Check out my blog @ www.revivingfaith.org!
04 May 2010
03 May 2010
3 May 2010 - Compassion
Jesus proclaimed that, in the kingdom of God, greatness is not determined by wealth or authority, but by compassion and justice. Those blessed who would inherit the Father’s kingdom would be none other than those who gave food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, hospitality to strangers, clothes to the naked, and comfort to the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:31-46).
Picture ©2008 Timothy J. Gardner
2 May 2010 - Work
Papers, papers, papers. This is what my week is looking like. Almost done with this semester!
01 May 2010
1 May 2010 - The Range
Driving range at Citrus College last night for a small group bachelor party for Chau Thai Ly. Getting better at golf, but still a long way to go!
30 April 2010
30 April 2010 - Sex for Sale
Sex Ads Seen Adding Revenue to Craigslist
By BRAD STONE
Published: April 25, 2010
Craigslist, one of the most popular Web sites in the United States, is on track to increase its revenue 22 percent this year, largely from its controversial sex advertisements. That financial success is reviving scrutiny from law-enforcement officials who say the ads are still being used for illegal ends.
The ads, many of which blatantly advertise prostitution, are expected to bring $36 million this year, according to a new projection of Craigslist’s income. That is three times the revenue in last year’s projection. Law-enforcement officials have been fighting a mostly losing battle to get Craigslist to rein in the sex ads. At the same time, officials of organizations that oppose human trafficking say the site remains the biggest online hub for selling women against their will. Last week, in the latest example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested 14 members of the Gambino crime family on charges of, among other things, selling the sexual services of girls ages 15 to 19 on Craigslist.
For the full article, go to NYTimes.com
29 April 2010
29 April 2010 - Go to camp...
Troy, Andrew, Chris and I flung camp flyers around the office today in an effort to raise camp awareness among our students... not really. It started with Chris (I think) showing us how to fling paper really fast, and it turned into us throwing the entire pile of about 100 postcards throughout the office. Good times after youth group!
28 April 2010
28 April 2010 - Life with Bob
Me and Bob Harper from the Biggest Loser on NBC during a shoot with David M. Hepburn Productions, Inc. So much fun and a lot of work at a really nice hotel. It was cool to meet and talk with a tv personality I watch every week.
27 April 2010
27 April 2010 - Fancy... again.
They have robes and slippers you can wear after you shower. Awesome (I didn't use them).
26 April 2010 - Fancy
Fancy desserts and coffee at the shoot... perfect flavor, great color. The chocolate covered dried pineapple wasn't very good, though.
26 April 2010
25 April 2010 - Sharing a Bed
I got to share my bed last night with Georgia. She's kind of restless and moves around a lot. Nothing like waking up at 3am to a puppy breathing in your ear!
24 April 2010
24 April 2010 - A Volunteer's Story
I remember looking in my rearview mirror that day wondering what I had just done. Thinking, “What am I doing? Why would I ever leave San Francisco?” As I made the long drive down from San Francisco to San Diego I thought about all the pros and cons of my new decision. I had stepped out in faith but what if I was wrong. Who was I kidding? In this economy jobs were hard to come by and I chose to leave a secure one to volunteer with a new non-profit, GenerateHope. I planned on moving down and figuring out life as it came…this involved my living situation and full-time employment.
Against the warnings and better judgment of my family, I left what was comfortable and secure to begin serving women who had been sexually trafficked. I had no idea then what it would mean for my life but I knew I couldn’t imagine another day of sitting behind a desk living an unfulfilled life.
It’s been over five months since I left San Francisco that day and I can sincerely say that I made the right decision. During this time God took away every comfort from me, every sense of financial security, confidence and pride I had and shattered it. It was in this that He began to teach me what it was like to feel lost and broken. I don’t claim to understand what each victim feels as they come to the house but I genuinely believe God used my brokenness to give me a better understanding of their pain.
There is a huge need in San Diego for a place for trafficked victims to feel safe, to learn, and be healed of their hurt. Working with each woman has been such a blessing. My life has been completely transformed by being able to volunteer with GenerateHope. I’ve shared laughs with the women over guacamole chips and tears over recent phone calls from a relative. I’ve seen them quiet and closed off and am now seeing them slowly open up to me.
Since the doors have opened at GenerateHope, my part in their world has been a more creative outlet for them to express their thoughts through the creation of a magazine they put together. I am surprised weekly by the discussions the women bring to the table; they are such bright young women. They are daily reminders to me to be a gracious, caring, giving and strong woman. They show me that life is precious and should not be spent enhancing my own life but rather helping those in need.
Volunteering with GenerateHope has given me a better perspective of the world around me and a dedication to combating sex-trafficking. One person can make a difference and I have seen that firsthand through the Directors and volunteers at GenerateHope.
Against the warnings and better judgment of my family, I left what was comfortable and secure to begin serving women who had been sexually trafficked. I had no idea then what it would mean for my life but I knew I couldn’t imagine another day of sitting behind a desk living an unfulfilled life.
It’s been over five months since I left San Francisco that day and I can sincerely say that I made the right decision. During this time God took away every comfort from me, every sense of financial security, confidence and pride I had and shattered it. It was in this that He began to teach me what it was like to feel lost and broken. I don’t claim to understand what each victim feels as they come to the house but I genuinely believe God used my brokenness to give me a better understanding of their pain.
There is a huge need in San Diego for a place for trafficked victims to feel safe, to learn, and be healed of their hurt. Working with each woman has been such a blessing. My life has been completely transformed by being able to volunteer with GenerateHope. I’ve shared laughs with the women over guacamole chips and tears over recent phone calls from a relative. I’ve seen them quiet and closed off and am now seeing them slowly open up to me.
Since the doors have opened at GenerateHope, my part in their world has been a more creative outlet for them to express their thoughts through the creation of a magazine they put together. I am surprised weekly by the discussions the women bring to the table; they are such bright young women. They are daily reminders to me to be a gracious, caring, giving and strong woman. They show me that life is precious and should not be spent enhancing my own life but rather helping those in need.
Volunteering with GenerateHope has given me a better perspective of the world around me and a dedication to combating sex-trafficking. One person can make a difference and I have seen that firsthand through the Directors and volunteers at GenerateHope.
For me, it’s like a Yann Tiersen instrumental piano piece playing through my headphones while at my favorite coffee shop. That sense of peace, quietness, security; that is what I hope to be for these girls. This is what I hope they feel as they go through the program and begin to rebuild their identity. GenerateHope is doing amazing work and I am thankful to be a part of it.
23 April 2010
23 April 2010 - Midwest Slaves
Slaves are transported across America many ways. One of the most common is to transport children in the cabs of trucks. At truck stops, the trucks pull up so close to each other that the children are literally passed from one cab to another without their feet ever touching the ground. The Midwest is often a common destination for sex slaves. Brothels are easily hidden because no one expects to find a brothel in the Midwest of America.
Let's Iron This Out: America's Contribution to the Growing Sex Trafficking Industry
Melanie Weaver, MFA
Azusa Pacific University
22 April 2010
22 April 2010 - Cap and Gown
Michael got his cap and gown last night. He's trying to figure out how to work the cap around his hair. We had fun with it. Graduation is only 16 days away!
21 April 2010
21 April 2010 - Progress
Georgia and Fritter enjoyed a nice afternoon nap after spending some time in the rain yesterday. Aren't they cute? I think so. And Georgia actually didn't pee inside yesterday! We are so proud!
20 April 2010 - Dough That You Play With
Played with playdough today at Ramona. We had students take salt, water, and flour to make playdough, and I finally figured out why it's called playdough... it's actually dough... that you play with. I'm so smart, and now I can pass on the knowledge I have to middle schoolers! Awesome!
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