Tis' the Season of Giving

 We are entering a time of sharing with others. This is a season of giving!

I don't know about you, but I have been more than a little overwhelmed by the number of requests from nonprofits. Some send little practical gifts like return address stickers, while others offer all kinds of incentives—even a small stuffed dog from one and a canvas tote from another.

Project Lost Sheep does none of these things. We send information out on our website and mail a quarterly newsletter. We are pretty much low-key. But we do have needs.

I am not sure how many nonprofits can say that 90 percent of any gift goes to the need.

In our case, we fund a camp called Touchdown Camp. This year, 110 children had a free camp experience in Redwood City, thanks to our loyal supporters. This was our 20th year there, and more than 1,000 children have enjoyed a week of day camp.

Good news is shared with these children and families, and I can tell you there is evidence that camp has made a positive difference in our sponsoring church location in Redwood City (see Verbo Family Services).

The more good news is that we are like adolescents growing out of their shoes and clothes and feeling very hungry. We are expanding to other cities, with Miami Beach next year and an expanded footprint in San Jose, CA. We also have the San Francisco Foundation in process, as well as plans for Honolulu.

We have an international footprint in Guatemala, where leftovers from camp have been mailed to children in Guatemala City. Patty Cardona, our president, is promoting expansion in many places with videos and teachings from camp in Redwood City.

So, when you think about giving, how about looking down at the little children and responding with your heart?

Hospitality

She had a smile on her face as she opened the door. She also had splatters of flour on hands and apron.

"Come on in," she said. "I'm baking pies." And there was one on the counter: definitely apple. Small peels everywhere. I didn't know June Ochsner well. She was, like me, a Navy wife.

Both our husbands were out on extended patrols. We were living in Hawaii on Oahu far, far away from family. I was beyond lonely that day and so I had called. As I sat down and watched her roll out the next crust we chatted. Details elude me but I started to feel cared for. I also felt welcomed.

June was not in the slightest bit self conscious about the way her kitchen looked. Nor was I. She had put me at ease in some mysterious way and I found the awful aloneness of that day starting to lift.

The second pie was in and my stomach was rumbling a bit. Now I was not so lonely but more hungry. I had been cooking for just myself which was very boring and now I was sitting in some kind of baking dream. The second pie was out and cooling on the counter. I was now drinking coffee and getting more acquainted with June.

And, of course, when the pie had cooled enough, she sliced me an oversized piece which I gaily consumed.

It was the best piece of birthday pie/cake I ever had!

RICH STRIKE Won Kentucky Derby

Against all predictions this unknown horse, RICH STRIKE, won the Kentucky Derby recently. I just saw a replay and can say that that horse just went for the gold!

Rich Strike got to run at the last minute because another horse was scratched. The owner, discouraged from the loss by fire of horses in his stable almost gave up the racing business, but he didn't.. And he took a chance by buying this young horse and putting Rich Strike through training and minor races. And then the owner applied for the Kentucky Derby, and the rest is history.

My Dad always rooted for the out of favor long shots in the derby. I watched it with him for years, and he was always consistent in believing some day one of his long shots would win. He got excited over the horses at the end of the race and kept rooting for them.

Do you think that nothing can be done about big problems in America? How many of us would bet some of our time or resources on giving a child a chance?

We may have the deep satisfaction of seeing some winners who make a difference, not just in their lives, but heading to the finish line, having the speed and stamina to win some big races in America: like turning the odds upside down on kids dying from drug overdoses, like protecting innocent children shot to death in the crossfire from gangs in our streets, like being aware of teens under stress..maybe friends of our kids...who could take their own lives by suicide.

The race against all of these things needs to be something a huge number of us do. Thousands of us across America need to volunteer wherever we choose. Businesses need to speed up giving to unknown non-profits working for good for children and teens.

Like Rich Strike, we could all be surprised at how many good changes will come if we will just place our bets out there!

Children are like race horses - they need attention, opportunity, food and care. They need people to watch and cheer them on to their own finish lines.

Easy Money

 Hello Everyone, 

I am trying this new recording type of blog instead of typing words. Please let me know if you like this kind of podcast?

Here is my first podcast on Easy Money.  

Please click on the blue words or the photo below and a grey screen will appear and click on the small white arrow to start my podcast. Thanks.

Sprinkles of Love

Have you noticed how much children like to chatter? From the time they learn a few words and they use them. It is easy as a parent to tune out on some of this chatter, but in order to teach them to listen, we need to give undivided attention, one at a time if possible.

When our children were young, I would take each one out, for what I called "special time". It was something fun for the child and what he or she was interested in. A favorite place was a large toy store. And after a little shopping, we would go for ice cream and I would listen. Special time says "You are valuable and I like being here with you."

On a daily basis, the time at bedtime for each can be important, especially for younger children. Listening about their day. Hearing their hearts about what was important. We never underestimate the impact of these moments on children as we are telling them: you are valuable and important.

I know parents get tired and this is a trying time with them, when they are with them all the time. But, the ingredients for building some strong relationships for later starts now, plus you can imprint children with solid values as well as learn a little yourself.

Sprinkles of love start with two ingredients: Time and Patience. We give the time and God gives us grace for the rest.

Hummingbirds

A small hummingbird came to visit me early this morning. I watched quietly as it took sips of water off a rose leaf outside my window. Such a small bird requiring only a few drops of water to be refueled. And then in a second it flew off at top speed.

I felt watching that this was a little visitor from above, perhaps with a message. The birds are free to fly. They come visit in season, and they have to stop to have a sip of pure water now and again.

We, like hummingbirds, especially in this season, need to find where our drops of refreshment are. We need to stop beating our wings and flying around at a terrific pace in order to benefit from the times we are in. We are in a place where we can find new places to pause and rest and rehydrate, drinking in all the drops of joy and peace God wants us to have.

Open Skies

It is spring all over with blossoms and trees showing new leaves. A walk is a good thing to lift our spirits in this trying time for America. And yet, there are some very encouraging things happening.

This week, I found out that some pastors from different churches that proclaimed Christ as Lord mentioned this and prayed for our area using a video conferencing by Zoom.com. This to my knowledge has not happened in the Boise area.

The church is starting to be visible as force outside buildings. This is the new normal. Open skies can mean more people being open to spiritual messages all around you.

Today on my walk, I noticed a young woman who had about 80 medium boxes packed on her lawn. "Are you moving?" I asked. "No," she said. "These are from my dialysis and I no longer need them." The boxes led to a spiritual conversation with her about Jesus as the healer. I encouraged her to read the gospels Mathew, Mark, Luke and John to see Jesus healing.

She nodded, listening across the correct distance of more than six feet, for I was walking in the street. I could see she was wide open to what I was mentioning, and I was so was bold enough to suggest a prayer to receive Christ with her.

Here it is: 

"Thank you, Lord Jesus for healing me. I ask you to forgive my sins. I invite you into my heart and thank you for dying on the cross for me."

"I will pray that with my parents," she said quietly. "Good." I said. 

Let's not miss any opportunity to share our faith under the open sky above us.

What Christmas Actually Means

God is after you. He knows where your story is. He knows your deepest needs, longings and hurts. He knows you feel far away. 

BUT..... His love is infinite. He does not want to punish you for the wrongs you have done. He wants to forgive you for every single thing.

Jesus as a baby with Mom and Dad, Mary, Joseph and the three wise men.

The Lord's love is relentless. He gave his only son, Christ Jesus, from heaven to earth. As a baby, Jesus grew up and went about doing good. He had no sin but was punished by death on a cross. His blood poured down. His side was pierced. In agony, he cried out... "FATHER, FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO!"

Jesus died on the cross for our sins.

Jesus died on the cross so that our sins would be forgiven. This is an amazing gift. No one else could give this gift because only God can forgive sins. As such we also need to forgive others too.

When you get a wonderful unexpected gift, your only response is to say, "THANK YOU!"

Jesus came down from heaven to this dark, dirty and estranged world. GOD WAS IN CHRIST RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF. Believe and receive this! For you will have the gift of PEACE within you. This is the proof of the Father's forgiveness and acceptance of you. 

Say this special prayer:

Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ of Nazareth to us. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross and shedding his blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. Thank you God that your love is relentless. I receive you Lord Jesus into my life. I am trusting you to save me now.

More to Thanksgiving than just food

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because it does not have to be complicated. It can be, of course, all about the food and how the table looks. Food is important and being together with family and friends is certainly an American tradition. A Thanksgiving prayer is also part of that time with families.

The psalmist writes in Psalm 95. 

"Let us come before his presence with Thanksgiving..."

When believers give thanks it is not a tradition and hopefully not meaningless. What struck me is that true Thanksgiving is from the heart and ushers us into the presence of God.

Years ago we were invited to a Thanksgiving party. The couple had been renting for a number of years and this was the first year in their own home. As we stood in a circle of family before the meal the woman offered the most heartfelt prayer to God for their home. Why do I still remember this years later? Because suddenly we were all in the presence of the Lord!

Well, back to the picture of family, friends, and lots of food on a festive table with all the best.

What if we changed that picture?
Maybe a fire burned up their home?
Maybe family is elsewhere?
Maybe the money is not in pocket to feed the children? Maybe the rent went up, the car broke down, etc. How could there be Thanksgiving in poor circumstances? It is very difficult without a good support system.

The church needs to reach out with compassion. This Thanksgiving, Verbo Family Services in Redwood City, CA will extend itself to feed 500 families. This is a faith work started by Pastor Orlando Cardona and wife, Patty, our president, shortly after they arrived from Guatemala.

Now the church has grown from a small space to a large rented and refurbished warehouse. This Thanksgiving the church will become a gathering for 500 from many places. 500 people will sit down together and hear a message of hope because when God is really present there is always hope and help.

Imagine... A family enters. A mother and her twin boys about five, and another girl about 8. They have no food at home so all that happens here, will be remembered by them. Will their hearts be filled along with their stomachs? Will there be many Thanksgivings going up to God in this place? Yes and Yes again!

Look around. The poor, the hungry, the lost are all gathered together to eat. Yes, to eat and eat lots of everything. They also will be fed in their souls.

This is a welcoming place, a healing oasis in a mountain of human need. And yet, there will be music, laughter, and joy from above as the church ministers to the real needs of the people in this place.

Happy Thanks Giving and May You Enter into His Presence!

Your Kids May be a Victim

Let's talk about the boy on the porch. You may have seen him as you drive by. He sits in the porch of shabby, small house that needs demolishing. The boy sits on that porch doing nothing.

It is after school and as you wait for the light to change, you wonder why he isn't doing sports and why is he just there, alone? All of your kids are in activities every day after school and the non activity of this boy who must be about 10 years old and this is bothering you.

There is a rumble in the alley next to the porch and you see some older kids in a fancy car. Not much to guess these are drug dealers. The music blares and they are acting manic. The boy on the porch looks up and seems to be watching the kids in the car.

You think to yourself; "This can't be good"! But is it any of your business? The boy needs help. Parents? Someone to care? But maybe he has no one at all who can help.

Then the thought startles you. The boy clearly is on his own. Rents have gone up. Mother must be working more than one job to make it. Just as the light changes, you, observing this scene, remember something.

It tickles at the back of your mind. There is a free camp for disadvantaged kids. What's it called?
You think hard and as the light changes, then it comes to you — TOUCHDOWN CAMP in Verbo, Redwood City! Something about sports and free for kids. I should google this, she thinks glancing back at the boy.

The boy watches the woman zoom by in her car and knows nothing except he will have to get off the porch and go with the gang in a couple of years. That's just how it is.

Camp Nurture Leaders

Camp is coming very soon. With volunteers included there will be around 175 for the week of Touchdown Camp 15 in Redwood City, California.

When you first walk into camp, you see the children and their leaders, in a "LEADER" T-shirt. The children are usually subdued the first day but camp puts them in groups, each with their own leader.

Camp is well organized and so the children get settled in quickly.

There are return campers each year. In fact, Touchdown Camp is so well known in the community that no notices have to go out! People call the church and ask for dates of camp. This is a high point of their summer!

At the end of camp, each camper gets a backpack filled with school supplies!

As President, Patty Cardona pointed out recently camp is producing a "Legacy of Leaders".

Many of these leadership skills were learned as former campers came back to volunteer as teenagers. In fact, now, most of the volunteers are from former campers!

We are thankful for all that God has given to bless children and for creating a a legacy of leaders. Over 1000 children have received a free week of day camp.

Let's up the numbers!

Responding From the Heart

Do you ever feel that you are just repeating the same thing over and over again? It may be in your home, business, or church.

Now we all need a certain amount of sameness but when there is "nothing new under the sun'" something is wrong because there is always something new to say, do, and think if we are inspired by God's heart.

Recently our president, Patty Cardona, got inspired to offer a new five week Academic Kids Camp. This started in June and runs into July for five weeks.
See Events.

She responded to the requests of parents who knew their children needed tutoring help. And Patty feeling moved in her heart prayed and talked to others and this new thing has happened and is happening as you read this. Children are receiving 16 hours per week of academic help. 

Patty recently received the Inspirational Leader Award from Second Harvest Food in California. Patty has been coming up with inspired ideas for some time like feeding 20 families a week at church and many others. But, an idea is only an idea until there is confirming action and this usually starts with one person who gets others to come alongside and take action. A true leader will be inspired and then be able to inspire others.

Programs should not be cookie cutter because one size does not fit all. From Chicago, I learned the importance of meeting the needs of the community and listening to what those needs are.

How can you break out to new things in your life, business or in church? In all those areas, we need INSPIRATION from a creator God who is infinitely creative. 

From personal experience, I say we do not get inspiration on our own because the world is so noisey and full of input, I believe we do need to unplug. Will the world end if I do not check my messages x numbe of times a day?

How To Unplug
Go for a walk early before work or listen to some calming music. Get alone and stay there for a few hours or days without input from others. Tune into God. Above all, after this, listen to your heart. The path will open for you. There are new things for you!

The really inspired visions and ideas will become in time visible works that bless others.

Summer is Here

Here we have seasons. Spring doesn't just become summer. There are dramatic changes. One day or week, it seems summer is almost arriving and then temperatures drop and we are back in almost winter again and again.

Rather like life, sometimes it seems that things are going along almost without changing but underneath, there are always currents of change. A bit like the current stock market.

So, what is this about? We like that the weather have seasons. There is nothing constant and that is why we need an anchor, a rock, beyond what we can see to keep us in peace whatever the season is. And the only constant is that if we have found the Rock of Our Salvation, we know who is in charge no matter what changes hit.

God is our hiding place. He is the rock and our refuge in a dry and weary place. Lately, I have been spending more time resting inside my rock and less time trying to figure it all out.

Just yesterday, suddenly, summer came. It was only a trip to the post office but people were enjoying the sun and wearing not only lighter clothes but more relaxed postures. I knew as sure as anything that summer was upon all of us. No more coats and boots or rain gear!

It is time to rejoice in the new season ahead. Be with family and friends. Enjoy a vacation or make one with a picnic at a park. Listen to more music.

Smile from the inside of your heart.

Waiting for Spring

Here in the Northwest, where we live now, we do much waiting for Spring which came late in April this year.

In winter, I look out at my raised flower bed and it may have some snow. There isn't much to see and yet I know that under that bed I have planted bulbs that one day, they will appear.

Nature seems to be saying this year that spring will never come with February snow almost every day followed by cold and rain in March into April.

I wait and wait because from my former life in California. I expected Spring to start sometime in late February. Here it does not. We have something called seasons. Winter is real, long, and trying at times, especially when I gaze out of my kitchen window.

Last fall, we planted more tulip bulbs and unlike California bulbs, I did not have to refrigerate them. And to tell the truth, my California tulips never made much of a garden inpact. But here, nature seems to smile on tulips. Even an amateur, can plant the ugly bulbs and see great results.

Tulips are a marvel here... a kind of resurrecfion in glorious colors. God speaks in what we see in front of us. There is winter and there is death. But after that, there is so much more. Now in Spring, I look out my window and see a blaze of tulips. It is beautiful that the dead of winter has produced the glory of this Spring.

Working Together Is Not Impossible

It is one thing to read about the city and quite another thing to be in the city for a week, in the midst of a group of Christians from many US cities and beyond focused on changing the areas of the city's under belly.

I was acquainted on other trips with the Michigan Ave Miracle Mile, with hotels, high end stores, and the river. That was all I knew, and it was there in a hotel 13 years ago that I got called to Chicago.

This trip in July 2018, I was at Moody Bible Institute in a different area.

It was an adventure to revisit, living in a dorm, going to lectures and taking notes from people who were out to change the situation of the poor. Not by writing a check or visiting once a year, but actively engaging in the problems of the inner city.

However, it was not an intellectual conference for me, but much more, as God let me to experience the pain and the problems first hand on a trip to the emergency room after a fall on the broken cement. I have written more details, in the newsletter which is on-line, so please take a minute to check it out.

One thing we still need to learn is how to work together between groups of churches, and to walk in love together tackling big problems with little actions. If we are one body in the city and see ourselves as part of the whole body of Christ, we can make big advances. There is much interference to say Christians from various churches can't work together. I know from experience that we can.

At Moody, it was as if many parts of the body came together from all over the world, and one of the most moving times was when I was able to take communion together.

We are called to be salt and light. Together even Chicago can be changed!

I was reminded this morning, God hears and keeps all of the prayers. He has them all before him in heaven. Not one is lost.

We may not see answers for years but do not give up on your prayers for larger issues. Go on an adventure for God. Pray for your city. Dare to find friends from other churches and release prayers together for the wounds of the city.

God allowed me to feel the pain for Chicago. This is the start of the work ahead and I trust the findings of these people who welcome hope and allow us to give the vision. Like bridges over the rivers, impossible things are enabled because our God is limitless and we need to love each other to know the adventure God has for each of us.

Remembering 2018 - Being Thankful

It is easy to be thankful when things are going well but what happens when things go very wrong?

In California, you have to evacuate your home because of fires or maybe lose a home you have lived in all your life as in Paradise, CA.

What is happening in California is unbelievable. An entire city of Malibu evaluated and homes gone up in flames. So many evacuated with little warning in other cities. The dense clouds of smoke over many cities. Fear on every side.

How can anyone be thankful in the midst of all these things? Only by the discipline of giving thanks to God in all circumstances. I don't think the first Thanksgiving was a pretty picture.

The people were only in survival mode and they were alive. Give thanks to God that they had food that day, and each other. Be Thankful.

If you know those who don't, express your Thanksgiving by giving to the poor. Serve food at a shelter. If you are rich, be aware that richness will fade away like a wild flower. What you have is temporary. Become a benefactor in a cause you believe in.

It is not what we are doing that counts: it is the hearts' attitude. The road to being a thankful person is tough but wherever you are you can start to change in this direction in 2019.

God's Love

God is after you. He knows where your story. He knows your deepest needs and longings and hurts. He knows you feel far away. BUT.....

His love is relentless. He does not want to punish you for the wrongs you have done. He wants to forgive you every single thing.

His love is relentless so in the baby Christ Jesus, Gods son, came from heaven to earth. He grew up and went about doing good. He had no sin but was punished by death on a cross. His blood poured down. His side was pierced.

In agony he cried out.....

"FATHER FORGIVE THEM FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO"

Jesus asked for your forgiveness for your sins from the cross. This is an amazing gift. No one else could give this gift because only God can forgive sins. When you get a wonderful, unexpected gift your only response is to say "THANK YOU! THANK YOU!"

Jesus came down from heaven to this dark, dirty and estranged world. GOD WAS IN CHRIST RECONCILING THE WORLD TO HIMSELF. Believe this and receive this and you will have the gift of peace inside you. This will be the proof of the Fathers forgiveness and acceptance of you.

THE THANK YOU PRAYER
Thank you God for sending Jesus Christ of Nazareth to us. Thank you that Jesus died on the cross shedding his blood for the forgiveness of all my sins. I thank you God that your love is relentless and I receive you Lord Jesus into my life trusting you to save me now.

Mary's Journey to Bethlehem

The pregnant woman, Mary, was much alone in those last days, waiting for the baby to be born. And yet she was not totally alone because the Lord was with her.

It had been an uncomfortable journey leaving Nazareth and coming to Bethlehem with Joseph. She was with a child. She felt the child move and it felt amazing. She was favored by the Lord to carry little Jesus.

She couldn't help but think about Elizabeth, her cousin, and wish she could be here with her. They were in a stable with animals where she heard the animals moved and how they smelled. However, in a way, they were a comfort in her situation.

She knew Joseph had watched her carefully, and he had been wonderful to her on the road as they moved with others on a trail. She did not ride on a donkey. They did not own one. She leaned on Joseph and knew he would carry her if necessary. He almost had to do that as they walked into Bethlehem and was looking for a place to sleep. 

At last, they came upon an inn, but there was no room for them except a stable. She heard the animals around her and was getting used to the smell.

She was here in this stable, a waiting place for her pregnancy days. She had an empty manger to use. When it was time, she would wrap the Holy Child in the cloths she had brought and placed him right there in the straw. Mary looked up and saw light.

Luke 2: 4-7

Influencers

At a trade show in September, I met a woman who was fostering a Junior High aged girl. As we talked I could sense her deep concern for how her daughter might be influenced by peers. Then she told me her daughter had recently been invited to a Young Life group at school.

I immediately had a flashback to when I went to Young Life in high school and could still picture our leader. Jim Skelton was an influencer for God who worked with hundreds of unchurched children and some who did go. There was live music, snacks and Jim gave a message from the Bible.

"I absolutely endorse your foster daughter going to this group," I said.

INFLUENCERS leave a long shadow. They remain in our hearts. I would like to say that it was at Young Life that I came to Christ. Two of my friends did. I wandered and floundered around for a good 10 years and it was a struggle to find my way. Maybe that is why I have such a heart for Lost Sheeps.

We know that the younger the children hear the message of who Jesus is the better. The light of the gospel has not gone out. The truth of scripture is solid and dependable.

Want to be an influencer? Get on board with children in your local church or connected with nonprofits working to give children hope and a future. Cast a long shadow from your life.

Charlie

First, a story of a real boy whom we shall call Charlie. Charlie is 8 years old. His family is poor. His Dad walked out recently and Charlie is angry. He lashes out at his mother who has lost her job and is home. He is in trouble at school.

This is not an unusual story. There are so many children lost in bad circumstances and having reactions all over. The situation in elementary schools here and elsewhere seems to get worse year by year.

Without intervention and good adult models, especially men for the boys, children will drift and rebel. They won't do well in school and by teen years they become a prime target for gangs who provide a "caring group" plus money for them. From that point on it is a downward spiral.

Drugs are insidious when used as a way of life. They destroy people and families. This week I chatted with a grandfather. He and his wife are raising the grandchildren because both of their daughters have been involved in drugs and still are. This man said IT'S AN EPIDEMIC!

WHAT CAN BE DONE? 
First, we believe we must address the problem early so we work with elementary children providing free camps and tutoring in the context of a local church and volunteers from the community.

We believe that we are to help the poor. That means the fat churches should look to the poorer ones and help. Rich Christians need to be rich in good deeds. Church doors need to be open to community needs.

A child who feels good at something is less likely to be swept away like scum.
Look at Charlie.
Who will care enough to be a big brother to him?
Who will see past the acting out to the scared kid underneath?
Who will mend a bike or pray for and listen to him?
Who will love him unconditionally?

Yes, this is hard. Yes, this may cost you. But, persevere in helping and caring and you and others will see change, we see this at camp as rebels change into leaders. See previous blogs..

The government can't fix Charlie.
You will.
We will.
We must be involved or we will see more drugs, more shootings in schools and more destroyed lives.

Get off the couch and do something where you are! You won't be doing this alone because God will be with you. Yes, He will. The longest step out is the small step of faith.