Intriguing thought for the day:
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
My Definition
Maybe I am bias.. Maybe I am naive. But I have a hard time around Christmas... Especially this year.
Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. My Christmas lights and decorations went up on Black Friday. Christmas music is playing and the peppermint candle is burning in my home already. I even got my tree already. Christmas Eve at Grandpa's and Christmas Day at Nana's with all my family is something I look forward to every year.
But I struggle when people ask me what I want for Christmas. Am I really supposed to make a long list of materialistic things that I want today, but in a year might not matter anymore? How can I sit there and ask for things like a Kindle, a CD or movie, new books, gift cards,etc. when poverty covers the world?
Please hear what I am saying. I don't think it is wrong to have things. I have things. I have movies, a laptop, jewelry. And I know that necessity is defined differently everywhere... In America, transportation is necessary. Computers are necessary for college students. I get that.
I think if we were to take a look at the things that really matter in life, our Christmas list would look a lot different. As Christians, if we were truly seeking after God and living out the mission of Jesus, I think that it would like completely different.
My definition of necessity might be biased, but I think its a definition, if it caught on, that could radically change the world.
Don't get me wrong. I love Christmas. My Christmas lights and decorations went up on Black Friday. Christmas music is playing and the peppermint candle is burning in my home already. I even got my tree already. Christmas Eve at Grandpa's and Christmas Day at Nana's with all my family is something I look forward to every year.
But I struggle when people ask me what I want for Christmas. Am I really supposed to make a long list of materialistic things that I want today, but in a year might not matter anymore? How can I sit there and ask for things like a Kindle, a CD or movie, new books, gift cards,etc. when poverty covers the world?
Please hear what I am saying. I don't think it is wrong to have things. I have things. I have movies, a laptop, jewelry. And I know that necessity is defined differently everywhere... In America, transportation is necessary. Computers are necessary for college students. I get that.
I think if we were to take a look at the things that really matter in life, our Christmas list would look a lot different. As Christians, if we were truly seeking after God and living out the mission of Jesus, I think that it would like completely different.
My definition of necessity might be biased, but I think its a definition, if it caught on, that could radically change the world.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
ONE MONTH
ONE MONTH.
31 days.
This time in exactly one month, I will be about to land in Washington D.C., the first stop on our journey to Uganda.
Holy crumb.
A few days ago, while we still needed $1,500 for the trip, I became frustrated with God. This trip has taken us 3 years to put together. We've switched countries, been scammed, sent out letters, fundraised, fundraised, and did even more fundraising. I was frustrated that we couldn't get past this $1,500. It seemed so small compared to the amount that we had raised for the plane tickets. But then, God proved again why He tells us in Philippians to not worry about anything. He ALWAYS comes through. A check written for $1,000 came that same afternoon. I cried. I felt so silly. I felt so foolish. How could I question Him?
Darn my humanness.
And so, after the pie fundraiser and other donations from incredible people, we only need $300 more dollars. ONLY $300.
O-M-G!
One month people... ONE MONTH.
31 days.
This time in exactly one month, I will be about to land in Washington D.C., the first stop on our journey to Uganda.
Holy crumb.
A few days ago, while we still needed $1,500 for the trip, I became frustrated with God. This trip has taken us 3 years to put together. We've switched countries, been scammed, sent out letters, fundraised, fundraised, and did even more fundraising. I was frustrated that we couldn't get past this $1,500. It seemed so small compared to the amount that we had raised for the plane tickets. But then, God proved again why He tells us in Philippians to not worry about anything. He ALWAYS comes through. A check written for $1,000 came that same afternoon. I cried. I felt so silly. I felt so foolish. How could I question Him?
Darn my humanness.
And so, after the pie fundraiser and other donations from incredible people, we only need $300 more dollars. ONLY $300.
O-M-G!
One month people... ONE MONTH.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving
Warning: Cheesy post ahead
I have so much to be thankful for. Seriously. I know everyone says this around this time of year, but I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me of just how good I have it. So today, as I sit here smelling the turkey cooking in the oven and the football game on the TV, I leave you with some pictures of what I am thankful for. I hope you have an amazing day.
I have so much to be thankful for. Seriously. I know everyone says this around this time of year, but I love Thanksgiving because it reminds me of just how good I have it. So today, as I sit here smelling the turkey cooking in the oven and the football game on the TV, I leave you with some pictures of what I am thankful for. I hope you have an amazing day.
My unbelievable husband
My family
My new family
My youth group
My Best Friend, Berry
My Silverton Women
Jenny and Jeff
Jess :)
Kyyyyyyyle
Africa
Above all else, I am thankful for a loving Savior who desires me so much, He died for me.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
33
Only 33 days people! Holy buckets, Batman. I am soooooooo anxious.
Yesterday, the -now 5- of us going to Africa made pies all day. Pumpkin, Cherry, Apple, and Mixed Berry. We are trying to raise the last chunk of our funds, and what better way then making peoples Thanksgiving pies? So we baked and baked, and I found out my husband is actually a darn good chef.
Here are some pictures from the day... Thank God we didn't burn the kitchen down.
33 DAYS!
Yesterday, the -now 5- of us going to Africa made pies all day. Pumpkin, Cherry, Apple, and Mixed Berry. We are trying to raise the last chunk of our funds, and what better way then making peoples Thanksgiving pies? So we baked and baked, and I found out my husband is actually a darn good chef.
Here are some pictures from the day... Thank God we didn't burn the kitchen down.
33 DAYS!
Monday, November 21, 2011
My Heroes
I love Batman. He is way better than Spiderman, although my husband would disagree with me. So Batman is my go-to answer whenever anyone asks me who my favorite superhero is.
But this last weekend, my answer to this question changed. We took 6 of our youth kids to Newport to have a coast retreat. These 6 kids were chosen because they are campus missionaries. What is that, you ask? A campus missionary is a high school, junior high, and even college student who has committed to changing their school campus. The have 5 commitments: Pray, Live, Tell, Serve, and Give. This weekend, we discussed each area and just got to have fun with them, and hopefully showing them that we wanted to recognize them as students that we are so very proud of.
I remember in high school, I signed up to be a campus missionary. I failed miserably. One of my biggest regrets. God could've used me if I had not let fear and worry of reputation or rejection get in the way. But these kids are completely willing to be witnesses for Christ. They have started a campus club, they are planning outreaches. One of them, Kylee.... We had to buy Bibles for her because she had told 20 of her friends in just 3 weeks about Jesus and they all wanted Bibles. 20. Twenty. 2-0. I think that is incredible.
So when people ask me, who my favorite hero is, I will tell them it is no longer Batman, though he is legit, and good looking to boot.... No, it is not Mr. Wayne. It is Dale, Naomi, Gideon, Kylee, Jaydyn, Kassy, and Lydia. Because they are doing what truly matters on this earth - reaching the lost for Christ without anything holding them back.
But this last weekend, my answer to this question changed. We took 6 of our youth kids to Newport to have a coast retreat. These 6 kids were chosen because they are campus missionaries. What is that, you ask? A campus missionary is a high school, junior high, and even college student who has committed to changing their school campus. The have 5 commitments: Pray, Live, Tell, Serve, and Give. This weekend, we discussed each area and just got to have fun with them, and hopefully showing them that we wanted to recognize them as students that we are so very proud of.
I remember in high school, I signed up to be a campus missionary. I failed miserably. One of my biggest regrets. God could've used me if I had not let fear and worry of reputation or rejection get in the way. But these kids are completely willing to be witnesses for Christ. They have started a campus club, they are planning outreaches. One of them, Kylee.... We had to buy Bibles for her because she had told 20 of her friends in just 3 weeks about Jesus and they all wanted Bibles. 20. Twenty. 2-0. I think that is incredible.
So when people ask me, who my favorite hero is, I will tell them it is no longer Batman, though he is legit, and good looking to boot.... No, it is not Mr. Wayne. It is Dale, Naomi, Gideon, Kylee, Jaydyn, Kassy, and Lydia. Because they are doing what truly matters on this earth - reaching the lost for Christ without anything holding them back.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Dale
Today, we celebrate my brother's birthday. It was this past week, but Sundays always seems to be the only day we can get the whole family together. I love this kid. He is 17 now. I am feeling old..
Anyways, this boy is amazing. He is so outgoing, incredibly smart, unbelievably creative, amazingly caring, absolutely loving, and completely sold out for the Lord. I am beyond proud to be his sister.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
American Lives
When did American lives become more important than anyone else's lives?
This issue has come up frequently recently. A couple times I have told people that eventually, I want to adopt a child from Africa. They look at me and say, "Why not adopt from here? There are a lot of kids in the United States who need parents. I think we should be helping our own."
So the American child is more important than the African child? Why? If you want to adopt from America, please do so. But there are babies in every country who need adopted... Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Brazil, and America.
Yesterday, I wrote a blog about our Africa trip and the need we have for the rest of our finances. A friend shared it on her Facebook page to help us. One person commented on it and said (and I quote), "I think our money is better spent on the children here in the United States of America... Find children with needs here and help them!"
#1) How do you know I am not already? My husband and I do help kids in the United States every day as youth pastors. We spend a lot of money helping the kids of Lyons and being involved in different ministries outside of the church helping American teens/kids.
#2) Better spent? I don't agree. Equally spent, yes.
When did this arrogance invade our country? When did we as Americans decide we are far superior to everyone else? Jesus loves every person, every culture, every skin color, every country. He made everything, after all.
I agree children in America need help. African lives are no more important than American. But I believe God places us in different places to help different people. He also places in us different passions.
My passion is what Jesus is passionate about - people. African people, kids in my youth group, the homeless in my community and state, Asian people. Just people. So that none may perish.
No life is more important than another.
This issue has come up frequently recently. A couple times I have told people that eventually, I want to adopt a child from Africa. They look at me and say, "Why not adopt from here? There are a lot of kids in the United States who need parents. I think we should be helping our own."
So the American child is more important than the African child? Why? If you want to adopt from America, please do so. But there are babies in every country who need adopted... Russia, Japan, Malaysia, Ethiopia, Brazil, and America.
Yesterday, I wrote a blog about our Africa trip and the need we have for the rest of our finances. A friend shared it on her Facebook page to help us. One person commented on it and said (and I quote), "I think our money is better spent on the children here in the United States of America... Find children with needs here and help them!"
#1) How do you know I am not already? My husband and I do help kids in the United States every day as youth pastors. We spend a lot of money helping the kids of Lyons and being involved in different ministries outside of the church helping American teens/kids.
#2) Better spent? I don't agree. Equally spent, yes.
When did this arrogance invade our country? When did we as Americans decide we are far superior to everyone else? Jesus loves every person, every culture, every skin color, every country. He made everything, after all.
I agree children in America need help. African lives are no more important than American. But I believe God places us in different places to help different people. He also places in us different passions.
My passion is what Jesus is passionate about - people. African people, kids in my youth group, the homeless in my community and state, Asian people. Just people. So that none may perish.
No life is more important than another.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
A Humble Plea
Today marks the 40 day mark. 40 days until I am on a plane with my father, husband, and best friend, flying over 16 hours to a different continent called Africa. I am beyond excited.
There is only 1 thing standing between me and that continent... $1500. I have been trusting God for it. He has brought all the rest of the money which is A LOT. Plane tickets to fly half way across the world are not cheap. But we planned on donating $2000 to the orphanage because they are letting all 4 of us stay there, eat there, providing all transportation, taking us on a safari, and simply juts to give them some extra for the work they do in Uganda. We have $500. We need $1500 more.
Many of you have given to this cause already. And thank you will never be enough to tell you how grateful I am. This post is me being completely humble before you. I am asking for your help. I know Christmas is coming and the economy sucks. But if you feel you could give at all to our cause, to the orphanage, to this trip, I would appreciate it more than you can know.
This is the hardest thing in the world for me to ask. I HATE asking for money. So please don't feel obligated to give. Please know that if you can't I understand. Maybe you could send a prayer our way? But if you do think you could spare a little to help us, email me at Mrsdunn30@hotmail.com. Thank you so much.
Seriously. Thank you.
There is only 1 thing standing between me and that continent... $1500. I have been trusting God for it. He has brought all the rest of the money which is A LOT. Plane tickets to fly half way across the world are not cheap. But we planned on donating $2000 to the orphanage because they are letting all 4 of us stay there, eat there, providing all transportation, taking us on a safari, and simply juts to give them some extra for the work they do in Uganda. We have $500. We need $1500 more.
Many of you have given to this cause already. And thank you will never be enough to tell you how grateful I am. This post is me being completely humble before you. I am asking for your help. I know Christmas is coming and the economy sucks. But if you feel you could give at all to our cause, to the orphanage, to this trip, I would appreciate it more than you can know.
This is the hardest thing in the world for me to ask. I HATE asking for money. So please don't feel obligated to give. Please know that if you can't I understand. Maybe you could send a prayer our way? But if you do think you could spare a little to help us, email me at Mrsdunn30@hotmail.com. Thank you so much.
Seriously. Thank you.
Monday, November 14, 2011
You Might Not Know...
Here's 15 things you might not know about me:
1) I am very afraid of spiders. I make Daimian kill them for me.
2) I can count to 10 in 5 different languages.
3) Someday, I would like to live in Pendleton.
4) I want to adopt 2 children from - you guessed it - Africa
5) I am very passionate when people say tattoos aren't Biblical.. You don't want to get me started.
6) I love all fruit... except honeydew. Ick.
7) I love fall, but hate pumpkin flavor - Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice latte...
8) I have never owned a pair of skinny jeans until last weekend.
9) I want to learn the piano really, REALLY bad.
10) My favorite food in the entire world? Cheese. Tillamook Chedder. Mmmmmmm.
11) Matt Reigel will always be my favorite youth pastor in the world, well except my husband, of course! :)
12) My favorite Starbucks drink is a venti extra hot, nonfat, peppermint mocha. If its a summer day, however, a venti 4 splenda passion tea.
13) I pretty much have been playing basketball since I came out of the womb.
14) I was almost named Aundrea. Not sure why my parents changed it.
15) I am addicted to Angry Birds.
1) I am very afraid of spiders. I make Daimian kill them for me.
2) I can count to 10 in 5 different languages.
3) Someday, I would like to live in Pendleton.
4) I want to adopt 2 children from - you guessed it - Africa
5) I am very passionate when people say tattoos aren't Biblical.. You don't want to get me started.
6) I love all fruit... except honeydew. Ick.
7) I love fall, but hate pumpkin flavor - Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice latte...
8) I have never owned a pair of skinny jeans until last weekend.
9) I want to learn the piano really, REALLY bad.
10) My favorite food in the entire world? Cheese. Tillamook Chedder. Mmmmmmm.
11) Matt Reigel will always be my favorite youth pastor in the world, well except my husband, of course! :)
12) My favorite Starbucks drink is a venti extra hot, nonfat, peppermint mocha. If its a summer day, however, a venti 4 splenda passion tea.
13) I pretty much have been playing basketball since I came out of the womb.
14) I was almost named Aundrea. Not sure why my parents changed it.
15) I am addicted to Angry Birds.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Reliving That Day
Call me weird, but whenever I go to weddings, I also reminisce about mine. I remember walking down the aisle, Daimian seeing me in my dress for the first time, the first time we kissed as a married couple, our honeymoon... I love reliving that day.
Today, I attended my friend Jacky's wedding, so I thought I would post some pictures of my day, a little over one year ago, as I relive it.
I am so blessed to be married to my husband.
Today, I attended my friend Jacky's wedding, so I thought I would post some pictures of my day, a little over one year ago, as I relive it.
I am so blessed to be married to my husband.
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