I believe that just being aware of the world around you and noticing where the acceptance of God is lacking and doing your best to be of service in some way; of bringing a light or help to those who are in need, is a ministry itself.  Some have a pull on their hearts to teach, preach, do missions work, or evangelize.  There are others who are drawn to a particular effort of outreach which may be to take Bibles into areas of the world which have little or no access to the word.  Then again, there are those with an online ministry to edify or build up disciples such as the Live Sticky movement which encourages people to spend a portion of their online time being dedicated to bringing awareness of God to those that they impact. These are all ministries that are needed.

A ministry might mean that you take meals to someone who is home-bound, lonely or spending time with someone who is depressed.  It might mean providing comfort and help to those in poverty, a hospital/jail setting; or it could be a position of raising funds for someone to go out and do missions work.   Some of those ministries can be dangerous; but still, God puts a calling on those individuals hearts.

Today in the news there is some sadness which highlights that statement.  In recent days, there have been four Americans held hostage, on a yacht, which were hi-jacked by Somali pirates allegedly.  It basically is a form of human trafficking…to hold humans against their will in the hopes of making money off of them.  There was a military warship that was tailing them and as the shots rang out, the Navy warship took action capturing and killing the pirates.

Today, unfortunately the news says that all four American hostages were murdered by the pirates.  The yacht was owned by Jean and Scott Adam and they had two passengers on board, Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle.  Jean and Scott often traveled distributing Bibles around the world on their yacht.

They knew the risks of traveling this part of the world where pirates have been wreaking havoc on ships traveling through the area.  Still, they were committed to doing what they loved to do and felt called to do.  This required tremendous courage on their part.  They believed in more than just life here on Earth and it is a terrible loss to those who knew them and loved them.  May God comfort their friends and families during this time of grieving. They sacrificed their lives to do what they felt called to do; many people do not understand that kind of commitment.  It is a love that goes beyond the general human attitude of thinking only about oneself.

Did they want to die…no, I am sure they did not set out with the purpose of loosing their lives.  There are many examples of people who have lost their lives for Christ.  I believe that God has welcomed them home.  They faced this danger knowingly…but it is still a tragedy in human terms.  Spiritually, God will deal with those who took their lives.

There are many parts of the world which are hurting and struggling with war, with natural disasters, with political unrest and with spiritual warfare.  Those areas of the world have people in need; just as there are people suffering and hurting in your own local neighborhoods and countries.  Whether you feel the call to do missions work, teach/preach or evangelize in person or online…know that lives are being affected and changed for the good.

This is important work that you do, wherever God places you to do it. It is important to pray for those who set about doing the work of God…no matter where they do it.  There are forces at work intending to persuade Christians to stand back and let the world take care of itself.  That is not what God asks of us; be about the business of God.  Be an encourager, support ministry in any way that you can.  If it is working with children, in administration, or in actively pursuing those who don’t know Jesus…find a way to be in service.

I have friends and family who are doing amazing things because of their love of God.  There is Friends Like Us who work with children with cancer and their families.  They provide chemo bears to the pediatric patients that they work with…as well as providing gifts for the patients siblings.  They talk with and support parents of those patients.  They often send blankets from another organization called Layers of Love and a book on living with cancer from an author that they work with. Please visit them and support the work that they do.  These are all ministries at work, in my humble opinion, because they show love and help people who are hurting and in need of some sort.  This is just a small sample of people in my circle of influence.

My daughter recently went to Haiti and worked in an orphanage where the love of God is at work trying to improve the lives of those they touch.  I intend to do a series of blog posts soon about some of the work being done there.  Here is a link to the Haiti Foundation Against Poverty through which she felt called to work on a recent missions trip. http://haitipoverty.org/Updates.aspx

I just want to recognize those who are about the business of doing the work of the Lord.  Thank you for the sacrifices of your time, your money, and your efforts. Never forget that the time is short and that God is coming soon.  He alone knows the day and the hour…so when you get weary or feel burdened; remember that the life that you connect to God will have the opportunity to go to Heaven rather than the destination of Hell, a place of eternal suffering. This reason alone is why God gave us his word in John 3:16  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”.

What type of work do you do for the kingdom of God?  What do you feel called to do or share?  Are you actively involved in some kind of outreach ministry? Have you ever felt in danger while doing your ministry work?  Will you tell us about it here? What do you do for the love of God?

There must be an answer to help hurting hearts to understand, that what is happening to cause them pain, isn’t happening because they are a bad person, or for no apparent reason at all.  The mind and the soul just needs to make some kind of sense of it all.  Understanding tragedy is no easy task.  People have differing opinions on why bad things happen.

Some people believe that the tragedy is a punishment from God.  Others believe it is a situation that is meant to teach a life lesson to those left standing.  Others still are of the understanding that bad stuff happens for no reason at all; other than being in the wrong place, at the wrong time.  After all, why does a bad situation happen to good people?  Do Christians suffer more than non-believers?  Do non-believers suffer more than Christians? Does faith play a part in human suffering at all?

It all depends on who you talk to about the idea of suffering and faith.  Everyone has their own opinion based upon their personal experiences.  However, when someone is suffering and searching for answers, it is natural to turn to those who we are closest to for answers.

For a Christian that could be their spiritual leader, a fellow believer, friend or even a family member who is grounded in their faith.  For an unbeliever, the lack of a foundation of faith can still lead to a pathway about God.  I say that, because God will often get the blame for bad circumstances, even when a suffering person doesn’t believe in God.  Often, you will hear people say, IF there is a God, why did he let this terrible thing happen?

I  believe that is because the human soul knows for certain, deep inside that person’s mind, that God not only exists; but, he is the only one who has the answers that they seek.  A person who is committed to an unbelief in God seems to struggle more when dealing with grief or suffering, in my opinion.  I believe that is because to me, God and having a faith in eternity means having hope of moving from this life of challenges and struggles to a place called Heaven.

It is important to recognize that God can handle the unbelief, the anger, and the questions.  But for those seeking answers; it is not just about asking the questions, but more importantly, it is about getting answers.  If you ask and you seem to be going without answers; you must ask yourself the hard question; are you ready to listen, really listen and accept the answer that God has for you?

No one truly can tell you why God does what he does, why he allows the bad things to happen in life?  Only God knows all of the pieces of the puzzle that make up our life circumstances.  He alone can bring peace to your heart and mind about such things.

So how do you communicate with God.  First you must pray, ask him the question that troubles your soul.  Sometimes answers do not come immediately and that can be frustrating.  There are times when you must fast (with a dr’s approval) and pray while waiting.  Read the word of God and allow the scriptures to speak to you, words of wisdom.  Take time to meditate on the word, peacefully & quietly.  Don’t do all of the talking; listen for God’s answer.  There are times when God will use another person to speak to your heart. He will speak to you through the Bible, other people and sometimes through dreams.  He will confirm his answer to you so that you know it is of him and not just another person’s opinion or your own.

Grief at a time of loss can add to a person’s sense of suffering.  It can confuse the heart and mind of a person with anger, disbelief, anxiousness and denial.  Those things can be worked through as long as a person doesn’t get stuck in any one of those phases of grieving.  Grief is a challenging time and everyone copes with grief differently.  That is ok, as long as you ARE coping and moving forward by healing.

With the economic disasters of the last decade, there are more people out on the street because they have been uprooted by a sudden change in their finances.  Military veterans often struggle with a return to civilian life and end up homeless.   Runaways also can end up homeless after they have run through the willingness of their friends and family to allow them to couch surf for a period of time.  Sometimes a runaway situation is by choice and sometimes it is out of a need for survival that they leave home.   Again, people become homeless for a variety of reasons; and, it doesn’t have to be a permanent situation.  People living on the street can also become a victim of violence, crime, or intimidation.   Homelessness can be a reaction to a temporary situation in a person’s life.   It does not have to mean a hopeless situation.

Ted Williams says that for the better part of 15 years he was homeless and living on the streets because of his addictions.  Turning his life around and getting sober allowed him to have  a dream.   Growing up he had a desire to get into broadcasting for a career.  The addictions took him on another path.  Recently, he stood along the roadway with a handwritten sign proclaiming that he had a God given voice.  A video was made of him by a reporter as he panhandled alongside the road; that video of him using his God given voice went viral.  Since that time, he has had a whirlwind couple of days with job offers inundating him.  He has the potential of seeing his aging mother who lives in Brooklyn, New York while he is doing all of these interviews with the major news networks.  This opportunity to reconnect mother and son is an answer to both of their prayers.  They both have said that they prayed to see him doing well again in life before she passed away. Their faith was rewarded by this reaction to the viral video.

I am sure that there are families all around the country with that same desire; to see their sons/daughters/fathers/mothers restored to a good place in life.  This feel good story of Ted Williams could be true for many more people who are homeless.  Ted has had an offer to work for the Cleveland Cavaliers and have a home again.  How many other people that are presently homeless have hopes and dreams that could come true if someone took notice of them on the street and didn’t dismiss them as hopeless?  it would be great if all of these opportunities being offered to Ted could be spread around to help others in the same situation.

Don’t get me wrong…I love this story about Ted Williams.  I am happy for him and his family.  I just can’t help thinking about the countless others who are still stuck on the street; caught up in drugs, alcohol, prostitution/human trafficking, or in an emotional/physical prison.   Illegal activities often become a way of life when there is no steady income from a job.   We need to focus some solutions to the problem on helping people to turn their lives around and become happy, healthy and productive individuals again.  Look at what a little positive attention has done for Ted Williams and imagine the same effect on those that you pass on the street in the same predicament any other day of the week.   How can you help?  Donate time, food, blankets, money or your skills to those who work with the homeless.  Employ them or help to educate someone; direct them to a safe shelter or to a counseling program which may be able to help them get back on their feet.  Try to shed a little light into the dark corners of the world where people don’t often feel worthy of a better life!

Some of those trials and challenges have been self made and others are of the variety that that seem to be the result of stumbling around in the darkness looking for the light switch only to step in someone else’s mess…you know the kind of mess…the kind that you need to scrape off of the bottom of your shoe.  There are repercussions and consequences in each of those situations and at times, all seems lost and hopeless.  It is hard not to let it affect you if you are a caring person who can’t bear to see those you love suffering.

I have to keep reminding myself to keep my eyes off of the situation…keep my eyes looking towards God and his power to work through all situations.  That is not an easy thing to do when things are desperate and have such steep valleys to get through.  

Our human minds can only see the small puzzle pieces before us…especially the difficulties; we usually seem incapable of seeing the larger picture or outcome, from any given situation.  It is overwhelming to not be able to see into the future.  We sometimes think that we can avoid the pain and dissappointments that life will eventually throw our way… in fact, most of us would choose to opt out of the more severe situations; choosing instead to surf the crest of  ONLY the good times. 

If all that we experience in life was perfect and rosy how would we know to value those same perfect things…we would have nothing to compare it to.   Our human nature would never let us know the depth of pain, loss, isolation or injustice.   Nor would we learn on whom to depend in those times of despair.   God is always there, ready and willing to guide us and lift the burden from our hearts and minds. 

We only need to remember this and surround ourselves with others who understand that; so that when we are buried under the crush of each tragedy and heartbreak,  and can’t seem to find a way to pray and dig our way out…we can learn to count on those who can, and will support us, to help us find the light in the darkness. 

It is all about growth and compassion…connecting with others.  We all have had burdens to bear at one time or another.  How much easier is it to go through those times when we are feeling supported by compassionate people?  Listening skills are important and so is a willingness to weather the storm with another person. 

Do you know someone who is struggling in some kind of darkness or difficulty?  How can you shine a light in the midst of what they are going through?  Do you struggle with what to say or do?  Most of us do, but still for those who feel surrounded by the darkness; any attempt to shine a light is appreciated and considered a lifeline in the midst of a storm. 

A kind word, a card or letter, a phone call or an action taken meant to reduce the difficulty that another is going through can be a huge light in the darkness.   These are the things that a person struggling remembers after the darkness.  Risk reaching out in your relationship with others and become a light of encouragement to someone today…you will be surprised how much of a positive impact it can have.

Nations around the world are moved towards a sensitivity to the suffering of the Haitian people.  Money and donations of life saving supplies are poring in however, getting the supplies to the most devastated areas are difficult.  There is so much destruction and people are desparate.   Medical care is critical and people have been being treated in the street and in tents.  There is, and has been, a thin line between life and death.  

 Compassion is the fuel that moves people from merely hearing the news of the suffering and becoming involved and committed to doing what each person can to help.  Many people are giving money, some are donating their skills and talents or their time-volunteering to help the people of Haiti.  I read an article that made me question peoples awareness of their sensitivity towards others in need and their own need for a moment when life goes on in spite of what is happening around the world. 

So, it came as a bit of a surprise to read an article about a cruise ship line that stops at a port in Haiti that has made the decision to continue stopping at their destination in Haiti.  After reading about this, I couldn’t help reading the comments at the end of the article.  There were people who were for the cruise ship line continuing to stop in Haiti.  Those people were of the opinion that continuing to bring in tourists with their money would help to keep the Haitian people who were employed at the port working, providing them income during this time. 

The problem is, from what I understand of the situation is that this particular port is on the far end of the island; somewhat removed from the devastated area.  Still, those people who are employed do need jobs.  They do need income.  It was said that supplies were also carried in on the cruise ships.  I don’t know if that is true or not…but, if it is…God bless them for delivering supplies to the island.  The need is strong for medical supplies, food, water, blankets, shelter (many are homeless including the elderly and small children)…and there is a need for caregivers and adoptive families for those who are now orphans. 

Those who criticized the cruise line were of the opinion that tourists had no business partying, drinking, and living it up on the island paradise when they knew full well that human beings were starving and dying of thirst for lack of clean and healthy water just across the island in the area of Port au Prince.  The dead and the dying do not have instant access to the plenty that the cruise line passengers and those enjoying the comfort of the port.  There were comments in this section that wondered how someone could possibly eat, drink and take advantage of the activities knowing of the intense struggle for survivial just miles away.   Is it justification by saying that continuing to vacation there is bringing in money?  Or is it true and therefore ok in the opinion of the reader here?

It just got me wondering…how the human spirit who is sensitive towards those in need decides at what point, life goes on?  I mean, do you do all that you know to do to help, in your spirit and contribute what you can giving yourself permission to go about your business?  Do you just ignore the suffering?  Do you allow the situation to paralyze you and keep you from moving forward in your own life; attending to the daily issues at hand?  Is it possible to find a balance of helping through charity, volunteerism, and prayer; and, living in gratitude for the gifts or blessings in your life?   When is it ok for those who are sensitive to the needs of others in peril translate to a life goes on moment without guilt?  It is going to take a long time for recovery; hopefully, people do not forget too soon and stop acting on the behalf of those suffering who have been traumatized by this natural disaster.

 What are your thoughts as you read this blog post?

See possibly related post: http://www.writewhereyouareblog.com/heros-what-are-they-made-of/

If you know of military personel overseas that could use a card of support or thanks and have their name, mailing address, and troop information please send it to this lady I am about to tell you about.  She will make sure that they receive a card that has been created to let them know how much they are appreciated.

A great lady by the name of Renita Farrall has started a program called make2tell2.  The idea behind the program is to encourage organizations, church groups, families, and individuals to make two cards and to tell two people about the card program for our military personel.   You can also contact Renita on Twitter…she is known there as: www.twitter.com/RenitaFarrall .

Think about the worst holiday you have ever spent…would a card from someone who cares have brightened your spirits?  The different branches of the service have members who are brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, grandparents, sons and daughters who are serving their country and sacrificing alot to do what they are called upon to do.  Please, can you spend a little time putting together some cards of appreciation and support?  If so send them to :

Make 2 Tell 2
991 Road 325
Harvard, NE  68944

You don’t know what these cards and notes can mean to the one who receives it.  Put some heart and soul into it.  Show them that they are not out of sight…out of mind!

         So, on the recommendation of another person that I do follow…there was an urgent request for prayer for a baby who may or may not survive the night ( I hope he does and is a testimony to the power of God’s healing).   I believe in God and the power of prayer.  Faith is a muscle that must be exercised to grow and strengthen. 

         God says that whenever two or more agree together…he is there in the midst of it.  So, by gathering  unified people in prayer for a specific need…there is more power in that prayer.  Will the beautiful baby boy live…I do not know; but, what I do know…is that I believe by joining with other believers online, in the moment of need, that God will send the comforter there to be with the child, his family, and friends who desperately need love and support. 

          So please God, you know the need, please help them out; touch the wee one and heal him.  He needs the touch that only you can give!   Please guide the doctors, nurses, technicians, and lab people to use the skills you have blessed them with.   Help them to do what they humanly can do; and, please supply the miraculous touch that they can’t supply.  Amen!

       This isn’t the first time I have prayed for others online.  There have been many instances.  There will be more.  It actually could be a ministry to pray for those online who request it.  It is sort of like what i try to teach my children about hearing a siren…to me that means someone is in need;  and as emergency personel, police, fire fighters/engines, etc go to help…we provide a little prayer support.   Remember when you see a need posted on line asking for prayer; that  it could be you in need next time…would you want people to respond or ignore your request for prayer?  Do you believe in the power of prayer?

        The circumstances surrounding his capture are murky, at least in the details that are being released to the American public.  Some have made statements saying that he was drunk and walked off of his post voluntarily with three Afghan National Army soldiers.  Another report alleged that he may have been seeking female companionship.  Others say when he was captured he resisted and was punched and hit…leaving all of his weapons and protective gear behind.  It is always hard to tell the truth in these situations because propaganda is often tilted to one side or another.  Some people will say whatever they want when those they are speaking of can’t defend themselves.   Eventually, the truth of what happened will be revealed.   Whatever happened, happened…and those captured need help.  The search is ongoing and vigilant. 

         There is fear that Bowe has been moved by his captors to Pakistan; we certainly hope that is not true.  If that is the case, it is going to be even more difficult to rescue him; because the United States military is not allowed to operate in Pakistan except under certain circumstances.  Those circumstances are extremely limited. 

          In the video, Pfc. Bowe R. Bergdahl says that he is afraid that he will not get to come home to live his life and see his loved ones again.  He says that Americans have the power to bring the military men and women home to live their precious lives.   On the video he looks thin; but, he is shown eating a meal.  He chokes up when talking of his family and his girlfriend, who he says he is planning on marrying.   He is only 23 and under tremendous stress.  Let’s pray for the safe return of all four who were captured and their loved ones.

           While the Army is looking for him and working on obtaining his return, there is something that you can do for him and for all of our precious men and women stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.  You can pray for them…because, Pfc. Bowe Bergdahl and all of our military men and women need an army of prayer warriors to keep them safe and back home with their loved ones.  There is something else, other military men and women are separated from their friends and family; they often suffer loneliness and fear.  You can support them by sending care packages to them to show that someone back home is thinking of them.  You can also click here to learn of a program to send them cards of appreciation and support:  http://www.make2tell2.com .  Remembering those who sacrifice in big and small ways everyday for us is important…they could be your sons and daughters overseas!

           Farrah Fawcett first came on the scene as a model/actress.  She did many commercials and bit parts on television shows.  She married Lee Majors, of The Six Million Dollar Man fame,  in 1973 ; they later seperated in 1979 and divorced in 1982.   In 1982, Farrah began a long term romance with Ryan O’Neal, an actor, that continued until she passed away today.   Ryan O’Neal is an actor who is famous for many roles including the movie, Love Story.  It is powerfully ironic that the storyline of that movie was about a couple who struggled against the female love interest Ali McGraw’s fatal illness.   In an interview with Barbara Walters, Ryan vowed to marry Farrah.  It does not appear that it was able to happen in the last weeks of her life.    In 1985 , Farrah gave birth to her one and only child, Redmond O’Neal. 

          But before all of the roles she played as Redmond’s mother and Ryan O’Neal’s long term girlfriend…Farrah became an American icon by taking on the television role of Jill Monroe on Charlies Angels.  She became a role model for many women in the world of beauty by posing for her famous poster of her in a red, one -piece swimsuit and she spawned a whole new hairdo with her famous blonde hair “feathered” on the sides of the face. 

            Of course, as time went on Farrah went on to do more heavy hitting acting roles during her career.  She amazed many with her acting skills as it was perceived for a time that she was somewhat flighty and ill suited to stronger roles.  Farrah worked hard to put those myths to rest.  She came across as a southern bell but she developed a strong inner personal grit that served her well when she was diagnosed with cancer and when she had a re-occurance.

            Farrah was a spiritual woman, who believed in God and who fought her battle with cancer in a variety of ways including using alternative methods in Germany.  She believed there was a reason that she became ill with cancer and she tried to make good come from it.   Farrah was a woman who inspired loyalty in her relationships.  She had many relationships that spanned 20 or 30 years outside of her family.  Alana Stewart was a long term friend who helped Farrah film her documentary on her battle with cancer.  She remained friends with her co-stars from Charlies Angels Kate Jackson and Jaclyn Smith through the years.   Farrah lived long enough to see that documentary air just last month.  It was her hope that her journey with cancer could help someone else with their struggle.   

          Farrah, we will miss you and your spirit.  I hope that your son Redmond can overcome his battle with drugs.  It is unfortunate that Redmond could not be there in person to say goodbye to Farrah as he is at present incarcerated for drug possession.  I am sure that Ryan and Redmond could benefit from grieving together.  From all news reports Redmond is torn apart that he could not be with his mother during these last weeks.  In early May i believe it was he was allowed a supervised visit with his mother before he was sent back to jail.  He was not told how badly Farrah was doing…Farrah was not told that Redmond was in handcuffs during the visit.  If anything good can come out of this terrible loss for this family, let’s hope that somehow Redmond can turn his life around now knowing and understanding how much his mother loved him and wanted him to be free of his addictions.    If Redmond can find the strength to battle his addictions by the inspiration of his mother’s love he will do her legacy justice; let’s hope he can love himself enough to honor her love for him.

          And so, it is with sadness that America says goodbye to the beautiful blonde haired Angel named Farrah.  Please keep all of her loved ones in prayer.  No matter who you are, rich or poor, famous or not…losing someone you love is hard and it is painful.

         The pastor, David Jones and his wife Mary, were allegedly told that they were conducting an unlawful use of land as they were having a religious assembly that was a violation of code.  They were told to stop violating the code or to apply for a major use permit.  This permit can cost many thousands of dollars; of course it would allow for them to continue having their small group of 15 friends or less over to study the bible.  Remember, this was in their own home.

           Is this code, that the pastor and his wife were allegedly violating, enforced when someone has a baby shower in their home with more than 15 guests?  Or when people gather together with friends to watch the Super Bowl or American Idol?  Will those people be forced to obtain a major use permit? 

        What about you; where you live could this happen to you?  Should government officials be allowed to ban such gatherings in regards to religious freedom, in private residences,, unless people pay them large sums of money?   What are your thoughts?