DISQUS

That is true deliveredjude, very true. I think handout is a bad term anyway. Gift is much better. :) The Bible speaks so much of justice, the problem is we sometimes lose that when we focus so much on charity. Ignoring the systemic injustice around me is just as bad as contributing to it in my opinion. Furthermore, we would probably need half as many charities for the "hard times" only if we would give half as much energy to BEING peacemakers and MAKING justice happen. :) Just me.

we can even do one better than that. we can start talking about the issues in our community that get pushed to the side, make signs or show up at a town meeting, or send an email. this is why community organizing is vital, and we can do that, restore justice in public through our own questioning of the status quo that makes victims and keeps them. Sometimes without them even knowing it, and kudos to those that rise above, but it's a hard world, and it's our calling to spread the love of Christ. Not by ignoring it (injustice), but facing it.
=)

LOL, I thought that picture did a pretty good job. No really, calm yourself before you speak. I found that when I stop fuming I can certainly find a more loving way to put whatever it is I am trying to get out. And well, if there is no time for that, try not to sweat and follow with a large sigh, like you had to get it out or you were going to explode. Then of course apologize for not being able to hold it in. But never for your passion, never for your conviction. It seems that usually the other person understands. They feel just as strongly about something....

Don't talk about this very much, but the night Matt was threatening me and forced me to call Jen, who I had called for help, and tell her that all was fine and not to come. He was so enraged, but once I pacified him and laid down he passed out so quickly AND didn't wake up when I slipped out, or while I sat in his driveway an hour waiting for Jen to get there. My car was there but I was unable to drive so I had to stay there and wait so she could drive it (and a friend of hers would drive her car). I just kept thinking if he comes out I don't know what will happen. I was so scared, I don't even know if I prayed but after I was safely on the way home I felt a huge sigh of relief and I knew that God had been there, protecting me every step. I honestly don't know what would have happened.

Well, I love you, and I think our story alone is evidence of God's love! I am so proud of you (and myself) for being able to say goodbye to the shadows that we were both in when we met.

Thanks guys! I was actually having one of those jealous moments when I wrote it, and it kinda felt like when you feel a fly around you and you want to shake it off, I was like why do I do this to myself?!?!

We are in (speaking for me and my new hubbie)! Also, trying to spend money in positive ways when you do buy gifts. Go Fish, Ten Thousand Villages, or Tom's shoes are giving back. Then you can know that in a way you are giving back. And they have way cool stuff!

Bars can feel like families, I remember that. But looking back, it is easier for me to see the pain that each one of us was somehow going through. But what's wrong with still meeting up with some buddies and playing darts? You certainly don't have to get drunk, just invite someone who sucks. :)

Girl- you get me! :)

I know! The saddest part was what I was talking about when "the Highest" becomes something other than God, but you don't even realize it bc you are so wrapped up in life!

Thanks Pat and Tam! Part of the problem seems to be me doing but feeling like maybe I am supposed to be somewhere else.... then it's like ok God show me. The thing about talking to him and reading is maybe I would get a bit of insight. I wouldn't be wondering or just like yeah....waiting on God. I hate it when people waste time doing that!

Yeah...I guess I answered myself. Keep doing, keep seeking God at the same time (often one in the same). Funny how simple it sounds now....

Thank you thank you. I have to deal with myself on this issue constantly! :)

I don't know you, but you sound pretty awesome, so #1 Good luck, #2 Show them how much women rock, #3 I will say a prayer for you. :)

<abbr>Andrea’s last blog post..Have a little Compassion…</abbr>

I love you, and it's almost over. Only 12 days. And, that verse was our benediction in college. Did I ever tell you that?

<abbr>Andrea´s last blog post..Have a little Compassion…</abbr>

God, are you listening? It's me Andrea. :) I love you!!! Lol. I don't even have words. Can you imagine? Me, okay, I could come up with some words but I'm not. This post made me giggly (is that a word?!) happy.

<abbr>Andrea´s last blog post..Mother Teresa says (Mondays)….</abbr>

Right on baby. Maybe YOU should run. "Behind every great man there is a great woman." You have got that one down. ;)

<abbr>Andrea´s last blog post..Mother Teresa says (Mondays)….</abbr>

Awesome! Very real- I love that you didn't miniaturize it!

1. Dream by Alice Smith
2. You Alone by Casting Pearls
3. Firefly by Michael Franti

Aww, baby. Thank you thank you thank you. I was just thinking the same thing! I went to check a resume I had sent and got caught up reading some old emails of ours and was just overcome by my love for you. And especially thankful for how much we have both grown up (me especially really). I am sorry that I was particuarly grumpy around our one year mark >:) . I promise I will make it up to you in the future! :)

My sins are endless, lol. I think I have seasons of sin. But narcissism definitely. I have to constantly remember God loves the people I don't like just as much as He loves me. Does that sound horrible??

Also, as a side note, I also had a very strangely named lump when I was 19 (I am 26 now). It turned out to be nothing serious, and all I had to do was change my diet and deal with the tenderness for a little while. I am not saying I know what it is, but I am saying don't stress before you know. On my last doctor's visit she thought she found a lump but then I was told I just have very nodular tissue. Thanks?!?

I thoroughly agree and that story resonates with me. I was reading Mountains Beyond Mountains, and although Paul Farmer story only shows a loose belief in Catholicism, the priests, nuns, and organizations he continually comes in contact with echo the same sentiment: we are here to do it, if we see someone who needs help or see injustices committed before our eyes, it is our call as followers of Christ to love. Love in ACTION. Saying "I love you" or "Jesus loves you" isn't unnecessary, it just does not DO anything to change current situations that are unjust, inhumane. That is why we are here, we are the body of Christ. Thanks for this story.

I thoroughly agree and that story resonates with me. I was reading Mountains Beyond Mountains, and although Paul Farmer story only shows a loose belief in Catholicism, the priests, nuns, and organizations he continually comes in contact with echo the same sentiment: we are here to do it, if we see someone who needs help or see injustices committed before our eyes, it is our call as followers of Christ to love. Love in ACTION. Saying "I love you" or "Jesus loves you" isn't unnecessary, it just does not DO anything to change current situations that are unjust, inhumane. That is why we are here, we are the body of Christ. Thanks for this story.

Praying for your mom, your family, and everyone who knows her. It's tough. But count the small blessings. You can tell her you love her. You have a chance to hear more stories and to know she knows how much she is loved. I REALLY hope that does not sound insensitive. But I never thought I would miss that chance with my grandad, and I did.

I think the answer for women is SELF ESTEEM SELF ESTEEM SELF ESTEEM. I know guys are different hormonally so it's different in general. But I know that as a woman you learn to be liked for your presentation of self, not always your mind, and you have issues if your "presentation" is not good (acne, weight, clothing) and have issues if your "presentation" is the only thing people seem to be interested in. Everyone wants to feel something, and sex does that for people. But I think with higher self esteem girls would have an easier time saying no, knowing they ARE worth something. Men, on the other hand, need to be reprogrammed, lol. No seriously, they need to be taught respect. Respect and decency, and that they too, are loved by a big God and worth a lot as well. Just my 100 cents (that was way more than 2).

At least the issue is out there, and there are people and churches praying and talking about it. I think that women are natural, gifted leaders in some cases. They can lead classrooms and workshops, why not a church?However, in today's world I think it would have to be a very special church to be led by a woman. Not because of the woman, but because of how women are still regarded by many (though not all) men. Especially attractive women like Palin. Would she be given as much attention if she were say, 50 pounds heavier with a ruddy complexion? Probably no. I will not get into scripture on this one JUST because the same things have been posted up here, on both sides, many times.