Thursday, July 26, 2012

The Heat is On!

Source: Gospel for Asia
I've written very little this summer on the blog. Sorry about that. I've been busy and have had a lot on my mind (and heart). God has been working on me -- to have a heart for others. Not that I'm an insensitive person, but I do need to work on loving people the way Jesus loves them. That is hard to do and even harder to put into action.

So, even while I work, garden, paint the bedroom, or sweat (it was 98 today), I'm praying and thinking about how to love others better. I finished reading The Hole in the Gospel and I'm reading back issues of newsletters from Gospel for Asia (organization that my sponsor child is with) and I'm learning the needs of people (instead of looking the other way).

One thing I read about tithing really struck a cord. If every person tithed what the Bible said they should (10%) then there would be no world hunger. The problem is the distribution of wealth. Here in America if you make $30,000, you are wealthier than 95% of the world's population. If you make $50,000, you are 99% wealthier. Wow! 

So, as the summer heats up, my mind/heart does too. I pray that I will respond as God wants me to and that I will grow like Christ to love and help others.

Sunday, July 15, 2012

In Memory of Carolyn Welsh

Just found out during church that my friend's mother passed away last night. Our praise team played this song this morning and it was perfect.  
We'll see you again, Carolyn. In heaven.

Friday, July 13, 2012

Creation Fest Poem


I went to Creation Fest and wanted to capture the experience in a poem. Here goes:

Creation Fest 2012
By Dawn M. Hamsher

sea of tarps (with some still sleeping)
Nestled in a mountain valley
80,000 of my closest friends
Melt in the summer heat as
Dust rises from shuffling feet

Morning openings start off with
a sea of blue tarps stretched out
waiting for owners to straggle in
for worship

As the day heats up, so do the speakers
They yell to get their message across
Passionately telling us to share the gospel
“Who will tell them, if we don’t?”

So many teenage girls and boys
Silently scream for attention
“Free Hugs”, chicken, gorilla, & banana suits
Who are they seeking?

The bands at Main Stage are varied.
Crowder, Kye Kye, Newsboys, Red
I can feel God’s presence in them
It is good and I lift my hands to praise him.

We held our own communion at camp
Main Stage (during break)
Washing each other’s hands, we whispered prayers,
Broke the bread and drank the juice
As Toby Mac played in the distance

Morning tent showers and porta-potties
Sweat dripping down your back
Campfire, cards, hammocks, mountain pies
…A Wilderness experience

And through the Fest, God was there
Waiting for us to turn to him, to seek him.
I wonder what each person got out of Creation.
Just a good time or something holy?

 

Monday, July 9, 2012

I'm in a Turquoise Mist

My blog posts aren't churning out as I had hoped for this summer. Neither is my book revision (stalled on scene 32). Guess I'm just going to go with the summertime flow.

So far, I volunteered for Vacation Bible School, went to Creation Fest with our youth group (rewarding, but brutal heat), and now I'm in the thick of painting my daughter's bedroom (her birthday gift) in a 90 degree room (I'll just sweat off those extra pounds).

Turquoise Mist - Wall Color & Turquoise Tint - Trim Color
 How do you like her room colors? She picked them herself. She's turning the big 13!

How is your summer coming along? Is it going the way you planned?


Monday, July 2, 2012

Free e-Book!


My blogging pal, Chautona Havig is giving away one of her e-books -- Shadows & Secrets 
for a limited time. Check it out!