Friday was a pretty incredible day in the hangar.
And a pretty incredible day in the body of Christ, too.
It started a few minutes before 9, when I arrived at the facility to find the rental company already unloading the tables and chairs. All of them. A perfectly completed order - or at least, exactly what we needed.
Then a group of 10 (or so) guys showed up and started manhandling 8 foot tables - setting them in place as we requested, then moving them as we requested, all the while saying please and thank you and smiling and stuff.
There was another group of ladies who couldn't work hard enough...lugging item after item out of our storage office and into the hangar...then putting them in order...making them look pretty... just generally being amazing.
At some point, I became aware of the sound guys who were capably setting up - needing nothing from anyone, just doing their thing - and doing more than we expected.
In the lobby, my precious Mandi stared at her computer all day - masterfully organizing and graciously receiving last minute donations, registrations and various other requests. Her volunteers finished the gluing, pasting, stuffing and labeling required for a well-run event.
Back in the hangar, the decorating committee arrived. With masterpieces. They cheerfully decorated 30 tables, having schlepped all over town for weeks collecting vintage suitcases to turn into amazing centerpieces. Amazing.
By 3 o'clock, setup was complete. We actually had time for finishing touches. The caterers arrived shortly after that, again, not needing anything - just working, working, working.
Never before have I been a part of an event that ran so smoothly. (and I have been a part of a lot of events) No ego. No crises. No visible stress - though I'm sure we all felt a bit. This was God doing what He does best - using people to do His thing. It was the Body of Christ, being the Body of Christ. We were different people, of different churches, of different ages, using different gifts to work toward the same goal, and it was pretty incredible.
Oh, and we raised 35% more than last year. Because that's what God can do.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
As the pendulum swings...
I don't know how things look in your corner of the bubble, but here, orphans are very "in" right now.
Growing up in the church and in a Christian school, I was not aware that we had orphans here. Like, in America. In the late 20th century. Just didn't know. Orphans lived in orphanages with crazy ladies who made them scrub the floors until they shyyyyned like the top of the Chrysler Building, not in East Ft. Lauderdale.
I also didn't know anything about Africa. Well, I remember seeing pictures of malnourished people in Ethiopia, but I certainly didn't know that Jesus wanted me to do anything about it.
Didn't really know that I should care about homeless people either. Unless I was telling them about Jesus. And it would be nice if I told them about Jesus while handing them a sandwich.
No, when I was growing up in the church, I was made to understand that Jesus was the answer. We even sang a song about it! Join in if you know it! Jesus is the answer...for the world today...above Him there's no other...Jesus is the way...
Well, now I hang out with a whole bunch of Jesus people, and this new group of hip, cool Jesus people are all about orphans. And Africa. And homeless people. Helping homeless orphans in Africa is pretty much the mission of almost every Jesus following person I know down here.
And that's awesome. I get it. But I don't have access to homeless orphans in Africa, outside of the one we sponsor through Compassion. We don't feel called (yet) to foster parenting, so we're kind of limited in our care of orphans here, too.
What I do have access to is a ministry that works to empower student leaders to start and lead Christian clubs on their public school campuses, opening up opportunities to share the Gospel in their schools.
(crickets...)
It makes me sad to report that the large majority of fellow Jesus followers my age tend to blow that off, as if it's not an important ministry. So much so that I even hesitate to ask for support from them. As I spend hours working on the upcoming dinner auction, even I find myself questioning whether it's an actual Jesus-mission, since it's not meeting a physical need. We're not feeding homeless people or housing orphans or stopping the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
But over these last couple of weeks, as I've poured quite a bit of time and energy into this organization I have been reminded that Jesus really is the answer. That HE alone can change the world - and that maybe, by introducing a generation of middle and high school students to the life changing Gospel, we CAN prevent a generation of orphans, stop the spread of AIDS and bring the Kingdom to earth, as it is in Heaven.
And so, for now, that's where the pendulum is hanging for me. If you think about it, pray for the ministry on Friday, as we host our 5th Annual Dinner Auction and Golf Tournament!
Growing up in the church and in a Christian school, I was not aware that we had orphans here. Like, in America. In the late 20th century. Just didn't know. Orphans lived in orphanages with crazy ladies who made them scrub the floors until they shyyyyned like the top of the Chrysler Building, not in East Ft. Lauderdale.
I also didn't know anything about Africa. Well, I remember seeing pictures of malnourished people in Ethiopia, but I certainly didn't know that Jesus wanted me to do anything about it.
Didn't really know that I should care about homeless people either. Unless I was telling them about Jesus. And it would be nice if I told them about Jesus while handing them a sandwich.
No, when I was growing up in the church, I was made to understand that Jesus was the answer. We even sang a song about it! Join in if you know it! Jesus is the answer...for the world today...above Him there's no other...Jesus is the way...
Well, now I hang out with a whole bunch of Jesus people, and this new group of hip, cool Jesus people are all about orphans. And Africa. And homeless people. Helping homeless orphans in Africa is pretty much the mission of almost every Jesus following person I know down here.
And that's awesome. I get it. But I don't have access to homeless orphans in Africa, outside of the one we sponsor through Compassion. We don't feel called (yet) to foster parenting, so we're kind of limited in our care of orphans here, too.
What I do have access to is a ministry that works to empower student leaders to start and lead Christian clubs on their public school campuses, opening up opportunities to share the Gospel in their schools.
(crickets...)
It makes me sad to report that the large majority of fellow Jesus followers my age tend to blow that off, as if it's not an important ministry. So much so that I even hesitate to ask for support from them. As I spend hours working on the upcoming dinner auction, even I find myself questioning whether it's an actual Jesus-mission, since it's not meeting a physical need. We're not feeding homeless people or housing orphans or stopping the AIDS pandemic in Africa.
But over these last couple of weeks, as I've poured quite a bit of time and energy into this organization I have been reminded that Jesus really is the answer. That HE alone can change the world - and that maybe, by introducing a generation of middle and high school students to the life changing Gospel, we CAN prevent a generation of orphans, stop the spread of AIDS and bring the Kingdom to earth, as it is in Heaven.
And so, for now, that's where the pendulum is hanging for me. If you think about it, pray for the ministry on Friday, as we host our 5th Annual Dinner Auction and Golf Tournament!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I Love Old Rockers
You probably know by now that I'm a music lovin' girl. An aficionado of the concert event. A live performance snob.
My many years of arena shows have been fulfilling. Not in a Jesus-replacing kind of way, but in a "talent like this is evidence of God" and "emotional response this powerful is evidence of a soul" kind of way. Regardless of who is onstage singing about what, and what they did before or after the show, I have that kind of affirming experience.
Now, you know how I feel about Billy, and the decision I made regarding his last tour. We've been through that. And you know how I feel about Third Day, and how I got way up there on my high horse about their ticket prices at their last show here. I'm becoming far more protective of my live music budget in my old age, which makes these upcoming decisions kind of difficult.
So I seek your advice.
First, you should know that I am in possession of a very hot ticket for the end of May. VERY hot. And not "hot" as in "man, it's hot in South Florida at the end of May." No, ladies, this one's for you...I will be shrieking it up for Jordan, Jon, Joey, Danny & Donny. I really wish I still had my T-shirts, hats, etc., but it gives me an excuse to buy the one that says "Too late, Jon! I'm married now..." I could write this off as a fun girls' night out, but the truth is that I'm a fan. Was a fan. I'm not expecting that "evidence of God or a soul" response, but I do expect to have a pretty awesome time.
Now, if I wouldn't pay for Billy...should I pay for Steven? I love Aerosmith, and I am absolutely fascinated by Steven Tyler. Fascinated. I don't really know how to process him. If I catch him on TV, nothing else has my attention - I just watch and listen, in some kind of trance. Here's an example. Watch that and try to find a place to file it away. There's no place for that, and I love it.
But I have never seen him live, and I think I would like to. Plus, they're coming with ZZTop.
And THEN... we've got Def Leppard, Poison and Cheap Trick on their way, too.
I see what's happening here. I have an affinity for bands or artists who have not had a hit in 15 years or more, and they are all on their "we need money" tours. Should I do my part to keep their children fed?
Hmmm...Perhaps I can start a new ministry that buys concert tickets for people in order to feed the hungry children of aging and fading rockstars who have misspent their millions...
My many years of arena shows have been fulfilling. Not in a Jesus-replacing kind of way, but in a "talent like this is evidence of God" and "emotional response this powerful is evidence of a soul" kind of way. Regardless of who is onstage singing about what, and what they did before or after the show, I have that kind of affirming experience.
Now, you know how I feel about Billy, and the decision I made regarding his last tour. We've been through that. And you know how I feel about Third Day, and how I got way up there on my high horse about their ticket prices at their last show here. I'm becoming far more protective of my live music budget in my old age, which makes these upcoming decisions kind of difficult.
So I seek your advice.
First, you should know that I am in possession of a very hot ticket for the end of May. VERY hot. And not "hot" as in "man, it's hot in South Florida at the end of May." No, ladies, this one's for you...I will be shrieking it up for Jordan, Jon, Joey, Danny & Donny. I really wish I still had my T-shirts, hats, etc., but it gives me an excuse to buy the one that says "Too late, Jon! I'm married now..." I could write this off as a fun girls' night out, but the truth is that I'm a fan. Was a fan. I'm not expecting that "evidence of God or a soul" response, but I do expect to have a pretty awesome time.
Now, if I wouldn't pay for Billy...should I pay for Steven? I love Aerosmith, and I am absolutely fascinated by Steven Tyler. Fascinated. I don't really know how to process him. If I catch him on TV, nothing else has my attention - I just watch and listen, in some kind of trance. Here's an example. Watch that and try to find a place to file it away. There's no place for that, and I love it.
But I have never seen him live, and I think I would like to. Plus, they're coming with ZZTop.
And THEN... we've got Def Leppard, Poison and Cheap Trick on their way, too.
I see what's happening here. I have an affinity for bands or artists who have not had a hit in 15 years or more, and they are all on their "we need money" tours. Should I do my part to keep their children fed?
Hmmm...Perhaps I can start a new ministry that buys concert tickets for people in order to feed the hungry children of aging and fading rockstars who have misspent their millions...
Monday, April 20, 2009
Someday...or never...
Woke up at 4:30 this morning, studied the Word for about 30 minutes, prayed for another 30. Tied on the sneaks and jogged two miles, returning in time to start the coffee for my beloved husband. Jumped in the shower and dressed - today was a Lilly day...skirt, heels, great matching tank. Applied makeup while listening to the family beginning to stir.
Produced a fresh, fluffy towel for Matt and crossed the hall to rouse the girls, who were already awake, dressed and cheerful. The three of us headed to the kitchen where I'd laid the skillet out and made the batter last night. Over a breakfast of whole wheat, organic pancakes, vegetarian eggs and fresh strawberries from our garden, we read our devotional book together and prayed for a peaceful day of loving Jesus as a family.
I cleaned the kitchen while the girls brushed their teeth and then took my spot at the piano, where Eden and I spent 20 minutes happily but intensely focusing on things like hand position and dynamics. I handed her lunch over - lettuce wraps, hummus and organic yogurt, of course - and send her on her way to school. She and daddy sing praise songs all the way there.
The day is spent in various ways - gardening, sewing, ironing, laundering. I also volunteer, call old friends and write a chapter in my book. Chloe and I fingerpaint and do puzzles together before meeting some friends at the park. We've packed a picnic - I'd put together some chicken salad sandwiches (I baked the bread overnight) and a vegetable crudite for us to share. We share the brownies with our friends and give our leftovers to the homeless man on the corner. We stop at the library to exchange our stack of books on our way home.
I always freshen up before Matt comes in the front door - I've been preparing dinner for an hour and I'd hate for him to find me smelling like those scallions and rosemary from the garden. Dinner is on the table when he arrives, the girls are bathed and Eden is finishing up her homework. We eat together and tell jokes. It's Chloe's turn to pick the board game - she chooses Boggle, Jr. and we play until it's time for books, prayers and bed.
----------------------------------
Who says being a mom is so hard? Especially a Christian mom! Who cares about her kids' health! And her appearance! And her husband!
Most of my days, I spend beating myself up in some way or another for not having a day like that. And it's absurd.
Produced a fresh, fluffy towel for Matt and crossed the hall to rouse the girls, who were already awake, dressed and cheerful. The three of us headed to the kitchen where I'd laid the skillet out and made the batter last night. Over a breakfast of whole wheat, organic pancakes, vegetarian eggs and fresh strawberries from our garden, we read our devotional book together and prayed for a peaceful day of loving Jesus as a family.
I cleaned the kitchen while the girls brushed their teeth and then took my spot at the piano, where Eden and I spent 20 minutes happily but intensely focusing on things like hand position and dynamics. I handed her lunch over - lettuce wraps, hummus and organic yogurt, of course - and send her on her way to school. She and daddy sing praise songs all the way there.
The day is spent in various ways - gardening, sewing, ironing, laundering. I also volunteer, call old friends and write a chapter in my book. Chloe and I fingerpaint and do puzzles together before meeting some friends at the park. We've packed a picnic - I'd put together some chicken salad sandwiches (I baked the bread overnight) and a vegetable crudite for us to share. We share the brownies with our friends and give our leftovers to the homeless man on the corner. We stop at the library to exchange our stack of books on our way home.
I always freshen up before Matt comes in the front door - I've been preparing dinner for an hour and I'd hate for him to find me smelling like those scallions and rosemary from the garden. Dinner is on the table when he arrives, the girls are bathed and Eden is finishing up her homework. We eat together and tell jokes. It's Chloe's turn to pick the board game - she chooses Boggle, Jr. and we play until it's time for books, prayers and bed.
----------------------------------
Who says being a mom is so hard? Especially a Christian mom! Who cares about her kids' health! And her appearance! And her husband!
Most of my days, I spend beating myself up in some way or another for not having a day like that. And it's absurd.
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