Bloom!

Looking for some good links this weekend?  Here you go! How should we respond to national grief? It seems like more and more tragedies have been on the news recently.  This question - how should we respond to national grief? was posted last month on The Rebelution and I think it's worth joining in the discussion.  How do we approach this how Jesus would? Agape International Missions - Cambodia Back in February I (Joanna) had the privilege of meeting some folks at Agape International Missions (AIM) in Cambodia.  It was so inspiring to hear stories of God's faithfulness in their ministry as they work to rescue girls and women from sex-trafficking.  They have a lot of resources on their website, including service opportunities, ways to help (like getting your church or organization to order clothing or other items that rescued women make) and much more.  AIM's heart for the brokenhearted in Cambodia is a beautiful thing to see and I pray you'll get in...

In ten days I will begin classes at college, and my Junior year of college will be under way. It is crazy to think that I am already halfway through college, and that I will be an upperclassman on campus. I am looking forward to seeing my friends, and meeting the freshmen. This summer I worked as a server at a Japanese Hibachi Grill and Sushi Bar. It was an experience I am grateful for. You see, it looked as though this might be another summer where I couldn’t find a job (as happened last summer). I had applied at some Christian Summer Camps, but none of those worked out. I had a couple interviews in my hometown, but yet again no offers came. Then somebody at my church told me to apply at this Japanese restaurant. So I walked in, spoke to the owner, and started the next day! I had never been a server (though when I was younger I entertained dreams of becoming one!). I learned a lot on the job and was sometimes overwhelmed when there were quite a few customers, and only me as the ...

Children of the Storm is an autobiography of Natasha Vins.  I didn't know any background on the book when I picked it up to read so I wasn't sure what to expect.  What I found in the pages was a true account of persecution in Russia in the 1960s and 1970s.  The unwavering faith of these Brothers and Sisters in Christ is soul-stirring and spirit-uplifting!  Even as a child, Natasha is persecuted for her faith and stands strong in the midst of it all. I found myself flying through the pages of Children of the Storm  without even meaning to do so.  It was just a natural response as I read of God's incredible faithfulness and miracles that were happening in Russia during intense persecution and war.  Natasha's father becomes a leader in the underground church movement and is imprisoned for his faith.  At one point, Natasha's grandmother is also put in prison for her faith in Christ.  Through it all, the Vins family remains committed to Chris...

Dear Sisters, Part of looking at who God is (instead of focusing on self) has revealed that I often assume God is just like me. Very. Scary. Thought. Thankfully, He is a jealous God (Ex.34:14), and adamant about who He is, and who He is not, and so I’ve received many gracious reminders such as these passages in Hosea, where God graphically exposes Israel’s rebellion, reveals His right to wrath and judgement, and shares His faithful, compassionate, and forgiving heart. (You’ll notice I’ve emphasized key phrases, but included several verses for more context.) My people are bent on turning away from me, and though they call out to the Most High, he shall not raise them up at all. How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart recoils within me; my compassion grows warm and tender. I will not execute my burning anger; I will not again destroy Ephraim; for I am God and not a man, the...