Daily KIP: Most of us have heard the popular phrase, “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” This applies to ALL areas of our lives: If you want to lose weight, you may need to exercise more or eat less, you need to make changes. If you want to get out of debt, you can’t continue to spend the same way, you need to make changes. If you are unhappy in a relationship, you may need to set boundaries communicate differently, you need to make changes. If you feel distant or forsaken by God, you may need to ask yourself, have you forsaken or forgotten God?, you need to make changes. What do you have the courage to change? What are you willing to do different to get different results?
We are thrilled to introduce to you our very first “KIP Pik.” This organization is a perfect example, to us, of what we envisioned when we wrote our overview of How We Are, “Keeping it Personal and sharing your passion could be the start of an organization to help a family in need or a homeless/runaway on the street.”
We are proud to share with you, Breakthrough Ministries, Inc. Teri and I had a chance to visit with the men behind this ministry, and are excited to share with you their story!
Dave Engman had a vision in July of 2009 and launched Breakthrough Ministries in August 2009. This organization is based in Minnesota and exists to end homelessness, while helping people discover the destiny God has for their life. Their mission statement is simple, yet profound, “Leading the lost home,” in spirit and in flesh. They are introducing the homeless to unconditional love and acceptance, and meeting them where they are at, both physically and in the spiritual sense. In this short period of time, Breakthrough Ministries has opened 3 homes, and are providing housing to 10 men and women who previously did not have a place to call home.
Breakthrough Ministries seeks to serve the Twin Cities homeless. That number is staggering. Research indicates that there are well over 10,000 homeless people in Minnesota. Of that, over 2,000 are sleeping in places that are considered uninhabitable. Places like under bridges, abandoned buildings, cars, etc.
The problems causing homelessness are not always the same. They range from loss of work, family issues, mental illness, loneliness, hopelessness, lack of self worth, rape, incest, neglect, abuse, hurt, etc. This is the mission field. And it is right here in the Twin Cities and Breakthrough Ministries, Inc. is on a mission!
We had the privilege to talk to two of Breakthrough Ministies residents, Ken and Nick, who after a series of unfortunate life circumstances and illnesses, found themselves living under a bridge and in tents. Amazing men, with amazing hearts, who are overwhelmed with the love that has been poured over them. For the physical roof over their heads. For their safety. For food. For prayers.
Nick said something to us that I will never forget. “Who would walk up to, and want to talk to someone like me, living under a bridge?” Simply answered, Jesus would. And so would the men working at Breakthrough Ministries. You see, they continually are reminded of Matthew 25 verse 40. “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’
If you’ve got a couple of minutes PLEASE watch this video documentary ~ Breakthrough Ministries Documentary
Keeping it Personal is offering a dollar for dollar match on any donation made to Breakthrough Ministries from now until May 31. Follow this link to their website and click on the DONATE button ~ simply type the words “Keeping it Personal” on the second page in the online donation process under Add Special Instructions to the Seller. Or if you would prefer, checks can be mailed to PO Box 931 – Burnsville, MN 55337 – please write “Keeping it Personal” in the memo. Even $5.00 would be a significant blessing. We are excited to be a part of this ministry and walk along beside them as they move forward in their vision and passion, and continue to bless the lives of others.
If you want to learn more about Breakthrough Ministries and/or how you can get involved connect with them by going to their website www.breakthroughmn.org and become a Fan on Facebook.
One year ago, actually on cinco de mayo, 2009, I was driving alone in my truck heading home from who knows where listening to the radio. I can recall the day like it was yesterday, especially the feelings I had. To cut to the chase and be very BLUNT – I was feeling MISERABLE! I had a storm raging inside of me that could not be calmed. My life to others, acquaintances and those who did not live with me, may have looked “rosy” but behind closed doors in my personal dwelling place, both physically and mentally, my life had become unmanageable. So unmanageable in-fact that I said to my husband, “I just want to go to sleep and NEVER wake up! I cannot live like this any longer.”
Live like THIS? What was THIS? What did that mean? For months leading up to this day I would rack my brain trying to figure out what living like “THIS” meant. I was exploring what changes I could make in my world that would make me feel better. What could I do? At the time I could not see. I was blind to everything. I had no answers. I thought maybe if I traveled less that would make me happy. OR, maybe if I worked out/exercised more, I would feel better. OR, if I was more organized OR worked more OR worked less OR ate healthier, etc. I tried EVERYTHING that I could think of and NOTHING – NO THING was bringing me joy. What I was doing was NOT working.
On that noteworthy day, as I was driving, I heard a song that I had heard no less than 100 times before. For some reason the words spoke LOUD to me that day. I cranked it up and started singing the words at the TOP of my lungs as tears streamed down my face. I’m super sure that the people driving next to me were judging me like I was a psycho crazy woman!!! Oh well. I prayed these words to God as I sang them from the bottom of my heart; literally the cry of my heart. I heard the words clearer and that day for some reason, they had meaning. I wanted so deeply ~ EXACTLY ~ what that song spoke.
As I pulled into my driveway, I rushed into my house, downloaded the song from iTunes, googled the song and the lyrics on my computer, copied the lyrics and posted them into an email that I composed to my husband, here’s what it said:
B. this is my heart today. This is my prayer………..
My life,
Has led me down the road that’s so uncertain
And now I am left alone and I am broken,
Trying to find my way,
Trying to find the faith that’s gone
This time,
I know that you are holding all the answers
I’m tired of losing hope and taking chances,
On roads that never seem,
To be the ones that bring me home
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You
My life,
Has led me down this path that’s ever winding
Through every twist and turn I’m always finding,
That I am lost again (I am lost again)
Tell me when this road will ever end
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without…
I don’t know where I can turn
Tell me when will I learn
Won’t You show me where I need to go
Oh oh
Let me follow Your lead,
I know that it’s the only way that I can get back home
Give me a revelation,
Show me what to do
Cause I’ve been trying to find my way,
I haven’t got a clue
Tell me should I stay here,
Or do I need to move
Give me a revelation
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You
Oh, give me a revelation…
I’ve got nothing without You
I’ve got nothing without You
(Revelation by Third Day – click on this link to listen)
I surrendered that day. I humbly raised the white flag and decided that I was DONE and I was WILLING to let go of the wheel. NOTE: The key word is WILLING. Just like everything, change takes time, but by simply being willing, God was able. That day, he started to slowly take over the wheel. I had no idea what was in store for me, but His gracious, merciful hand was about to give me the revelation I earnestly prayed for in just a short week.
I will continue this story on May 13, 2010. But for now I want to leave you with this…………..if you’re at a crossroad in your life or searching for clarity, purpose, or freedom consider making this song your prayer.
Follow this link to read the rest of the story.
It’s 2:14am and I’m up. NOT because I want to be, but because I couldn’t fall BACK to sleep after my son slapped me in the face with his hand. Here’s the deal. When we got home from our St. Patrick’s Day evening fun with our friends at 9:00pm on a school night, my youngest son wanted to sleep with me, how sweet!! My husband is out of town so he begged and begged and I said YES. Of course I know what that means deep down inside – I end up sleeping on the FAR left 1 foot area of the king size bed while my son tosses and turns hogging the covers ALL night long. What I truly wanted to say was NO because I wanted to good night sleep, but I said yes……here I am.
My mind is racing about this simple question, prompted by my experience tonight……..If I say YES when I really mean NO, am I being dishonest? Looking back in my life I can identify MANY times where I said YES but meant NO. The outcome of most of those situations didn’t turn out so good, for a lot of reasons.
Don’t get me wrong, I believe that we are often presented with things that we don’t really “feel” like doing. Things that make us feel uncomfortable, push our limits physically or mentally, or get us to step out of our comfort zone. Often times these things allow us to grow, experience new things and develop character.
I would consider myself to be an honest person, but as I answer this question I realize that I’m being dishonest. UGH! What I see God showing me is that this character trait NEEDS some work. I need to be honest with myself – I believe that this is what it is really about.
When I’m confronted with the question from a friend who says, “I know that we were supposed to meet at noon for lunch, but can we change it to 12:30?” IF 12:30 doesn’t work for me I need to say NO, not YES. This is a real life example, I’m embarrassed to admit it. I said YES and then I was upset. I’m pretty sure that when I got to lunch I wasn’t the best company to her because I was resentful. Why? Well, let me tell you ALL the reasons – 12:30 didn’t work for me, didn’t she understand that I’ve got a busy day? I was checking my phone the whole time looking at the clock because I was pressed for time, I was impatient and distracted – BAD FRIEND!! Why hadn’t I been honest? I know this seems like a simple thing, what in the world was I doing – come on! She didn’t deserve that.
The experiences similar to this in my life are many. Another area where I’ve been dishonest is with volunteering of my time. Oh the poor people who have to be around me when I’m doing something that I don’t want to be doing. I’ve been told that my anger displays itself LOUDLY! Isn’t that nice?!?!? I don’t think so – UGH! What I’ve found is that MY dishonesty leads to resentments, unproductiveness, procrastination, damaged relationships, and impatience. ALL from a simple little answer and by not saying what I really meant to say.
Who set the ball in motion, and who am I to blame but myself? As I peel back the layers, dig really deep, this little “white” lie, this smudge of dishonesty stems from fear and insecurity. Maybe you ask yourself the same questions from time to time……..What will others think of me? Will I be accepted? Will I end up alone if I don’t do this? Will I be loved if I don’t do that?……..When I’m operating out of fear, where is God? If I’m insecure and pleasing people, then I’m NOT trusting God to meet my needs. Either God IS or he IS NOT – He is NOT both. In the end, when I am dishonest with myself, my life becomes unmanageable. I’m over committed, sleep deprived, unhappy, and miserable.
Even though this is ALL pretty ugly, I’m taking it head on. I’m hopeful that I will improve in this area of being honest with myself which in turn allows me to be honest with others. I’m hopeful that more often than not my YES will mean YES, my NO will mean NO, and my motives will be selfless.
Child abuse or should I say the prevention of -is a passion of mine. Picture this. You are at the grocery store, target, mall- some public place… when a child is acting out. You can see the anxiety of that parent rising. They may lash out at their child who is misbehaving, and maybe even in a way that concerns you. If you have ever been in that situation, what was your response? Was it to stare, or maybe even give the ‘look?’ May I make a suggestion? Any of us who are parents should be able to relate to that situation. How many times have I been standing in line at Target when one of my kids throws a tantrum because I am NOT going to buy them that fancy container of liquid sugar in the check out isle? They put it there for a reason people! For parents who decide to give in to their tantruming kids just to get the onlookers off their backs! (I’m guilty!)
Think about what might have helped you in that situation. A smile? Laughter? Recognition from someone that they have ‘been there’? In some circumstances, when you may be really concerned about the escalation of that parent’s behavior, and maybe even concerned for the safety of that child, what would you do? One recommendation may be to offer a distraction to take that parent out of the heated situation. Kindly interrupt and ask for directions. Compliment them on their clothing, hairstyle, whatever…. ask if they have seen a product. You get the idea. Something completely unrelated to the event, but because you are creating that interruption, it is giving both child and parent time to cool down.
On the other hand, if you are witnessing a violent act against a child, you have the responsibility to alert authorities. Children count on ‘the village’, and if the village fails them when warning signs are there, what is left? Unfortunately we live in a world where there is stress beyond measure. Many of us are feeling the pressures of our finances. For others it might be health issues, or lack of insurance, or a loved one who is deployed. We all have our triggers. I just ask that you, as a concerned citizen, take the responsibility to be the eyes and ears for our children. It really does take a village.
www.preventchildabuse.org
What You Can Do: Reach Out PINWHEELS FOR PREVENTION ™ CAMPAIGN
Anything you do to support kids and parents can help reduce the stress that often leads to abuse and neglect.
Be a friend to a parent you know. Ask how their children are doing. Draw on your own experiences to provide reassurance and support. If a parent seems to be struggling, offer to baby-sit or run errands, or just lend a friendly ear. Show you understand.
Be a friend to a child you know. Remember their names. Smile when you talk with them. Ask them about their day at school. Send them a card in the mail. Show you care.
Talk to your neighbors about looking out for one another’s children. Encourage a supportive spirit among parents in your apartment building or on your block. Show that you are involved.
Give your used clothing, furniture and toys for use by another family. This can help relieve the stress of financial burdens that parents sometimes take out on their kids.
Volunteer your time and money for programs in your community that support children and families, like parent support groups or day care centers.
Why do I do this, COMPARE? I haven’t written a “long” blog for a couple of weeks now BUT I know that this is what I need to write about. I know that God is teaching me something here and I thought maybe, just maybe, others could relate to what I’m experiencing.
The last couple of weeks have been emotionally draining for me, WHY? Because of THIS whole comparing thing – UGH! It’s sticking out like a sore thumb in my life. Here’s what I’m realizing……….for me, comparing brings feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, fear, and self-pity. Aren’t these just lovely feelings?!?!?!? LOL – yuck!
The crazy part is that what I find myself continuing to try to “stack up against” are conditions of the heart, circumstances, and experiences – NOT material possessions. I know this is getting a little deep, but bare with me as show you where I’m going with this………
Mom. I should volunteer more compared to some of the other moms at the school. It seems that other moms are more creative and crafty, scrap-booking, and doing little projects with their kids, I compare myself with other moms wishing I was more creative that way. I should dress my kids cuter compared to how some of the other moms dress their kids, I wish I liked to shop like other moms. Other kids are involved with more activities than mine so I compare myself – should I sign the boys up to do more? Are they not experiencing enough at this age?
Wife. I wish I was a better cook and more domestic comparing myself to other wives. Why don’t I enjoy cooking and decorating my home? I wish I was more like other wives who planned meals and knew how to make their homes feel more “homey” – I compare myself, should I be more domestic?
Friends. I find myself looking at others’ circle of friends and thinking, I want that! I compare my life with theirs and wish I was invited more often to social events, parties, concerts, dinners. They seem to be having so much fun and doing great things – I want that too! Why don’t I get invitations? I compare myself and ask myself these questions: Is there something wrong with me? Am I not good enough? Do others not enjoy being with me?
Me. I’m not passionate enough about what I’m doing compared to others. My thighs are bigger compared to that girls. I can’t do my hair well compared to that person’s hair, I wish I knew how to style my hair better. I’ve got no style with my clothes compared to others, I wish I could put together outfits like her. That woman is smarter compared to me – I wish I knew it like she did.
Do you ever find yourself thinking some of those thoughts? Do you ever compare yourself, experiences, situations, to others and feel similar feelings like I do? Inadequacy, depression, anxiety, fear, and self-pity?
I could list many more “comparing thoughts” that race through my mind from time to time. And after sharing this with a couple of friends, I’ve found that I’m not alone. Is this human nature? Maybe it is, but I’m starting to change my focus…….start shining the light on what God has given ME! Appreciate the gifts and talents in others, but focus on the strengths that I’ve been blessed with. I was reminded the other day of the story in the Bible about the 3 servants who were given talents. One was given 5, one 2, and the other 1. I NEVER want to be like the servant who was given 1 talent, what did he do? Out of fear, he did nothing – he was comparing himself and as a result paralyzed.
I am so grateful that my eyes have been opened to this area in my life that needs work. I’m burnt out of the feelings that come with “comparison”. I will do my best to keep shining the light on my talents and learn to appreciate the uniqueness and gifts that I see in others instead of comparing and wishing I am something that I’m not.
