun. Sometimes, it hurts so bad I can barely breathe, much less act. But I would rather live in anguish than complacency. I would rather ache than feel nothing. I would rather follow God with all the ups and downs and twists and turns of life, knowing He is there, than face the world alone.

Anguish.

What brings you anguish? Here are just some of the things that cause anguish for me.

147 Million orphans living alone.

A young woman giving up her life to change lives.

An unthinkable evil that still exists today.

Precious children who live on "borrowed time."

47 million babies... dead.

What is God calling YOU to feel anguish for?

As I sit here at my computer, I am drinking of mug of diluted Apple Cider Vinegar. Why, you are probably wondering in confusion. Well, I am sick and have no health insurance at the moment, so I am learning to cure things naturally. It did take away the pain last night... now I'm just waiting for the rest of me to recover!

On another note, I am contemplating a move to San Antonio. (Yes, Texas. I have never heard of another San Antonio, but with all the friends who ask me "Texas?" I thought I should clarify)! I just need to call about apartments/places to lives and find out how much it will cost to move before I make a final decision.

Your prayers would be appreciated for both of these matters.

One last thing... I found a blog by an absolutely amazing young woman of 21 who has lived for the last two years in Uganda and adopted 14 children! If you want to be convicted and inspired (or even if you don't), you have to check out her blog. http://www.kissesfromkatie.blogspot.com/

Taste and see that the Lord is GOOD.

This evening, I heard a question that spoke deeply to my soul.

How do I see God apart from His miracles and sovereign intervention in my life?

It seems easy to believe in God's goodness and love when I see Him at work. When I watch Him re-arrange events or send just the right person at just the right time, I know He is there. But what of those times when He seems invisible?

In the daily monotony of everyday life... do I still see Him?
In the pain and hurt caused by others... do I believe in His kindness?
In the sorrow and suffering surrounding me... do I still know that He is good?

Often in those times, I do not look for or see His present goodness. I cannot imagine how this could be 'good.' Instead, I look back to His past goodness and believe He will be good again.

But that is not right! Our God is good ALL the time! So what of His goodness now? Where is His goodness in the suffering or the failures or the boredom or the pain of life? What do I see today?

When it seems we are struggling just to survive, we must see God. And know...

In each breathe that I take, He is good.
In the sun that rises each day, He is kind.
In food we can eat and water we can drink, He is mercy.
In the rain and the wind, He is love.
In music and dance, He is joy.
In laughter and smiles, He is hope.

Even in pain and sorrow, He is there.
In all things, He is our very life.

And every moment, He is good.

Lots to cover!

Well, for days and weeks, I can think of very little to blog about. Then all at once, I have too much!

Item number 1: Scott Brown
I have not been so thrilled about politics since this time last year... Scott Brown, an underdog Republican candidate in Massachusetts has beat the established Democratic party tonight!!!

Brown has promised to be a no-vote on Obama's health care reform and seems strong in many other areas that are important to the majority of Americans and, apparently, the majority of voters in Massachusetts! He also seems like a very down to earth guy, which is important--hopefully it means the politics haven't gotten to him yet.

While I doubt this will be a wake-up call to certain liberals in Congress, I am hopeful that many will see they cannot do what they please and get a free pass from the American people! We will be informed, we will take a stand and we will be heard! I only hope and pray this momentum will continue through November elections and well into the future.

Item number 2: Haiti
I have been following some of what has happened in Haiti through various ministries and organizations who are sending supplies and support to help the people there. I can do very little for the people who are suffering so except to pray and give. I hope that you will join me in both.

Samaritan's Purse is one ministry that deserves all the support they can receive for what they are doing in Haiti and around the world.

I'm afraid I don't have much else to say on this subject. Too much thought causes too much heartache. Perhaps I will be able to write more later on.

Item number 3: Rifqa Bary
This is just as exciting (in my opinion!!!) as Scott Brown's win! Rifqa Bary is a young Christian woman who ran away from her Muslim family several months ago in fear of her life. She took refuge in Florida a legal battle between the state of Florida, the state of Ohio (where she is from), herself and her parents ensued.

She was moved to the Ohio foster care system and Christians across the country have been praying that the state will protect her until her 18th birthday (later this year), when she will be able to make her own decisions.

Well, today God answered prayers! Rifqa's parents gave up the fight and Rifqa will be staying in the Ohio foster care system until she turns 18. I am so thankful to hear that this young, courageous girl will not have to face the possibility of death at the hands of her family for proclaiming the name of Jesus!

Hear Rifqa's story in her own words here.
Read about the latest developments here.

God is so good to give many good and wonderful gifts to His children... and even in Haiti, He works all things together for good for those who love Him. What an awesome God He is.

Decisions

Life handed me an unexpected opportunity today that I'm not quite sure what to do with. But while I'm thinking, I'm also praying. And remembering this beautiful verse from Jeremiah.

This is what the LORD says:
"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.

He is faithful to show us the way when we stand at a crossroads. I'm praying for that direction now.

Promises

Sometimes life seems so hard... sometimes for very little reason at all! But God still cares and His promises are still true. Psalm 34 really spoke to me last night... just look at all His promises in one short chapter!

"I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears. (He takes away our fears!)

Those who look to him are radiant; (He makes us shine in His glory!)
their faces are never covered with shame.

This poor man [or woman] called, and the LORD heard him;
He saved him out of all his troubles. (He saves!)

The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and He delivers them. (He delivers!)

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (He blesses!)

Fear the LORD, you His saints,
for those who fear Him lack nothing. (He provides!)

The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. (He cares!)

Come, my children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the LORD.

Whoever of you loves life
and desires to see many good days,

keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous (He sees!)
and His ears are attentive to their cry; (He hears!)

the face of the LORD is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them;
He delivers them from all their troubles. (He delivers!)

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted (He is near!)
and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (He saves!)

A righteous man may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all; (And again... He delivers!)

He protects all his bones, (He protects!)
not one of them will be broken.

Evil will slay the wicked;
the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

The LORD redeems his servants; (He redeems!)
no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him."

HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!