When speaking of the Dalits I’ve found that most people don’t know what I’m talking about. Maybe you’re more familiar with the term “untouchables“? Here are some links to help you learn more:

Who are the Dalits?

Dalit Freedom Network

Dalit Chrisitans

The Untouchables

With Kaleb and Charleigh’s interest in India outreach I’m sorry we missed Valson Abraham’s visit to People’s Church this morning. Mom brought home some info that I’m sure the kids will love. We just visited the website and the kids are really excited about raising money to buy learning kits for the children. Charleigh said she’s going to come up with a “fabulous” idea and she’ll let you know about it later.

While we didn’t get to see Rev. Abraham in Dalhart we were blessed at our church by a visit from Pastor Frank Gordoa of Cornerstone Church. Thanks to Clint and $Amy$ for lending us their pastor for the day.

The list is back! For those of you who’ve forgotten Friday’s Smiles is a list of 7 random things that make me smile. Here are numbers 106-112 in no particular order.

- Google Searching Mozzarella Meatballs and it’s results.

- The ringtone that notifies me Amy’s calling

- Cucumbers: 5 for a dollar at Walmart

- Little kids running in sprinklers

- The crash of thunder, the flash of lightning, the rain that accompanies it.

- New baby feet

- A new bottle of shampoo

I’m not singing over the capture of this mouse. The last one I knew was there, I was aware of his nasty little habits. I had after all seen him run right through the front door. I knew how he got there and I knew how he’d be leaving. This little mousy corpse was unexpected, prepared for but unexpected. I was saddened by his death . . . well not exactly by his death but by his existence. If he’s living (or was living) in my house then there could be more . . . lots more. Oh, the country life. . . I wish it would rain.

Kaleb - 8years old

Charleigh 6 1/2 yrs old

 

Joshua almost 4 (in August)

My kids are always excited when The Voice of Martyrs newsletter arrives in the mail. After reading it myself I find stories I can share with the kids about Christian heros who are standing firm for their faith in the face of danger. Each time the kids pick a group of people they want to pray for.

A few months back Kaleb and Charleigh were really touched by the story of the Dalits in India. They cut out a picture and hung it on Kaleb’s door, then they made pictures and letters and taped them around the picture of the Dalits. Kaleb said it was a circle of love and that it would remind them to pray for the Dalits.

Today I found a kids version of the News Letter and Website: Kids Of Courage

“Kids of Courage newsletters for K-8 students present geography, culture, and realities of life for Christians in nations where the gospel is restricted. The 8-page quarterly provides hands on activities and opportunities for kids to participate in projects to pray for and aid persecuted Christians. For a free subscription to Kids of Courage and The Voice of the Martyrs newsletters, click here.”

Snakes and snails and puppy-dog tails. . .
I just cracked open this Dobson book and am curious as to what I’m in for. Have any of your read it?

Upon checking my stats for the day I’m wishing I’d written something of value in the last day or so. Thanks to this link from Akismet and the unexpected results from a test post on Gentlewhisper not to mention the unusual amount of searches for Mozzarella Meatballs, dry heels, and things to smile about I’ve had a lot of new and unexpected traffic today. I’m wishing I would have offered something of a little more value, something that would make a difference in the lives of those happening by my little spot here on the internet.

I wasn’t ready, I didn’t know they were coming, didn’t know anyone was watching. This happens to me a lot. In the last year I’ve had a few different people share with me things I had done over a decade ago that had influenced major decisions they had made in their life. I had no idea I had made an impression on these people, no clue my life had ever touched theirs at all. Upon learning this I started to wonder who else was watching and how did my actions affect them. While I sat in amazement at the way the decisions of my youth had made such a mark I began thinging more about people watching while we’re unaware. If people were watching then, they probably are now. They’re watching all of us. What are we doing, are we living a life worth watching. If someone looks my way what will they see? Is my light as bright as it should be or have I turned the dimmer on? Has today been of some value?

Sweet Summer is here again!  One of Charleigh and my
favorite simple summer dishes are Mint Cucumbers.  Taking all of 5 minutes this
refreshing treat makes for a great addition to any potluck picnic. 

2 cucumbers (Peeled and Sliced)

1/8 cup Splenda (or sugar if you are an anti-splendite)

1 Sprig Fresh Mint (4-5 leaves sliced into thin ribbons)

Mix cucumbers and Splenda

Let rest 5 minutes

Toss in Mint and Serve

4-6 Servings easily doubled
(Also great with Watermelon)