Doing great...simply?

I am always amazed how people will throw money at a problem. Recently I have been more interested in the behavior of people working in austere condition throughout the world. When a decision is made to spend money and the end result is something that lacks longterm viability. A recent example was the purchase of a large generator for a village. Turns out the generator runs on petroleum which is near impossible to find in this region. The point...LOTS OF MONEY spent in a solution that didn't work. This morning I watched Arvind Gupta speak on the simplicity of toys that also serve as teaching aids. I love his passion, simplicity, and the great things he is empowering people to accomplish...and all of this at MINIMAL COST!

Enjoy...David

Dominican Republic Trip GROWS into Long-Term Missions

WOW!!!!!

We are so excited to share our friend Katie McFaddin with you. Katie was one of our teammates on the Dominican Republic (DR) Missions Trip in January. God has such big plans for Katie. He used the DR Trip, along with its people, our missions team, and the missionaries we served with to water a seed that He planted in Katie's heart.
I am including part of Katie's newsletter/announcement here. But the short story is that 7 days is GROWING into a YEAR of missionary service through Katie's willingness to listen to God's voice and take action on what God laid on her heart during the recent trip to the DR.

From Katie's Newsletter: I’ve shared with many that while I was on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in January, 2009 that I felt called to serve on a long-term mission assignment, but I had no idea exactly what, where, when or how… After prayer and getting advice from other Christian friends, I interviewed for the World Race with Adventures in Missions. The World Race is a mission assignment to serve Christ in 11 countries in 11 months with a team of 50 young adults. In February, I found out that I was accepted to run the race!
…and then I developed a “Jonah-syndrome” and went back to the chaos of work and comforts of life in Washington, D.C. I’m grateful that God puts us back in our place because as of April 17, I was spewed out of the belly of the whale, or in other words, RIFFED along with a large chunk of my former co-workers due to major budget cuts.
I’m so grateful that God is in control and He’s working through me, calling me to be His hands, feet, mouth and heart in all parts of the world. I’m ready to go, serve, teach, and to be used by Him!

Katie's race will begin in August 2009 and will include the following locations: Cambodia, Egypt, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Romania, Thailand, Uganda, Vietnam and another country in Africa to be decided later.
If you are able, please consider supporting Katie. Prayers are always essential but consider financial support too. Katie will need to raise approximately $14,000 in the short-term just to embark on the journey and will need some additional support over the coming year. You can make a one time contribution or commit to monthly support. I assure it, it will not only be worth it but your contributions will have eternal value.

I am amazed at Katie's spirit, heart, and her willingness (in her words) to spend the year: ministering to the poor, sharing God’s love to widows and orphans, building community, growth, discipleship, and being a part of God's work all over the world. My greatest desire is to allow God to use me outside of my comfort zone and serve for His glory. During this trip, I will have the opportunity to pray for and minister to people who need to hear of salvation through Jesus Christ.

**Links to Katie's blog and support page are included.

The Echo Within

The Echo Within by: Robert Benson is a short read but it didn't connect with me. It felt a bit "new-agey." I am not overly-structured in my opinions about how God speaks to people or even the paths that can used to finding your true calling. But, this book felt less about finding your true calling than about finding a way to feel warm and fuzzy about whatever you want...I don't know much about the author besides what can be found on his blog.

I guess my review is: I struggled to get thru the book and I wouldn't recommend it.
Here is the book summary anyway--
The Echo Within is written out Robert Benson's own lifelong search for and response to the calling voice of God, he recounts his discovery of the meaning of vocation, work, and purpose through the ups and downs inherent in family life, professional choice, and spiritual experience. With clarity and insight, and in the elegant prose for which he is known, he gently invites and encourages readers to find such deep truths for their lives as well. In particular, he illuminates the way for readers to explore:
·ways to sense the Holy in our pursuits, both in the pursuits themselves and within ourselves.
·how to fall into our vocation and chart a course toward it at the same time.
·how to love the work we do, and the process of doing it.
For anyone beginning a new career or sensing a needed change in their life or wrestling with a transition suddenly thrust upon them, Robert Benson delivers wisdom, humor, and heart in what he’s learned about listening for The Echo Within—and how it can help us discover our calling.

God in the Little Things

Here in the Dominican Republic, serving the people is EASY. There are so many in need that you can't go more than a few feet to find something to do, say, pray about, or provide. It is miraculous in so many ways to be able to touch the people if only for a moment. A hug, a prayer, a smile, some medicine, a helping hand, any of these can touch in a profound way. Then, we get to allow God to potentially turn that moment into a touch for a lifetime or a at a minimum, the first step in an individual understanding His Love. I say all that, because I have been surprised at the things that emotionally 'shake me up' while we are with the people. I was expecting to be overwhelmed by the needs and the people. I was expecting God to work in me and the people we are serving with. I was expecting God to move me over what He would accomplish in my son while we were here. What I was not expecting, was to have the littlest details be the things that just brought me to my knees so to speak. To see how God is in EVERY little detail here is amazing!

As part of our daily planning, we divide up the items (sports equipment, bible stories for kids, toys, personal care items, bibles, medicines, etc) that we want to use in each of our days in ministry. I can't say that I pray specifically each morning about what and how to do this, we just cover each day and the efforts we will make with prayer. Yesterday, we decided to take 20 lollipops with us to give out at various times during the day. We interacted with SO many children; from the city streets to the baseball field, to the community center, to the Bible Study, there were well over 100. But, when we arrived at the orphanage (see post The Victory- La Victoria), amazingly, we had not passed out any lollipops. We pulled the lollipops out of the bag and shoved them in our pockets. I was definitely concerned that we would have a fearfully inadequate number and not be able to pass out a thing, or at the very least, have to leave out the older kids. We began playing with the girls, holding girls, hugging, passing out stickers, and taking a tour, I asked the director about how many girls were at the orphanage at that moment. She answered without skipping a beat that with girls at school or at other activities that there were 20 girls present at that moment. I was elated, overwhelmed, and in tears; I was a wreck. God is so good! He knew what we had and when it would be used. He had it planned far in advance of us. AMAZING!

You may be reading this and find it silly but I am in awe of God for moments such as these. God is in the midst of every aspect of our lives and nothing, including the number of lollipops in our pockets, is too little for Him to use for His glory.

Mission Trip

Well, the days are counting down quickly, we are leaving early Sunday morning (Jan 18th) for our mission trip.

For those who aren't aware: David and I will be leading a team to the Dominican Republic (DR) for one of National Community Church’s A1:8 mission trips.
We are very busy getting everything prepared for the trip. We have spent this week getting items together to take to the people we will be working with, things like sports equipment, medications, toys, and household items. The entire team is also finalizing plans to be away from work, school, and "normal" life for a week.

We will work very diligently to keep you all informed of how our days are spent; our internet service in the DR may be limited but we hope to be able to blog at least every other day.
We would love to have prayer partners in each of you; please make it a priority to pray for us daily until we return.

Specific things that you can pray for are:
God’s preparation before us and that we be used in the best way possible for His Glory
Travel Protection- Jan 18-24
The team members: Chad, Katie, Carol, Dana, David, Colin, and Myself
The missionaries we will be working with: Bud and Karen
The people we will be ministering to: 3 medical mission days, 2 days of Vacation Bible School/Community Outreach, and 1 day of service to Dominican Ministry workers (painting and minor house repairs)
Health Protection for All, but particularly our Baby (I will be 26 weeks pregnant during the trip)
The kids we are leaving here: Colin is going with us but Connor and Sybella will be staying home and for part of the time will be in different places…the kids have been away from us before but not also separated from each other at the same time.

Thanks to each of you for your support and prayers!
Blessings,
Sharon

Billy...How the story began

I think history helps us understand how people will react, what has made them who they are today, and how things could potentially unfold. 

As part of an ongoing effort with Thomas Nelson Publishing, I am in the middle of another book review. Just wrapped up "Billy" by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham. This fall in 2009 the movie will release...check out Billy: THE EARLY YEARS for the scoop!

I have read Preacher to the Presidents and other similar biographies that look at the impact and influence this man had on America's leaders but this is the first book that really looks at what and who had an influence on him. 

The book reveals relationships, trials, and struggles that I think we all face at different points in our life. What I found the most interesting is the roles that both Ruth Graham and Charles Templeton had on Billy Graham's journey. I also enjoyed reading more about his life in the market place as an employee and salesman prior to full time ministry. 

Great read...you won't be disappointed. 

~David 

Catalyst

Heading to Atlanta tomorrow. Sharon and I will be getting away to focus on how the year has gone so far, set some long range goals, spend time with wonderful friends, and have an opportunity for the two of us to just enjoy a few minutes of down time without the kids around. 

Great conference and incredible line up: Seth Godin, Jim Collins, Andy Stanley, Dave Ramsey, Craig Groeschel, Mark Batterson, and so many more. 

New Plates!

I got new plates...and I'm not talking dishes! Yes, vanity plates for the car. I hate that term 'vanity' plate because there is nothing prideful or arrogant about this. They are not really that expensive and I think I drive nicer because of the reminder.

1 SAM 7:12

It was Sharon's idea to get plates...we had several ideas but this is what we both agreed on and decided to get. It is a constant reminder of how blessed we are and how we have gotten to where we are in life.

Thus far the Lord has helped us.

~David

Wild Goose Chase Blog Tour

I was selected to participate in the Wild Goose Chase Pre-Release Blog Tour. I received a copy of the book in advance to review (release date: Aug 19). Exciting!!

The short review is: AWESOME STUFF!

For those more accustomed to a actual book review, here goes:

With great anticipation I read Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson. Following his phenomenal writing for In a Pit with a Lion, my expectations were high. Mark did not disappoint. Wild Goose Chase which challenges readers to embrace passion in pursuing their relationship with God delivers its message on-point and in a reader-friendly way, never is there an air of preachiness or condescension. This is just a guy who lives the adventure in a human way sharing the journey with others. Mark’s ability to tell a story captivates readers. He uses many examples and people (names kept the same in order to reveal their identities) to show successes in living a life of pursuing God by the lead of the Holy Spirit or the ‘Wild Goose.’ Reading this book gives insight to the things and emotions that can hold us back. Mark is not ashamed to talk about fear, guilt, being too comfortable, grace, and forgiveness. Each person who dares to read this book will find a place to be challenged for growth in their relationship with Christ. I hear the message about “Loving people when they least deserve it or expect it” ringing in my head. And I am glad to say that I acted on it today. Mark’s priority comes through loud and clear and that is: not to have readers know “more” but to inspire readers to live their adventure by choosing action courageously.

Read this Book then share it with a friend!

On that note, I have a FREE copy to give away. The first person to leave a comment on this post gets it. Good Luck!

**If you would like to purchase the book now, try here.

Victory!

We finally have renters in our Seattle home!

Now you can quote scripture all day and tell me how spiritually grounded you are but I think in these moments your faith can be tested. A year ago (June 2007) the door opened to immediately move to DC as the Director of Business Development at ATS. Little did we know that the move would happen right as the real estate market began to crash. So in April of 2008 we decided to try the rental approach. We had lots of interest, several applications, and none of them worked out.

Now don't forget that during this whole time we are paying to rent a home in DC (can I say costly $$$) and we are paying are mortgage in Seattle...can I say major burden?

This is when you start questioning scripture like: 1 John 5:14-15 that says, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us - whatever we ask - we know that we have what we asked of him."

Is God really hearing me? We were running an extremely tight budget.

Now lest you think the home had something wrong or we did not do something right...we hired a great realtor in the Northwest (Chuck Bills), we staged the home professionally, held open houses, priced the home below the appraised value, we even had half a dozen realtors walk through and criticize EVERYTHING they thought was wrong or could be improved (and we changed EVERYTHING they recommended). And to top it all off, here is the view in the private, gated community:

But God is clear when he says in John 15:7 says, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.

It's just not on our time line!!!

This is where the test begins...do you remain faithful? Here is what we learned, God's provision was with us the whole time. He provided a job, a partnership, and the money to pay for everything and we did not fall victim to mortgage crisis. And in looking back I CLEARLY see how if the home had sold, where we would have made decisions in the moment that would have altered and deviated from the path we had been placed on. Funny, how I didn't see those in the moment but looking back there is no doubt that God knew what he was doing. It's his money, his house, his family and if he provides for the birds of the air...HOW MUCH MORE DOES HE PROVIDE FOR ME?

We are 'blessed and highly favored'...and on July 25th of 2008..God brought us a renter!

~David

More on P.E.A.C.E

I promised to follow-up from my time in California with Rick Warren, the PEACE Plan, and PD Summit. Here is a link to the video interviews of the top leaders flown in to participate in the Purpose Driven Summit...

Some quick thoughts and notes I wanted to capture:
1. You can only take someone as far as you have grown
2. What you measure you succeed in
3. We are called to build people...God builds the church
4. Spiritual growth is intentional and happens when we make commitments

My favorite comment from Rick was:

5. People set goals too low and try to accomplish them too soon...We need to set big goals and spend the rest of our lives chasing them.

Visioneering

Used a big chunk of the 10 hours in the air to digest Andy Stanley’s book, “Visioneering” and what was left I finished up during the start of vacation. Stanley takes the historical story of King Artaxerxes and his servant Nehemiah to draw life lessons on why vision is important, how to set vision, how to respond to challenges, and staying focused.

My biggest take away is the following quote, “The most significant visions are not cast by great orators from stage. They are cast at the beside of our children…My most significant vision casting takes place on my knees with my face twelve inches away from the face of my children.”

WOW!

Some other quick highlights on this excellent book:

1. Vision begins as a concern
2. Don’t Get distracted
3. Anyone can be a critic, everyone can come up with solutions because it does not take anything special to have a good idea, but it takes a visionary to generate results.
4. Vision requires constant attention…one individual has to be willing to pick-up the vision and be the person who will deliver.
5. Leaders who have success in vision casting share at least these three traits: A Peaceful Spirit, Healthy Relationships, and Character
6. To be an effective leader you have to engage people’s heart and tie it to the vision.

PEACE

Took off early on Monday morning and flew with Mark Batterson to California. Rick Warren was hosting a special event at Saddleback Church in Orange County. I have forgotten how beautiful California is and how awesome the sunsets are.

The conference was incredible with leaders from all over the country. Mark was asked to speak to this select group of invites who came to learn more about Rick’s vision for the PEACE Coalition. Rick has more than a big dream he has a heart for helping people by taking on the 5 Big Global Goliath’s of today through PEACE:

P - Promote Reconciliation
E - Equip Leaders
A - Assist the Poor
C - Care for the Sick
E - Educate the Next Generation

I will share more later but just wanted to encourage everyone to dream big dreams and trust God to fill in the gaps. I was totally in awe at the wisdom, experience, and teaching provided by these spiritual giants of our time. Mark is sought after by so many and is truly a transparent leader who men in leadership look to. Mark has a new book that will be coming out called "Wild Goose Chase". The more I hear him tell people about the book, the more excited I get...can't wait for the release later this year...

Overcoming Obstacles

Are you part of the problem or part of the solution in your community, work place, or home? This parable of the peasant and choses to do something about the problem is not only a great lesson but also is how we must be in life. Instead of complaining about the lack of results in life...be the 'rain maker'. Instead of being frustrated at what others are doing...be a 'doer'. Instead of railing about the selfish attitudes...be selfless. Don't be disappointed by the leadership of our country...be a leader in the community.

This week I was looking for someone to fix several challenges and obstacles that I am facing and realized I was that someone.

In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.

Time with Rick Warren

I was truely blessed to be invited to spend time with Rick Warren today as he sat with a small group of leaders and shared from his heart. I am always amazed at the doors that will open if you lean forward, listen, and face your fears. Pastor Rick, popular author of the Purpose Driven Life took time to have a conversation about leadership and spiritual maturity. I took pages of notes for personal and professional development. While I can not share everything in this brief commentary...I will share a few memorable quotes and thoughts from Pastor Rick:

1. A snowflake is a frail thing but enough of them together can stop traffic
2. We grow as individuals only by our commitments
3. The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory
4. If you want God's Annointing you need to have: Integrity, Humility, and Generosity
5. People who compartmentalize thier lives lack integrity


Today he challenged leaders to improve themselves, keep the faith, and develop others. This is a man who God has placed in our country..."For such a time is this". I am thrilled to have spent an afternoon with him and share in the vision that God has given him and Kay.