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.