Just Do It!

I've always wanted to be a part of something big. Don't ask me exactly what that means, because I don't have a specific definition. I'm not talking about being a part of making the Guiness Book of World Records largest rice crispy treat, because that would be big - and tasty too - but slightly meaningless. What I mean is I want to be a part of a lot of people that got together and did something really cool (like make a giant BROWNIE instead!) AND made a difference in people's lives. At some point in time, people figured out that if everyone did just a little bit, resources could go a long way. I've seen it a few times. It's amazing to witness, but I really want to get in on the action!

So, now that you're wondering what I'm trying to sell, let me explain. About a month ago, I went to a free concert by Shaun Groves. It rocked my world a little bit. I was reminded that I live a pretty cush life here in Suburbia, America. I started looking at things a little differently, and began to realize that my morning latte was a luxury; that Pier 1 velvet pillows which coordinate with my cinnamon apple-colored walls that are adjacent to my leather couch are somewhat immaterial when it comes to things that matter. Before you think I'm a rich kid, let me point out that my income falls well below average. That was the point for me though. COMPARED to other people - even in my neighborhood - I felt a little deprived. And then I realized I was comparing myself to the wrong people. God asked me to give til it hurt and go without my trip through Starbucks in the morning to support a little boy in Uganda. (It literally hurts - I have headaches in the morning - & it hurts my poor husband too - I can be grumpy without coffee!)

I wish I could support 100 children, but I just don't have the resources! The cool thing is - I know someone who does! Shaun Groves has given up what could be a very financially rewarding career in the music industry to partner with Compassion International, and puts on free concerts to help promote what they are doing. Each time he does a concert, more & more children are sponsored. Just the other day, I was dinking around on Facebook (who does that?) when I found out he was trying to raise money to make a new CD. Everyone who contributes gets a PRIZE! Obviously, Shaun knows we all still have an inner-child that salivates over that word!

So follow me here: if all 12 of you who read this (thank you "followers"! LOL) go to Shaun's kickstart page -
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/shaungroves/make-a-record-with-shaun-groves

and donate something (PRIZE! PRIZE! PRIZE!) we can help him to keep reminding other people that we are blessed & we have room in our lives to share our blessings! Even the smallest donations will receive copies of his new CD. Pretty cool.

Tonight in our life group, we read the story of Gideon. For those of you who aren't familiar with the story, the Cliff's Notes are basically this: Gideon defeated an army of thousands and thousands of men with his army of only 300 & they were armed with nothing more than ram's horns and clay pots over some torches. Crazy stuff - but a good example of what can happen when we come to God with what we have. [Insert moving Braveheart speech] Who's with me?!

Just a Short Note...

If I believed in Santa Claus, which I don't (because I'm not 4), I'd write him a letter something like this:

"Dear Santa,

All I want for Christmas are Starbucks gift cards.

Thank you,

Shannan"

I'm not going to lie, giving up lattes has been tough! Aside from one minor melt-down, where Adam was out of town for work overnight and I was up every hour with children and/or puppy and I woke up the next morning and realized that life was much, much easier with Adam around, and I called him crying and asked if it was okay if I bought a coffee, because I didn't think I could possibly make it through the day without one (poor me!), I have actually survived with just my Keurig. This challenge really came at a perfect time for me since Thanksgiving is this month. I've found over the past few weeks that when I make a concerted effort to dwell on what I HAVE, I forget about what I don't have. Turns out - I have A LOT! It's funny, because, materially, I probably have less than I've had in years. Good thing I married a pretty amazing man that takes care of me. And, thankfully, life isn't all about our bank accounts - or about the Vikings making the playoffs, because I've had to let go of that too.

It really is true that the best things in life are free. Over the last two months, I have been overwhelmed at all of the good things in my life, and I have been challenged to keep spending my time and energy on things that last: my relationships - with my husband, my children, my family and friends.