Randomness With a Capital R

My nine-year-old: Blah blah's mom let her have a Facebook account when she was in kindergarten.
Me: That's a lie.
My nine-year-old: No, it isn't. I saw her log into it with her own name.
Me: That's stupid.
My nine-year-old: That's not stupid. Her mom's a teacher, and she teaches a really hard subject. Are you saying her mom is stupid?
Me: Maybe.
My nine-year-old: Dramtic sigh and pouting.
Me: Dramatic sigh and pouting.

Due to the above mentioned conversation about Facebook, I find this series on the Amish especially appealing. That's what cutting out cable and infusing Netflix will do to a girl. Leave her hungry for a simpler life, and turn her into a documentary junkie.

What a perfect introduction to my next topic (not really, just pretend).

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Have you played Can You Survive on $1.25 a Day? It's a short, interactive game which allows you to see the choices 1.3 million people who live in extreme poverty face daily.

• Do you pay for a new stove or remove your son from school?
• Do you continue to send your daughter to work even though her employer is rumored to be involved in sex traficking?
• Do you vacinate your kids or do you eat?

This game is brought to you by 58, a global initiative working to end world poverty. 58 is up to some crazy shananigans such as rallying people to pray, fast, give, and participate in a Global Impact Tour involving a new project every month.

This won't be the last time you hear me raving about 58. No, no. 58 and I are becoming fast friends.

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Last thing, I've been talking about home lately. This is one of my favorite former homes, Colorado. I took this picture with a cheap point and shoot camera. That's how amazing Colorado is. You don't even have to try to get a good picture. Postcard images jump through your screen.

I'm sure you've heard about the fires raging in Colorado.

I spoke with a good friend tonight who says it's not a matter of if the the fires hit her mountain community but a matter of when.

Please pray.

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Breaking into a House and Thinking About Home

Susan and I broke into her brother's house.

She needed a bathroom, and I needed a cell phone charger. In our defense, if a house is left unlocked, it's an open invitation for pesky relatives and long ago friends to enter and even attempt to watch your wedding video (Sorry, Brian).

Susan found a bathroom, and I found two beers. Then, we found the back patio.

Our conversation lingered around the topic of home.

See, Susan and I spent the two previous hours driving around what was once our home, but over the last twenty years, our former home changed.

The cornfields I once cursed were replaced with housing developments, and I hate the housing developments more than I ever hated the cornfields.

The people I once knew moved away or moved on. They grew families and lives.

Strip malls invaded.

And our patio conversation went like this:

Is home really home if most of what you remember has changed? Is home really home if you no longer know people who live there? Is home really home if your only connection is the person riding in the car with you?

All of these questions were probably why we ended up at Susan's brother's house. Her brother's house used to be her grandma's house, a house we crept into late and crashed at often during our high school years. Sure, Susan's brother updated appliances and painted the walls, but his house was a tiny part of Susan's Grandma Buelah and a tangible piece of home.

As we sank into the patio cushions, I told Susan I hurt for a home that only exsists in my head, and she said nothing, but she nodded because forever friends get you even when you don't get yourself.

Tell me where you spent your high school years. Is the place the same as you remember? Different and good? Different and not-so-good?

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Image credit.

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Sunday Snapshots

If you can't find me, it's because I've moved to this children's garden.

Feel free to visit if you want me to school you in a game of checkers.

Or watch giant goldfish.

Quick, put on an apron and give the house a sweep.

Or learn a few things in the alphabet garden. Hello, do you know Lamb's Ear actually feels like a lamb's ear? What smarty came up with that?

Dear Elwood, Illinois,
 
Sorry oil refineries and the Chicago Speedway box you in, but you sure do know how to grow a good children's garden.

I love it when communities encourage community. Yep, sure do.

Where have you noticed community in your world?

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Have you embraced the sure factor?

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The Jew in Your Basement

As you know, I don’t pretend to be cutting edge.

I’m always late to embrace the hottest gadget, and  I still miss my Razor phone.

I am the final person to know about the hottest, social media sites and the last to read the most recent “it” book. Although, I did wave the Katniss banner from the beginning.

So, despite the fact that Markus Zusak’s classic, The Book Thief,  has been out for five years, I just read it.

The Book Thief’s setting is Nazi Germany where a young girl named Liesel and her German, foster family choose to hide a Jewish man named Max in their basement.

Liesel’s foster family, the Hubermanns, live in fear. They divide the little food they have to feed another hungry mouth. They risk ridicule of friends and neighbors. They put the family’s already fragile reputation in jeopardy. They live with Death leering in the windows, and they endanger their lives for someone they don’t know.

The night I finished reading The Book Thief, I twisted in our sheets, and slept a fitful sleep. My dreams took me to Nazi Germany, but I also visited Rwanda, Haiti, an empty warehouse, and an abandoned beach.

When I woke, a haunting question rattled in my head:

Who is the Jew in your basement?

Meaning: Who do I put it on the line for? Is there a group or even a person that I love because it’s the right thing to do and not because it’s trendy to be involved or easy to write a check? Am I risking anything for someone else?

Good questions with great examples from a fictional family named the Hubermanns.

What about you? Tell me about the book on your nightstand, or tell me about risking for someone else.

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Linking with the girls from Lisa Jo's where we write for five minutes flat. Interested in hearing more?

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The Time Resentment Grew on My Back Deck

I don’t struggle with no. I find no easy, peasy and examples abound:

Do you want to go to the movies?

No.

Will you babysit my kids?

No.

Can you drive me to the airport?

No.

Will you be a part of our committee?

No.

But recently, I offered help, and someone told me, “Sure, and in addition to helping, you can also do this, this, this, and this”.

Now, my no’er must have been asleep because I neglected to say no.

Maybe I didn’t say no because I was taken by surprise or maybe I didn’t say no out of guilt, but regardless, I said nothing.

Instead, I grew resentful. I placed my resentment in a flowerpot, and I fed and watered it daily. Then, I made certain my resentment obtained enough sun to thrive. I even sprinkled it with fertilizer. Soon, my resentment took up so much space that it took over my back deck, and I regretted offering to help in the first place.

While we all desire to serve others, sometimes the most important word to consider is no.

 What about you? Can you think of a time when your no-er broke and you ended up resenting your yes?

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Want to plan a fab mom and daughter date?

Thank Goodness I am Influential in Salsa

Do you ever wonder about the impact you have on those in your circle? Wonder no more.

Let me introduce you to Klout. It’s the not so new, but new to me, measure of online influence.

Klout measures the following:

-How many people you influence

-How much you influence them

-The influence of your network

Klout magically reads what you write about the most, and then assigns you an influential score and a list of topics in which you hold some, oh, what’s the word? Oh, yes, Klout.

To help you better understand, I will introduce you to some fellow bloggers.

First up, the lovely Nancy Franson. Nancy influences people in family, college, and photography. Aww, that’s sweet. Way to go, Nancy.

Next, we have Sharita Knobloch (fellow Soli Deo Gloria small group member). This girl is influential in marriage, spirituality, and blogging. Big hand for you, Sharita.

Then, we have the sweet Jean Wise. This lady influences people in Christianity, spirit, and writing. Sure, that makes sense.

Picking up the rear, we have me, Amy Sullivan. I was thrilled to read I am influential in blogging, salsa, and logging. What? 


Yes, that's where Klout says I have the most influence. 

Thank goodness! 

I was totally wondering when I would get some recognition for all the work I’ve been doing in the logging industry and wow, those magical Klout fairies must have heard I won first place in a Salsa Off with friends two years ago.

Geesh.

Delving into the existence of Klout made me think about my real-life influence. Sure, I influence those inside my house, but what kind of impact do I hold outside these walls?

 Where would you say you have off-line influence? Friends? Co-workers? Extended family? The logging industry? Anyone? Anyone?

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Click here to "like" my Facebook Writer Page. Thanks!


Click here to see what the kids in my neighborhood are up to.


Linking with SDG.


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An Alternate to the Typical Family Vacation

Around here, camping, hiking, Dollywood, and Disney rank as summer faves, but what if instead of roasting marshmallows and cruising down water slides, your family spent summer days serving others?

This summer, one of our favorite neighborhood families took a mission trip to Cherry Creek, South Dakota. Today, eleven-year-old, Hayden and nine-year-old, Auburn, share about their family's experience.

Hello! My name is Hayden, and I learned a lot in Cherry Creek, South Dakota when my family and I went on a mission trip. Cherry Creek, South Dakota is the poorest county in the United States of America.

The town wasn’t anything like I was used to. It’s a bunch of broken down houses with lots of trash outside. There weren’t any gas stations or stores. We went to the community center to do “Totes of Hope". This is a program that provides food for two weeks from a food bank in Rapid City. Most of the food isn’t fresh and it’s not filling. The people brought their totes to the center and we filled it with items such as rice, crackers, cereal, bread, and toothbrushes. 

The next day, we went to plant a quarter of an acre garden beside the Cheyenne River. I helped sort seeds, rake, and plant.  It was a lot of work and a long day. It was all worth it. Some of the kids from town came to help. That was fun. Eight individual gardens were also planted during the week. Most of the people wanted radishes.

I want to go back again. I learned a lot of things and met a lot of friends. The drive was well worth it. I appreciate my home, clothes, family, and food more now after being in Cherry Creek. I hope my family can go back and help them.

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My name is Auburn. 

I had a good time when my family went to the Reservation in Cherry Creek, South Dakota. I got to do a lot of things and learn a lot of things while we were there.

We met lots of people while there. I played with a girl that lived there and had just been kicked out of her home. She slept in a tent at the church with us. She wore the same clothes every day. They took a shower in the Artesian well in the middle of the community in a rusted out bathtub. I felt sorry for her. She was a lot of fun to play with.

I saw two children in diapers that they had been wearing for a long time. It made me thankful for all of the clothes that I have. The only things they really had to play with were bikes that were old and broken-down.

The food wasn’t healthy but it was all that they could do right now. This trip made me thankful for all of the things that I do have. When I see food on my plate that I don’t like I look at it differently now. I want to go back and help the people there. It was life changing for me. 

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Thanks, girls. Hayden and Auburn also asked me to share this link with you should you want to hear more about the Totes of Hope Program or other needs the people of Cherry Creek have. 

Have you ever been on a family mission trip? Did you go through your church or another organization? What was the experience like?

Organizations that offer family mission trips:
Adventures in Missions
World Servants
Youth Works

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Not only are we neighbors with Hayden and Auburn, but did you read the post in which my other neighbor,  Amanda, and I created my first vlog? If you want a quick peek on how I ramble on in real-life, you must check it out.

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The Post in Which I Get Mushy

As we drove out of Chicago, snowflakes as big as snowballs tried to stop us. But even Midwest blizzards can’t block a kid with a Jeep and a girl with a new set of Target dishes.

We ate spaghetti every day off of a handmade, coffee table until someone from church stopped by and gave us a folding table. Then, we ate spaghetti every day off of a folding table.

We didn’t have a bed. We didn’t care.

I knew then he’d be good at life.

He’d win three-legged races, dominate at Just Dance, and make perfect ponytails for girls with both curly hair and straight.

I understood his steady ways would compliment my gypsy heart.

He’d develop an uncanny ability to play Littlest Pet Shop for extended periods of time, belt out the latest Selena Gomez song, and teach our girls to surf saltwater waves, hold their heads high, and seek God always.

Happy Father’s Day to the father of our two.

Thanks for loving us well.   

What about you? What's one way your husband loves your kids well? If you are a dad, take a moment to brag. In what way do you excel as a father?

For a guy who doesn't get too much face time on the blog, the husband wiggled his way into the blogosphere twice in one week. Check out what my girl said about him dipping into our Compassion change jar.

Please take a minute to hop over and "like" my FB Writer Page.

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Not Many Quarters but A Lot of Pennies

I cannot believe I talked our guest into posting here today. Between back-to-back episodes of iCarly, lengthy phone conversations with her BFF, and obsessively cleaning her newly pierced ears, this girl's summer schedule is booked. Here are a few words (totally unedited) from my girl about cashing in our change jar.

Here's Amelia.

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We saved money for Audry and we started saving in February. A couple of days ago we took the money to Ingles and we put the money in the money counter. We had a lot more money but sometimes my dad takes quarters and dollars out of the jar. This is why the money counter said we only had three quarters and zero dollars. I think my dad probably bought a chicken fried cesar salad from Zaxbys with the quarters and a smoothie from McDonald's with the dollars.

We got $11.38 and that is a lot because most of the change was pennies. We also just got a letter from Audry. Hope you guys like this writing. Love, Mia! That's my nickname.

Interested in learning more about sponsoring a child through Compassion? Click here.

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Resisting the Urge to Freeze and Shoplifting

The day my husband’s coworker called me from the emergency room was the same day I was almost arrested for shoplifting.

Fresh off our honeymoon and plopped smack in the middle of our spacious 605 square foot apartment, my husband and I quickly embraced the Rocky Mountains as home.

After working late one night, I came home to find a partial message on our answering machine.

The message stated everything was fine…garble, garble, garble, but I needed to get to the hospital….garble, garble, garble, fast.

Panicked, alone, and without the direction of a GPS (hello, not yet invented, people), I made my way to the ER.

Tests were run. Blood was drawn. Fluid pumped, and six hours later, my husband filled out discharge papers. He had a rare virus that attacked the walls of the stomach, and I had a handful of prescriptions.

I found a twenty-four hour pharmacy. Filled the prescriptions, and left the store.

  

We are taught what to do in emergency situations. We know if grabbed in a dark parking lot in the middle of the night, we need to fight. We know if we can’t fight, we should scream. We are instructed when an emergency situation arises our instincts will kick in, but I’m here to tell you my instincts didn’t kick in or kick at all or move.

When I heard running and saw the shadow of a long arm reaching towards me, I froze. I didn’t try to run. In fact, I stopped, looked down, and braced myself.

When I think back to that night, I always wonder why a girl who considers herself a fighter, just stood. I marvel how one with so much mouth ended up with such little fight, and I admit, the whole idea of freezing reminds me of my faith.

As Christians, we prepare for emergencies. We talk about what to do when needs arise. We discuss strategies and missions, but when the shadow of a long arm reaches out, sometimes I freeze.

The man running towards me turned out to be store security. Apparently, the grocery store’s pharmacy didn’t ring up prescriptions after hours, and I was under the impression that the new insurance my husband bragged about really was good, like free (give me a break, I was twenty-three).

In the end, after an hour and a half, a heated exchange, and a discussion with the actual police, the store deemed me not the smartest girl who ever walked the aisles, but not a thief. 

What about you? Have you ever froze when you should have acted? Do you freeze when scary times arise in your faith? Oh, and have you ever been picked up at King Soopers for shoplifting? Oops, wait, that was me.

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Click here to "like" my FB page, and I still feel like a used car salesman saying that.

Linking with Michelle and Jen.

Image credit.

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Because I Forgot to Thank You

Something bothers me.

In all my talk about serving as a family and others centered thinking, too often I forget to thank you.

I leave out applause for those who love kids who are not their own, who take on double duty in the church nursery, and who reach out to people different than themselves.

I overlook thanking you for pushing your families to see beyond your front porch.

Yes, you, thank you.

I appreciate how you lead that group, wrestle those ideas, and shake off the dust of discouragement again and again.

Thanks for serving when you don't feel like it.

Thanks for showing up when you wonder if anyone notices.

And thanks for pushing on even when you feel as if you don’t make one bit of difference.

*Comments are closed today.

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Sugar Induced Coma

Expectation is knowing three s'mores will make you sick, but consuming a fourth because it's summer, and you just learned how-to toast marshmallows to golden perfection.

Love you all. May your weekend include loads of family time and plenty of s'mores.

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Just joined FB. Come find me there!

Are you still working through the 15 Habits?

Joining with Lisa Jo and other word lovers as we take a few minutes and write about today's prompt: expectation.

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On Believing When You Do Not Believe

It’s Day 2 of the 15 Habits of Great Writer Series led by Jeff Goins.

See, Goins and over 900 others are disecting the habits of great writers. Each day a habit is tossed out, and each day people share what that habit means to them.

Today’s habit? Believe.

Darn you, Jeff Goins.

Good writers believe in themselves. Yeah, yeah. Agreed. That is indeed true.

Except when good writers don’t believe in themselves, and well, that is true as well.

I know you. You are sort of like me.

You have this dream and maybe you dream of being a photographer or a painter or a speaker or a homemade pie maker, and you would totally prefer to just hang out in the background until you figure out what your dream is all about. In fact, you would like it even more if the world turned its head as you clawed away to your dream.

Plus, since we are talking about it, it would be great it no one even noticed you were working on your dream until you actually achieved it. Then, your friends would pat you on the back and give you high fives and talk about how wonderful it is that you’ve captured that dream of yours. You dream catcher, you.

But I guess you know it doesn’t work that way.

There are days when you rock your dream out, and then, there are days when you stomp your feet and cry and feel the sting of failure. Those are the days I’m talking about.

Why? Because those days will come. When you are pushed harder than you want to be pushed and when you want to fling your arms in the air and shout, “I give”.

This post is about those days.

Here is my formula for those days:

Find your cheerleaders and let them carry you through. Call them. Cry and tell them you are in over your head. Allow them talk to you away from taking a bat your dream. Hang up the phone. Go for a walk. Sit back down and believe.

Believe in you because they believe you, and pretty soon you might just start believing too.

Special thanks to my cheerleaders.

Who do you call when your dream is too big to believe?

I've now been on Facebook for two days. Let the world rejoice. Please hop on over and "like" my page.

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Embracing the Sure Factor

Years ago, while flipping through an outdated booklet intended for corporate trainers, I looked down and saw a job posting for counselors at a camp for kids with cancer. Hiring for the camp ended in April. It was May. I called anyway. A newly hired counselor quit the previous week, and the director offered me a job over the phone. He seemed surprised a girl from Indiana called about a camp in New Jersey. I wasn’t. I knew I was supposed to be there.

In college, while waiting for the elevator, someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and no one was there. When I looked up, there was a giant poster advertising a cultural immersion project on an Indian Reservation in New Mexico. I never heard of it before, but as soon as the elevator arrived and I stepped on, I knew I’d be a part of the project.

The job I have now, I have because I called the wrong number. True statement. After talking to someone I never intended to get a hold of, I knew I’d end up working a position I hadn’t even known about minutes before.

Why did I embrace situations that didn’t make sense?

It’s the sure factor. It’s what happens when you don’t plow through life. It’s what develops when you let go of your agenda and allow God to plop you smack dab in the middle of His plans. The sure factor is being certain God will smooth out the details.

During each of these experiences, I was open, and as a result, I was changed. This is not typical Amy Sullivan behavior. 

See, I pray to embrace the interruptions God lobs my way, but when He tosses, I am much too busy with my own plans to catch. Plus, sometimes, He tells me to do crazy things, things that are out of my comfort zone, or things that don’t make sense. Oh, I’m not the only one.

Think of good ‘ol Sarah getting pregnant at ninety. Crazy.

And Mary, who was happily planning her wedding and then bam! She found out she was carrying Jesus. Certainly, out of her comfort zone.

And what about poor, old, Abraham wandering around the desert for so long? It just didn’t make sense.

I want to be someone who lets go of fear. I long to trash perfectly laid plans, and I am willing to work at embracing the sure factor.

What about you? Think of a time when God kicked you out of your comfort zone and asked you to do something that didn’t make sense. What did he ask you to do? Did you go willingly?

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Also, I just joined both Facebook and Pinterest. Yes, the ground did shake a bit. Please go here to "like" my Facebook Writer Page. I totally feel like a salesman saying that. Now, after you finish, please come around back and look at this '96 Escort. That was probably funnier in my head.

Linking with Michelle and Jen.

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Dreamy Encounters and a Resource for You

About a year ago, I began saving links to sites, posts, and agencies with others-centered messages and missions.

I copied and pasted information on my little Word document and these cool finds remained hidden on my hard drive. Yep, like my own little private library.

But the problem was you guys can’t exactly pop over and see my library of others-centered treasures and that disappointed me. After all, what good are these if no one ever uses them?

Then, a meeting occurred.

Amy, I’d like you to meet Pinterest.  Whew, he’s so dreamy.

Pinterest, this is Amy. Woo, this one is going to fall hard. I feel it.

For the most part, I’ve kept our relationship private, but well, since I put the button on my blog and all, it’s time to just come out.

It’s my hope to create a growing list of resources on causes and organizations that prick your heart and inspire action.

Want to do good as a family? There’s a place for you.

Hope to shop with a purpose? I've got that too.

Does human trafficking make you squirm? Resources are available.

Need inspiration of the teenage variety? Got it.

Want to battle poverty? That’s what I thought.

Raising girls? Me too.

Desire to serve Asheville, NC? Oh, yeah.

Have terrible taste in music? I can help (totally under-rated, but very serious issue).

Oh, and before you click over, I should warn you these aren’t all feel good categories. Nope, Oh-la-la Clothes serves no one, but me, and well, Dreamy Décor? I just couldn’t help myself.

Anyway, please take a minute to browse and make sure to drop me a note when you stumble across people and places I should include. Upcoming boards include Portable Projects (projects and project ideas that can be completed anywhere) and Soldier Love.

Now, go Pinterest like you mean it.

Thanks for showing up here. Thanks for reading. Thanks for your desire to serve God and impact the world.

Do you have any organizations I could add right now? What service related boards would you like to see in the future?

Image credit.

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If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Long story told in a couple of rambling sentences:

I met Lindsy through our online book club, and she introduced me to Nadus Films. I asked Lindsy if she wanted tell you about Nadus Films' latest project, and she said she couldn't resist because 1.) She and her husband were founding members of this organization and 2.) Nadus Films' Kickstarter Campaign ends at 12:31 pm on Satruday, as in this Saturday, as in less than twenty-four hours from now.

Here's Lindsy to tell you more.

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I’m pumped Amy is giving me the opportunity to introduce you to an organization that is near and dear to my heart, Nadus Films.

Simply put, Nadus films makes films that make a difference All. Over. The. World.

In their own words, Nadus does this by “documenting some of the most jacked up social justice issues this world faces."

Nadus goes to the places few filmmakers dare to go, telling the stories of innocent people with HUGE hearts and connecting them to strategic partners who can lift them out of poverty.

That’s what I love about Nadus, they don’t just make beautiful films. The films are a call to action. Viewers are jolted to compassion, and Nadus provides an outlet for that compassion.

Each film they produce gives birth to on the ground partners. The partners receive 100% of campaign donations resulting from the film itself and a percentage of film proceeds.

Their latest project, BBOY for Life, tells the extremely powerful story of the lives of young break dancers in Guatemala City, affected by some of the world’s most dangerous gangs.

So far in Guatemal, the Nadus crew has provided scholarships for the main characters in the film. Chiz, Gato and Leidi are going to school because of the work of Nadus. They will be off the streets and away from the gangs. They are improving their futures and the future for their families.

The Poker Crew, with the help of Nadus, is teaching kids in the ghetto to dance while also tutoring them. How cool is that?

And if that isn’t enough, Nadus is partnering with Hope Renewed International working in the ghettos, dumps and prisons by providing job placement, scholarships and homes for families living in the dump.

If you’re looking for a way to serve the world, you have the opportunity to do more than

just watch a documentary. 

You can help create one.

Between now and tomorrow at 12:31 pm EST, Nadus needs $10,000 to complete this film. So far, they've raised $133,000 for BBOY for Life. (Including the $10k Kickstarter pledges to date.)

All they need is the last $10,000 to finish strong!

This compelling story unfolds into a powerful film. What else could happen when you're having slumber parties in the ghettos of Guatemala City with some of the world’s deadliest gangsters and most talented break dancers? 

But people need to see it in order for the compassion and action to take place.

If you're not able to pledge, would you be willing to spread the word by sharing the Nadus campaign? 

You too can help make films that make a difference.

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Thanks, Lindsy. I can't wait to see the movie. If you want to help spread the word, please take a minute to share on all of those fantastic social media outlets you are a part of, or click over and learn more about Nadus' Kickstarter Campaign.

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