Haiti Restored Part Infinite

A year ago today, I had the pleasure of meeting Haiti formally.  I'd dreamt of her, longed for her, prayed for her, seen plenty of her pictures, but had yet to make her acquaintance.  Our time together was encapsulated in just 10 short days and I can truly say that the pleasure was all mine.  Her beauty, breathtaking.  Her people, heart-shaping.  Her spirit, awakening.  No one like Haiti. 

How could she breathe so deeply, respire so fully, inspire so concretely?  She, the forgotten, forsaken.  She, the downtroddened, heavyladened....Welcomed me.  With open arms, broad smiles, and deep laughter, she welcomed me.  She held me in the arms of orphaned children.  Overwhelmed me with, bold starry nights.  Chastised my selfishness with seas of shanty.  Graciously, she welcomed me. 

She taught me.  I mean she schooled me.  Lectured the mess right out of my heart.  Pride and self-pity were no match for her soliloquy.  Blind ambition fell beneath her gaze.  She educated me.

I miss her.  From then until now, my heart has longed for her embrace.  I think I want to remain there.  Humbled by her strength.  Captured by her grace. 

I hope that we will see each other soon.  Resume our quest for justice, love, and peace.  Haiti.

La Bella Bargainista: Ad 1

Hello Ladies!

(Sorry Guys. This segment is exclusively for my Ain't-No-Recession-Gonna-Keep-Me-From-Being-Fly Sisters!)

Don't you look lovely! Look atcha. Hair did. Toes painted. Face graced. Like me, you are a beautiful woman who has learned to appreciate your aesthetic uniqueness. You delight in all girlie treats including, but not limited to, lip gloss, nail lacquer, smell goods and such. Bottom line, you love yourself and you understand that your outward appearance is a reflection of this reality. Consequently, you are committed to keeping up your appearance. Period. Recession Smession. Even on 3/4, 1/2, or 1/4 of your normal budget you've found creative ways to keep    

The Doll in order.   Brava, My Dear, Brava. *curtsies*

With the series, "La Bella Bargainista" I intend to assist you with this all-important task. Each entry, or "Ad" will feature beauty tips and/or prudent finds, all in the spirit of helping you maintain your look for less.

Before we launch our maiden voyage, some definition. I'm a former Spanish teacher who makes some attempt to stay abreast of pop culture. The title of this series is an amalgamation of these interests. La Bella is Spanish for "the beautiful" and Bargainista is, well, Pop for "a woman who passionately and skillfully pursues sales and savings." Let's get started. The aisles deals are waiting!

1. The Dollar Menu. That's right, one George Washington (plus tax) can land you any of the following at your local $ Tree or beauty bargain bin.



Nails Loud

Eyes A-Glam

Lip Gloss Poppin'

2.  Two Peas in a Pod.  Yep, just 2 buckaroos at one of those Huge Lot stores.



Beauty Captured



Feet Pampered

3.  Three's A Crowd.  Dig deep in those couch cushions and pull out 12 more quarters.

Lips Sealed

Soul Windows Secured

Alright, Beauties.  I hope you're encouraged and inspired.  Happy Hunting!

Another Perspective

This is very Twilight Zone-ish, but all so Earthly . Rare, but all so Attainable. Challenging, but all so Inspiring. Enjoy!

AM 91 Radio: Lindsey Isham - Full Interview from Lindsey Isham on Vimeo.

* See an earlier post for more about Lindsey and more sex talk.

Just Wait

Just Wait...
For me too.
I am real.
I am your promise.
Though the distance,
Between us,
Seems,
So grand,
I am yours,
Already.
Hold on to His Word.
Remember His Promise.
Be comforted,
Sustained by His faithfulness.
He cannot lie.
I am yours.
Just Wait.

Stream of Consciousness #3

Panic. Worry. Fear.

What to do? What to do?

This song just popped in my head: "I will trust in the Lord, I will trust in the Lord..."

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

Lord, help my unbelief.

Stream of Consciousness #2

It's been a while. Haven't kept up with the everyday thing, but I am progressing. Slower than I'd like, but progressing. Way to the plus side. I'm changing. I feel faith rising inside of me. I hear destiny screaming and I am awakening to meet her. The last 4.5 years of my life have been a hellacious maze. Haven't known where to go, what to do, how to go about making my dreams manifest. To my chagrin (I'll have to check the spelling on that later) at times I've just stood still. But I hear, see something clearly brewing. I am ready to make the most of its appearance. I will run toward this unction. I will embrace it completely. I will launch my wholeself into this purpose, into this season. I KNOW my dreams are becoming my reality. I sense Divine synchronization. I will harness my best and thrust myself forward.

Haiti Restored Pt. 3

I have longed to touch the people of Haiti since first hearing of January 12th's devestating earthquake. My heart has ached, yearned to be with them, to help them, to heal. In my two previous Haiti Restored posts you can see that I have prayed, I have studied, I have prepared my heart and mind to serve the Haitian people.

The time has come. The time is now. I'm going to Haiti!

It is my turn to be the restorer...of peace, comfort, joy, and hope to the beautiful people of Haiti.

I will travel to Haiti not once, but at least twice this year. First* from July 24-Aug. 5th in conjunction with Courageous Church, an incredible church in Atlanta, GA (www.courageouschurch.tv) that is partnering with Northwest Haiti Christian Mission (www.nwhcm.org) for two life-altering weeks of service.

The chance to serve with Courageous Church is a sudden and welcomed opportunity, one I have been praying for. One I want to share. You may not be able to travel to Haiti and touch the people, you may not be able to look into their eyes, but you can support the work.

Will you join me in RESTORATION? Will you serve? Will you give?

I have been working diligently to raise funds for the trip since I first learned about it on June 28th, but I still need your help. The basic cost is just $500. Absolutely incredible! This includes airfare to and from Haiti, transportation in Haiti, travel insurance, meals, basic medical care, and security. This does not include travel to and from Atlanta or immunizations. With these added expenses the total cost will approximate $1,000. My first deposit of $100 is due on July 4th. The remaining balance is due on July 17th.

My dream of helping the Haitian people will only be a reality with your financial support. Will you help me serve?

Any donation, no matter the size, would be greatly appreciated and eternally invested.

Thank you for your consideration, prayers, and support!

Goal: $1000
Amount Raised: $500

*I am planning to travel to Haiti with a local ministry in the fall and have aspirations to return with students from my afterschool program during their spring break in 2011. I'll keep you posted (pun fully intended) on details regarding these future trips as well as the book, yep, I said book, my kids have written in support of the Haitian people.