compassion for the needy

It's been a while since I posted one of the "John Stott Daily Thoughts", but I thought this one was especially interesting [emphasis mine].

The mission of Jesus
The mission of Jesus was a mission of compassion. The words *mission* and *compassion* should always be bracketed; indeed almost hyphenated, so closely do they belong to one another.

Again and again we read in the gospels that Jesus 'was moved with compassion' -- now by the leaderless or hungry crowds, now by the sick, now by a single leprosy sufferer, now by a widow who had lost her only child.

What aroused his compassion was always human need, in whatever form he encountered it. And out of compassion for people in need he acted. He preached the gospel, he taught the people, he fed the hungry, he cleansed the leper, he healed the sick, he raised the dead.

All this was part of his mission. He had not come to be served, he said, but to serve (Mk. 10:45). Of course the climax of his self-giving service was his atoning death, by which he secured our salvation. Nevertheless, his mission of compassion was not limited to this, because human need is not limited to this.

He was sent to serve, and his service was adapted with compassionate sensitivity to human need.

--From 'The Biblical Basis for Declaring God's Glory', in "Declare His Glory Among the Nations", ed. D. M. Howard (Downers Grove: IVP, 1977), p. 54.
----------------------------------------------------
--Excerpted from "Authentic Christianity", p. 320, by permission of InterVarsity Press.

Christ's death on the cross may have been the climax of his earthly ministry, but it is the beginning of God's ministry to us today. Maybe better said is that it's the beginning of our awareness of God's ministry to us today.

Since "every good and perfect gift is from above..." (James 1:17) and God "knit me together in my mother's womb" (Psalm 139:13) surely we owe thanks to Him alone for all compassions we have ever received, even before we knew they came from Him.

That God lovingly bestows "other" compassions is CRITICAL to our very lives. We need EVERYTHING from God, not just the cross; Christ's sacrifice is the conduit through which we are able to receive it...and does not lessen our need for other expressions of God's compassion toward us.

I submit that a generous portion of Christians wouldn't say that we don't believe "other" compassions are critical, but we often demonstrate it by how we go about our daily lives, saying "thanks for my salvation...I'll be on my way to work out the rest of my life now" with every step.

I am chief among the guilty.

good things

Spending somewhere between 18 and 20 hours a day in the hospital over the last 2 weeks has made me thankful for lots of good things* in my life (and my family's life):

• the unknowable love of my parents
  
• the ability to know the love of Christ which supasses knowledge
  
• precious friends that give me gifts I'll never deserve
  
• gifts that turn into blessings for others
  
• a fresh bottle of water after a long and wearying flight, and someone thoughtful enough to have it waiting for me
  
• the best home-cooked beef stew on earth, without asking for it
  
• dialysis - it's a good thing!
  
• love, joy, peace, patience, kindness
  
• pesto sauce
  
• cooking for more than 1 person
  
• lazy days on the sofa watching TV
  
• the daily grind of a routine
  
• being the only girl on a flight from Texas (that departed on GO TEXAN DAY) that emerged from international arrivals geared up in her boots and her hat - and not giving a single thought to what the locals must have thought
  
• Alexander Graham Bell
  
• international phone cards
  
• flowers
  

*This list is by no means exhaustive.

leavin' on a jet plane...

Two weeks and a day after jetting home to be with my mom while she's been in the hospital, I'm finally heading back to not-so-sunny England. It's amazing to me that a foreign land has become home (don't hate, Greg), comfort, routine, and the only place I want to be right now.

However, just as I've been finally been 'hitting my stride' in London...I've noticed a tendency when I'm in Houston to cling to my country roots. Let me explain. I'm a city girl through and through, but I grew up on 80s country music. The rule in the car was "driver's choice", and even when I was old enough to drive, my mom still insisted on country when she was in the car. At the time, I professed to hate it. However, for the last two weeks, about 95% of the time I've been in the car, the radio has been on COUNTRY MUSIC. Now, I grew into an acceptance of country music several years ago...but a lot of my recent listening has been to the "classic country" radio station. WHAT?!

AND...I bought new boots and a new hat while I've been here. Call it retail therapy. Call it homesickness. Cal it Rodeo Fever. It is what it is...and I'm a TEXAS GIRL TO THE CORE.

I LOVE being from Texas. It's the BEST!

general weirdism

I think I'll be conscious of all my weirdisms for the foreseeable future, given the string of tags that TLC started a couple weeks ago.

I won't keep numbering them, because frankly that will just get embarrassing for me.

So, it just occurred to me that although I like the concept of tagging my blog posts, I can't bring myself to do it. This is because I don't like the "general" category. Or any category otherwise named that serves the same "everything that's not covered by my other pre-defined categories" purpose. If the blog were done, or involved a finite set of data or type of data, I could bring myself to categorize it. But since I feel like I would be endlessly re-shuffling categories and adding new ones, I can't be bothered.

For all this, I blame my good friend Mark Palmer. Mark taught me the concept of MECE. When making lists (such as lists of categories of blog posts), he aims to make the categories Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive. I love this. It appeals to my 'rule following' self and the "J" part of my personality. I can imagine some people may not make the immediate jump to why this brings me angst with regard to creating categories for my blog.

Following MECE principles, the categories should also be specific - the "general' category is a total cop-out. It's not really a category at all. So if I were to categorize my blog, I would ALSO have to add potential recategorization of all posts every time I write something new.

Somehow, total anarchy with regard to the organization of my posts seems less stressful to even my longs-for-order self.

It still saddens me a little bit, though...because I think people who categorize their blog entries are better bloggers than I am. And I like being really good at stuff...so I'm a little disappointed in myself, but at least comfortable with why I won't be altering that little piece of my life anytime soon.

i am my mother's daughter

So the cool thing (given the situation) is that I'm sitting in the OR waiting room and I have wireless Internet. That's pretty fantastic.

The not-so-cool thing (aside from the fact that there's a reason for me to here) is that the single most annoying child on the planet is sitting 3 seats from me, and no amount of evil looks has prompted either mother or father to SETTLE HIM DOWN!

I mean, there are about 35 stressed out people sitting around this room trying to get some peace and quiet while their loved ones are in some room only a few feet away under the knife for one reason or another...and this little boy's tantrum is the last thing any of our nerves need.

Stop the madness!

Don't worry, Jonah...I promise I don't hate children...and to be fair, it's actually the parents I blame in situations like these. No pressure.

six weird things about me

Seeing as I have loads of time on my hands right now, and unlimited free wireless Internet...I thought it time to answer the challenge given by TLC to admit six weird things about myself in a public forum.

Fantastic idea. Here we go:

1. Food preferences. There are actually two weird things that fall into this category, but I know I'll get in trouble somehow if I try to count them separately. My food weirdisms are: (a) breakfast food is for breakfast-time only, and non-breakfast food is for non-breakfast time only (e.g. no cereal for dinner or cold pizza for the first meal of the day); and (b) I flatly refuse to eat poultry off the bone, although I'll happy get down on a good rack of ribs.
   
2. A bit OCD. I tend to straighten displays and shelves in grocery stores, especially while waiting in line at the register. The first thing I usually go for is the magazine rack.
   
3. Ordering espresso drinks. This most often happens at Starbucks, even in London, because as much as I hate to admit it...I'm THAT girl. So the weird thing is that I ALWAYS order a grande, even when I know I won't be able to finish it (either by lack of appetitte or time). I do this because a good friend once told me that all recipes are built on the grande size, so it therefore has the most optimal taste, and I believed him.
   
4. Genetics. Two things again: (a) if I smile too big, my bottom lip goes crooked and I look like a stroke victim; (b) I can make a completely unimaginable shape with my tongue. Don't ask me how I figured out that I can perform such a feat.
   
5. Phonetics. I have a hard-to-pronounce-from-text-only name. However, I HATE that the easiest way to phonetically spell my name is "duh-vee" because I think that subconsciously, people who don't know me might think I'm dumb if they see that rendering. How weird is that?!
   
6. I can't NOT sing.I constantly find myself singing absent-mindedly out loud in public. It's not too embarrassing when I'm in a shop and just singing along with the overhead music, but many times I have been on the train and spotted someone watching me only to realize I was singing along with my iPod. Yikes! Must move the vocal lessons up in priority on the do list, even if only to protect the strangers I'm surrounded with daily.
   

It turns out there are rules...

The rules are as follows: Each person who gets tagged needs to write a blog post telling 6 weird things about themself... as well as clearly state the rules. After you state your 6 weird things, you need to choose 6 people to be tagged and list their names. Don't forget to leave a comment that says "you're tagged" in their comments and tell them to read your blog for information as to what it means.

So, that being said, I tag Steven, Todd, Laurie, Heather, Dan and eBay.

when waiting is hard

Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. -Psalm 62:5

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him. -Lamentations 3:25

As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy. - Psalm 123:2

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. - Luke 2:25

I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. - Psalm 130:5

Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. - Psalm 42:11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13

So, Jonny Wilkinson is a rugby stud. He plays the fly-half position for England, and returned to rugby yesterday afte a 4-year absence thanks to repeated injuries and illness. He was the Man of the Match yesterday, and played almost the entire game, despite having already gaining yet another blood-letting (minor) injury in the first few minutes of play. Final score: England 42-20 Scotland

There was a FANTASTIC shot of him that I've had my heart set on posting, because it screams "classic rugby moment", but I can't find it anywhere, so you'll have to settle for this image of his highly-contested try during yesterday's game.


So, to illustrate the complete and utter barbarian nature of the game, I offer this picture of Ireland's Denis Hickie, receiving some attention for a cut as Ireland was in the process of winning their match against Wales. This is what the BBC coverages said about the moment: "Hickie spilled blood in the cause and had to go off for stitches to a head wound, with Geordan Murphy temporarily taking his berth on the Ireland left wing."

Did anyone note the word TEMPORARILY there?
Rugby term of the day: "blood substitute"




(All photos courtesy of bbc.co.uk)

'tis the season

So, the Rugby 6 Nations tournament begins this weekend. I'm just a little bit excited about this.

Last year - after failing miserably to fall in love with cricket - a few different folks suggested I give rugby a shot at the prize for my favorite sport to watch in the UK, and as the 6 Nations tournament was about to begin, the timing was perfect.

During the post-showdown interview after the first game of the 2006 tournament, the 'Man of the Match' was grunting happily along about the various important tackles, rucks, mauls and tries all the while he was BLEEDING FROM HIS EYE SOCKET.


Clearly, these guys are NOT kidding around about their sport. And so I was hooked.

I'll be cheering for England this year. I had mixed emotions about where to place my loyalty the last time around, but they are no longer split. Fingers crossed they'll make a better showing than the English footballers did in the World Cup.

really?

I got an email advertisement today from one of my favorite random present websites. However, their marketing folks must be on vacation...because clearly the B team was in charge of this ad.

The ad was done to promote Valentine's Day gifts. This item was one of the teasers in the email.



What, pray tell, about this little item screams "Happy Valentine's Day"? I mean...what's the message here?

Is it "Love you, honey...have some coffee without me"?

Maybe it's "I'd love for you to make me some coffee and serve it in this little number...sorry there won't be enough for you. -Love, your sweetie-pie"

Somehow, I don't think either of those are the route I'd suggest.

houston, we have lift-off!

I am a broadband leech no more.

Successful connection to new ISP yesterday elicited a Chandler Bing-like dance from me and shouts of joy!

Only thing left to work out is to reconfigure my wireless hub so I can enjoy life as it was meant to be.

random thought

I've just noticed there are 9 songs in my "Favorites" playlist on my iPod that start with "Don't...".

That's just ONE PLAYLIST on MY iPod.

Doing the math...that must indicate something like a zillion such songs in the known universe.

Wow. That's a bunch of songs telling people not to do something.

quote of the day

"Dull-witted but well-meaning bureaucrats slap down the paving stones of good intentions on the road to hell."

- Jonah Goldberg, National Review Online, 10 January 2007

Read the statement in context here.

deja vu

The following is a transcript* of a recent email exchange with my mom.


ME: Random bit of trivia: I got a new mattress topper, like the Tempur-Pedic® beds. It is FANTASTIC! I slept like a baby last night!

MOM: What is a mattress topper? Is it better than my 20 year old "Sterns & Foster"?

ME: A mattress topper is something that goes ON TOP OF your mattress. I got a “topper” because it doesn’t make sense to buy a whole new mattress here. I wouldn’t be able to bring it home with me; the beds are different sizes here than at home.

MOM: Don't be a SNOT. :) I did not know if it was like a pillow-top mattress. Will you be able to bring this home?

ME: No. The beds here aren’t the same size, and since the mattress topper is cut to fit the mattress - so it sits on top without any overlaps or gaps - it won’t fit an American bed any more than a mattress from here would. Comprende?

MOM: You sound like Laurie Johnson in her conversation with her MOM. :):) I do comprende!


*Highly edited for applicable content.

a day late...

...unknown number of dollars short.

I want to be Grammar Girl.

Why didn't I think of this? I mean, there's a sign on the door to my office marking it as the designated "Grammar Crisis Room" (thanks Steven).

Thanks to Meidy for sending this my way...for a laugh and a bit of a wistful sigh.

Hopefully Dennis will appreciate the fact that she uses the word "pre-apology". I love it!

can't stop laughing

One word: PINEAPPLE!

Many thanks to Heather (not Meidy) for passing this along and giving me a good chuckle over lunch.

starbucks oracle: revisited

So, my standard drink has changed in recent past...so I thought it time to revist the Starbucks Oracle.

Here's what the Starbucks oracle has to say about me and my grande extra hot latte:

Personality type: Lame

You're a simple person with modest tastes and a reasonable lifestyle. In other words, you're boring. Going to Starbucks makes you feel sophisticated; you'd like to be snooty and order an espresso but aren't sure if you're ready for that level of excitement. People laugh at you because you use fake curse words like "friggin'" and "oh, crumb!" Everyone who thinks America's Funniest Home Videos is a great show drinks grande extra hot latte.

Also drinks: V8
Can also be found: On the couch at home


And here I was thinking that I was at least a little less pretentious with this over my former grande 2-pump mocha.

Incidentally, from 15 February, you will be able to wear your drink on a t-shirt. No matter what you think of it, it's yet another example of Starbucks' brilliance, thanks to their understanding of four little words:

"It's all about marketing."

for your viewing pleasure

just a few snapshots with friends while I was in Houston and Atlanta for Christmas/New Year.

I'm trying out flicker, so they're here this time.

Passion '07: part 3

During Passion, the students were challenged to "Do Something Now", and were asked to get involved NOW in one of 8 different tangible activities. You can read about what they were challenged with and how they responded here. There were some financial and some non-financial activities, and the students far exceeded all their goals in every category.

In terms of financial giving, by the last morning of the conference, the students had collectively given something in the neighborhood of $700,000. Wow.

But that's not all! (eww...that feels like an infomercial sound bite)

On the last morning of the conference, Louie spent the first part of the main session reviewing what the students had collectively accomplished through the Do Something Now challenge and then talked a little about their vision for the future. There will not be a Passion '08 conference (and probably not a Passion '09) as one main gathering. They are moving into a new phase...or, as Louie put it, the sails of the boat called "Passion" have been filled by a new wind. And that wind is taking them to the students who can't get to Atlanta, or Nashville or Sherman, Texas very easily. Loosely, they plan to do mini-events...in a LOT of different places. Some of those places are in the States...but many are not. And in some of those international locations, they hope to offer the conferences for free. I'm doing this such little justice. Louie's words were much more intense and purposeful and rich than mine...

Regardless...their initial projections are that it will take a few million dollars to make this happen. So, at the worst possible time to take an offering (after they've encouraged the students to give to OTHER ministries throughout the entire conference), they took an offering to start raising the funds needed to follow the global wind.

Now...one of the side jobs that our team had been given was to help receive the offering. All we had to do was wait for the cue (one of the Passion board members to pray for the offering) and we walked quietly to the front of our sections and just held up the bucket we were given so the students could come to us.

They streamed into the aisles like a river. And I was overwhelmed. I'm SO not cute when I cry, but tears were streaming down my face at a pace I usually manage to reserve for the most private of moments. But I didn't care. A few poor sweet college students felt compelled to capture the moment on film, and now have a fairly rough-looking picture of a random volunteer who isn't so fabulous at crying...but whatever. It's not about me.

One of the last things I got to do as a volunteer was be in the small group of people who helped count that offering. The room was silent. Partly because we needed to be in a serious mood; you just don't joke around when you're dealing with that much cash. But mostly I think we were just in awe.

The offering they took that morning was $256,000. Double wow.

the most beautiful man in london...

...ate dinner at Pizza Express tonight on Earl's Court Road, with an old man who could have been his father or uncle but I'd like to think of as his Morrie.

That is my theory mostly because he very clearly wasn't English and although I sadly wasn't close enough to hear much of their dinner conversation (and thus didn't catch Morrie's accent to note if it was similar), their meeting embrace did not scream "close family relatives" to me. Come to think of it, it didn't scream "dear friends" either, but maybe it's early days in their mentoring relationship. I digress.

I wish Susannah had been there, partly because I know she likes Pizza Express, and partly because she's MUCH better at pegging foreign homelands based on physical features and accents than me. The best we could do was "not Italian" and someone at the table threw out "Lebanese" as a potential (which bodes well for my good friend Basim).

I must have said something about how beautiful he was a dozen times...and on reflection, I've realized it wasn't in the typical girly playful way. I honestly was just in awe. He was so pretty that I wouldn't even dream of joking about him as my "boyfriend" (as I do about about at least one stranger each day on the tube or otherwise around town). It was more admiration than wistful hope.

What I mean to say is that it felt like a sight-seeing event. You know...Tower of London, check; Buckingham Palace, check; Most Beautiful Man, check.