nothing to say saturday

I don't have many words for today...

Except that I was caught of guard at the simple beauty found during my walk today.

mr. sun

The winter is leaving us with a little to no sunshine.
Hoping to see at least a little this weekend...
And while most people would call the above weeds...I call them beautiful.

good mornings

 

Guaranteed. Every Morning.

Makes my morning

start out just right.

the little things in life

It's been snowy. And cold. And I'm very close to being done with this whole 'winter' thing. The other morning Dan cleaned off & started my Jeep for me before I left for work. So naturally, I returned the favor with a little love.

dave & jenny

dave and jenny...

They have a wild story, and an even more amazing love for each other. I was honored when Dave contacted me about taking their engagement photos this past summer. It had only been 10 years since Dave and I were walking the halls of high school together, so there was just a little catching up to do. 

I can't wait to see where life takes this amazing couple, cheers Dave & Jenny!

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving

You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving 

(Amy Carmichael)

Amy Carmichael was born in Ireland and lived from 1867-1951. She devoted her life to loving others and serving God as a missionary throughout Japan & South India. She worked specifically with rescuing girls who had been forced into prostitution.

Back in the 1920s, Amy rescued hundreds of orphaned children -- especially little girls that would be dedicated to Hindu gods for use in sexual temple rituals. By God's wonderful grace, some had miraculously escaped from such pagan slavery and were led to the Irish "mother" who lovingly cared for each child God sent her.

In 1931 she prayed, “God, please do with me whatever you want. Do anything that will help me to serve you better.”

That same day, she fell, suffering fractures that would cripple her for the rest of her life.  Not one to be discouraged or bitter when faced with pain or persecution, Amy now had the opportunity to demonstrate God's faithfulness before a much larger "host" of witnesses. While her growing children had continual freedom to enter her bedroom and share their hearts with their beloved "mother," she now had the quiet times that allowed her to write books, poems, and letters that were translated and shared around the world. (text found here)

This horrific epidemic of child trafficking and sex slavery still goes on today.

After drug dealing, human trafficking (both sex trafficking and trafficking for forced labor) is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. 

The Bible clearly speaks of us giving a voice to the oppressed. Giving a voice to the people who don't have one.

Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. (proverbs 31:8-9)

At Passion2011 they had a goal of raising $45,000 to fund 10 rescue operations to fee sex slaves in the Philippines. Each operation frees 15 women.

At Passion 2011 there was enough money raised to fund 29 rescue operations, that's 435 girls rescued. 

That's 435 lives saved. 

435 lives redeemed from the pit. 

435 lives freed from the yoke of slavery and abuse. 

These girls and women are given counseling, training to find a job and restoration. 

They are given their life back.

To learn more about how you can be a part of the movement to end human trafficking, check out:

Not For Sale

International Justice Mission

passion2011 part 2

Because I don't feel like writing today...here is more from our recent trip to Atlanta...

Gungor

Two sessions with Beth Moore...a-ma-zing.

Passion2011 wasn't just about speakers and music...but about doing something now about the poverty and injustice around the world. As Passion puts it...Though none of us alone can tackle the massive injustice and poverty that shatters so many, together we are a force for good that exponentially increases our opportunity to life those in need. 

Goal: $75,000 for 15 wells in villages in India

Given: 24 wells

Goal: Feed 1,000 at risk children in South Africa for one year 

(this comes out to a grand total of $50,000 needed. $50 feeds one child for one year)

Given: enough money was donated to feed 2,225 children in South Africa for an entire year

Our group of 11 was able to donate enough money to feed 8 children for an entire year...we prayed for the children and then wrote messages to them on the red bowls that they use to eat

Rescue & Restore Women from Human Trafficking

Goal: Restoration and a future for 10 girls trapped in sex slavery in Bolivia at a cost of $36,000

Given: enough money to rescue and restore 22 girls

Homes for Haiti

Goal: raise enough money to build 15 homes in Haiti at $54,000

Given: enough money was raised to build 39 homes in Haiti

Beneath the Acacia Tree

My sister in law has a gift, as I mentioned in this post, she has a passion for writing, adoption, and a slight obsession with this yummy green tea. With three children, two more on the way from Ethiopia, and two dogs, this family of five (soon to be seven) is living for Jesus in beautiful ways.

I was honored when she asked me to take some shots of her for an upcoming project for RedBook Magazine. Below are some of my favorites from the day. Oh, and don't forget to check out her blog: www.beneaththeacaciatree.com

And because we couldn't pass up the opportunity to grab AJ for a couple shots...

Passion2011-part 1

After 27+ hours of driving, seeing the Georgia Peach drop at midnight on NYE, too many laughs to count, not nearly enough hours of sleep, and some much needed time with Jesus, my body is exhausted but my soul is full and overflowing with thankfulness for His grace. Our lives were rocked by none other than Jesus.

Yes Lord, walking in the way of your truth we wait eagerly for you, for your Name and Renown are the desires of our soul.

Isaiah 26:8

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy

Psalm 31:9