Ephesians 3:20-21

Almost 75% there!!

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

To all 4,350 of my dearest, closest friends...

As of right now, I currently have 13% of the total amount I need to make it to India!

It may not seem like a lot, but I am STOKED! Everyone who has given so far, y'all are absolutely amazing, and I am so blessed by you!

As of four days ago, I had nothing. So this is truly incredible!

Any little bit counts!
If 87 people give $25, I will have reached my goal.
Or if 218 people give $10...
Or if 435 people give $5...
Or if 2,175 people give $1...
Or if 4,350 people give $.50!

I don't know if I have 4,350 friends... but let's find out!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

I love everysingleone of you.

"God is good, all the time."

I was stopped at a red light last Sunday, en route to church, probably absentmindedly singing a Christian song without really thinking about the words...

I noticed a homeless man with a cardboard sign walking down the line of stopped cars. Not an unusual sight in Nashville, unfortunately. But I was feeling charitable (and I had just gotten cash back at Publix), so instead of awkwardly trying to pretend like I didn't see him, I decided to roll down my window when the man came near my car.
[Side note: Someone should do a study on when people are most-likely to give to the homeless... I bet "on the way to or from church" would be one of the most common times.]

I know a lot of people believe you shouldn't give to "panhandlers," and they have logical reasons to back their beliefs... but honestly, what do I care about $2? That won't buy me a latte. (Pun intended.) And I'm admittedly naive; I like to think that not every person on the side of the road will spend their "earned" money on booze.

So, in my haze of feel-good pre-church charitability, I gave the man a whopping $2. His response is what made the encounter even memorable at all. He smiled and said "Thank you, young lady... God is good all the time!" Now, I'm used to hearing "God bless you" -- or something to that effect -- but I have never gotten this particular response before. And it made me think.


Wow, God IS good all the time!


Not only is he good, just in his very nature, but he also promises good things for us. Here is just a taste of the many verses that proclaim His goodness:

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming,

"The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God,

slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness,

maintaining love to thousands,

and forgiving wickedness,

rebellion and sin."

Exodus 34:6-7

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.
Psalm 100:5

It's the simple truths, the ones that I've heard time and again, that can absolutely come crashing over me sometimes. And this particular crashing-truth came from a man with likely nothing to his name but a piece of cardboard. I am immeasurably blessed. With all that I've been given, I want to bless others in whatever small ways I can. But most likely, as was the case last Sunday, I will only find myself doubly blessed in return.

Who knew that a sermon could come before the actual church service?



**Disclaimer: This story is not analogous with my India support-raising. If you donate $2 (which would be amazing!), you will not necessarily receive any form of spiritual wisdom, enlightenment, crashing-truth, etc.

Raising Love

“Let us more and more insist on raising funds of love, of kindness, of understanding, of peace. Money will come if we seek first the Kingdom of God - the rest will be given.”

These words came from Mother Teresa, lifelong missionary to the city of Kolkata, where I'll be going. So in my attempt to raise love, kindness, understanding and peace... here's a more personal look at the faces I will soon be seeing.

My pastor, Pete Wilson, made a trip to the Khalpar slum in Kolkata this past February. Follow these links to his blog to read the stories of two of the beautiful children I get to meet in four months...

The story of eight year old Bishal: "More Pastor Than I'll Ever Be"

The story of five year old Puja: "A Father To The Fatherless"

If you have the means to support me financially, anything you can give would be so much appreciated. (Read the previous post for details.) I have no doubt in my mind that God will provide.

Your prayers are very much coveted!

Love to all (and TGIF)!