the journey

Helping Teresa

SDC10148
Originally uploaded by mbushor

[Click on photograph for larger versions.]

During spring break, we're taking a group to Mexico to build two casitas.

The first casita is for Teresa (and her family) who currently lives in a small casita with her husband and three children. Her husband works at the local Tortilla Factory to assist with income.

We will be constructing a smaller structure (8 x 12) to serve as a kitchen and additional storage because they simply have no more room where they live now.

What a way to spend Spring Break!

I can't wait to go!

Technorati Tags: Spring Break,Mexico,mission trip,casita

Ash Wednesday cynicism

I suppose you could say the ecard printed below is a bit of Ash Wednesday cynicsm.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that ecards like these have been developed.  Geez. ;-)

ht: bob blog (and others)

Tags: Lent, Ash Wednesday, someecards

Proverbs 14:31 NLT

An interesting quote:

"Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, 
but those who help the poor honor him."

Really?  What a thought!  The way we treat the poor or those in need, is a direct reflection on how we relate to God. in fact, those who oppress the poor INSULT God.  Those who help the poor HONOR God.

Can it be any easier than that?  It's plain.  In the relationships between God and neighbor, how we relate to our neighbor is a direct reflection on how we really feel about God.  And this is why Paul is able to say that fulfilling the command to love our neighbors as ourselves fulfills all the commands of the Law and the prophets.

Loving your neighbor = loving God and vice versa.

ht: resurrecting footpaths.

Tags: poor, poverty

Deidox

Real stories, real lives.  True stores about an active God.

Really good.

Deidox | Lindsay : Trailer from Deidox on Vimeo.

Click here for the Deidox web site.

Tags: Deidox, God, Christianity

Ash Wednesday

Here's an Ash Wednesday Primer if you're unfamiliar with this ancient Christian practice. If you're interested in reading a one-page Lent 101 introductory article, click here. 

And here's a Lenten Devotional (Prayer) Guide that's worth your time and consideration.

ht: beauty and depravity

Tags: Ash Wednesday, Lent

Church attendance in the UK

Is this where North American church attendance is headed too?

ht: Mark Riddle, tallskinikiwi, and ultimately thisfragiletent

Tags: church attendance, church, Christianity

An eventful morning at the local soup kitchen

David & Carmen
Originally uploaded by mbushor

[Click on photograph for larger versions.]

While we were sorting canned goods and restocking the shelves at the Mission Soup Kitchen, I was asked if we might be able to handle the entire shift this morning-- set up, food prep, serving our neighborhood friends, etc. Because all of the soup kitchen personnel were either sick or unavailable to serve today.

So we rose to the challenge! And I'm glad we did.

We had a blast serving soup & sandwiches (excellent soup, I might add, from the Olive Garden), talking to the poor and homeless, and being a blessing to an agency that's doing tremendous good in our community.

It was wonderful!

I can't think of a better way to spend my day off!  We had a ton of fun.

[Photo of David, one of our Elders, and Carmen, one of the Shift Leaders at the Mission Soup Kitchen.]

Technorati Tags: Flickr,Mission Soup Kitchen

Kari Jobe: We Cry Out

I really like the music of Kari Jobe.  In a previous post, I introduced everyone to the Revelation Song.

Here's something that recently caught my attention.

Tags: Kari Jobe, We Cry Out

Trucker Frank

While reading Tony Jones' book, The New Christians, I stumbled upon the compelling story of Trucker Frank-- a story I've retold myself on at least two occasion.  And will probably do it again.

Trucker Frank has been through the wringer:

• He's been fired
• He's been shunned by previous churches
• He's been cheated on & divorced
• And he's even been excommunicated by a Christian Book Store.  That takes the cake, doesn't it?

I wish I would have found the YouTube interviews with Trucker Frank (there are 5 episodes in all) sooner than this.  But better late than never, right?  Anyway, enjoy the life & times of Trucker Frank. 

He's the kind of guy I wouldn't mind having a Starbucks coffee or beer with. 

Tags: Trucker Frank, Tony Jones, The New Christians

Jesus Messiah

Just got back from a week-long pastor's conference.  So-so conference, but it was great to meet with my mentor a few times. Great food at Carshon's Deli in Ft. Worth too! 

Went to an Emmaus Community Gathering tonight & this was one of the songs we sang.  Superb song!

Tags: YouTube, Chris Tomlin, Jesus Messiah