Salvation Army Adventures Part 1

Today was a tough day at work for me. Thank goodness it was a short day and I got to leave at 3:00, I needed to get away!

I called 9-1-1 today. I am not going to say that I had to and now that I go over and over the scenario in my head I really wish I would not have. Not because I got in trouble or anything but, because I really believe that I could have dealt with the situation SO much better.

Without further adieu here is what happened:

Captain T was in his office with the door shut talking to a relatively insane lady. My coworker and I were in my office counting money when this gentlemen comes in. Now, we know this guy...he has come in before and the only way I know how to explain it is that he gives off a really creepy vibe. He is homeless although you would never be able to tell because he keeps himself very clean and presentable. Previous employees have warned me about him as he tends to come in and sit in the lobby of the Corps. and stare at you through the window making you very uncomfortable.

So, anyway he comes in and asks if he can use the bathroom. If it was just me he was asking I would have let him use the bathroom without issue. I tend to do whatever I can to appease someone just long enough for them to get what they want and hopefully get out. But, my coworker decided to implement the lose policy we have about not allowing the public to use our restrooms. We have had issues with people using the bathrooms and vandalizing etc. Needless to say he did not take this information well and proceeded to become angry. He said that he goes to church here sometimes, which he does, and that he has talked to Capt. T, which he has and why is it that we cannot allow him to use the bathroom? He then asked to speak to Capt. T very upset that we were not allowing him the access he felt that he was entitled to. We told him that Capt. T was in a meeting right now and that if he wanted to talk to him he would have to wait for him. He was more than willing to wait for him while standing in the middle of my office door way disgusted by our bathroom policy. Of course he had time to wait, what else was he going to do?

I asked him if he would like to have a seat in the lobby and wait for Capt. T but he responded that he would rather stand in the doorway. My coworker then told him that we were counting money and that he really did need to go and wait in the lobby for security purposes. He did so begrudgingly and then proceeded to intimidate me by staring at me through the window while making faces. I stared back, not backing down! He was very belligerent and angry and I was pissed and a little scared. I looked at my coworker and said I think I am going to call the police. She agreed and I dialed. I did tell him I was going to call the police and he LOVED that! The police came escorted him away and that was that.

What I am having a problem with is this guy was really intelligent. Almost like one of those people that is SO smart that he cannot have a 'normal' life. He was saying, while waiting for the police, if calling the police is something Jesus would have done. I thought about this and thought that there might have been a few occasions that if the 9-1-1 option was there, Jesus might have called! Needless to say I had to question whether calling the police was necessary and would Jesus have called the police. He called my Christianity into question and thought that I should be fired because what kind of Christan calls the police on someone who wants to use the bathroom?

So, I have been wrestling all day about it and feeling bad and convicted. That is why I am working at the Salvation Army to reach out to people just like him and what do I do to minister...call the police and have him escorted off the property. What a dummy I am!

Doing the Most Good

Most of the people at work take issue with the slogan of The Salvation Army, "Doing the Most Good." They don't like it and think that it sounds pretentious. What are your thoughts of the slogan?

 

Later, I will fill you in on the meaning behind it and then we can discuss again! 

My New Mantra

Preach The Gospel At All Times And, If Necessary, Use Words

~ St. Francis of Assisi

The Paradoxical Commandments

People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered.

Love them anyway.

If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.

Do good anyway.

If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies. 

Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. 

Do good anyway.

Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.

Be honest and frank anyway.

The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds.

Think big anyway.

People favor the underdogs but follow only top dogs.

Fight for a few underdogs anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.

Build anyway.

People really need help but may attack you if you do help them.

Help people anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

~Dr. Kent M. Keith

3 Books I am EXCITED to Read

In his life-changing book, Fields of the Fatherless, Tom Davis shines a bright light on the true meaning of living out the gospel. His much - needed message reminds us of the urgency and frequency with which God commands His people to care for those who desperately need provision and protection. Based on a wealth of vital but often overlooked Scriptural truth, this book is sure to surprise, challenge, empower, and ultimately bless you. 

The Revolution consists of 12 chapters, each written by a different Christian author on a different social justice issue. Topics include hunger, torture, gang violence, and human trafficking, among others. The essays are not only meant to inform, but also to motivate, and they do just that. The Revolution provides a valuable resource for those who are thinking and praying about how best to do the work we are put here to do. 

The Relevant Nation tells the stories of 50 visionaries under the age of 40 who are living influential, active, and passionate lives grown out of their Christian faith. In a series of conventional profiles, the book examines innovators from the worlds of art and entertainment, science and technology, business and social justice. The stories will inspire you to take risks, serve others with greater passion and embrace an influential and fulfilling life. 

MUD RUN!!

My trainer told me about this race and it sounds SO much fun! It is such a popular race that they have three races that take place on three consecutive days and all of them for this year are sold out! I will be doing this next year...do I have any takers to do it with me!? It is in San Diego so if nothing else we would have a great time in a sunny local. 

Here is the description of the race: 

This is the World Famous Mud Run! The Mud Run is a challenging 10K run with hills, tire obstacles, river crossings, two 5-foot walls with mud on both sides, tunnel crawl, slippery hill climb, and the final 30-foot mud pit. Along the course there will be 6 water points with personnel staged at each. This is the most fun you can have running a 10K! View the course map at www.camppendletonraces.com. Race individually military or civilian, within your age division, or as a member of a 5-person team. Choose the Open category with no restrictions on attire and footwear, or the Boots and Utilities category, which requires regulation military boots and camouflage utility trousers. Please note: there is a 2 hour 45 minute time limit on the completion of the course.

Adoption Tales

After much prayer and consideration Phil and I have decided to proceed forward with the adoption process. It is a lengthy process and we decided it would be best to finally start now! We have always talked about wanting to adopt as there are so many kids out there that need loving homes. We are very excited and apprehensive and would really appreciate all your prayers and support. 

I have felt prompting and a desire to adopt from Haiti. I don't really know why Haiti but I am listening to the Holy Spirit and believe that is where Phil and I are to focus our efforts. So, here are just a few things I will be praying for: 

~I pray for the mothers in Haiti about to give birth to children they cannot care for. 

~I pray for the child who will be placed in a foster care facility awaiting adoption. 

~I pray for the foster care employees who will be caring for these children. 

~I pray for the families that will welcome these kids into their homes and love them as their own. 

I am sure I will have more to come and I will keep everyone posted!! Thanks again in advance for all your prayers and support! 

Board Meeting

My first official board meeting was a success! It was not as 'bad' as I thought it would be and dare I say it was actually FUN. I'm so proud of our little church...we have great visions and goals that focus on meeting peoples' needs in our community and beyond. I love the discussion of how we can be of service to others and even more so I love being apart of a church in which that is the main priority. 

Here are a few things we came up with as a way to utilize our building to it's fullest potential: 

• Free Medical Clinic
• Emergency Foster Care Facility 
• Sick Child Care Facility (I just added this one, my Dad's suggestion)
• Non-Profit office space rentals

I think we have a great list started! Remember Mosaic started with a hope and a prayer and look at it now! I am excited for the future and how we can SHOW the love of Jesus to people. Keep us in your prayers as we begin this journey. 

Emergent Book Club

Who: Heidi, Christa, Holly, Mom, Diane, Jen, Bree, Mark and anyone else who might be interested!  

What: We will start off the book club by reading unChristian by David Kinnaman & Gabe Lyons

When: Mark your calendars for Monday, June 23rd @ 7:00pm

Where: Hillary's house! Okay, I am not going to post my address here online for all the world to see...if you are not familiar with where I live just ask me or any one listed above. Food and beverages will be provided!  

15 Things I Love About My Mom

Happy Mother's Day Mom!! I love you so much! 

1. Even though I am 28 years old she still takes care of me when I am sick...and I would have it NO other way. She knows exactly how to make me feel better! 

2. She is hilarious and very witty. I would often find a Ken doll placed in precarious places and positions throughout the house. 

3. She has always been supportive of me even though I know it was difficult. I am sure it was not easy to watch her youngest daughter get on an airplane by herself and fly halfway across the world!

4. She has put up with my dad for 43 years even though I am sure it was not always easy. 

5. She is very forgiving. I have given her a lot to forgive along the way. 

6. One year she made the cutest bunny cake for my sister's birthday. Licorice whiskers and all!

7. She is always my cheerleader, encouraging me even when I'm horribly unrealistic.

8. She still holds my hand in church. 

9. She helps me plant my flowers because I am helpless in the area of gardening. 

10. She helps me whenever I need her, no questions asked. I call her up and say I need a favor and her response is NEVER negative. If she can do it she will...no matter what. 

11. She really gets the Gospels and lives them out everyday. 

12. She loves to play hidden object games on the computer. 

13. Her perseverance in times of struggle is inspiring. 

14. She loves the Seattle Mariners even when they suck! 

15. She has shown me what unconditional love looks like. 

Socially Responsible Investing

I have been reading some books on investing lately...I would like to 'retire' at some point! During my research I was so happy to come across the Corporate Responsibility Officer. This website lists the 100 best companies that combine business objectives with responsible practices across eight categories: environment, climate change, human rights, employee relations, corporate governance, lobbying, philanthropy and financial performance. I have included the top 10 companies listed on the CRO website: 

1. Intel
2. Eaton Corp.
3. Nike Inc.
4. Deere & Co.
5. Genentech Inc.
6. Corning Inc.
7. Humana Inc.
8. Bank of America Corp.
9. ITT Corp.
10. PG&E Corp.

So, not only can we make changes in our everyday lives to combat negative social issues, we can invest in companies that make it a priority to do the same. I think it is exciting that we can integrate the missional lifestyle in everything we do...nothing is off limits! I plan on adding some of these companies to my portfolio and hope that you consider doing the same. 

Good News Garage

Talk about ushering in the Kingdom of God on Earth! Love this idea!

Question

Can you name your church practices that were once infused with life and purpose but today have no intrinsic relationship to faith, are devoid of meaning, and separate you from your mission? 

Dreams, Hopes & Hesitations

I have a dream, a very lofty dream but a dream all the same. I have confessed this goal of mine to a few people and now I am putting it out there for the multitudes...possibly as a way to keep me accountable and also as a way to get information about what the heck I am getting into, in case anyone might know. 

So, what is this goal you may be asking yourself? If you can't tell by the picture to the left...I would LOVE to open, run and work at a free medical clinic! I have been thinking and praying about this for about 3 years.  I am excited, scared and hesitant about the possibility of this becoming reality. Despite my fears and hesitation I really feel that I need to make it happen.  

I am lucky enough to attend a church that supports and encourages these lofty dreams. In fact, they have had a few of their own that have come to fruition. It gives me hope and I know God has placed me here in this place for a reason. 

I ask my faithful blog readers (all 2 of you) to please pray with me about this. Keep me accountable through this process. I have included a LINK to a story of a woman that has accomplished something similar. It is very inspirational. 

 I also need to name the free clinic, I think naming it will inspire the process even further. I am taking suggestions! 

Atheist

I am an atheist when it comes to the god of violent jihad.

I am an atheist when it comes to the lord who converts by the sword.

I am an atheist when it comes to the mission of politicians using religion as ammunition. 

I believe in you - the artist of trees and galaxies

I believe in you - the poet of oceans and rivers and streams

I believe in you - the god of compassion who calls us to action

I believe in you

I believe in you - majestic designer of space and time

I believe in you - composer of beauty and music of life

I believe in you - the holy forgiver and wild reconciler

I believe in you

I am an atheist to the gods of the greedy ignoring the needy.

I am an atheist to the gods who make others torture and suffer

I am an atheist when it comes to the view of the chosen few, who judge and condemn all who differ them. 

I believe in you - mighty in meekness and gentle in power

I believe in you - the word who has spoken good news to the broken

I believe in you - transcending mystery, with us in history

I believe in you

~ words written by Brian McLaren and Aaron Strumpel

This song was introduced to me while attending the Everything Must Change conference two weekends ago. I was hesitant about it at first and then the words really started to penetrate. I have to say that I really like this song. I don't think we will be singing it at church any time soon but I often sing it in my head quite a bit. I especially like to sing it when I hear about a certain "christian" church sponsoring a rally against homosexuals in my neighborhood! ARG!!!

Happy Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day I have come up with a list, with some help from Bree, of 10 things we can do today to help our planet! So, lets get started!!!

1. Paper or Plastic? Neither!! Get in the habit of taking reusable bags to the grocery store. I keep several in my car just so I do not forget. Saves the trees and the landfills plus some stores, Whole Foods, actually gives you a credit for using reusable bags. It's a win, win!!

2. Replace regular light bulbs with the energy efficient variety. It costs more to purchase but you will get a good return in the long run. They last longer and obviously use less energy therefore making your energy bill lower. Another win, win!

3. Don't buy any more bottled water! Instead start using reusable water bottles as well as reusable coffee mugs.

4. Switch cleaning products to ones that are Earth friendly. You can even make your own cleaning products with water, vinegar and baking soda. I have not done that yet but it seems like a good plan!

5. Compost! To learn how to compost visit www.howtocompost.org

6. Stop the insane amount of junk mail!! You can sign up to stop junk mail at www.dmachoice.org/mps

7. Clean the lint traps in your dryer after every load. Your dryer uses an insane amount of energy as is so, by reducing the lint we can reduce some energy consumption. If Earth friendliness doesn't get you maybe this will, a linty dryer filter is a fire hazard! Yes, I am the wife of a firefighter!

8. Use rain bins to water plants and grass. This was Bree's suggestion and a great one at that! Simply have your down spout empty into some bins to collect that water and save for later.

9. Support local growers and buy fruits and vegatables that were produced locally. Saves the cost in transport plus, it is way better than fruit and vegetables picked prior to becoming ripe. Yes, a win, win!!

10. Switch your shower heads to a 'low flow' type. Save water ladies when you take that 20 min. shower!

Just in the span of about 1 hour this list was created...but the ramifications of putting this list into action will last a lifetime!! Does anyone else have suggestions?

Here We Go

All right! I am trying this whole thing again...hopefully I will be more diligent with it this time. Maybe I need some help from my blogging friends to keep me accountable. I now have to think of some 'smart' stuff to say. Expect the next post soon!