Compassion Friday from brian crow on Vimeo.

Doubt the impact of Compassion International? Watch this is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Each time I walk past that blip of an imperfection, my spirit growls. Stupid hole, don’t you dare get bigger.

So what do I do with this?

This is Kolkata, India.

Suddenly a little hole in the wall is not such a big deal.

Who lives there? Is there a mom like me, cleaning, wiping away grime from walls that are nothing like mine?

What does she think of her walls made of cloth and sticks?

Lord, help me…

Proverbs 31:8-9

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Image source

Do something…

Walls is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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What about in horrific poverty, in an Indian city famous for it’s slums and suffering?

Bloggers traveling with Compassion International will describe those living conditions when they travel to Kolkata, (formally Calcutta) this week. It’s my job to tell you how you can follow their journey, to learn about the ministry of Compassion International.

1. A snippet of every post, every picture and video will be uploaded to this page: http://www.compassionbloggers.com/india (I’ll also have this link on my sidebar.)

2. A Facebook group has been created not only to generate prayer and encouragement for the bloggers, but also to share links to posts, pictures and videos: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53591862382&ref=ts

3. A few of the team will be attempting to use Twitter while in India. The addresses are:

http://www.twitter.com/theshaungroves

http://www.twitter.com/spencesmith

http://www.twitter.com/flowerdust

The hashtag #CompassionIndia will be used to mark every tweet. Searching for that on Twitter (or Tweetgrid and Tweetdeck) should bring up all of the tweets.

4. This is the link to the trip’s RSS feed. Subscribing to the feed will send a snippet of every post from every blogger to your RSS reader: http://feeds2.feedburner.com/compassionbloggers

5. If you’d prefer to follow the trip by visiting each blog here are their addresses:

Bloggers:
Pete Wilson – http://www.withoutwax.tv
Melissa Fitzpatrick – http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com
Angela Smith – http://www.audreycaroline.blogspot.com
Robin Dance – http://www.pensieve.typepad.com

Photography:
Keely Scott – http://www.keelymariescott.com

Videography:
Anne Jackson – http://www.flowerdust.net

Leaders:
Spence Smith – http://www.spencesmith.com
Patricia Jones – http://jonesbones5.com
Shaun Groves – http://www.shaungroves.com/shlog

Sorry for the lack of hyperlinks. I just can’t do it all! (Shocking, I know.) Copy and paste, baby.

Also – and I wanted to leave this last because it’s the most important – don’t forget to pray for the safety of the travelers and that many children will be sponsored as a result of their journey.

Follow Compassion Bloggers in India is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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What else? My Twitter and Facebook fast has come to an end, now that Lent is over. I have lots to say about that experience too, mostly regarding Twitter. Those thoughts may find themselves here before the end of the week. Next week at the latest.

And lastly, I had the most wonderful time at my first regional conference for Compassion International advocates this past weekend. Must blog about that too.

Lots to write about… many thoughts coming. But first the kids, life in general and all those little tasks away from the computer. I’ll be back…

This week is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Unless you want to mess with your head and heart and have your nice comfy worldview twisted around, shaken like a spiritual heartquake.

I’m telling you – don’t get involved with Compassion International because these little ones suck you in and you start loving people you’ve never met, caring about what happens to children with distended bellies and haunted eyes.

You chew on verses like “let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth,” and “Lord, when did we see you hungry… and did not help you?”, while you eat your nice London Broil and broccoli. When you scrape uneaten food into the garbage, you see the faces of children that search landfills searching for anything to eat.

Don’t love, don’t care and sure as heck don’t get angry at the apathy around you, because not everyone will be affected like you (lots of hard hearts surfing blogs too.)

Whatever you do – don’t pray for passion or for something to do with your little blog. Don’t ask to see folks like Jesus does.

Don’t give in to that desire to be part of hope. That’s what Global Food Crisis Day is all about, after all. Hope.

—-

Do you have hope? I do. Together we can rescue the hungry from what the UN World Food Programme calls “a silent tsunami.”

Donating to the Global Food Crisis Fund:

- Provides food vouchers to children and families needing immediate relief.
- Provides seeds and agricultural tools so that families can grow their own food as well as earn extra income.
- Provides supplemental nutrition services at Compassion-assisted centers around the world.

If you are reading this in RSS, you can follow the links above to donate or come over to Paper Bridges to use the little widget in the sidebar. It’s a very pretty widget, you may want one for your own blog too.

Let’s not lose hope in what we can do or turn away to ignore those Jesus wants us to serve in love.

So the poor have hope,

and injustice shuts its mouth.

Job 5:16

Don’t blog about Global Food Crisis Day is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Please visit the Compassion International sponsor page for another act of daring love. Or make a gift to the Global Food Crisis Fund.

On behalf of the forgotten children of the world – thank you.

I dare you to look is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Hence this video.

This is the link to sponsor a child through Compassion International. Or if Compassion International with it’s passionate Christian message isn’t your thing, I suspect there are plenty of other organizations helping Indonesia. Go find them and do something.

If you are wondering, “Why Indonesia?”, you can read about my connection to the country here and here.

Indonesian children: surviving on the street is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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You know – this whole NaBloPoMo thingy. This is Day 2 and already I’m ready to quit.

Thankfully, Compassion International will save me from my lack of blog posting organizational skills.

Here’s the facts: a handful of bloggers are right NOW in the Dominican Republic witnessing children in poverty. They’ll be blog reporting all week about what they experience. Follow this link to hear what they have to say, or you can click on the pretty blue button in the side bar. And if you are so moved to action, and I pray you are, go HERE to sponsor a child.

Thank you. I will now return to my mad blog crafting. Come back tomorrow to see what it is…

Compassion bloggers in Dominican Rebublic Nov. 2 – 7 is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Now you may be thinking: Okay, I get it. There is suffering and children are starving and dying. I had no idea there were so many scriptures that talk about poverty and what our response should be. What can I do? I’m just one person in the world.

Excellent question! Here are some ideas to help us in the war against poverty:

Six things you can do today to help fight poverty:

Pray. I believe in an all-powerful, loving God who listens to the cry of His people. I pray for them, especially the littlest ones that seem to suffer the worst. I also pray that the Lord would use me to help and to give me opportunities.

Give. Yes, money helps, but it’s not the only thing to do. Throwing money at a problem is a typical knee-jerk reaction for us Americans. How much can I donate to make the guilt go away? We need to give out of love, not because it’s easy and fast to write out a check. Giving your time may be a bigger sacrifice to make – I sure know it can be for me. Let’s give our time and energy to organizations that seek to help those in poverty.

Teach. If you are a parent, then teach your children about poverty around the world. Don’t be afraid to give them the honest truth. You may be surprised at the compassion and understanding from your children. Give them the chance to help out.

Love. Our motivation for everything we do.  Without love we are… just a loud, ugly noise. If I give everything I own to the poor, but have not have love, it’s a waste (I Corinthians 13: 1-3).

Go. The natural response of love. A soup kitchen in your city. A building project. There are many opportunities if you just look. Before I was married, I witnessed horrible living conditions in my travels to South America and Asia. My church denomination offers women’s mission trips to work with the poor.

You can also go to compassion.com right now to sponsor a child trapped in poverty. My family has sponsored an Indonesian girl for several years and I know our monthly support and letters are changing her life.

As for Number Six? I’m leaving that one up to you.

What can we do to fight poverty? Leave your suggestion in the comments, or write your own post, and I’ll link to it here.

Let’s inspire each other!

***

photo credit: angela7dreams

Six things you can do today to help fight poverty is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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2.8 billion people live on less than $2 per day.

More than 1 billion live on less than $1 per day.

More than 800 million people go hungry daily.

100 million children around the world are homeless.

I don’t like numbers. Too easily dismissed, no emotional impact. Tell me you have X number of children, I understand the number.

But show me their photograph, and I’ll smile, thinking of my own. I’m emotionally involved when I see a face.

I understand the severe problem of poverty by reading the numbers, but it’s not until I see pictures that it begins to get down into my gut.

People, many of them children, are dying as a result of living in poverty.

Normally when I post a video, I tell you to enjoy it. You will not enjoy this video, I want you to see it because it serves a purpose: to show what numbers – 30,000, 800 million, 2.8 billion – can’t accomplish.

You can’t comprehend death and suffering only with a number.

—

All numbers provided by Compassion International.

Blog Action Day: The facts and faces of poverty is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Today we had a great chance to let our kids feel part of the process of child sponsorship and have fun at the same time.

Along with other Compassion International sponsors and volunteers, we attended a Christmas card making party at The Presbyterian Church in New Providence. (By the way, the church was packed. They are adding a second contemporary worship service next month, to run concurrent with the traditional one. Whoa. Way to go, Presbyterians).

So why did we make Christmas cards in September? Because it takes weeks, often months, for a letter to reach its final destination. Especially if the child lives in a remote area, like our girl does.

Here are our Christmas cards going into the mail this week:

Finally, a picture of Compassion International volunteer Nancy Vandermeer, who lead the card making event. Nancy has sponsored children with Compassion International for 50 years, since she was 10 years old.

Friends, that is inspiring.

And you know she didn’t start helping a child through Compassion alone, she had to have some help.

I pray my children have a lifetime of Christmas card making ahead of them too.

To learn more about how you can help a child overcome a lifecycle of poverty, learn about the transforming power of Jesus Christ, and get real neat Christmas cards, click over to the Compassion International website or blog.

Christmas in September: Compassion International Christmas card writing party is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Thank God it’s Friday. Seriously and Amen.

So I got nothin’ for you guys this week besides pictures. Sorry, I know I disappoint, especially after my slam dunk of a post regarding The Demon. Oh, wait! I do have a link to my latest over at the fabulous Relief Journal. My latest thought-provoking post is up for your amazement (or entertainment, how ever you look at it.) It’s a true little story about the Internet and my pastor.

Yesterday I represented Compassion International at the Willow Creek Leadership Summit held at Christ Church in Montclair. Tons of stained glass, murals of Bible scenes on the walls, ornate architecture. So lovely. I wish my church had stained glass like this:

I love the way the light glows around Jesus’ face, don’t you?

Move along, people, there is nothing of significance here (except a really cool picture of Jesus) is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Yesterday, as I packed the things I would need for the Vacation Bible School I was going to today, my eldest, Susan, asked to tag along.

At first, I didn’t think it a good idea.

I didn’t want to be a mom on duty, I just wanted to be an Advocate talking about children living in extreme poverty. I wanted the drive down to be a mental break from the house and all it’s craziness. And I guess part of me thought she would get in the way. She’s ten. It’s way better than a toddler, but still she has her moments of silliness.

But as she tried on a sarong I planned to bring as a prop, I couldn’t help but say yes.

Susan did great modeling the sarong, quick to jump up next to me at her cue, with no fear of standing in front a group of strange kids. She wore the Indonesian sun hat with pride. The best part of all: Susan watched her mommy talk passionately about children that need help, children living in a world she has only seen in a book or on DVD.

I wrote recently how I want to find opportunities for my children to learn about justice and helping others, so to almost miss this kid-friendly chance leaves me disappointed with myself. I need to stop thinking of Susan as a little girl, but as a young lady who can participate in ministry along side me.

My first Compassion International advocate presentation: An unexpected lesson is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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• Susan is ten years old as of last week. She’s growing into a young lady, so blogging about her is tricky territory now. Excellent blog fodder, the potential for humor and witty snark abound. But she knows how to work the Google, and knows mom has this paperbridges.net thing going on, so no cute tween changing body stories about her.
• Doc – a man with a vision – is plotting and scheming. I’m just a wife who wants security with a modest shoe budget. That’s all I can say about that right now.
• My back porch project is moving sloooowly. I decided to extend the porch by adding on a stone patio. Doc wants to do it too, but more work and more time to get it done.
• Lucy is making me crazy. Apparently I need to be in the same room with her as she poops and pees, forcing me to stop what I’m doing to watch. I’ve tried ignoring her, only to be rewarded with a lake of pee on the bathroom floor. Yes, I said Lake Pee.
• My first Compassion International presentation is scheduled for July 17 at a Vacation Bible School in Princeton. Starting to feel the pressure of not screwing it up. Thankfully the kids I’m speaking to are… kids. A forgiving audience, in my experience with working with kids. Of course, I want to complicate things by making my own Poverty Wheel, making the talk all hands on and stuff, but at this late date I may have to go with simple.
• If I can’t get to Blogher, I want to go to GodBlogCon in September. Anyone else going? I’d love to meet you in person. I’m not sure how it’s mom friendly, but I can pretend I’m professional enough to hang with the movers and shakers of the godblogosphere.
• Last night I dreamt of dropping the kids into public school. Literally. I walked in a classroom, sat them at a table and walked out the door. I spent the rest of the dream arguing with myself, What the heck are you doing? Go get them! The guilt, the internal conflict, that feeling of panic – all too real.
• Book giveaway time again – but you have to come back tomorrow.

Enjoy your Monday. It’s rainy here and I must go to that shiny (un)happy place were I can do the modern day version of hunting and gathering. Fun and excitement, eh?

A series of unrelated thoughts is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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Leave it to Lisa Samson to make a heavy subject an entertaining read.

Justice is a topic I’ve been hearing more and more lately in Christian circles, so it didn’t surprise me when Lisa, with her husband Will, wrote a book on the subject. The best part of the book: the characters the facts are hung on. So instead of a dry read, we follow how a Christian family finds their way into helping the less fortunate, out of the box of the church, transforming their lives in the process.

Having said that, this is not a comfortable read, especially if you are into all that big spending, over living, over commit yourself mindset. The scene about Habitat Humanity house building without a mainline church volunteer represented – that got my Irish up, but not enough to make me stop reading. And I admit the point was made – we are good at helping our own church body, yet often fail to help where the work is already under way with another (shocking! secular) organization.

Teaching justice to children

I read this book not only as a Christian interested in social issues, but as a mom looking to teach her kids how to be sensitive to these types of situations. As a mother, it’s my ultimate goal to raise my children into adults who care for others. I’m always looking for good ideas and at the end of the book several practical steps are offered to help a regular church goer like myself to do justice to others.

I don’t have to look very far to find an example for my children. Just the act of attending church for us is a lesson in justice and caring for others.

There is a boy at church with autism. I find myself frequently reminding my children to look out for him, especially when his older brother does that big brother thing and tries to bully him. Brothers will be brothers, autism or not.

I tell my children that when they see that boy not understanding how to play a game or when he cries easily with frustration, don’t be quick to judge. Show patience and love, take the road no one else walks and be his friend.

I’m not sure my boys get it yet. My boys are still competitive with each other, so to make them understand compassion and mercy to this autistic boy is hit and miss. Yet I have to try. I think of Will and Lisa Samson’s book and I know I have to start somewhere. What better place than on the playground with their own peers?

An opportunity to help

I was pleased to read in the resource section in the back of the book a plug for Compassion International, an organization I’m involved with, and one that has recently jumped on the blogging bandwagon. (What a great way to educate believers on the work of Compassion International; the power of blogging at it’s finest.)

As you are probably aware, there is a food crisis in the world today. People are starving because of lack of food and now going hungry because they simply can’t afford to buy it. Where is the justice is this situation? Compassion International is on the attack with a prayer and fasting campaign set for this Wednesday, June 25. Right now you can sign up to participate on behalf of suffering children around the world. I urge you to do so and share this story with your children. It’s an excellent opportunity to teach them about the world and the suffering in it.

Links

Compassional International Day of Prayer and Fasting

Lisa Samson’s website

Other posts about Lisa’s books:

Consuming Summer: Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Boy, Do I Feel Foolish

Love Now

© 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges

Justice in the Burbs: Being the Hands of Jesus Where You Live by Will and Lisa Samson is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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My back porch.

This is an on-going project. A week ago, the porch was filled with tools, wood scraps, kid toys, and office equipment. Anybody need a file cabinet?? Now Doc is motivated. Why now? I have no idea. Finally, after years of wishing I could sit out on my porch, drinking iced tea or eating coffee ice cream, with a book in hand, the job has begun in earnest.

I’d be embarrassed to show you pictures of what the porch looked like before he started gutting. This is the first, and second pass, of major junk removal. As you can see, work still needs doing.

But do I nag? Do I stomp my feet in frustration especially when I’m hormonal? Oh, no. Not me. Ha.

The potential for greatness is there, isn’t it? I can see it finished with a brick floor, nicer wood on the walls and furniture. Real furniture!

I was all set to post this as one of those “Oh, isn’t this interesting about me” types of posts, and then Snap tipped me off to BooMama’s challenge. If you have a house project, and you need a little encouragement from your online blog buddies, this could just be the kick in the pants you need. So, bare it all. What do you want to accomplish around your house this summer?

My back porch needs prayer is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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What I learned from SpongeBob Squarepants:

Lesson 1. Be determined like Plankton

Plankton is the villain of Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob’s hometown. Plankton is grouchy, he wants his way all the time, yet he does have one redeeming quality – he’s determined. He wants that secret Krabby Patty recipe, yet in every episode, he’s foiled. But does Plankton give up because his plan for restaurant domination is not going his way? No way. That’s what I tell my 9-year-old daughter as she memorizes multiplication facts- be determined like Plankton.

Lesson 2. Starfish have brains, you do too. Use your brain.

I feel sorry for Patrick. He means well, but he’s a bit of a bumbler. Contrary to what the cartoon writers tell you, starfish do have brains. So I tell my kids: God gave you a brain, don’t forget to use it. Don’t act stupid like Patrick. A few days after telling my kids this, I found myself explaining to one of my children why it’s a bad idea to burn leaves and sticks in the backyard with a magnifying glass. That child obviously needs a refresher of Lesson 2.

Lesson 3. Don’t do a Squidward

Complaining, lazy, never-satisfied Squidward is such a downer. He sits behind the register at the restaurant and looks for things to complain about. Does this guy ever smile? Don’t be like Squidward and complain when learning how to load the dishwasher, okay?

Lesson 4: Money will never love Mr. Krabs

Mr. Krabs is obsessed with his money making, he frets about it constantly, never seeming to enjoy the success he already has. I tell my children it’s okay to work hard for your money, but don’t obsess. Money can’t love you back. Be generous with the blessings in your life. Since my gang is still working on the fact that cash can get you more than toys and candy, I don’t dwell on No. 4 too much.

Lesson 5: SpongeBob is my hero

You have to applaud SpongeBob, he works in dire conditions as a fry cook, most likely for minimum wage, and he has to put up with Squidward and Mr. Krabs. But for all the negatives, our hero loves his work. Not only is SpongeBob a dedicated worker, he’s a loyal friend to Patrick. Be a patient friend too. I’ve watched SpongeBob be helpful and kind to those not so nice to him.

There you have it: lessons for living thanks to silly cartoon creatures on Nickelodeon. Be determined, use your brain, work hard, be loyal and a patient friend. Don’t love money or be a complainer.

Today’s post is dedicated to the wild creature known as the Five Year Old Boy. Especially mine with a fondness for singing the SpongeBob theme song full volume as he rides the swing in the backyard. My apologies to the neighbors.

—

Once a month, members of the High Calling Blogs community may participate in a group writing project. This month the theme is “What I learned from animals.” On June 16, the list of all blogs with a post will be listed at Middle Zone Musings.

© 2008 Monica Brand | Paper Bridges

Life lessons from SpongeBob Squarepants is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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It looks like there are new writers contributing, so go check it out.

As for me, I’ll have to read it later. No timeout from being a mommy, national holiday or not. Sigh. I’m not bitter, really. I wonder what my garbage man and letter carrier are doing right now…

Shoot. I forgot to enter, but here it is anyway is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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New Jersey Moms blog and sister sites (The direct link to my contribution about explaining sex to your child is here).

The Week of Hot Sex at the Deadly Viper

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And quickly switching to a different topic -

At the Compassion International blog this week, an informative post on how those wonderful letters from your sponsored child end up in your mailbox.

From 5 Minutes for Mom, Mommy Bloggers and the Media.

And finally, SimpleMom, who is quickly becoming my go-to blog for all things domestic. Many happy clicks await you there, enjoy.

Sex! Did that get your attention? Blog roundup (5/24/08) is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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This is what I’m looking at: tonight is home school Arts and Achievement, where Susan will sing the “50 States that Rhyme” (Her stand-by song for most public performances. It’s a good thing everyone likes it). Tomorrow I have a bridal shower for a young lady who used to sit my kids. It’s a good thing she’s marrying young, or I’d feel old.

Next weekend we camp for the first time this season. I’m not ready. I love camping – once I get there. The planning, packing and whatnots is so much work. And our pop-up hasn’t been opened since last summer when got home from Creationfest. Oy. Hope the mice didn’t enjoy themselves too much.

Then for the last weekend of May, I (sans kiddos; yeah, baby) get to attend the highlight of my home schooling year – the ENOCH convention. It’s such a kick in the pants to hobnob with all the other home schooling moms, dads. We have it all here in New Jersey, even within the Christian home schooling community. If you are into the sport of People Watching, I highly recommend your local home school convention. And then there are the workshops! Such wisdom and encouragement! Plus all the books to touch, smell, taste! No, I don’t put the books in my mouth (Only if I’m buying. Ha. Just a bit of book-buying humor).

AND in the midst of all that, I’m suppost to be writing my first Child Advocate presentation. I keep meaning to post about it, sorry I haven’t. Long story short; I volunteered with Compassion International as a Child Advocate to give short presentations in local churches.

It’s not that big of a deal, I mean, I’m a writer, this is cake for me. Tough part: the two-hour conference call I need to chime in on either May 19 or May 25. Well, the 25th is out, we don’t get home until Monday. I can’t see me delievering my presentation next to the campfire while on my cell. I’d do May 19, except it’s 2 p.m. What to do with kids? I could try to stick them all in front of the TV, but that’s no guarantee they will give me peace. That’s a big chunk of time, two hours on the phone. So it looks like June is the only date I can do.

Maybe I can beg off camping, claim prior commitment. Think Doc will go for it? Oh, and as for the Doc-hubs, he’s sick with this bizarre infection in his elbow. Who gets an infection in their elbow?? Anyway, you should see it, all fire engine red and puffy. The (real) doctor said if it doesn’t get better by tomorrow, (fake doc) husband must be admitted to hospital for IV medication.

Hmm. Maybe I won’t be camping next weekend after all.

So. How you doin’?

Everything at once is a post from: Paper Bridges, © 2005-2010 Monica Brand

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