Thirty for 30!: Host a Lingerie Shower

Today has been one of those truly great days. Life's been fun and relatively easy and occassionally exciting in all directions. I was just telling Ginger about it, and her response to all this awesomeness was so clever. She said, "Go buy panties!" This may not make any sense at all to you, but to me, it makes perfect sense. Somewhere along the way, my friends and I began celebrating life's little achievements by purchasing new underwear. Sometimes, for small just normal happy days, you buy your own. But, for big, life-changing achievements others buy them for you. It's super fun. The truth is I think all women like to have new things, especially when it's something that's REALLY just for you. :-)

Now, I'll let you in on a little secret about me. I hate hearing the word "panties" said in public. I don't know why. I just do. It sounds wrong and awkward, particularly if it's a man saying it. This goes a long way back with me, and you're not likely to change it. That really wasn't necessary information for this post, just something I felt like sharing today.

So, today's idea is about panties. Well, really it's about all kinds of underwear and feminine products. There, now you're just as uncomfortable as I am. You say "panties" to me the next time we meet, and I'll bust out the "feminine products" lingo on you.

I really do have a point.

Your local abuse shelters, refugee relocation offices, and homeless shelters probably have a need for these items. Why not get your friends together and host a "lingerie shower" to gather underwear, feminine products, and hygeine items? It's another excuse to party with a purpose!

Thirty for 30!: Seek Justice

Did you know?

Human trafficking is the world’s third largest criminal enterprise, after drugs and weapons. (U.S. Department of State)
• Worldwide, there are nearly two million children in the commercial sex trade. (UNICEF)
• There are an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 children, women and men trafficked across international borders annually. (U.S. Department of State)
• Approximately 80 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. (U.S. Department of State)
• The total market value of illicit human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion. (U.N.)

Did you also know?

• According to the United Nations Working Group on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, an estimated 20 million people were held in bonded slavery as of 1999.
• In 2004 there are more slaves than were seized from Africa during four centuries of trans-Atlantic slave trade. (Kevin Bales, Disposable People)
• In 1850 a slave in the Southern United States cost the equivalent of $40,000 today. According to Free the Slaves, a slave today costs an average of $90.
• Approximately two-thirds of today’s slaves are in South Asia. Human Rights Watch estimates that in India alone there are as many as 15 million children in bonded slavery.

"International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local governments to ensure victim rescue, to prosecute perpetrators and to strengthen the community and civic factors that promote functioning public justice systems."

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. ~ Micah 6:8

Thirty for 30!: Pray

As he closes his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should." He knew that the power of his ministry, even under persecution and imprisonment, was in the prayer of the church.

Today, prayer is still the way God chooses to empower His workers around the world. You and I can be actively involved in what He's doing worldwide by praying for His Name to be exalted and His will to be accomplished through the lives of brothers and sisters we've never met.

The International Mission Board offers a variety of email newsletters containing specific prayer requests for workers in a variety of regions. Adopt a country, pray daily for God to be made famous in that place, and enjoy seeing how He blesses your obedience.

Voice of the Martyrs is another incredible organization, helping to shed light on the plight of the persecuted church around the world as well as offering excellent suggestions for how to pray for these suffering saints.

I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ~ Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Thirty for 30!: Host a Baby Shower

This is one of my FAVORITE ideas! There are numerous crisis pregnancy centers (CPC) in our area working to give women real choices regarding an uplanned pregnancy. Volunteers and staff at these centers offer a variety of services including: free pregnancy tests, counseling, ultrasounds, support groups, prenatal supplies, maternity clothes, and newborn layettes. Contact a crisis center near you and find out how your Sunday School Class, Bible study fellowship, MOPS group, or Playgroup can help support their very important work. One really fun way to do this is to get a list of items they provide to expectant or new mothers, then throw a "baby shower" in honor of your local CPC, asking guests to bring new items to benefit these brave women. It's a wonderful way to party with a purpose!

Thirty for 30!: Eat at Chili's!

Today's post is a guest appearance by my friend and fellow blogger, Erin:

Hi Everyone,
Monday, September 29 is St. Jude Chili’s Day and Chili’s restaurants are donating ALL of their profits to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. I am incredibly blessed to work for an organization who has committed to raising $10 million in 10 years. In just TWO years, Tri Delta has already raised $7.5 million and worked in partnership with Chili’s to build the Chili’s Care Center, which includes an entire Delta Delta Delta Patient Care floor. The Tri Delta floor includes 18 new inpatient suites, parent rooms with full bathrooms, a family lounge, teen room, and child life play area. In the near future, Tri Delta is hoping to further our partnership with St. Jude, and build an entire Delta Delta Delta Building!
So, if you feel so inclined, PLEASE plan to have lunch or dinner at Chili’s on Monday and contribute to the cause!

Erin

Thirty for 30!: Eat Lunch on the Go

Don't act like it's not something you already do. You know you eat in a hurry, in your car half the time anyway. Now, you can actually have a good excuse for doing this. Meals on Wheels, Inc. of Tarrant County is an excellent way to donate an hour of your time each week and be a blessing to many! And, if you don't live in Tarrant County, I'm sure there's a meal delivery program near you that can bless! Here's my TOP 5 reasons to deliver meals:

1. This is a really simple way to make someone's day. You'll be blessed way more than you can even imagine being a blessing.
2. Show Meals on Wheels staff and case management team how much you appreciate the work they're doing every day to care for the elderly, homebound, and disabled in your community.
3. Lead by example. Demonstrate volunteerism to children, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.
4. Be part of something much bigger than yourself. You'll meet some of the most fun and interesting people through this organization.
5. Have great stories to tell. Trust me. Just trust me.

Thirty for 30!: Recycle

"The earth is the Lord's and everything in it,
the world and all who live in it." (Psalm 24:1)

I've come to believe that many American Christians don't like this verse, or maybe they just don't believe this verse because if they did like it and/or believe it, surely there would be a much broader push for the care and conservation of our natural resources. Think about it. The earth is the Lord's. He let's us live on it, enjoy all it has to offer, but we're only borrowers here.

What if I told you my friend let me borrow her car once. I drove it till it was empty, spilled a coke in the steering column, and left half of my tuna fish sandwich in an open baggie on the back dash to bake. And, last week when I asked to borrow her car again, she said, "sure!" :-\ You'd think my friend was an idiot, and I was a jerk.

Being conscientious caretakers of the Father's world is simply practicing good stewardship. Most of our cities have made recycling a breeze by providing seperate bins for us. If not, it's a minimal investment to purchase one yourself. Reducing excess water use, turning off lights, even purchasing rechargeable batteries are all simple ways to start. For more information visit this site or google "easy recyling."

Thirty for 30!: Clean Out Your Closets

You know you've been needing to do it for some time now. Today's the day! Clean. Out. Your. Closet. You've got clothes and shoes you haven't actually seen much less worn in YEARS. You've got coats -- more coats than we'll actually have cold spells this Texas winter. Clean. Them. Out. Why? Because there are people in your community who NEED them, not to decorate or clutter their closets, but to keep them and their families warm. If you want to know where to take your treasures, start here. Cornerstone Assistance Network in Fort Worth has a ministry that can put almost any of your items to good use. If we don't, I bet we know someone who does! Other agencies with whom you should check include Catholic Charities and World Relief.

Thirty for 30!: It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time

My boss is the director of the Cornerstone Community Center in Fort Worth, and he is absolutely full of wonderful ideas for community ministry. If you live nearby and need a community ministry consultant, I highly recommend him! Today's idea is one of his, and I think it's great! Jesse recommends involving children, as young as preschoolers, in a food drive for your local food pantry by hosting a peanut butter and jelly drive! Easier still is to tie a peanut butter and jelly drive/collection into your next children's ministry event. Make a jar of peanut butter or jelly the price of admission!

Thirty for 30!: Go Shopping

Today only, Coldwater Creek will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for every person who comes into a store and tries on clothing. They'll also donate 10% of your total in-store purchase today to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. And, if I do say so myself, shopping is way more fun than eating yogurt!

Thirty for 30!: Care for Orphans

So far, Thirty for 30! has offered you fairly simple challenges you can incorporate into your regular living. Today, I'm stepping it up a notch or two ... or fifty! You see, last Saturday at a church event, I was visiting with some women, and our conversation led to a discussion of the horror stories we'd heard about child welfare/foster care agencies. About the time one of my sweet friends exclaimed, "I just can't believe who they let be foster parents sometimes!" we were all struck with a sobering reality. If none of us was willing to take children into our home, what right did we have to complain about those who are willing?

Before my mom and dad have a heart attack, I need to pause right here and say that at this time, as a nearly-30 year old single woman, living on a very modest salary, I am not currently making plans to take in foster children -- not yet. So, Big Dave and Little Steph can return to their regularly scheduled breathing habits.

Now, some of you are in a more stable position and may just need to take a few minutes to read thoughtfully over the information provided here. I don't whether or not the Lord's calling you to become a foster parent, or just to get actively invovled in supporting the foster care system, but I think it's a valid question to ask yourself before you dismiss it entirely. I do know He's incredibly clear in his Word that true religion involves caring for orphans and widows . I'm just sayin ...

Thirty for 30!: Stay Up Late

What else are you gonna do on a Friday night? If you're within driving distance of Keller, Texas tonight, I highly recommend you make it out to Old Town Keller for a wonderful community event, the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. From 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., you'll have the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary lives of cancer survivors, remember those who fought bravely against the disease, and fight back with those who are currently doing battle. Join my friend Erika and the rest of the ACS team in Keller for this worthwhile event.

Thirty for 30!: Respond

Our church put out a plea via email today. It seems that the local shelters housing evacuees from the recent hurricane disasters are in need of men's socks and t-shirts in XL, XXL, and XXXL. The church will be collecting these items between now and Sunday.

If you live nearby and want to drop off some of these items, feel free, but that's not the point of this post. The point I want to make today is exactly what the title says, RESPOND.

It is entirely too often that we hear of a need, even a simple need like this one, but we do nothing. And, I'd guess that most often it's not because we don't care. We honestly just can't fathom being stranded in an unfamiliar city, unable to go home, in need of something as basic as socks and t-shirts, and if we were to really think about that happening to us or someone we know and love, the grief would be paralyzing. So, we do nothing.

Today's Thirty for 30! challenge is simply to respond. Commit to yourself that the next time you hear of a need that's within your reach, you'll respond.

Thirty for 30!: Meet Your Neighbors

Do you know who lives next door? How about across the street? If someone on your block needed a cup of sugar, would they knock on your door? More importantly, if they had a need for prayer or a question about spiritual matters, would they know to come to you? I googled a bit and discovered that most "neighborhood ministries" are geared toward looking out of for the impoverished and disenfranchised. I absolutely support that, but not to the exclusion of our literal neighbors.

Acts 1:8 is our church's theme for ministry this year. It says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The idea of this passages seems to be that our witness begins with those closest to us and expands from there.

This one always gets me. You see, I don't know my neighbors. I've met the guy next door once. I've waved at the family across the street a couple of times. I received a mean note on my car once about parking on the wrong side of the street from one of them, but it was typed and unsigned. I'm not sure who did that. :-\

So, my goal this next year is to meet my neighbors, to pray for them, to pray with them, to let it be known that my home is a place of prayer and their needs and concerns and questions about faith are welcome here in hopes that it just might make a difference.

If you're wondering about what to do once you've introduced yourself, www.meettheneighbors.org offers some good suggestions.

Thirty for 30!: Ride Your Bike

Last week I got schooled by a 79 year old man on a bicycle! I was finishing up my ride for the day, struggling in my last mile coming up to the house when a white bearded man on a gorgeous performance bike pulled up next to me and my wal-mart speed racer. After a gentle lecture about always traveling with water, he proceeded to ride alongside me, visiting about bike riding, his 9 years' experience riding for Team in Training, and how this year's ride in Tucson will likely be his last. "Why?" I wondered allowed -- that whole nosy thing, you know. I seriously about wrecked my bike when he answered, "Well, at 79, I figure I'll have to stop sometime, and this year, I'm actually starting to feel the strain of training." Wow!
It'll be a while before me and my Walmart special are ready for 109 miles around Tucson, but on October 18, there's a more local opportunity to support a great cause. Tour de Cure is a bike ride around Texas Motor Speedway benefitting the American Diabetes Association. And, they've got events going on around the country! Check them out!

Thirty for 30!: Increase Your Vocabulary

I love words. I can't help it. I just do. There are few things in life more satisfying than finding the right word to accurately communicate an idea. That's why I love www.freerice.com. It's an online vocabulary quiz, and the prize for each correct answer is a donation of 20 grains of rice made through the UN World Food Program. And, if you miss a word, you're provided with the correct answer and an opportunity to keep playing!

Thirty for 30!: Eat Yogurt

While cleaning the kitchen Saturday morning, my roommate produced a plastic sandwich baggie that held a spoon and several foil tops from the yogurt she takes to work for lunch most days. I thought it odd that the foil tops were coming back to the house, so I asked what she was doing with them. "I'm washing them," she replied matter of factly, as though that should be obvious. Indeed, she was running them under the faucet, so I guess I could have figured that one out, but the bigger question in my mind was WHY? So, being the nosy roommate that I am, I continued my probing into her strange behavior. That's when I discovered she was planning to mail them back to Yoplait because they'll donate 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer research foundation, for each one she sends them. Frankly, I'm a lot more likely to just get online and make an online donation than to save and wash and mail yogurt lids, but I admire her dedication to doing what she can to make her breakfast/lunch treat count. And, we do consume a lot of yogurt in this house. I wonder how many labels we can come up with in the next few weeks!

[YOOJ]

Two years ago this week, I embarked on a journey that has been my most joyful yet. There were three of us in my den the first night that "Refuge" met, and Erin led us through a study of Psalm 1. I remember praying with those girls, committing to God that we would be faithful to meet and grow together even if He didn't choose to add to our number. And, I believe we would have felt blessed if that's how He'd seen fit to do things, but none of us could have imagined the greater blessing He had in store for us as He added to our numbers over the next two years.

We call ourselves [YOOJ] from the phonetic spelling of the word refuge: 1. shelter or protection from danger, trouble 2. a place of shelter, protection, or safety 3. anything to which one has recourse for aid, relief, or escape.

It's because of these women that the description of the church in Acts 2 makes sense to me. Thinking about [YOOJ] and the way they love one another is the only time I can even begin to get my mind around it! Acts 2:42-47 says, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

A Costume Party, October 2006


Amber's Wedding, March 2007


Serving lunch at CCWJC, May 2007


Erin's Birthday, May 2007


Steph's Engagement Party, May 2007


Black and White Night Out, August 2007


Costume Party, October 2007


At and EFC Concert, November 2007


Roadtrip!, August 2008


All Dressed Up, August 2008


Breakfast at IHOP, September 2008


Stephanie's Wedding, September 2008

What's God Been Teaching You Lately?

Today I received an email asking me to be prepared to share "What God's Been Teaching Me Lately" at staff devotion time tomorrow morning. It's a simple request without a simple answer. I think I'll narrow it down to just one before tomorrow morning (for the sake of ALL involved), but for now, I have compiled a TOP 10 list, and I'd ask you to contribute your own lessons, too.

1. God is making Himself known in my life as the Great Redeemer, one who does not waste a thing but is willing to use all things for His glory and our good.
2. An unexpected theme in my life over the last eight months has been God as Rescuer, mighty to save. He comes quickly when we call to Him!
3. The Law of the Harvest. I will spend more time on this one soon, I promise. "Those who sow in tears shall DOUBTLESS come again rejoicing, carrying their sheaves with them!"
4. Boiling Frogs continues to be a theme, particularly as I am reading through I Kings right now. We must not allow the culture around us to determine the standard for personal holiness.
5. Rescue and Redemption are worth the wait. Those who wait on the Lord will not be disappointed.
6. God is good ALL the time. In every circumstance. Despite any "evidence" to the contrary. Right now. Today. Where I am. In all that I've been given and in every thing I've been denied. He is good.
7. God's love is perfect; it does not fail. I don't ever have to wonder if He's made a mistake this time.
8. Jesus is better. No matter what competes for my attention, the good things and the bad things, Jesus is better.
9. Don't just stand there; make a difference! Regret isn't just for the things we shouldn't have done. It's also for the things we should have done but didn't.
10. Tear down the "high places." God desires our undivided devotion, and He does not settle for anything less.

Labor Day Weekend = Family Fun

Friday night we had a family dinner at Jaclyn and Danny's house. Jaclyn's got mad enchilada makin' skills!

Then, Big Dave set up the Wii. Here's Gina in the process of sending Danny down for the count!

Gina, Travis, and I enjoyed a nice lazy visit on the couch before dinner. It's always fun to laugh together!

Grant is such a sweet boy. We got a kick out of his pointing game with Nana.

Donna and Travis went head to head on Wii Ski!

No Horton Family Gathering is complete without a little posing. Here are "The Three D's and Nana".

And, of course, the Mothers and Daughters. Aren't we colorful?

Mom and Me

Daddy LOVED posing for this one! ;-)

We just needed Jill and Daisy to make this one complete!

Nana and all 8 of her siblings were together on Saturday!

Jax and Lester getting acquainted :-)

Sweet Grant was easily entertained anytime there was a ball to chase.

Daddy enjoying some of John's YUMMY ribs!

Is it any wonder Jax was all tuckered out???