Kisses From Katie ... and negative purity

I have watched this video numerous times and have been struck by it, in a slightly different way, each time.

If I am being honest, what I keep coming back to is the fact that the girl in the video, Katie Davis, the one who has left her home in Tennessee to feed the hungry, to care for orphans, to sacrifice all to do unto others, is now just 22 years young.

At 16, she knew God was calling her to missions.  At 18, she left home for Uganda for what was to be a one year commitment.  

At 19, she founded Amazima, a ministry that feeds, educates, and encourages orphaned and vulnerable children and the poor in the country of Uganda.  A ministry that now, just three years after it's founding, has a $700,000 a year budget, sponsors 500 children and feeds 2,000 more.  

Now, at 22, she is the mother of 14 children.  

Please take several moments to view this video clip if you will.  

The music may first be paused by scrolling down to the gray music player in left sidebar.  

Simply click the round pause button.

Of all things, why is her age what struck me most?  

Just moments after watching the video for the first time, I had to run to the library- where, by the way, I did a quick search to request the book this young woman has recently authored about her experiences that has just landed on the New York Times Bestseller List.

Walking up to the library, the door was blocked by teenagers who had just gotten out of school.  I covered the ears of my eight year old son as we walked in.  The language too crass to repeat.  The discussion more vulgar than I care to recall.  One girl tossing a fake wooden rifle.  Others calling disrespectfully to their classmates who were walking down the street.  Teens smoking, making fun of the older folks trying to make their way in and out of the library.  

A stark contrast.

Why are there not more teens like Katie Davis?  Why can they not see beyond themselves?  How have they not learned that the world is so much bigger, that they are not the shining star around which the earth revolves?

Some may say that Katie is special, with a special calling.  I believe that is true.  

I also believe that we expect far to little of what we have come to know as "adolescents".    

Take a good, hard look at the children and teenagers around you.  

Take a look not just at what they are not doing, but what they are.

What do you see?  

Charles Spurgeon, the great preacher of the nineteenth century, commented, "Perhaps some of you can claim a sort of negative purity, because you do not walk in the way of the ungodly; but let me ask you - Is your delight in the law of God? Do you study God's Word? Do you make it the man of your right hand - your best companion and hourly guide?" If not, Spurgeon said, the blessing of Psalm 1 does not belong to you.  

--Alex and Brett Harris, Do Hard Things

Do the young people in your life know Jesus?  

Do they know what it means to look beyond themselves?  

Is there really true, abundant fruit in their lives?  Do they really show self-control?  Do they respect authority?  Do they obey and honor their parents?  Are they kind?  Are they responsible?  

Are they accountable?  How do they conduct themselves?

How about your expectations - the expectations you have of them as a parent?  

As a teacher?  A friend?

What wonderful things teens can accomplish when they are trained, taught, guided and discipled by the Word, and by those God has placed in their lives.

More about Katie and Amazima, and how you can support this ministry can be found at www.amazima.org.

Blessed is the man

who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,

nor stands in the way of sinners,

nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

but his delight is in the law of the LORD,

and on his law he meditates day and night.

(Psalm 1:1-2 ESV)

Popcorn {That Kids Can Make Themselves}

Microwave popcorn... without buying microwave popcorn?
Who knew!?
We recently discovered that you needn't purchase bags of microwave popcorn, but can instead make them yourself!  I guess I'd always assumed there was something special about the microwave popcorn bag, but apparently not - aside from unhealthy preservatives and toppings.

The kids have enjoyed making their own.
It's really quite simple.

Place 1/4 cup of popcorn kernels in a paper lunch bag, without opening up the bottom of the bag.
Fold the top down about an inch toward the bottom flap, and tape with one piece of scotch tape.

Place in microwave, tape side up and use the popcorn setting
(or set for 2-3 minutes and stop when there are several seconds between pops).

When it's finished, add salt and butter or whatever toppings you choose, or just eat it plain!

Not only is this version far more economical, but it's also healthier, assuming you go easy on the toppings!

These little bags are perfect for snacks.

When the bags are folded in thirds with the unpopped kernels inserted and they're neatly tied with twine or ribbon and maybe a gift tag, they look like an inviting treat, perfect perhaps for party favors.

Make several bags, add a new bowl and a DVD and they make a great gift set too!  

*Please be so kind as to join me here at Abundant Fruit & Olive Shoots if you have not already, and be entered to win a beautiful handmade baby hat and shoe set, by LisaCorinne Handmade.  Scroll below to the post titled "Giveaway" for details.  Thank you!

Plugged IN

Today was a rainy day where we live. I should say, it was another rainy day! It was also the premier day of Cars 2. Movie going is not something we do often, but every now and then there is a movie that seems worth seeing.

Cars 2 was apparently a very exciting flick for three little guys... and one big guy too! They all were so excited I was compelled to tag along ;) It was great fun. An adventure for the boys being at the big theatre in a crowd of children, many of whom were on their first day of summer vacation. We got there early, got in line and got great seats. Even little Noah was smiling ear to ear saying "Cars 2" over and over. It was a special day.

The reason we don't typically view many movies is two-fold. First of all, and most simply, it's a costly affair and discounts and coupons are difficult, if not impossible to come by.

Secondly, most of what Hollywood produces is garbage and not worth the time or money. A number of years ago Dan came across a website of Focus on the Family called PluggedIN online. They do all sorts of reviews - everything from music to movies to video games. We have found it to be a most useful tool, and quite trustworthy.

Their review of Cars 2 is quite accurate, and we were glad to know the positives and negatives of the moview ahead of time. I also checked in there to see what was written about the new movie, Mr. Popper's Penguins. I was hopeful that it would be a great family film, since it was based on a great children's book that the boys enjoy. Sadly, I found that rather than a cute kid's film, it tries hard to cater to the adult crowd and as a result is not something we will allow our children to see. There simply is no need to send mixed signals. When so much time and effort goes in to teaching them what's right and God honoring, it's counter productive to take them to movies that don't encourage the same.

So, we've had our movie adventure for the summer, and now will put the idea on the shelf for what will likely be another long while, and move on to more educational and worthwhile excursions.