For many of us as followers of Christ, we know those 'last words' of Christ as he died on the cross. In this time of lent as we reflect on His suffering for our sin - my sin, we take this very seriously.

BUT, what I'm referring to and I mean no disrespect to Christ's words, by the time this blog gets on the webpage, the Michigan primary will be finished! Can I hear an AMEN here?

I think what annoys me the most about this whole primary/election process, is the auto-calls from candidates leaving messages (for I do not answer my phone if it is an 800 number or an unknown number) bashing  the opponent instead of saying "Don't forget to vote and here's what I stand for". Actually, I really resent the calls at all! I mean why do they get to have my phone number and call daily? Just makes me not want to vote at all...

Whew! OK. Got  that off my mind. No, I really won't NOT vote (I think that's a double negative isn't it? :)  I've been raised in a family where the importance of voting kept my dad in office for 32 years...so voting is second nature to me. However, I DO encourage you to let your voice be heard by voting. Even if your candidate doesn't win, you will have contributed to the process that, while not perfect, is still better than what the rest of the world offers.

While growing up in a very politically active family, often forced to knock on doors for my dad and ride in parades, etc. carrying signs that said "Vote for my Dad"...oh how embarrassing, I did keep up on the candidates and issues. They were interesting and yet the darkness of political action is ugly. Twisted truths, outright lies, personal attacks. Some of these comments came from so-called followers of Christ!  Really?

I don't think things have changed much over the years, but I have. My faith has changed how I view politics and candidates who don't live out what they claim to believe. I am not a one-issue voter. We can't be. Governing a "free" democracy can't just be about one issue. I also decided to choose what and whom I listen to on TV. Just in case you have any doubt, every commentator,  no matter what station you watch, has a personal bias in their reporting. We have to keep that in mind when listening to them.

I've been accused by my husband (and I think my mom wonders about me too as she actually agrees on some issues with him, her son-in-law -  that's amazing in itself. ) that I just don't care what is going on and I push back and say, "No, I DO care. However, I read and listen to various news stories, not just one station. But I care more about what Jesus wants me to be than I do for the talking heads on television.  :)  The annoying yelling as they try to talk over each other just drives me crazy...so, I choose not to let myself get too worked up about politics anymore.

As I thought about what to write this week, I began by being grateful for the finish of the current round of campaigning. I'm even MORE grateful for Jesus' saying "It is finished" as He died for me on the cross and then rose again on the third day.

Do I want our country to be governed well? Yes! Do I believe God is in the process and the end result? Absolutely, for the apostle Paul writes in Romans 13: 1-6

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. the authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you."

This world is not my home. I have responsibilities to manage well while on this earth, but my "home" will be with Him when it is time and so I would much rather focus on how He wants me to impact the Kingdom then get worked up over the power struggles of men.

Paul writes in Philippians 1:6: "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion (finish) until the day of Christ Jesus." He's not done with me yet...and I'm glad. There's much to do to bring more people into the saving grace of Christ.

One day I hope to be able to say as Paul did to Timothy: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful" and then to hear the words of My Master respond: "Well done, good and faithful servant." 

It isn't that I don't like having a new car...I do...it's what you have to go through to get one!     I am not a wheeler/dealer.   My husband and it seems many men are born with this gene, or so I thought until recently.

I received one of my favorite blogs this week from Church & Culture and appreciated James Emery White's way of taking an unpleasant experience and turning it around...then to see how it applies to us as Christians...well, just felt I should share it.  

Enjoy.   http://www.churchandculture.org/Blog.asp?ID=2299

 When my sister Cindy and I were growing up, we shared a bedroom. After all, there were five kids in the household and no one had their own bedroom, except my only brother Dean...and that's another story :)   Since I'm the oldest and Cindy is a year and 11 months younger than I am (she says "two years" younger now that we're both over 50),   I found there were certain things I said that really pushed her buttons.   Even today, while we can laugh about them, there is still the urge to 'argue' about their meaning.

One of those phrases was a response I would give her when we were having a "discussion" -    it's the same difference. Then she would say, “That doesn't make any sense.  It can't be the same and different”   to which I replied, “Yes, it can.”  It meant to me that while things might be done differently in the end it turns out the same way.  Same difference.  That absolutely drove her crazy and so I found a way to annoy her just by saying that phrase!   hehe!

In a neighborhood outreach group of which I am part, we are developing relationships with people who either live in our neighborhood or in the neighborhood of our church.   As part of this learning process, our first project was to walk through our chosen neighborhood and observe.   Just observe what the neighborhood looks like and then when the walk is done, write down the things you saw.    This is a great exercise...not just physically, but in knowing who lives around you.

I observed in the neighborhood I live in several ‘same differences’:  single family homes,  everyone has a front and back yard, generally taken care of, evidence of small children,  evidence of more than one driver in the family, homes empty, homes for sale,  homes that have been built in the late 70's, homes built in the 90's. 

But while these are all the ‘same’ part of the ‘same’ neighborhood, there are differences.   Different styles i.e. ranch, two-story, duplex, different colors, different landscaping, some with pools, some without, some with fences, some without.   None of these differences is a bad thing....they are unique to the builder and to the homeowner. 

 As I walk around my neighborhood, the people are also 'different'.   Young, old, at home, retired, working people, some with dogs, some walkers - seen out almost every day, even during winter.   Some are single, married, divorced.    We have neighbors on the street in front of us who are pretty much all white.  The street around the corner is a blend of white, black, Hispanic and a gentleman I met last year from Pakistan, so I'd say our neighborhood is even international! 

Why do I point these 'same differences' out?   Because God created us as people, but He created us uniquely -  with our own personalities, our own cultural experiences, our own skin colors, our own personal relationship defined in Him and by Him.  It is wonderfully enriching and part of His purpose that we learn to know one another and love one another just as we are.   

Next time you look at your neighbors, whether on the street where you live, or in the neighborhood of the church or even in the row you sit in during services,  see who you might want to get to know just because they are uniquely and wonderfully made!

Another week, another month, and now another year comes to an end.   Where in the world has the year 2011 gone?

As many of us do, we think about the end of one year and the fresh beginning of a new year.   I think a new year is rather exciting...it's like you get a 'do-over”  -  a chance to do things better than you did before, or perhaps to look at what you didn't do that you wished you had done and now believe this is the year you will do it.    Sound familiar?

It can't be just about resolutions. Statistics show most of the New Year Resolutions fail within 60 days of stating them. Whew...not so good.   I can think of some years where my resolutions didn't last past the first week, let alone the first month!  :)   Weak human that I am, I try to make changes without seriously considering Who needs to reveal the changes to be made!    In KCC's vision statement there is the phrase, "passionate cultivation of life change" -  a mouthful to be sure but consider what it might mean for you personally this year.

How has Christ changed your life in 2011?   In what ways do you see yourself spiritually stretched, growing in how He is using you and developing you into the person He created?

What if we take this to the next level?    What about community change?  What does Christ want us to be in our neighborhoods, whether where we live or where KCC is located?

Here's something I would like our KCC family to consider for 2012.   I want your insights, your feedback, your involvement in being the hands and feet of Christ for the next 12 months!

You've heard over the last several years our desire to be a good neighbor to those who live in the Christie/Ridgebrook area.  We had some great events during the Summer Outreach of 2011 and I've been able to build relationships with some of the area’s neighborhood watch leaders, meet with other community leaders and learn what they are doing in their respective neighborhoods.

But there is so much more to being a good neighbor....it is knowing what their story is...what is it they want for their neighborhood...what are the struggles they face...

Community transformation isn't about what the big church on the block can do for the community.  It's about what the community desires to become and how the church can come alongside them.   This takes getting to know the people, hearing their dreams and seeing how we can help build those dreams with them.      Read the following article, Strategies for Community Ministry:

http://headhearthand.com/download_file.php?id=611

As you read about these ideas, tips, etc., what comes to mind for you?  What are you already doing that KCC should be aware of?  Please pray about the community KCC is in and why God planted us here.   If you want to converse on ideas, actions and our neighbors, comment on this blog.

It may reveal something of my generation, my 'age' but there are songs we loved and remember that tug at us. The Sounds of Silence is one of those for me.

... it is a reminder that we often don't speak up, communicate with others about our concerns, our opinions, our hurts, our dreams.   Our silences speak for us.  The silence can spread like a cancer.   What does your 'silence' mean?

For me, when I am hurt or angry and depending on the person who has hurt me, I will go silent.   I'm not always sure how my reaction will be received and so I keep it inside - and the more I keep inside, and ignore or deny my hurt, it goes deeper into my soul and then becomes depression.    Fortunately, I have a good mentor/counselor to speak to about those moments.

Another 'silent' voice of mine is more reflective.   When I hear speakers - whether they're one of our pastors or at a workshop or conference, I prefer to ponder on what they have said before I share my verbal voice or ask a question.  Some see my silence as not having anything to say... but generally that is an assumption people make who do not know me well.

Are there times you are silent?    What keeps you from voicing your thoughts?

"What does it mean when people are quiet? Some people get quiet when they are angry. For others, their silence may indicate they disagree with something we have said or done. Still others may be silent only because they are taking time to think before responding. In contrast, a fourth group may be quiet because they have been turned off and have tuned out of the discussion.   Just as it is difficult for us to understand the reason for someone's silence, so it is difficult for us to understand God's reasons for His silence."   -- Elmer Towns

We all experience moments, seasons, where we wonder why we haven't heard from God.  It is painful, lonely, and frustrating.  Let me encourage you to keep doing your Bible reading, your prayers and serving those in need.  God IS in the daily things of our lives.

The season of Advent has begun...a joyful celebration not because of what we as humans make it but because of what God has made it ... the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.  The words of Silent Night speak of the promises from God through the earthly birth of His Son.  Pretty powerful!

But sometimes our 'Silent Nights' are not filled with the joy and peace....the nights are dark with pain, suffering, loneliness, hurt, abuse and fear.   In my previous blog, I gave you some information regarding children being trafficked for sex or labor exploitation … these innocent victims find fear not hope in the night  - and their nights are NOT silent.

During this season of celebration for our Savior, seek out the lost; speak out for the lonely, the hurt and discover or perhaps rediscover the peace that a Silent Night, Holy Night can bring you and others.   Seek to hear from the One who created you, loves you and gave you a voice.    Be silent before Him, to hear what He has to say, then pray, ponder, and proclaim His Good News.

While women weep...

     I will fight;

While little children go hungry...

     I will fight;

While there is a poor lost gir

l    upon the streets,

while there remains one dark soul

     without the light of God,

     I'll fight--

I will fight to the very end!  - William Booth, Founder of the Salvation Army

• 300 children a month are trafficked in Atlanta 
• 3,000 children a day are trafficked in Los Angeles
• 300,000 people a year are trafficked throughout the US and 20,000 are trafficked into the U.S. (FBI)

The darkness of human trafficking.  What IS human trafficking?  "It is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring and receipt of persons through the use of force, coercion, or fraud for the purpose of exploitation."    In general the exploitation is either for sexual services or forced labor or services.

According to the US State Department's 2011 Report on 'the Trafficking in Persons,' more human beings are being exploited than ever before, with as many as 27 million people affected by commercial sexual exploitation and forced labor. The Report also identifies Human Trafficking as one of the world's largest criminal enterprises generating an estimated $9.5 billion in annual revenue.

My first exposure to these wounded children came in 2007 when I was asked to be part of a group from World Hope International heading to Cambodia where the selling of children for sex has been allowed to happen for years.   World Hope International has been actively involved with the nationals to provide emergency assessment, help and safe homes for those rescued from the brothels of Phnom Penh and outlying provinces.  These girls are as young as five and up to 17 years old.  They've lost their childhood, their trust of adults and especially their caregivers like mom or dad.

Why do these girls and now many boys get sold?   While many will say it's due to the poverty of the families, the reality is it is all about greed.  Money.   Children can be sold over and over and over again making money for the brothel owners and the traffickers.

Read this columnist's article on his experience with modern-day slavery in Cambodia.   http://tiny.cc/fpo10

Why do I write today about these innocent children?   Because  November is Adoption Awareness Month  and children who are in need of a loving home environment.   There are so many children exposed to the darkness of sin in the world who live in places like Cambodia and in our own city, neighborhoods who are not safe, not loved, abused, and mistreated.

KCC has a wonderful ministry that speaks to the orphans around the world and those in foster care in West Michigan..Families Of Promise.   Check out their website.   http://www.familiesofpromise.org/index.html

We must fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We must speak for those who have no voice. We are to BE the light in the world ... pray this week for the victims of trafficking, enforced labor and sexual abuse. And as one pastor told me, "You may choose not to be involved but you can never say you didn't know."

"The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood."   John 1:14  (The Message)

The title, Go Light Your World, is not an original phrase of mine. Kathy Troccoli wrote a beautiful song by this name that still haunts me from time to time.

My purpose for this blog?  Probably a combination of things.

1. As believers we are called to go into the world and share the Good News of Christ...be a light into the world.
2. Jesus IS the Light of the World.
3. I have a desire to see that our neighbors, whether around KCC or around our homes and schools, find the Light.
4. My experiences, both local and international, my own dark times, my observations, and whatever the good Lord wants to reveal to me, will be shared here.
5. I hope what you read here will ‘light your world.’  Trust you will respond to those things in your life that seem dark - along with how Jesus brought the light into your life, your home, your community. I hope you will “talk back” to me through this blog.

The verse that I have used today, “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood,” has been a reminder that Jesus is wherever we go.  He says, come and join Me.

Over the years I have worshiped at church week in and week out through song, giving, prayer, sermons, etc.    But often after this great experience of worship, I would walk out of the church building and didn’t carry this experience with me.

Looking back I missed some great opportunities to learn more about whom Jesus wanted me to be - that He actually wants me to join with Him in caring for His people, my neighbors. 

My passions have been fired up for those in various areas who feel they have no voice:

• Modern day slavery – human trafficking
• Hurts, habits and hang-ups -  recovery from emotional damage, divorce, domestic issues
• Community transformation -  being a light into our church neighborhood