Over the last two weeks, my friend and I prayed about running a half marathon to raise awareness of and money for the injustices of the world and specifically human sex trafficking. It was an exciting experiment for sure. We committed to pray until August 24th because that is exactly six months until the race, and I love a hard deadline! God doesn't really work that way, but I think He's given us some mercy here to set a time frame for ourselves. He knows us! (See Psalm 139 for reference) This is what the last two weeks of prayer looked like:
Day 1- August 9- verse of the day: 1 Peter 2:24 (MSG) He used his servant body to carry our sins to the Cross so we could be rid of sin, free to live the right way. His wounds became your healing. You were lost sheep with no idea who you were or where you were going. Now you're named and kept for good by the Shepherd of your souls.
Day 2- August 10- verse of the day: Isaiah 40:30-31 (MSG) For even young people tire and drop out, young folk in their prime stumble and fall. But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind.
Found out through Traffick911 that a major motion picture starring Matthew McConaughey and Gina Gershon will portray McConaughey as a corrupt Texas sheriff and a family(Gina Gershon as the step-mother) trades a young "virginal" girl for sex to him as a "financial retainer"
Day 3- August 11- verse of the day: Mark 12:30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.
Day 4- August 12- don't have a verse of the day. spent the day caring for my sick child and enjoying every moment spent with my family. They are precious to me and I am so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. My children are so blessed to live loved, happy and safe. I want all children to know a mother's love and to be safely tucked in at night. I spend so much time worrying about the evilness in the world and how I can help put a end to it. I spend a lot of time worrying if I will ever become a mother to an adoptive child and if I am cut out for that kind of responsibility, but today, I just felt love and loved.
Day 5- August 13- verse of the day: 1 John 3:18 Contemporary English Version (CEV) Children, you show love for others by truly helping them, and not merely by talking about it.
Pretty sure, God is saying, "Run the race, and be sure to RUN YOUR RACE!"
Going to sign up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon! Not just running a race, but raising money and awareness to fight human trafficking!
Day 6-August 14- verse of the day: Psalm 48:14 (NLT) For that is what God is like. He is our God forever and ever, and he will guide us until we die.
Did it! Signed up! So excited to run a half marathon, but even more excited to help victims of domestic minor sex trafficking be rescued!
Day 7-August 15-verse of the day: Psalm 62:8 (NLT) O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.
In questioning why violence happens against these sweet, innocent babies, I know that the God over all hears my prayers and hears my hearts desire to help those who are helping those victims. It is desire to love the orphan and care for the poor and only in Him can I find the strength it takes to do it!
Day 8- August 16-verse of the day: Philippians 4:8 (NLT) And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Day 9-August 17-verse of the day: Isaiah 43:1 (NLT) But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.
Day 10-August 18-verse of the day: Psalm 91:1 (NLT) Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Day 11-August 19-verse of the day: Psalm 37:7 (NLT) Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.
Day 12-August 20-verse of the day: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NLT) 7 even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud. 8 Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. 9 Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. 10 That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
This verse is so strong for me! Today there has been plenty of fear. Fear about trying to run 13.1 miles, fear about leaving my kids for that weekend, fear about getting involved with such a scary subject and fear of doing nothing at all! But God's grace is enough and it is all I need. Running was tough this week, but in my weakness I am crying out to Him to help me push through for his glory and his mission!
Day 13-August 21-verse of the day: 1 Kings 8:23 (NLT) and prayed: Lord God of Israel, no other god in heaven or on earth is like you! You never forget the agreement you made with your people, and you are loyal to anyone who faithfully obeys your teachings.
Day 14-August 22- verse of the day: Romans 8:1-2 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power[a] of the life-giving Spirit has freed you[b] from the power of sin that leads to death.
Day 15-August 23- verse of the day: Ephesians 3:20 (NLT) Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.
Day 16-August 24-verse of the day: Psalm 139:1-6 (NLT) O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. 2 You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. 3 You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. 4 You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. 5 You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!
Harley and I decided to start a non-profit to help those organization on the front lines rescuing and restoring victims of sex trafficking. It is being set up now! Over the next six months, our team hopes to raise enough money to help build a safe house that is so desperately needed! We are going to be using our skills and interest to bring hope to those fighting domestic minor sex trafficking and victims effected by it. Be on the lookout for more information!!
Monday, August 27, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Understanding the Slow, Steady Work of the Rain
At church we've been talking to the kids about an EPIC adventure in relation to trusting Jesus. Well, let me tell you, dear friends, it has been an EPIC summer for The Jeanises. I have relished every heartfelt moment. It is almost like my mind is taking photographs and storing them in the memory bank to hold on to forever every second of every day in these 3 months. Most of the time I sit in the midst of it thinking: 'this is the last time my summer could look like this.' That maybe next summer could look a whole lot different!
Likewise, I felt that I have been watching the whole thing unfold (think, out of body mode), like everything is in slow motion. It seems like God has been molding us and stretching us for his plans continually. It has been in the moments where we least expect it, too. Before we left on vacation in July, our agency was ramped up for us to finish our paperwork and inspections, because they were ready to go. So, before we left we completed everything. And let me tell you, folks, it wasn't just me either, Harley was working hard right along side me to finish our list! Then, the line went silent. Nothing, nada, zippo! No phone calls, no emails, NOTHING! We've since become pesky enough that we've been emailed. We desperately want to have our home study scheduled, but have heard nothing as of today except it's will happen eventually. I could blame this on a lot of things- state budget cuts, making our agency short staffed; people who don't work as quickly or efficiently as we do(or would like them to); or maybe our schedule not permitting us to get things done sooner. All which could spiralus me in to anxiety. However, I believe that God is ever so gently and patiently waiting for us me to realize He is in ALL of the plan, not just the stuff I can't handle. He is orchestrating this story. Our job is to trust and follow in faith.
Truly, he won't quit, either. He hasn't let up for one second trying to get me to see he is teaching me. The more anxious I become, the more he pours into me with messages like Proverbs 3:5-6
Likewise, I felt that I have been watching the whole thing unfold (think, out of body mode), like everything is in slow motion. It seems like God has been molding us and stretching us for his plans continually. It has been in the moments where we least expect it, too. Before we left on vacation in July, our agency was ramped up for us to finish our paperwork and inspections, because they were ready to go. So, before we left we completed everything. And let me tell you, folks, it wasn't just me either, Harley was working hard right along side me to finish our list! Then, the line went silent. Nothing, nada, zippo! No phone calls, no emails, NOTHING! We've since become pesky enough that we've been emailed. We desperately want to have our home study scheduled, but have heard nothing as of today except it's will happen eventually. I could blame this on a lot of things- state budget cuts, making our agency short staffed; people who don't work as quickly or efficiently as we do(or would like them to); or maybe our schedule not permitting us to get things done sooner. All which could spiral
Truly, he won't quit, either. He hasn't let up for one second trying to get me to see he is teaching me. The more anxious I become, the more he pours into me with messages like Proverbs 3:5-6
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Every time, I am directed to His Word(through coporate worship or quiet time) I am led straight to scripture reminding me to trust Him and quit trying to make my own sense of things. I am constantly encouraged to "fix my eyes on Jesus," look at his life, his examples of trust and obedience.
In fact, I was so anxious the other day I was trying to find a scripture in my iPhone App, You Version, and I came across the verse of the day, which I am sure only applied to me that day, that I think no matter what you are going through, that no matter what your field looks like, where ever you are serving or being led, this can and does apply to us all: James 5:7-8(The Message)
7-8Meanwhile, friends, wait patiently for the Master's Arrival. You see farmers do this all the time, waiting for their valuable crops to mature, patiently letting the rain do its slow but sure work. Be patient like that. Stay steady and strong. The Master could arrive at any time.
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
The troublesome spot for me is slow. I tend to think slow process, slow moving, but God is saying, "No, un-uh, slow, not as a pace, but slow in the moments where you, Sweet Daughter, want to rush through and get to the goal, but I have things to teach you and show before you get there. Quit trying to forge ahead as you always do and wait on Me."
Some other ways He is "letting the rain do its slow but sure work": 1.)sitting on the sidewalk during 1st two days in a row for 20 minutes while our youngest threw a tantrum about going to the beach. ( this might be a common occurrence for a child that has faced trauma and does not have words to express themselves any other way, IT WAS NOT SOMETHING WE EXPECT FROM OUR LOVED, SAFE, WELL-ADJUSTED CHILD). Through our training, we are changing the way we parent and so we hunkered down and worked it out. Later, when things were calm again, we asked him why he was scared of the beach. His answer was simple, "Shocks!" (Sharks, for those who need translation!) His tantrum was induced by fear! This was a huge learning moment as we are anticipating things like this with an child who has been hurt. We probably looked crazy to those passing by, but it was a chance to grow for us. 2.) While visiting with my sister this summer, we dreamed of going to Disney at Christmas. We got on the Internet to price it out and once we figured out it was crazy expensive, I handed the laptop over to my beautiful, 10 year old, niece. In the next moment, she was in tears. She had googled the average weight of a ten year old girl. And while she is a bit heavier than an average ten year old girl(she's probably much taller, too). she is no where close to obese. Sadly, when she realized she didn't make the mark, she felt horrible about herself. And even more upsetting, she judge herself based on the standards of our culture. Through encouraging her to be healthy above skinny and telling her how beautiful she truly is(outwardly and inwardly), and looking at this girl with the most gorgeous blue eyes, thick brown hair and a heart of compassion that surpasses her years, I realized that helping my daughter see how beautiful she is because of who and who's she is, not what she looks like, is going to be a huge mountain in this American culture that is obsessed with skinny and outward beauty. 3.) Thankful for family. Hard times, good times, and all the stuff in between. All of it has made us who we are today and for that I would trade any of the experiences we have had. 4.) My running. I am training for another 5K race. It's not like I am trying win against anyone. I am trying to win against who I was in the last one. I am thankful for these moments that are about me and for me and that I am going the distance and in those moments praising God who has blessed me so richly and for being able to take time out of my crazy day to push my body to be healthier and more overall ready for the tasks at hand. It reminds every time I step onto that pavement or the treadmill that I am running a race far above any 5K or marathon and that it takes endurance and it takes time to be ready for the Big Day!
So, in conclusion of this EPIC summer, I want to say we a training and we are preparing for the big day and we are clinging to God's Word with hope from scriptures like Philippians 4:6-8 6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. 7 Then, because you belong to Christ Jesus, God will bless you with peace that no one can completely understand. And this peace will control the way you think and feel.
8 Finally, my friends, keep your minds on whatever is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don’t ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise.
We know He is making us ready and giving us hope. Join us as we pray!
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