February 28, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Record breaking year for Southern Cal Good Neighbors Campaign
A record-number of USC staff and faculty donated more money than years past to ring up the most successful Good Neighbors Campaign to date.
More than 6,000 Trojans gave $1.38 million for programs that change the lives of families who live in the neighborhoods around the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
“The generosity of the Trojan Family is spectacular, particularly given the current economic situation. We exceeded our fundraising goal, which means that more than 6,000 university employees believe in positively impacting our communities,” said Tom Sayles, vice president of the USC Office of Government and Civic Engagement. “These funds will enable us to engage even more faculty, staff and students in our civic engagement efforts and to support collaborative partnerships with community organizations.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from the University of Southern California website.
More than 6,000 Trojans gave $1.38 million for programs that change the lives of families who live in the neighborhoods around the University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
“The generosity of the Trojan Family is spectacular, particularly given the current economic situation. We exceeded our fundraising goal, which means that more than 6,000 university employees believe in positively impacting our communities,” said Tom Sayles, vice president of the USC Office of Government and Civic Engagement. “These funds will enable us to engage even more faculty, staff and students in our civic engagement efforts and to support collaborative partnerships with community organizations.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from the University of Southern California website.
Encouraging News-A committment to helping hospital for Hatians continues
This time, the doctor isn’t making the house call. Dr. Elihu Wing Jr. will stay put in Providence.
On Saturday, for the 17th consecutive year, the Community Church of Providence is sending a humanitarian delegation to the Dominican Republic for a week. And, for the first time, Wing — now 89, and being treated for leukemia — isn’t part of the team.
But, as always, he organized it.
“He is an amazing evangelist for the hospital,” says the Rev. Evan Drake Howard, pastor of the Community Church of Providence, on Wayland Avenue.
The Good Samaritan Hospital in La Romana, on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip, provides medical care to impoverished Haitians working in the sugar-cane industry. Its existence comes from the kindness of strangers, thousands of volunteers from dozens of churches who have contributed money, labor and medical expertise.
Click here to read the rest of the story from The Providence (RI) Journal.
On Saturday, for the 17th consecutive year, the Community Church of Providence is sending a humanitarian delegation to the Dominican Republic for a week. And, for the first time, Wing — now 89, and being treated for leukemia — isn’t part of the team.
But, as always, he organized it.
“He is an amazing evangelist for the hospital,” says the Rev. Evan Drake Howard, pastor of the Community Church of Providence, on Wayland Avenue.
The Good Samaritan Hospital in La Romana, on the Dominican Republic’s southeastern tip, provides medical care to impoverished Haitians working in the sugar-cane industry. Its existence comes from the kindness of strangers, thousands of volunteers from dozens of churches who have contributed money, labor and medical expertise.
Click here to read the rest of the story from The Providence (RI) Journal.
Encouraging Words-The Safety Zone
From Strength For the Journey
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10
The first church I pastored was in Springfield, Ohio. Our home was situated near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base—directly in the flight path of landing B-52 bombers that were coming home after circling the globe in our nation’s defense. Needless to say, these low-flying nuclear warehouses made a horrible racket as they flew overhead. They were so low that I hoped they avoided leaving tire tracks on our roof.
But the biggest problem with their booming approach was the trauma they caused in the hearts of our young children playing in the backyard. Happily engrossed in their own little world, the growing sound of trouble in the distance and the shadow of the massive planes as they skimmed the treetops traumatized our kids with fear. They instinctively knew what to do. They ran into the house to look for their mom or dad! My legs still have the embedded marks of their fingerprints from clinging to me till the danger passed.
Every time I read this wonderful verse in Proverbs, I think about our children and the B52s. Like a kid frightened in his backyard, we are often anxious and sometimes terrified by the circumstances that come our way. Maybe it’s a health scare—a suspicious biopsy or the worried look on the doctor’s face. Sometimes it’s the threat we feel from family and friends who challenge and mock the beliefs we hold dear. The loss of a job, the betrayal of a trusted friend, the anxiety of not being able to cope as a single parent—all of these have a way of making us feel overwhelmed. Fearful and lonely, we need a refuge, a place to run.
Proverbs 18:10 is the MapQuest for our souls. It tells us to run to the name of the Lord. As the text says, His name is a strong tower and those who run to it are safe. So what’s so safe about His name?
His name is Provider—His grace is sufficient for every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9) and His wisdom is given in spades (James 1:5).
His name is the All-knowing and Almighty—nothing has escaped His notice, nor is anything beyond the scope of His power (Psalm 57:1-5).
His name is Good—regardless of what He permits to come into our lives, He will bring good from even the darkest situations (Romans 8:28).
His name is Father and Friend—the One who gave His Son to make you His child and to guarantee you a world to come where fear and anxiety are forever replaced by peace and joy (John 14:1-6).
So run to Him! There is no safe place without Him. And comfort in the time of stress is elusive apart from Him.
I guess this is why faith is so childlike. My children knew exactly where to turn when fear struck. They ran to the safety of their father’s love. May you and I be wise enough—and childlike enough—to do the same.
“The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” Proverbs 18:10
The first church I pastored was in Springfield, Ohio. Our home was situated near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base—directly in the flight path of landing B-52 bombers that were coming home after circling the globe in our nation’s defense. Needless to say, these low-flying nuclear warehouses made a horrible racket as they flew overhead. They were so low that I hoped they avoided leaving tire tracks on our roof.
But the biggest problem with their booming approach was the trauma they caused in the hearts of our young children playing in the backyard. Happily engrossed in their own little world, the growing sound of trouble in the distance and the shadow of the massive planes as they skimmed the treetops traumatized our kids with fear. They instinctively knew what to do. They ran into the house to look for their mom or dad! My legs still have the embedded marks of their fingerprints from clinging to me till the danger passed.
Every time I read this wonderful verse in Proverbs, I think about our children and the B52s. Like a kid frightened in his backyard, we are often anxious and sometimes terrified by the circumstances that come our way. Maybe it’s a health scare—a suspicious biopsy or the worried look on the doctor’s face. Sometimes it’s the threat we feel from family and friends who challenge and mock the beliefs we hold dear. The loss of a job, the betrayal of a trusted friend, the anxiety of not being able to cope as a single parent—all of these have a way of making us feel overwhelmed. Fearful and lonely, we need a refuge, a place to run.
Proverbs 18:10 is the MapQuest for our souls. It tells us to run to the name of the Lord. As the text says, His name is a strong tower and those who run to it are safe. So what’s so safe about His name?
His name is Provider—His grace is sufficient for every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9) and His wisdom is given in spades (James 1:5).
His name is the All-knowing and Almighty—nothing has escaped His notice, nor is anything beyond the scope of His power (Psalm 57:1-5).
His name is Good—regardless of what He permits to come into our lives, He will bring good from even the darkest situations (Romans 8:28).
His name is Father and Friend—the One who gave His Son to make you His child and to guarantee you a world to come where fear and anxiety are forever replaced by peace and joy (John 14:1-6).
So run to Him! There is no safe place without Him. And comfort in the time of stress is elusive apart from Him.
I guess this is why faith is so childlike. My children knew exactly where to turn when fear struck. They ran to the safety of their father’s love. May you and I be wise enough—and childlike enough—to do the same.
2/28 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
In 1983, the final episode of M*A*S*H aired
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1940, auto racing legend Mario Andretti
In 1948, actress Bernadette Peters
This is the last post of this type I'll be putting up. You can continue to follow these at their source sites.
This is the last post of this type I'll be putting up. You can continue to follow these at their source sites.
February 27, 2011
Welcome to Affirming Sunday Worship
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. We have listed below links to open and affirming churches that feature live worship music and/or services that have been previously recorded. We hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.
The list follows the jump:
If one of the live feeds we post isn't working (stuff happens, especially during the winter) we hope you will take time to check out a different live broadcast or peruse our selection of pre-recorded services listed below.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail at encouragementforliving@gmail.com and share it with us.
The list follows the jump:
2/27 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
In 1827, New Orleans celebrated its first Mardi Gras
In 1922, the U. S. Supreme Court defended women's voting rights
In 1980, "I Will Survive" won the only Grammy ever awarded for "Best Disco Recording"
In 1827, New Orleans celebrated its first Mardi Gras
In 1922, the U. S. Supreme Court defended women's voting rights
In 1980, "I Will Survive" won the only Grammy ever awarded for "Best Disco Recording"
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
In 1902, novelist John Steinbeck
In 1932, actress Elizabeth Taylor
In 1807, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
In 1902, novelist John Steinbeck
In 1932, actress Elizabeth Taylor
February 26, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Seattle University commits to enriching local children's lives
Seattle University President Stephen Sundborg, S.J. today announced the launch of the Seattle University Youth Initiative (SUYI). The initiative will bring the university’s entire campus community together to improve the academic achievement of low-income youth living in the Bailey Gatzert neighborhood, provide support for vulnerable families and strengthen the university’s educational programs.
The Youth Initiative will be a long-term campus-wide commitment by faculty, staff and students to join parents, the Seattle School District, the City of Seattle, faith communities and more than 30 community organizations to help children succeed in grades K-12, attend college and succeed in life.
Children and families living in the area served by Bailey Gatzert, just south of SU, face significant challenges. For example, youth violence and juvenile incarceration are among the highest in Seattle. Many area youth face significant academic challenges throughout their educational experience, creating barriers to graduating from high school - and a lack of access to higher education.
“Our dedication to helping and working side by side with underserved populations and those in need is proven and unwavering,” said President Sundborg. “The crisis is acute in our own backyard, and with community-building collaboration, we can make a difference.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from Seattle University's website.
The Youth Initiative will be a long-term campus-wide commitment by faculty, staff and students to join parents, the Seattle School District, the City of Seattle, faith communities and more than 30 community organizations to help children succeed in grades K-12, attend college and succeed in life.
Children and families living in the area served by Bailey Gatzert, just south of SU, face significant challenges. For example, youth violence and juvenile incarceration are among the highest in Seattle. Many area youth face significant academic challenges throughout their educational experience, creating barriers to graduating from high school - and a lack of access to higher education.
“Our dedication to helping and working side by side with underserved populations and those in need is proven and unwavering,” said President Sundborg. “The crisis is acute in our own backyard, and with community-building collaboration, we can make a difference.”
Click here to read the rest of the story from Seattle University's website.
Encouraging Words-Living Dependently
From A Wisdom Retreat
Romans 12:5
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Unity is not achieved by everyone thinking alike, having the same preference in music, or reading from the same translation of the Bible. Neither is it based on personality, appearance, or social standing. Our unity is built upon the Church's body of truth—the Scriptures. And the Scriptures tell us that we are not to live independently of one another, but dependently, as members of a body. Paul emphasized this point when he said,
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (Eph. 4:14-16).
The question of whether or not someone else is performing his part in the body isn't yours to answer. The key question for you is, "Am I doing my part in building up the body in love?" When every part of the body does its job, the body is not disabled, but coordinated. This is true for the physical body, and is also true for the body of Christ, known as the Church.
If you don't have the use of an arm or leg, you may be in the category known as "Disabled" (or handicapped, in years gone by). In the same way, when a member of the Church cannot, or will not, function as he should, the church becomes disabled and handicapped in ministry. Those who join local churches but refuse to serve in them actually help to create a disabled body.
On the other hand, when members make the commitment to roll up their sleeves and humbly serve one another, the local church becomes more coordinated and more effective.
The truth is, we need each other. Just as eyes can't provide hearing and ears can't provide sight, you and I provide for the rest of the body the gifts which others lack. The Church is in need of what you as an individual bring to it, and there are no excuses for "sitting it out."
One pastor expressed it this way: "You cannot claim to love Jesus Christ and ignore His bride." God is serious about His Church because He purchased her with His precious blood.
If you are not involved in a local church—not using your gifts for the good of the whole body—then you've forgotten how vitally important you are to a healthy, coordinated Body or . . . you've grown complacent and lazy.
If you're faithfully serving the local body where God has placed you, then you're already experiencing the joys of providing "hearing" or "seeing" or "walking" capabilities for your church, and someone is dependent upon you.
All I have to say to you is . . . "Keep it up!"
Romans 12:5
So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Unity is not achieved by everyone thinking alike, having the same preference in music, or reading from the same translation of the Bible. Neither is it based on personality, appearance, or social standing. Our unity is built upon the Church's body of truth—the Scriptures. And the Scriptures tell us that we are not to live independently of one another, but dependently, as members of a body. Paul emphasized this point when he said,
As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (Eph. 4:14-16).
The question of whether or not someone else is performing his part in the body isn't yours to answer. The key question for you is, "Am I doing my part in building up the body in love?" When every part of the body does its job, the body is not disabled, but coordinated. This is true for the physical body, and is also true for the body of Christ, known as the Church.
If you don't have the use of an arm or leg, you may be in the category known as "Disabled" (or handicapped, in years gone by). In the same way, when a member of the Church cannot, or will not, function as he should, the church becomes disabled and handicapped in ministry. Those who join local churches but refuse to serve in them actually help to create a disabled body.
On the other hand, when members make the commitment to roll up their sleeves and humbly serve one another, the local church becomes more coordinated and more effective.
The truth is, we need each other. Just as eyes can't provide hearing and ears can't provide sight, you and I provide for the rest of the body the gifts which others lack. The Church is in need of what you as an individual bring to it, and there are no excuses for "sitting it out."
One pastor expressed it this way: "You cannot claim to love Jesus Christ and ignore His bride." God is serious about His Church because He purchased her with His precious blood.
If you are not involved in a local church—not using your gifts for the good of the whole body—then you've forgotten how vitally important you are to a healthy, coordinated Body or . . . you've grown complacent and lazy.
If you're faithfully serving the local body where God has placed you, then you're already experiencing the joys of providing "hearing" or "seeing" or "walking" capabilities for your church, and someone is dependent upon you.
All I have to say to you is . . . "Keep it up!"
2/26 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1846, Buffalo Bill Cody
In 1926, singer Johnny Cash
In 1928, singer Fats Domino
February 25, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Gannon students helping Erie's less fortunate
Nearly 30 Gannon students are embracing the University’s call to community service through a sweeping project aimed at improving the health and well being of lower-income local residents.
A primary focus of the project will be changing the long-term eating habits of individuals living at or below the poverty line, a disproportionate number of whom struggle with obesity and related issues.
Students in the University’s Exercise Science Club, and from courses in Advanced Sports Nutrition and Nutrition in Disease, are among those participating. The students will be tasked with developing healthy recipes and helping distribute them to the target audience.
The project is a true community effort, as Gannon’s Erie-GAINS initiative is joining with St. Martin Center, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, the Bayfront Eastside Task Force and local food pantries. As an early step in the process, a group of Gannon students and Suzanne Kitts, M.Ed., ATC, instructor, Gannon University sport and exercise science program, recently visited the pantry at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th St. Kitts and the students observed the pantry on its weekly collection day.
Mike Litzinger, one of the co-directors of St. Pat’s, is excited about Gannon’s involvement. “Gannon has been a great neighbor to us in a number of ways,” he said. Every week, St. Pat’s distributes boxes of food to as many as 250 families, or about 1,300 individuals.
A grant of nearly $5,000 from Metz & Associates, Gannon’s foodservice provider, is making the project possible. Specifically, the grant funds will be used to:
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Gannon University website.
A primary focus of the project will be changing the long-term eating habits of individuals living at or below the poverty line, a disproportionate number of whom struggle with obesity and related issues.
Students in the University’s Exercise Science Club, and from courses in Advanced Sports Nutrition and Nutrition in Disease, are among those participating. The students will be tasked with developing healthy recipes and helping distribute them to the target audience.
The project is a true community effort, as Gannon’s Erie-GAINS initiative is joining with St. Martin Center, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, the Bayfront Eastside Task Force and local food pantries. As an early step in the process, a group of Gannon students and Suzanne Kitts, M.Ed., ATC, instructor, Gannon University sport and exercise science program, recently visited the pantry at St. Patrick Church, 130 East 4th St. Kitts and the students observed the pantry on its weekly collection day.
Mike Litzinger, one of the co-directors of St. Pat’s, is excited about Gannon’s involvement. “Gannon has been a great neighbor to us in a number of ways,” he said. Every week, St. Pat’s distributes boxes of food to as many as 250 families, or about 1,300 individuals.
A grant of nearly $5,000 from Metz & Associates, Gannon’s foodservice provider, is making the project possible. Specifically, the grant funds will be used to:
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Gannon University website.
Encouraging News-Brantford community answers call to help family in need
The community has responded with open hearts to the story of a struggling city man who's trying to raise his son in difficult circumstances.
Wildlife expert Jared Houliston said he's been inundated with calls and emails as people flooded him with offers of assistance for a man named Derrick.
Derrick, whose surname is being withheld to protect his privacy, was injured in a workplace accident two years ago and just recently lost his compensation pension when he turned 65.
He and his son have been living in a house in desperate need of repair.
When Houliston's business networking group -the Brant Business Builders -learned about Derrick's situation, members began offering to help.
"Now everybody's doing their part," said a delighted Houliston.
A quick inspection last weekend of Derrick's home revealed a leaky furnace. Air Serve has already installed a new furnace.
Donations have covered appliances, some furniture and a small amount of money. Other businesses are getting involved, offering structural help. The Personal Computer Museum has donated two computers.
Houliston has collected fresh and canned food donations for the man and son and has an offer from a landscaping company to redo the entire yard in the spring.
Click here to read the rest of the story from The Brantford Expositor in Ontario, Canada.
Wildlife expert Jared Houliston said he's been inundated with calls and emails as people flooded him with offers of assistance for a man named Derrick.
Derrick, whose surname is being withheld to protect his privacy, was injured in a workplace accident two years ago and just recently lost his compensation pension when he turned 65.
He and his son have been living in a house in desperate need of repair.
When Houliston's business networking group -the Brant Business Builders -learned about Derrick's situation, members began offering to help.
"Now everybody's doing their part," said a delighted Houliston.
A quick inspection last weekend of Derrick's home revealed a leaky furnace. Air Serve has already installed a new furnace.
Donations have covered appliances, some furniture and a small amount of money. Other businesses are getting involved, offering structural help. The Personal Computer Museum has donated two computers.
Houliston has collected fresh and canned food donations for the man and son and has an offer from a landscaping company to redo the entire yard in the spring.
Click here to read the rest of the story from The Brantford Expositor in Ontario, Canada.
Encouraging Words-Get Real
From Our Daily Journey
Slate magazine’s William Saletan indicts our culture stating: “Every time you answer your cell phone in traffic, squander your workday on YouTube, text a colleague during dinner, or turn on the TV to escape your kids, you’re leaving this world. You’re neglecting the people around you, sometimes at the risk of killing them.”
Wow! And he didn’t even mention the addictive nature of online games. Or Internet porn and how it depersonalizes and destroys the sacredness of sex.
We might be tempted to debate Saletan. But rather than getting defensive, it may be wise to take a look at our own priorities. It’s likely we’ll all find something out of whack. I can reach out to the people God places in my path—those who need an encouraging word or who may be hurting and need my listening ear. But instead, I put on the headphones and vanish into iPod world or lose myself in a laptop DVD. I shun human community for the loneliness of something less.
Solitude has its place. Jesus had a habit of slipping away to be alone. But when He did, He found community with His heavenly Father. And then He returned to His ministry to others (Mark 1:35-38).
In the Psalms, we read how the poet yearned for community with God. “I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord,” he wrote (84:2). And he craved the community with others that grows out of unity with the Father. “What joy for those who can live in Your house, always singing Your praises” (Psalm 84:4).
Perhaps it’s time to exchange our headphones for some bona fide interaction with God and His children. By doing so, we’ll lose the loneliness of the virtual world and find the joy of genuine community.
Slate magazine’s William Saletan indicts our culture stating: “Every time you answer your cell phone in traffic, squander your workday on YouTube, text a colleague during dinner, or turn on the TV to escape your kids, you’re leaving this world. You’re neglecting the people around you, sometimes at the risk of killing them.”
Wow! And he didn’t even mention the addictive nature of online games. Or Internet porn and how it depersonalizes and destroys the sacredness of sex.
We might be tempted to debate Saletan. But rather than getting defensive, it may be wise to take a look at our own priorities. It’s likely we’ll all find something out of whack. I can reach out to the people God places in my path—those who need an encouraging word or who may be hurting and need my listening ear. But instead, I put on the headphones and vanish into iPod world or lose myself in a laptop DVD. I shun human community for the loneliness of something less.
Solitude has its place. Jesus had a habit of slipping away to be alone. But when He did, He found community with His heavenly Father. And then He returned to His ministry to others (Mark 1:35-38).
In the Psalms, we read how the poet yearned for community with God. “I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord,” he wrote (84:2). And he craved the community with others that grows out of unity with the Father. “What joy for those who can live in Your house, always singing Your praises” (Psalm 84:4).
Perhaps it’s time to exchange our headphones for some bona fide interaction with God and His children. By doing so, we’ll lose the loneliness of the virtual world and find the joy of genuine community.
2/25 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1873, opera legend Enrico Caruso
In 1937, Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer
In 1943, singer George Harrison
February 24, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Texas Lutheran students, dogs pitch in to help their community
Hundreds of bulldogs swarmed across the city of Seguin on Saturday morning.
They collected trash, racked leaves, worked on community gardens and picked up rocks all throughout Seguin.
During the fourth annual "Day of the Dogs," almost 300 students, faculty and alumni took to the streets, creeks and non-profit organizations to help keep Seguin clean, said Center for Servant Leadership director Tim Barr.
"Day of the Dogs gives students an opportunity to learn about the town and meet the people who live here and to just get involved," he said. "Over time this has become a day that TLU students work with leaders in their community to clean it up."
The large group of volunteers were dispatched to about 20 sites around town, Barr said.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Seguin (TX) Gazette Enterprise.
They collected trash, racked leaves, worked on community gardens and picked up rocks all throughout Seguin.
During the fourth annual "Day of the Dogs," almost 300 students, faculty and alumni took to the streets, creeks and non-profit organizations to help keep Seguin clean, said Center for Servant Leadership director Tim Barr.
"Day of the Dogs gives students an opportunity to learn about the town and meet the people who live here and to just get involved," he said. "Over time this has become a day that TLU students work with leaders in their community to clean it up."
The large group of volunteers were dispatched to about 20 sites around town, Barr said.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Seguin (TX) Gazette Enterprise.
Encouraging News-Community helping farmers after barn collapse
The roof collapse happened Wednesday night around 6:30 at the King Brothers Dairy farm in Northumberland. The recent weather and snowfall is likely to blame.
Thursday, the family was left with a lot of clean up and lost livestock.
Everywhere you looked today pieces of barn and piles of snow covered the ground.
"We had quite a terrible collapse - half of this 120 by 400 foot barn," said Jan King, one of the farm owners.
Inside there were about 250 animals. Seventy-five were injured or killed. It is a devastating blow for the family owned company. But it could have been even worse if it wasn't for a community that stepped in.
King says that he made just two calls last night when this happened, one to his brother who is also the co-owner, the other to his cousin. But within an hour appoximately 200 people had showed up to help.
"It was unbelievable last night, between three fire departments and local neighbors, there were some people here I didn't even know who they were," said King.
Click here to read the rest of the story from Fox 23 in Albany, NY,
Thursday, the family was left with a lot of clean up and lost livestock.
Everywhere you looked today pieces of barn and piles of snow covered the ground.
"We had quite a terrible collapse - half of this 120 by 400 foot barn," said Jan King, one of the farm owners.
Inside there were about 250 animals. Seventy-five were injured or killed. It is a devastating blow for the family owned company. But it could have been even worse if it wasn't for a community that stepped in.
King says that he made just two calls last night when this happened, one to his brother who is also the co-owner, the other to his cousin. But within an hour appoximately 200 people had showed up to help.
"It was unbelievable last night, between three fire departments and local neighbors, there were some people here I didn't even know who they were," said King.
Click here to read the rest of the story from Fox 23 in Albany, NY,
Encouraging Words-When Satan Attacks Your Destiny
From Today God is First
"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (Ps 16:5-6).
Most of us will have many jobs over our lifetime. As I look back over my past, I've had quite a varied history of jobs that included being a waiter, retail clerk, golf pro, advertising sales executive, ad agency executive, and ad agency owner. Today, I am a writer and lead an international workplace ministry. All of these jobs were important because they gave me a level of experience from which I now express God's ministry. I am able to relate to those in the workplace because of my varied work experience throughout my career.
With each of our jobs, God is building something in us that will be used for His purposes now and in the future. Oswald Chambers says "In the beginning we do not train for God, we train for work, for our own aims; but as we go on with God we lose all our own aims and are trained into God's purpose. Unless practical work is appointed by God, it will prove a curse."
Jesus was prepared for His ultimate calling by working with His father in his carpentry shop until He was thirty years old. More than 54% of Jesus' teaching arose out of issues in daily life experience. Joseph was prepared to be head of a nation by serving prison time and being a slave in Potiphar's house. Moses was prepared to lead a nation out of slavery by serving in Pharoah's house and later working forty years as a shepherd.
Do not despise the small jobs - for they are stepping stones to a greater purpose in God's plan for your life and for God's preparation for your ultimate destiny. Some of these jobs are necessary for the message He is forming in you.
Pray that God accomplishes His intended outcome in you through the work you are doing today.
"LORD, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance" (Ps 16:5-6).
Most of us will have many jobs over our lifetime. As I look back over my past, I've had quite a varied history of jobs that included being a waiter, retail clerk, golf pro, advertising sales executive, ad agency executive, and ad agency owner. Today, I am a writer and lead an international workplace ministry. All of these jobs were important because they gave me a level of experience from which I now express God's ministry. I am able to relate to those in the workplace because of my varied work experience throughout my career.
With each of our jobs, God is building something in us that will be used for His purposes now and in the future. Oswald Chambers says "In the beginning we do not train for God, we train for work, for our own aims; but as we go on with God we lose all our own aims and are trained into God's purpose. Unless practical work is appointed by God, it will prove a curse."
Jesus was prepared for His ultimate calling by working with His father in his carpentry shop until He was thirty years old. More than 54% of Jesus' teaching arose out of issues in daily life experience. Joseph was prepared to be head of a nation by serving prison time and being a slave in Potiphar's house. Moses was prepared to lead a nation out of slavery by serving in Pharoah's house and later working forty years as a shepherd.
Do not despise the small jobs - for they are stepping stones to a greater purpose in God's plan for your life and for God's preparation for your ultimate destiny. Some of these jobs are necessary for the message He is forming in you.
Pray that God accomplishes His intended outcome in you through the work you are doing today.
2/24 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1947, actor Edward James Olmos
In 1956, baseball star Eddie Murray
February 23, 2011
Encouragement From Campus-Austin Peay students help keep Empty Bowls full
Empty Bowls is an incredible creative opportunity bringing art, giving and eating together for a cause," said Rita Arancibia, who aided Clarksville in joining the nationwide grass roots movement to help the disadvantaged.
Empty Bowls of Clarksville hosted its first fundraising event in 2009, and since then community participation has more than doubled each year. The effort was a simple one: During the year artisans and people in the community came together to create bowls that will be given to people who attend the Empty Bowls fundraising event. Those bowls are "a symbol to remind us that there are empty bowls in neighborhoods throughout our community," Arancibia said.
This year more than 650 tickets were sold for the Tuesday, Feb. 22 event at Emmanuel Family Life Center. Many of the bowls that will be given to people attending the event were handmade by Ken Shipley, Austin Peay State University associate professor of art, his wife Melody Shipley, APSU ceramics students and community volunteers. Later the bowls were painted by people in the community, making each bowl a unique piece of art made by many hands.
"There are little more than 700 bowls, and I'd say we made most of them," Shipley said. "In October (during Bowl-a-Thon hosted by APSU Student Art League) they made about 400 with the help of members of the community and students."
Wednesday morning, Shipley and APSU ceramics students gathered in APSU's ceramics department to prepare the last 150 bowls for glazing and firing.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Clarksville (TN) Leaf Chronicle.
Empty Bowls of Clarksville hosted its first fundraising event in 2009, and since then community participation has more than doubled each year. The effort was a simple one: During the year artisans and people in the community came together to create bowls that will be given to people who attend the Empty Bowls fundraising event. Those bowls are "a symbol to remind us that there are empty bowls in neighborhoods throughout our community," Arancibia said.
This year more than 650 tickets were sold for the Tuesday, Feb. 22 event at Emmanuel Family Life Center. Many of the bowls that will be given to people attending the event were handmade by Ken Shipley, Austin Peay State University associate professor of art, his wife Melody Shipley, APSU ceramics students and community volunteers. Later the bowls were painted by people in the community, making each bowl a unique piece of art made by many hands.
"There are little more than 700 bowls, and I'd say we made most of them," Shipley said. "In October (during Bowl-a-Thon hosted by APSU Student Art League) they made about 400 with the help of members of the community and students."
Wednesday morning, Shipley and APSU ceramics students gathered in APSU's ceramics department to prepare the last 150 bowls for glazing and firing.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Clarksville (TN) Leaf Chronicle.
Encouraging News-Habitat for Humanity helps to stabalize a neighborhood
When the first two houses on Carpenter Circle are complete, no one will be able to say whether Katrina Smith or Tina Steele was the first to have a house on the new street.
Volunteers raised the first wall of each woman's house simultaneously Saturday, bringing the first-time homebuyers another step closer to becoming next-door neighbors.
Homeownership is a major change in each woman's life, but their homes also may mark a shift on East Athens' Burney Street - a time when families take back the neighborhood from drug peddlers and petty thieves.
"We all will be working, and we all have children. We all have to look out for each other," said Steele, 42, who works as a cook at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Habitat for Humanity planned Carpenter's Circle as a whole neighborhood, hoping the handful of families will stabilize the street as they add to the growing number of homeowners across the North Oconee River from downtown.
"We have targeted a specific area that has a high crime rate and low homeownership. The philosophy is that if you inject a certain number of homeowners, you change the dynamic of the area," said Spencer Frye, the executive director for the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald.
Volunteers raised the first wall of each woman's house simultaneously Saturday, bringing the first-time homebuyers another step closer to becoming next-door neighbors.
Homeownership is a major change in each woman's life, but their homes also may mark a shift on East Athens' Burney Street - a time when families take back the neighborhood from drug peddlers and petty thieves.
"We all will be working, and we all have children. We all have to look out for each other," said Steele, 42, who works as a cook at Athens Regional Medical Center.
Habitat for Humanity planned Carpenter's Circle as a whole neighborhood, hoping the handful of families will stabilize the street as they add to the growing number of homeowners across the North Oconee River from downtown.
"We have targeted a specific area that has a high crime rate and low homeownership. The philosophy is that if you inject a certain number of homeowners, you change the dynamic of the area," said Spencer Frye, the executive director for the Athens Area Habitat for Humanity.
Click here to read the rest of the story from the Athens (GA) Banner-Herald.
Encouraging Words-Living With Limitations
From New Life Daily Devotion
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
It is almost as presumptuous to think you can do nothing as to think you can do everything. In other words, be honest about your limitations, but don't exaggerate them, or use them as an excuse to keep from being a productive person.
Joni Erikson Tada embodies this truth well. Paralyzed below the neck as a result of a diving accident, she has ministered to millions through her speaking, singing, and painting (she holds a paintbrush in her mouth!) What an inspiration she is!
Helen Keller who also embodied this truth expressed such an attitude in this beautiful statement: "I am only one; but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. I will not refuse to do the something I can do."
Be hopeful of a man whose limitations are not yet known; maybe he won't reach them - Unknown
2/23 Encouragement From Scripture & History
Daily Scripture (from BibleGateway.com)
Today In History (from History.com)
In 1980, speed-skater Eric Heiden became the first athlete to win five gold medals at a Winter Olympics
Born On This Day (from Biography.com)
In 1923, aviator Chuck Yeager
In 1939, actor Peter Fonda
In 1965, computer entrepreneur Michael Dell
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)