Stories Under The Net

Extra Special... Vanilla (Extract)

2012-01-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

Today, because the weather decided to grace us with snow, I decided to make Vanilla Extract.

It seemed to be the only logical solution for such terrible day. ;)

Snow forces us to wait for good things to come to us later. Snow forces us to wait inside twiddling our thumbs, while the outside world sits with open branches: beautiful and innocent. In the same way Vanilla Extract allows us to wait for something rich, good, desprately needed for cooking quality food, and too expensive in the stores at times. (Unless you can afford to drive to Mexico once every three months).

It's only logical to make Vanilla Extract, when you're forced to wait. It is a practice in the virtue of Patience.

Davy's Vanilla Extra Special Extract Recipe!

Vanilla Extract Recipe

Ingredients:

3 Vanilla Pods

a bottle of vodka

Mason jar

Knife

Sense Of Humor

1) Buy some vodka. Doesn't matter what kind.

(You can also use Gin if you like).

2) Grab a Mason jar

3) Boil the Mason jar for for at least 3-5 minutes,

and let it sit for 10 minutes.

4) Here are some Vanilla pods and a knife (exciting!).

5) While you're waiting for the Mason jar to

sterilize, take the knife and cut the vanilla pods in halves. You will have about 6 pieces.

6) Six Pieces :)

7) You can also take an extremely terrifying picture of yourself while you wait.

8) Place the vanilla pods (six pieces) into the mason jar with Vodka.

9) Put the jar into the pantry for 2 months. You should take this out and shake it once a week. Choose a day so you won't forget. Google calendar works great. I chose Monday.

Wa-Lah!

Thanks for reading! Have a blast. Blessings!

THE END!

P.S. OH, I ALMOST FORGOT!!! Please make a super cool/cute label for your vanilla. Naturally you should place a smiley face on the left, A heart on the right, the date and a sharpie pen. :)

Miracles In The Dust or, "The Little Princess"

2011-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, there lived a princess. She wore a beautiful dress, and had a smile that shone from ear to ear. Every time one held her, she would gently rest her shoulder on yours in innocent comfort. Growing up, she was not held much at all, and because of this, she was in a ‘hug-deficit.’ Her parents died at a very young age, and she was left with a brother to care for. A little prince. Her skin is a light brown color, which contrasted perfectly with the color of her heart: a bright and pure-white! This little girl was smart, although there were many things she did not know. She did not know, that she was infected with HIV. She did not know that she was malnourished. She did not know that should be taking medication daily, and that she needed it soon. She did not know she was feeling sick, and this is why she was always tired. She always rested her head softly on my shoulder, although she did not even know how love-deprived she actually is.

This little girl is a gift.

Many times in our lives, we are not looking for miracles. Days we are doing mundane things, miracles seem dim and unreachable. How often are we looking for miracles in our daily lives? Often, miracles happen right in front of us, and we miss them because we are not looking. Miracles are everywhere, and they are not luck, they are gifts! Miracles are the people right in front of you. Who is in front of you today?

This little girl is a miracle.

Miracles are often defined with “BIG-attitude-mentality”, yet at times they are smaller, and much sweeter than we realize. They are often small moments that cause us to feel that...‘hmmmm!’ Sometimes, they cause us to ponder for a split second and realize how beautiful love is. Are we searching? This week, this princess is my little miracle.

This little girl currently lives in a village called “Bakka.” She is 2 years old, and is HIV+. She is extremely malnourished, and very weak. Yet, her spirit is strong. Her physical body is hard for us to see, but I believe there is hope.

This little girl is a princess.

Please pray for my little princess, as we try to get her help and treatment this week. Please pray for her heart to know Jesus' love. Let's help this little miracle have her own miracle!!

"Little Justina"

MARK 11:24 - Listen to me. You can pray for anything. If you believe, you have it. It's yours.

Towards A Deeper Sense Of Love

2011-10-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

1st Timothy 1:5 - “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

As a child I haunted the local library in our small town. I would sit for hours and scroll through books with brilliant themes: adventure, intrigue, romance, hope, fear and suffering. These stories always left deep impressions on me. The stories were usually centered around children who needed help and hope for their future. Usually the stories ended well. Most of the time they ended at home, safely in bed. These children would go to sleep with a deep sense of knowing, and an even deeper sense of love, as they drifted off to read their own adventure stories.

For most children in Uganda, this is not the plot or storyline. They sleep crowded on cold concrete floors, covered by small moldy blankets. Nights are cold, and so they are forced together to avoid the weather outside. Many times they get sick because of the crowded spaces as well as their own ignorance of hygiene. They are not the children in the books I used to read. They do not have a balanced story or happy ending, and definitely not a balanced diet. Their story does not include intrigue, genuine romance, or adventures in the forest. Mostly they are fearful of the night. They suffer from hunger, and are forced to risk their lives on the streets, just for a little cash.

For as long I can remember, I have always had a deep sense of love. From wonderful parents, amazing support, incredible friends and (oh yeah) an even better God. Recently this understanding has been even more apparent as I think about the questions asked of me, “why do you do what you do?” Apart from the age old answer, “my faith,” there IS IN FACT a deep sense of love I feel. Many do not have this, and it is injustice. The real reason behind what I do, is because I understand true love. I have always felt a “safe place,” with that deeper knowledge of love. I sensed it and felt it from day one. I often become so overwhelmed I get teary-eyed with gratitude. I never had to prove myself worthy, good or beautiful. All I had to do was be born. When a baby is born they are loved immediately . No good deeds, just crying and poop.

To believe in a deeper sense of love is exactly what I desire to people everywhere believe, and right now God has me in Uganda. So, to believe in a deeper sense of love is exactly what I desire this nation to CLAIM!!

I desire each one believes in love so much, that their little hearts burst with joy. Uncontrollable joy! My hope is that, at the end of the day they can trust they are understood as they go to bed safely-loved. They will know deep in their soul that the love they feel is real. Love that is much deeper than any social structure or abusive relationship can offer. My prayer for each one is that they will know how loved they are. I hope their story will incorporate adventure, hope, joy, beauty and love.

Suffering is always a factor, so my hope is a deeper sense of love becomes a lifestyle through hard times.

To believe in a deeper sense of love.

To believe in a deeper sense of love... in God.

Today In The Slums, I Stepped Over A Shoe...

2011-10-07T21:40:00.000-07:00

... Today I stepped over a shoe. It was not any shoe. It was about a 7/ 1/2 U.S. size. It was covered in mud. feces and most likely some sort of disease. I thought for a moment about this shoe, and where it came from. Who owned it? How long had it been lying there? How did it end up in such a place? What did it do to deserve this life? Then I came back to earth.

Why am I thinking about this shoe? I should be asking similar questions about the child I'm currently hugging.

I am hugging the neck of a young boy in the largest slum in Uganda. Approximately 20,000 people squaller in existence, if you can call it that... The slum is located in Kampala, the capital of this bueatiful country. Despite it's many lovely places, Uganda's darkest side are it's slums. Full of large black fire-pits, gasoline, glue, urine, feces, chickens and a whole number of other atrocities. I should be passing out.

Life for a child in the slums is filled with excitement. They wake up at the crack of dawn after little-to-no sleep. To sleep means to get robbed or abused. There are two sets of street children in Uganda. One set sells scrap metal or bottles, and purchases a "safe-place" in video shop for sleeping during the day to avoid abuse or worst. Another set smells toxic gasoline on a tattered cloth all day, then gets so high that he passes out, only to wake up and do that again. So yes, life is super exciting.

As I hug this scrawny little neck, I cannot help but feel how Jesus' heart is aching. I know that this precious little one is loved beyond any controlling slum in this world. His heart is confused, yet he does not know it. 'How do I live without this glue in my hand or defense in my heart?' He thinks.

Jesus is bigger than this.

I am encouraged to pray for eyes to be open to truth. That blind scales on the eyes of his heart would fall off and he would ONLY see light. I pray that the light he would see would be that he is a precious child of God, and innocent. That nothing he has done in his life would separate him from this love. That he needs nothing but God to make him whole. Nothing but God.

I pray that soon he will know he is not worthy of being trampled over or stepped on. I hope he will know soon he is a child of the king, worthy only of love.

I cannot give him food today, for if he has a full stomach and empty soul, what good does it do?

What I can give him is much greater.

Jesus is bigger than any slum.

24 Years and 24 Days

2011-09-08T08:46:00.001-07:00

Dear Friends and Fellow Missionaries,

I write this to you with mixed emotions. There are several reasons for this:

1) Life flies!!

2) The call is bigger

3) Africa is who I am today...

For the past 2 years I’ve worked, learned, and grown alongside Orphan Relief and Rescue. It’s been a great experience, and during my time with ORR the Lord confirmed to me that Africa is still very much a part of my future. For the past few months, I have been in a place of constant prayer and discernment about the next step. Seeking, looking, hoping and resting. Life Flies!!

I knew God still wanted me in Africa, so I began seek where He called. I traveled to Uganda, where I began to understand what it means to be “called.” When I returned to the U.S., I was tempted to run the race of a good “normal” life: to get a full-time job, live in the States, settle down. But... The call is bigger.

Through discernment, prayer, faith and sheer craziness, I have chosen to travel again to Uganda, seeking to follow this call. When I was there, what I felt in my heart was absolutely unbelievable and indescribable. I knew this place was a calling. "Calling" is an interesting word; one I've personally struggled with for quite some time. I have always felt a deep burden for Africa and feel very much at home there. Os Guinness writes it this way, “...the main way to discover calling is along the line of what we are each created and gifted to be. Instead of, 'You are what you do,' calling says, 'Do what you are.'" Africa is in my heart and this is where I am today.

It would be wrong for me not to listen.

I am asking you to pray for me and to pray about supporting me in this next big step! It is a joyous time and I’m excited to see God work. I am partnering with an organization called Show Mercy International. I will be working for 70 days starting October 1st and will work in “Hope Children's Home.” This is a home to more than 100 children. I will also help to build the “Field of Dreams,” which is a 25 acre plot of land designated for ministry (a school, a clinic and a church).

My goal is to return to my family for Christmas, then choose to make a longer-term commitment in Uganda after the new year.

I still have approximately $2000 to raise, and would love your help in any way.

Here is a link where donations can be made towards Uganda. You can use the drop down box to find my name.

http://www.showmercy.org/donate/index.php?productID=421

You can also mail checks with a note including my name (not written on the check) designating it for my trip with SMI.

I Leave in 24 days!!

With Joy,

Davy Desmond

Blueberry Pie and Love.

2011-08-24T18:54:00.001-07:00

Hello Wonderful Friends!

As all of you know, I am currently in the North West. I have returned from Africa, but I am returning to Uganda in November. I am on a fundraising stint, while I attempt to sell as many baked goods as possible. I am collecting funds from my home at the moment.

Yes, I am in Seattle, So I have devoted as much time to the phrase called "Catch Up." I eat, cook, walk, hope, talk, listen, pray, read, work out, while raising money for beautiful kiddos in Africa. I needed a break, so now I'm gearing up once again!!

Interestingly enough, due to the friends/donors in Seattle with sugar intolerances and special diets, I have chosen to share some YUMMY seasonal recipes with you! I'm excited to share these.

Let me rephrase...

EASY RECIPES!!! (YES SUSAN K !!) ;0

Blueberry Pie!!

Set your oven (Ok, preheat)... to 375 degrees.

Either buy a 9 inch pie crust, or make one

here...(see this page for the world's easiest flour pie crust recipe and directions!)

For Texans, (you have the ability to buy one already made at Wal-Mart)

Or, for North Westerners (you can make one if you wish)...

For Africans (you know what to do!)

After you make the crust place/MASH it IN A PIE PAN. ...

THEN...

In a Bowl, Mix:

3-4 cups of Blueberries - fresh or frozen. (without syrup!!)

7 Tablespoons of corn starch

3 Tablespoons of water (or grape juice)

2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice! ( you can squeeze your own or buy it!)

1 Tablespoon of Cinnamon (optional)

1/2 Tablespoon of Cloves (optional)

1/2 TBS. Allspice (optional)

(MIX MIX MIX, BUT NOT TO HARSH!!) with a spoon...

EASY RIGHT???

KEEP FOLLOWING!!

Pour your "Blueberry Bowl" into the Pie Crust!!

Cook for at 375 (190 celsius) degrees. for 1 hour.

P.S...

If you would like a topping please continue...

1/4 cup of sugar (or 1/8 cup of Splenda!!)

1/2 cup flour (any kind)

1/4 cup butter/margarine/smart balance

Mix with spoon in small bowl and sprinkle over top! ( honestly I use my hands, but yeah...)

Then Bake !!

Then...

EAT!!!!

EAT Like this...

I wanted to share this, but more so to say thank you, and want you to know how grateful I am and how much I pray and think about you all.

Faith, hope and LOVE,

Davy Nicole

2619 SW 149th Place

Burien, WA 98166

Please call!!

903.360.0634

Keep On

2011-08-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

Be encouraged! I wrote this late last night dreaming of Africa.

Keep on friends. Let's fight for injustice today. If you cannot get up, fight with words.

Keep On

Short of breathe

We move aside the cutting wind.

We run for hope in spite of it.

We are the color of freedom.

Lost in love

When hope deferred

Makes life seem dim, we sing.

We are the notes in song.

Angry at future's voice

Racing for only one touch.

We pursue today for glorious bliss

Longing for justice in the dust.

Where is love when doubt is here?

Like air our faith is blind.

When babies cry, and mothers leave,

Over rubble and clay they scream for us.

The mess we make, and the wars we play...

Today, we must fight for truth and love,

In speaking, seeking more.

For higher things than worldly dreams,

We enter heavens door.

Despite the doubt, we run for more.

We fight through broken muscles and tattered scars...

We sore. We sing. We paint. We dance. We run. We love.

Keep on mother, father, sister, brother, friend, lover, child.

Keep on.

- Davy Desmond

Love, Davy

Today Is The Day...

2011-08-03T09:06:00.000-07:00

... To do something with your one wild and precious life. And so, I did. Here is a day in the life of Davy Nicole. I hope you will all be inspired to get out there and do something! :)

... To be joyful...

To smell the flowers in your backyard!

To Gear Up...

To Escape...

To Eagle Landing Park.

Avoid biking on the trail...

To make sure you take a good Asian picture of the doggy litter sign...

To climb down 264 stairs, and then back up...

To wade in the wild waters...

To make new friends...

Eat something delicious...

Time to make homemade Nutella!!

Boil 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water...

Toast the nuts on a lined pan at 350 degrees for about 15 minutes... Remove the black shells by rubbing the cooled hazelnuts with a paper towel or cloth. (some skins are ok)...

Put them in the grinder with the sugar water or carmel if it caramelized its ok.

Start the engine...

Add 1/2 tsp. Vanilla and 1/2 Tsp. salt...

While you're waiting clean something out.... (Spice cabinet needed help).

Play the piano while waiting for the toasting goodness.

Do a little exercise before inserting way more calories than you burn in your body...

Time for testing and eating... :)

Time for Jaring...

A visit from my dear friend Timmy. At this point I decide he looks like he is depleted of valuable electrolytes. The kind that are only found in the nastiest beer in your fridge. It works every time for the purification of your house and helping energize your friends. ;)

Discuss mundanely important topics in my kitchen...

This is the point where I zone out and begin dreaming of Africa!!

After a while it's time to attend the neighborhood block party. And yes, I ate too much.

I have amazing neighbors.

Smiles!!

The firemen visit us ( and eat our food ) ...

As the sun goes down, we decide that shuffle board is in rout.

So... we head down to our local brewery for a nice game and fun times.

I lose.

What. A. Day.

It is time to wrap it up and pray I sleep like this baby...

And THAT is how you make a normal day amazing!!

Give thanks for this is the day the Lord has made! I WILL rejoice!

Love and Hope, Davy Nicole

Hearts Falling Apart

2011-05-07T11:16:00.000-07:00

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more
knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes 1:18

Many of you have been asking what I've been up to.
Well, I have news. I'm still alive, healed and well.

Today I rode a boda (motorbike) to an orphan home.
It is a Tuesday afternoon, as I approach the room packed with beautiful mahogany children laying on cold floors and fighting over the same bowl of Poscho and beans. I gulp and cannot take it in. The children all hug and hold my hands. I think for a minute where those hands have been, then ask for forgiveness. I know they haven't washed their hands; ever. I don't care. I notice one child has no clothes. He is dirty and laying on the floor. I pick him up. I hold him. My heart begins falling apart. This is a good thing as my soul bursts with love for these ones. Despite the fact that I have no money on me, I don't care. I do have LOVE. I do know the only One who is love. We start to sing, dance and praise God. You ask me why I love Africa? The children sitting on my lap. It is hard, gross and yucky at times. Half of them have a bad cough and 3 are HIV positive. It is always difficult to see, but God is stronger than me. How is it these children still smile? Sing? We all dance, and hope in a God that goes beyond enough food to eat. We have love.

So, here I am. Sitting down on a rock, just loving children. Is this reality? Is this my life Lord? Sitting down = ministry at times. This goes beyond all my debates and theology books I read in college. Beyond all the hours of discussion on the "philosophy of ministry." It is real. Today, is the praxis of the ministry of being not doing. Inside I am in awe of Christ. My spirit is bubbling and I cannot take it in. I'm not supposed to. The Lord has given me joy despite my sleepy eyes, and no energy right now. Yet, somehow we still dance. I shed a tear, and wipe it away. Riding away, I turn and glimpse a tear in a little girls eyes. What can I give her? Truth. Thats it. I tell her how much God loves her, values her and thinks she is extremely beautiful. I asked her if she believes she is beautiful. Through tears, she says "no, I'm only an orphan." I assure her she is, and she lights up. We talk about her worth, value and redemption. I want to make her see how beautiful she is. But that is God's job. A few hours later, she comes running, and I see that she knows. Yet, still I cannot give her anything physical right now. I pray. I pray to God who sees and cares more for the sparrow than I. For I, cannot care for the sparrow. How am I supposed to care for these little ones?

Then, I'm reminded by my own mother... "Life is all about saying good-bye, and again and again and again..." "For the rest of your life, you will be saying goodbye to your children and having to let them go." Then for a moment I think how much better saying "Hello" in heaven will be. I'm reminded of letting go of control. I'm reminded that life is a journey where we, (as mothers and fathers) must daily give our children up and let them go; for the rest of our lives. It hurts. God, is bigger than that pain. He comforts me as I know they will be taken care of by Him. I know that my calling is to be a part in the religion of Christ... "Religion that our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this; to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." I believe this is all our callings. It is not we that do it but Christ. In our weakness He is able to become the "Defender of the fatherless, giving food and clothing." - We get the joy to participate!

Precious and Emmanual Moses

You don't have to be in Africa to do ministry. It starts now. Today. People ask me all the time how? Here is how...

For starters... if you are nurse, provide free medical care at your local salvation army. Help the homeless at the soup kitchen. Give your clothes and things away. Form a craft time at your local inner city school. Lets fulfill the scriptures together. Give free massages. Donate to amazing organization on the ground. Start a bible study in your living room. Use your skills to give free piano lessons to the boy down the street. Give free cooking classes once a week. Care for those in rehab or prison. Get to know the single mothers in your community. Have a coffee date... and listen this time. Go deliver cookies at your nursing home. It takes one hour to make cookies! Wash your neighbors car. The bible mentions the word "poor" around 205 times, which mean God really does want us to care.

Whatever you do, listen to God's call, and go where He says. Take advice from piers, but don't listen too much to their opinion. Only God's matters.

"He hears the cries of the orphan." - Exodus 22.

My heart is falling apart. My heart is breaking for what breaks the fathers heart.... and it feels amazing. Then, He puts it back together... slowly. What areas of your life are you allowing God to break our heart? Is it going deep? It did for me today.

Love, Truth and Joy to all of you back home!!

When You're In Liberia You...

2011-03-03T11:00:00.001-08:00

... eat pineapple with dinner every night. Walk by the sea daily. Swim in the ocean. Hear the beat of drums and church music in the morning. Walk through overcrowded, smelly markets. Allow children the opportunity to never let me forget my gender and how "white" I really am. Ride over bumpy roads and pray for traffic to be "ok." Play lazy dominoes on Sunday. Sing "hallelujah" over and over. Play with kids who don't have anyone to play with. Enjoy deep conversation over steaming pots of french press. Pick up sea-shells with random folks. Go for morning runs. Eat Debbie's amazing popcorn... (only she is allowed to make). Spend quality time with God. Play with our dog "One-Love." Say sorry-o to a random man from "Sierra-Leone" confessing undying love and tell me "You don't understand, you are just too white to understand my love." Yeah. Write and read all about the wonders of God's nature. Teach kid's how to draw, paint and use their 'creative-side.' SWEAT-A-LOT. Take cold showers. Bucket flush. Dream about future business opportunities with amazing orphan directors. Feel your daddy's presence as He pours out His love on you, then go out and help kids see the same! Life is truly amazing here in Liberia.

I'm one month in, and It's been a delightful journey! It has been full of consistent surrendering, learning, loving, eating, enjoying, laughing and hoping for God's BIG DREAM to be revealed more in every person I meet. I'm excited for the next month to begin! Thanks for all your prayers and love friends. I cannot begin to say how I know they are working and heavily "felt." I be-missin'-you all!

Little Inspirations Of Home

2011-02-20T11:28:00.000-08:00

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." - Matthew 6:33

Today I had a rough day. The usual reasons my heart tricks me into thinking I am having a "rough day." I begin to think about my self for a moment and realize that moment was too long. I’m thinking about my own unhappiness, mis-contented spirit. Thinking about thinking about why I'm not constantly in a good mood and I’m stuck down here playing this waiting game. Thinking about thinking about why I need to glorify God or please Him. And round and round it goes until my head pops off with the loudness of a helium balloon!

...Until I think about heaven. The real journey. When I think about the God’s Home, my heart is lifted, spirit renewed and hope restored. There must be reasons why Jesus asks us to pray like “on earth as it is in heaven.” The question is what aspects about heaven do we lack down here? What do you think of when you think of heaven?

Although there are many strains of thought regarding heaven, I will focus on 2:

1) "Heaven sounds tiring. I will be getting all exhausted by worshiping God all the time. What person wants to spend all their time doing that? Standing around in a big mosh-pit and jumping up and down! Besides, I like other things like surfing, eating, walking and dancing. I can't just stand around singing with a bunch of other sweaty people!"

2) "Heaven sounds amazing because of the cultures that are present. The accumulation of joy and love together worshiping God! How Rad!"

I am here to propose the latter.

What if heaven is an accumulation of all the things God asks of us in the Bible coming together for a massive party? I envision children dancing, massive laughter with uncontrollable joy, What if it's that mountain-top experience we all long for and rarely get in this life comes to a point? What if the fruits of the spirit are actually in complete wholeness? Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Gentleness and Self-Control finally make sense? What if this is our missing picture of love? What if heaven marries every creative cell in all humans together to finish this piece of real art? The great mural. What if your gifts of dance, art, intelligence, desire, gardening, sewing, mathematics, voice and baking all combine to take care of the "family?" In the end, the beautiful part makes a worshipful sound and a symphony we cannot handle, because God's AWE-someness is BIG! What if every creature truly thinks of the other for once. What if every creature has no walls? We truly believe in love and believe others love for us is real, with full belief and acceptance. Our naked bodies finally makes sense! We are truly free now to "BE" and not "DO." We can believe in love, because, we are in TRUE LOVE'S presence.

Then it hits me again... I'm hungry and it's time to go home. Time to be human, and hope to bring this joy to earth while I have time. Time for me to I focus on 'you,' and not 'me.' But mostly, I will focus on Him. See you after I fix my earthly stomach with some hummus and chips. Next time you start thinking, just think about heaven. It makes your day better. It works mostly ever time! Can't wait to spend eternity with you in our real home!

Is This Question Valid?

2011-02-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

This morning I woke up to the sound of the waves beating the sand, a man playing a game with a dog, laughing children, excessive honking, all kinds of birds, crickets, a fighting couple, thatching of wheat, the smell of coffee and french toast, scuffling feet heading to school. I sit up and it hits me...

Is this is reality?
Is this true?
Is this AFRICA?

Flash back two years ago to February 2009. My face squinted with cold fear as I scurried out the door, stuffing a scone down my face in Portland, Oregon. All the while praying my burning little legs would work fast enough to haul me to class on time. When I say “on time,” I literally mean on time. One minute late and I would be docked down a whole grade.

Is this beneficial?
Is this what I’m supposed to be doing?
Is this going to be helpful for my future?

Fast forward to February 2011, as I ride, once again for the first time into an oddly familiar scene. An orphanage in Liberia, West Africa. I’m surrounded by little hands touching my “fine fine hair,” and smiling at my stupid flower tattoo. I think how blessed I am that I am actually here and try to hold back tears! I cannot believe how amazing life is. I have the opportunity to hang out with children, invest in orphan directors lives and to work with some of the best people in the world.

PLEASE don’t get me wrong. This is not going to be easy. I ask daily for God to reveal more truths about His great kingdom plan for Liberia and the kids. I expect the days of inconvenience, lots of spiritual buffing, and unexpected situations. Tons of thoughts and often some insecurities too, are running through my head like a whirlwind...

Will I do a good job?
Will I be able to make a difference Lord for you?
Will I glorify You with all I have in my time here?

As I am embarking on this journey for the next months, I would have to say I’m ready as I’ll ever be. I’m completely sold out for whatever God has, and honestly hoping for the wisdom of His love to teach me more than I have ever known.

The point I’m making is this: SEVERAL times in life we find ourselves in places we have no control over and we may never know the answer to our “whys” in our physical life on earth. We might find ourself in school, working in the U.S., saving the dying in hospice centers, playing music in a bar, gardening, serving at a restaurant, staying at home with the kids, cooking in the kitchen etc...

When we find ourselves moving to other continents, or staying home, remember time moves quickly. Your questions are humanly valid in ever sense of the "question," and God knows your heart. He is faithful to allow ambiguity in them and always answers, just not in the way we want them or expect them. In all circumstances God is faithful. I may never really “KNOW, KNOW,” the answer these questions... But, it doesn’t matter. God knows the heart. So, next time you find yourself questioning a lot, Stop. Think about those questions through the lens of Christ’s love for you and creation.

No matter where you are, what you’re doing, do it all for His glory and the questions grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and praise. Give them to Him, and that makes all the difference. :)

Your questions are valid. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. - 1 Cor 1:9
Excuse me while I go listen to "Blessed Be Your Name..."

Until The Next Question...

Are You Conquering Your "Giant-Horses" ??

2011-01-12T10:51:00.001-08:00

I grew up in a small area in the south. The town consisted of full-time hicks, trucks, one blinking red light, the local diner and scattered oil-wells. I was always afraid of the oil-wells. I was sure they were giant horses that wanted to eat me. I was extremely frightened of getting anywhere near their radius. My stomach fed my veins with butterflies as the fear consumed my cells. As I grew a little older, I realized, I had to conquer my fear of the “giant-horse”. I did this with my dreamer’s glare. My eyes would kill them. Through the window I would pierce my gaze into their crooked, evil arthritic necks. If I did this long enough, they would become so afraid that they had no choice but to suck up every last drop of oil out of the ground and die a death of exhaustion. Little did I know, that if my evil tactic actually worked, I would royally have screwed over the entire small economy where I lived. If my superpowers rang true, I would force farmers and their families in poverty!

To be brutally honest, as an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic views are. Forgive me for my attitude. (Truly wasn't that bad)... Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. (Sorry i digress...) One thing this big sarcastic imagination of mine did help with, is my perception of fear in my own life. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.

Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?

If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?

Is Your Fear Killing Your True Reality?

2011-01-12T10:47:00.001-08:00

I grew up in a small area in the south. The town consisted of full-time hicks, trucks, one blinking red light, the local diner and scattered oil-wells. I was always afraid of the oil-wells. I was sure they were giant horses that wanted to eat me. I was extremely frightened of getting anywhere near their radius. My stomach fed my veins with butterflies as the fear consumed my cells. As I grew a little older, I realized, I had to conquer my fear of the “giant-horse”. I did this with my dreamer’s glare. My eyes would kill them. Through the window I would pierce my gaze into their crooked, evil arthritic necks. If I did this long enough, they would become so afraid that they had no choice but to suck up every last drop of oil out of the ground and die a death of exhaustion. Little did I know, that if my evil tactic actually worked, I would royally have screwed over the entire small economy where I lived. If my superpowers rang true, I would force farmers and their families in poverty!

As an adult I often wished my eye’s had worked on this oil-town, as I thought back on how miserable the legalistic pigs were. Often, I referred to this place as hell-town. One thing this imagination did help me with, is the allegory of fear. If I am ever afraid of something, I think back on these childish day-dreams. I use the glare of death as my allegory for destroying any temptation in my path of true-self discovery.

Conquering fear is one of the most important things in our lives. Often the monster appears in a very idealistic way, and we realize there was nothing to fear at all, but our own imagination. It is the killer of joy, life and love. Fear slowly kills us. Fear keeps us from truly living. It is constantly lurking to enter in our souls, and must be mastered. How are you conquering fear in your life today? Do you want to die and early death?

If your eyes do it for you, then use them. If going for a walk is your oasis, then get out of the house! If reading is the key, run towards it. If God is your alibi, pray. What is your strategy for killing the fear in your own life today?

If you want you will suffer, if you love you will grieve.

2011-01-08T11:28:00.001-08:00

I had a lot of time to wait, sit and think over the Christmas holidays. Truly, life is all about the waiting. I found myself in places I didn't choose. Situations out of my control. Freeing? Yes. The nursing home, the hospital, in the car etc... Often, I was helping sign papers for my aunt who has chosen a life of depression and lost the will-to-live. I became friends with the nurses and had an enjoyable experience. Still, it was sad that a person can choose a life of isolation by consistently shutting people out over time, to the point of a hospital bed. In life, we choose our course depending on how we view Christ's love for us and how we define true freedom. She is now choosing a life of bondage and entitlement, not a life of gratitude.

I am tired of seeing people not become fully themselves. As humans we are constantly surrounded by people suffering and in grief. I am bombarded with people around me who are checking into hospitals, blaming others and surrounding themselves with people who are completely self-centered. People not taking 100% responsibility for their own decisions, and feeling entitled to everything. When we are let down, we want to blame someone else. Playing the victim, again. What happens? Confusion. The exact thing God is asking us to FLEE from, and the only thing the devil wants to feed! We are always giving less than our best because of the confusion we feed. Often played out in the physical form of laundry lists, grocery lists, video games, drugs, stress, music and more. It's our "just give me something to do," mentality. "Give me anything to take away these voices." Then, it occurred to me, THE LONGER MY LIST, THE LESS MY TRUST IN GOD." It's hard to just sit and be isn't it? It's hard to just be loved sometimes? To believe that when we grieve, Jesus did too...

"God sent Jesus to join the human experience, which means to make a lot of mistakes. Jesus didn't arrive here knowing how to walk. He had fingers and toes, confusion, sexual feelings, crazy human internal processes. He had the same prejudices as the rest of his tribe: he had to learn that the Canaanite woman was a person. He had to suffer the hardships and tedium and setbacks of being a regular person. If he hadn't the incarnation would mean nothing."

Do you believe that Jesus came to join with us? Do you believe he came and experienced grief, sitting, waiting, thinking, reading, writing, feeling, eating, throw-up, cried, sneezed, stumbled, told jokes and laughed? Do you also believe He came to give life, true freedom and genuine love? Do you believe He suffered with us in our weakness? So much so, that we don't have to blame others? Do you believe He wants so badly your heart that he suffered? Do you believe he loves so deeply, He grieves still? The more we believe in this power... the more we are free, and grateful to be truly ourselves in Him.

"You were loved because God loves, period. God loved you, and everyone, not because you believed in certain things, but because you were a mess, and lonely, and His or Her child. God loved you no matter how crazy you felt on the inside, no matter what a fake you were; always, even in your current condition, even before coffee. God loves you crazily, like I love you...like a slightly overweight auntie, who sees only your marvelousness and need."

I don't ever want to find myself in a place where I'm in a nursing home at a young age, blaming others. The secret to freedom and truly living in Christ is a heart of gratefulness. Out of a heart of gratitude flows the joy of life.

To steal from Anne Lamott, "Gratitude, not understanding, it's the secret to joy and equanimity".

What kind of Jesus do you believe in today? A Jesus who hears and suffers still with us, that nothing else matters? Do you believe in a Jesus of grace, grace, grace? Or, do you believe in a Jesus who demands rules, regulations and bondage? Who demands a checklist and a certain way to do things? Where do you want to be in 20 years? What choices are leading you to live a full life of love for others and complete joy in today? What choices are you making towards community, life and freedom? When your life is over, can you honestly say you were free? Be IN-COURAGED!!

A Reminder.

2010-12-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

1st Peter 5:9
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

“Keep my heart's eyes on Christ today, and everything else will be ok.” Or,
“Keep my eyes on Christ, and everything else will be alright.”

This has been my life-theme these past few months. My mantra, if you will. For clarity, allow me to define ‘ok’ in this slogan. Yes, I’m fully aware that a life with Christ is ‘excellent.’ The ‘ok’ is not referring to God’s view of what He wants our lives, but rather our utter reliance on Christ. View it in the attitude of ‘no worries, anxieties or fears.’ Yes, I know God’s highest. ‘Ok' in this sense means… we will make through the day, and Yes it will be amazing. I have so many tasks, responsibilities, multitasking and constant stimulation, that I have no choice but to repeat myself this truth; daily. I hope you will choose this also. So, hang on kids and follow me for a moment…

This quote is the declaration I have made as my allegorical daily banner. I choose to walk with Him on a daily basis. It is my wake-up call, (and I must say...it is a lot sweeter than Folgers). Is it easy to follow? Paradoxically, yes and no. Jesus said it would not be easy, therefore I don't expect, it in this world. However, when our eyes are solely on Him, it's a constant vacation of the soul and a surprising adventure. Without this daily reminder that I am still in the process of transformation, I would mess it all up. How lovely it is to let go, and know I am not in control! In many ways it is easier to stay the same, yet, a growing sense that God is breathing life into me that is both beautiful and terrifying.

"In the spiritual journey we also face moments of temptation to return to the land of our slavery. It's safe, secure, and known. Where God is taking us is risky and unknown and requires deeper trust, courage and greater maturity No matter the nature of our awakening--feminine or masculine--each of us faces aspects of our human condition from which we long to be free. Perhaps the bondage is an addiction or a self-perception, an attitude or a posture. Whatever the shade of our personal slavery, longing forces us to actively wait, thereby keeping us anchored in the journey toward freedom...This kind of longing keep us submitted to the transformational work of God in us."

No matter how much we know or think we know about God, our journey towards humility will never end. Our ‘heart’s eye’ must constantly be reminded that in all things we must glorify Him. May we be reminded to keep our eyes at a constant focus of love for God. Our journey towards humility will never end, until the day we see Him. I pray that we will pray for humble eyes for Christ
Blessings in the waiting period friends! It's an exciting journey towards an integrated life of freedom. Exciting? Let me hear amen.

Always,
Davy Desmond

If you want, you will suffer; if you love, you will grieve.

2010-12-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

The Love Project

2010-12-18T14:18:00.000-08:00

A Year Of Love

"Whoever loves money never has money enough.- To gain the whole world, yet lose his very self." - Jesus

As I watch the state of our economy plummet, I realize more daily that we are leaving this world quickly. "You never know when you're gonna go," seems to be my motto these days. Morbid you may say? No. Truly, it's a response to the extreme desire to live a full and good life. The economy is increasingly giving us warnings. However, there is still an overwhelming social compulsion - an insanity of consensus, if you will to get rich from life rather than to live richly, to "do well" in the world instead of living well. And in spite of the fact that America is famous for its unhappy rich people, most of us remain convinced that just a little more money will set life right. All we need to do, is just buy one more lottery ticket.

Due to the realities of living richly in the age of an overarching depression lurking with every swipe of the card... I have decided to travel. I am excited for the journeys this next year will bring. I will be journeying To Africa, Europe and beyond. Spreading the hope and joy of God to all who are willing to listen. I will be interviewing hundreds on our favorite topic. "Love" -- The only thing that is the greatest. I will be conducting interviews, recording many, keeping a journal and writing my book.

May you be blessed as you read and continue your journey. Happy Travels!

Feel free to follow me on this blog, facebook or meet up in Europe!

Thoughts to Consider on Your Journey:

1) To be a light in the darkness. To open windows into musty houses. To pray with the dying. To sit, talk, stand and laugh with anyone. To eat at the tables of those who are in despair. To live my life as Jesus did.
2) Encouraging others to live an integrated and creative lifestyle.

Good Quotes I love:

From this hour I ordain myself loss'd of limits and imaginary lines, Going where I list, my own master total and absolute, Listening to others, considering well what they say, Pausing, searching, receiving and contemplating, Gently, but with undeniable will divesting myself of the holds that would hold me. - Walt Whitman, "Song of the Open Road"

The greatest happiness of life it the conviction that we are loved – loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves. -Victor Marie Hugo

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us – Helen Keller

"In and Out," But Not, "Of."

2010-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

New seasons bring new perspectives to every aspect. Not monthly, not weekly, not daily, but mostly...hourly.

This season/moment made me understand God's beauty more vividly.

View from my place.

This Season brought clarity to my imperfections.

Daisy in season.

This season assured me I'm connected to much more than others.

And this season however, reminded me of what I was made for.

I was reminded of our ultimate paradox of choice today, Micah 6:8.

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

Walking with God, is the most crucial to His glorifying feature. My I always do this Lord in every season and moment.

Please continue to pray for the children all over the world who do not have a home to sleep in, a pillow, but most of all LOVE. Please pray for mercy, justice and God's love to transform lives daily. His will to be done here on earth the same as His will is in heaven. Thank you for all your support.

Loving the Season,
Davy Desmond

Give It Up Challenge!!

2010-08-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Everyday we make sacrifices in our spending habits. For me, it's usually for-going eating out for lunch, and instead making a sandwich at home. Also, for me, it's choosing to ride a bike rather than a car, to save. Also, I kicked my latte habit and save by instant via coffee. (Not as appealing, yet extremely helpful to my savings account!)

What is it for you?
Please take 2 min. to decide what spending habits you should kick.
Now, take another 1 min. to think about the thousands of orphans and abandoned there are still to help.

"A life unto ourselves is no life at all." Do you truly live this personally? Do you truly believe this for yourself?

I know that most of us only see through our own lenses and mirrors. I am the #1 guiltiest of this. (Desiring my own family, my own car, my own food, my own life). Yet, God tells me daily, my life is not my own. Thats why Orphan Relief and Rescue is choosing to live the fact that there are more than 300 scripture verses asking us to give to the poor and needy. We hope to incorporate this in all our work.

We all want to change the world. We all are called to help in the process. Lets Give up one thing per month to give to an orphan in Africa.

Here's the breakdown...

$26 = Malaria tests and treatment for 10 children.
$25 =Treatment for 25 children who have skin fungus
$25 = 2 Mosquito nets which protect 8 children
$25 = Pays for x rays and a cast for a broken bone in a child
$33 = worm treatment for an entire orphanage for a year
$40 = 5 gallons of paint
$65 = School Shoes for 6 kids
$65 = 1 vinyl covered mattress
$120 = HIV/AIDS education course
$143 = 1 bunk bed
$160 = Sewing Machine
$410 = School fees for one child for a year

THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ALL AROUND US!

Can you all please help us? It's so easy give up something. Go to orphan relief link below and click on the donate button and talk about what you gave up.

http://www.orphanreliefandrescue.org/content/give-it-up

Blessings in Christ today.
Sincerely,
Davy Desmond

P.S. - Email me and let me know if you can help in any way.
davy@orphanreliefandrescue.org

Name. Dream. Destiny.

2010-07-21T06:52:00.000-07:00

Everyone has a big dream, not many choose to follow this dream. What is your Big Dream? Most choose not to follow it from discouragement and still comfortable living in the land of familiar. Many choose not to follow it because of circumstances which appear to be giants or mountains. . In our age, "Time and Money."

These are not giants. They are only little bumps in the road.
Suffering
I have a Big Dream. I have a dream to help many children in Africa come to know their Name, Dream, and Destiny. The road is long and hard to accomplishing this well. I am choosing this journey. Will you join me?

What is your Big Dream? Are you choosing to jump into the river of unfamiliar? Are you ready to pay off college loans the next then years to accomplish it? Are you ready to occasionally forgo your 'food budget' to get there? Are you ready to say good-bye to dear friends and family to get there? Probably not!! However, it's worth it to see the Big Dream come true!

So jump. Lets do it together. The waterfall is big!

I'm Moving to Seattle, then Africa... to get one step further to this goal!
What are you doing to get to yours? Everything in your power?

Africa awaits me. Thousands of children await God. Here we come. Together.
- What are your dreams?
- Davy Desmond

To Say I Am Above, that.

2010-07-02T07:59:00.000-07:00

Loving Humanity

I have made mistakes this year. Often on a daily basis, and sometimes hurting others or myself unexpectedly. Is this ok? Surely not. However, it does demonstrate my humanity and reiterate the point of Christ’s death. The more I embrace my humanity, the more I graciously forgive others and learn to love God with a pure heart. How fantastic, the feeling of accepting who we are through our imperfections: a sinner, a saint, and a little lower than the angels! Our humanity is a precious gift.

Learning Lessons for Good

I have learned from these mistakes. I am not above the decision, but I am carefully above making the same mistake twice. ‘I learned my lesson,’ so to speak. I learned Christ’s heart for us to walk consistently in the light and truth. In Genesis God uses a good example of Cain and Abel. When Cain was depressed, the devil had a perfect opportunity to temp him. “When you are tempted, … “do not put yourself in this position and give room to sin,”

Lessons from Cain

Cain and Abel show a very intriguing dilemma and practical applications for our lives today. Abel came before God with everything. Cain still had pieces of his heart hidden away not willing to donate. Because of his double life, God tells Abel He is pleased and tells Cain to hit the road! God graciously gives Cain a second chance, yet instead, Cain abuses the chances and murders his brother. In Genesis, God says to Cain, “When you are doing well, will not your countenance be lifted up? But when you do not do well, sin is crouching at your door; and it’s desire is for you, but you must be the master over it.” This is an amazing revelation. When we are unhappy, sin is ready to enter in!! It lurks, just waiting for someone around us to say hurtful words, a loved one to die, a friend to let us down, and our dad to forget to pick us up from work. When we are lonely, abused, forgotten, hungry, poor, worried, anxious, sin is just waiting to pounce! In these certain situations, the devil’s lies are ready to pounce and give us a little taste of poison. Will you give in and murder like Cain? Or, will you decide today to be ready to recognize the devil when you’re depressed, and walk away? Will you give in to sexual sin? Or, will you choose beforehand not to be in the room alone in that situation presupposing that it could happen? Will you cheat on your wife, because another woman seems intriguing? Or, will you decide now NOT to go on that walk again? What boundaries are we placing in our lives so we humbly say “I am above that, because I have chosen a better path already.” This is not pride. To say I will not sin because of a prior “boundary - decision” is, a human merely relying on God!

Above The Sin Because of Friends

I am “above,” has the appearance of pride. My heart is the defining factor in proclaiming being “above,” something. I am not “above” the sin, but I am “above” the temptation. I now surround myself with patterns, habits, people, communities, lifestyles, books and major influences that enable me to say with dignity, “I will never go there.” “I will never become an alcoholic.” “I will not have sex before marriage.” “I will not eat that.” “I will not drink too much.” These presupposed decisions are the things that keep us in check and help to keep these boundaries for our humanity.
Without them, we most always follow the crowd and patterns that used to control us. For example, when I was going to counseling, the assessment questions that are asked of were, “Who do you hang out with?” “How much do your friends drink?” “How much do you friends party?” “How many different partners do you sleep with on a weekly basis?” “Do you take depression tablets or sleeping pills?” As much as I would like to admit I am fine to hang with people who have “worldly” tendencies, I honestly know and believe their patterns always lead down dark roads. Pride tells us we are perfect, humility embraces our imperfection and allows God to work.

To say I am above.

Today, I choose to accept love and truth. To follow a rulebook which helps me love more. I choose to embrace my humanity and not put myself in situations with people who could bring me down. I’m not saying I will never hang out with people who drink, smoke, cuss etc… I’m only saying I choose to not do it excessively. My support group will not be those who bring me down. I am only human, and could be tempted if I’m down. So, today I choose to not think of myself too much which equals depression. I choose to live simply as to not have any idols whatsoever. I choose to be careful with my words to not slip up saying God's name in vain. I choose to set time apart for God, to rest. I choose to respect my parents no matter how they may have hurt me before. I choose to control my anger as to not murder. I choose not to hang out with married men although they may be my close friends. I choose to bring money to the store so I won’t steal. I choose to not lie. I choose to pray against jealousy so I do not covet... I choose to I choose to dream big, and remember God! I choose to love others and serve them more than myself. One of my good friends always says, “A life unto ourselves in no life at all.” She is right, as we choose to live in truth, the reality of this statement becomes true! What boundaries are you setting for yourself today? What human boundaries are we all participating in to help us focus fully and only on God?

A Poem I Wrote

2010-06-03T09:57:00.001-07:00

Battling Spirits

The Wind is coming.
Breaking all who stand.
Thoroughly she comes
Swiftly she moves.
Stealthily she masks her goal.

She whispers

‘Steal, kill destroy.’

“Open, let me break you.” she cries.

The light is here.
Breaking mighty winds; He enters.
Quickly, in an instant.
Radiantly he shines.

HE SCREAMES!

‘Look, listen, grasp.’

“Rise! I will save you!”

The Wind cautiously sneaks.
Softly she moves s behind.
Carefully she sneaks through doors yet closed.
Maliciously raising her aroma.

Murmuring lies in a distance.
Mumbling deceits are near.

“Eat. Sleep. Die.”
“Eat. Sleep. Die.” She begs.

“CHOOSE.” Light says.

The light has come.
Shattering deception’s ringing screech.
Singing of love’s deep drumming voice.
Brilliant is the light of truth.

WORTHY IS THE LIGHT OF my LOVE.

“Pray. Live. Love…laugh! ”
He hopes… lightly.
Open the light of love.

Love, Davy

Peace Is Not Necessarily What We Thought.

2010-06-01T10:55:00.000-07:00

What is peace? Have you seen a puddle in a road? I'm sure. Its peaceful. There is not the slightest stirring in it. The water is smooth and unruffled. The colors of nature are reflected in it. Thats not peace, but stagnant death!
Have you ever seen a child spinning a top? When the top is going its fastest, its at perfect rest. The peace of God is perfection of energy; it is a healthy vigor of the soul. - OC

Imogene Heap's New Album. Listen to Love.

2010-05-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Long Silence

2010-05-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

I did not write this, yet it's clever and worth the read! Enjoi.

At the end of time, billions of people were seated on a great plain before God’s throne. Most shrank back from the brilliant light before them. But some groups near the front talked heatedly, not cringing with cringing shame – but with belligerence.

“Can God judge us? How can He know about suffering?”, snapped a pert young brunette. She ripped open a sleeve to reveal a tattooed number from a Nazi concentration camp. “We endured terror … beatings … torture … death!”

In another group a negro boy (sic) lowered his collar. “What about this?” he demanded, showing an ugly rope burn. “Lynched, for no crime but being black!”

In another crowd there was a pregnant schoolgirl with sullen eyes: “Why should I suffer?” she murmured. “It wasn’t my fault.”

Far out across the plain were hundreds of such groups. Each had a complaint against God for the evil and suffering He had permitted in His world. How lucky God was to live in Heaven, where all was sweetness and light. Where there was no weeping or fear, no hunger or hatred. What did God know of all that man had been forced to endure in this world? For God leads a pretty sheltered life, they said.

So each of these groups sent forth their leader, chosen because he had suffered the most. A Jew, a negro (sic), a person from Hiroshima, a horribly deformed arthritic, a thalidomide child. In the center of the vast plain, they consulted with each other. At last they were ready to present their case. It was rather clever.

Before God could be qualified to be their judge, He must endure what they had endured. Their decision was that God should be sentenced to live on earth as a man.

Let him be born a Jew. Let the legitimacy of his birth be doubted. Give him a work so difficult that even his family will think him out of his mind. Let him be betrayed by his closest friends. Let him face false charges, be tried by a prejudiced jury and convicted by a cowardly judge. Let him be tortured. At the last, let him see what it means to be terribly alone. Then let him die so there can be no doubt he died. Let there be a great host of witnesses to verify it.

As each leader announced his portion of the sentence, loud murmurs of approval went up from the throng of people assembled. When the last had finished pronouncing sentence, there was a long silence. No one uttered a word. No one moved.

For suddenly, all knew that God had already served His sentence.

All I Need Is Love? My Testimony(s)

2010-05-19T15:32:00.000-07:00

Love has always known me, as I have always known Love. I sensed it, the moment I felt a warm towel wrapping me after a bath. I heard it, when two doves cooed me awake each day one summer. I tasted it, as I ate a warm slice of pineapple-upside- down cake in my grandma’s kitchen. I saw it, when I met my first love. I heard it, when I listened to a hungry orphan cry in my arms.

“The Pursuit” began for me, in a hospital bed at age four. I remember lying on the cold, hard, uncomfortable bed, painfully struggling through a fatal disease. I should have felt alone. I should have died. Mysteriously, I knew I was not abandoned. In my heart I knew, there was more for me, and so I never worried. In my room, I felt deep warmth. This warmth was Love, and it was then I believed in His power.

At age five, the battle began. Insecurities, fears, and physical pains: Sin. “I have discovered this principle of life--that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong, and evil is in me” – Romans 7:21. I lived a while, with this confusion. Yet, still, lingering in the back of my mind remained a small voice--thought saying: ‘Davy…Believe in Love, Love believes in you!’

At six, I knew I would go to Africa, because Love told me to. I would one-day work with orphans. A light bulb went off, and sunk into my heart with an explosion. Then, the waiting and preparation began.
Years past in a blur, and I chose to push Love away. I ran my own way, and chose easy—worldly-- living… Or so I thought. Parties, people, travel, school, food, busy-work, cooking, dancing, studying, dating and working… just to name a few. All these ‘Martha-fillers’ distracted me from the true Love and freedom I had once known. I was running so fast, I almost killed myself… literally.

One day in the fall, Love stopped me in my tracks. He pursued me again. “For humans, it is so hard to believe in love, because it is hard to obey.” Memories of my hospital bed flooded back, as I lay (not on a hospital bed), but on a cold, drafty jail-cell. What had happened to the Love I knew? What had happened to childlike belief and true Faith? What had ever happened to the perfect child, Love wanted me to become? Where was my trust in others? Where was my freedom? In one night, all the worldly things I deemed important vanished in a moment of brokenness... but He was still chasing me. Love found me again that night. I did not find Love. Redemption is the key to knowing Love’s heart, and mercy was the act. Love came down and wrapped me in His arms that cold, unforgettable night, and showed me that there is hope! No pit is so deep that Love’s grace is not deeper still. No amount of mistakes, shame, hiding and fear could ever separate me from Love. No matter what I had done, Love pursued me, passionately.

I’m here to tell you today, that no matter how much you run… Stop running! It’s not worth it to run from Love! Love is God. God is Love. To run from Love, is counterintuitive to its whole message of Life. Love is always with you and always present. You cannot run or hide from Love. Love will find you! Love is not something you can physically escape. The more you believe in the works of Love, and the more you accept its truth, the more you know God love yourself, and others. Also, the more you believe people love you for who you are, the more you understand God’s Love. Love cannot hide itself… when it is real. No matter what areas of life you are hiding under… He will find you. So, get out from under your man-made lampshades and false realities and live!!

Love knows me more than I know myself. It has always known me. God has known me, when He touched the dirt and formed my fragile frame. God has identified with me, when He heard me crying on a hospital bench. God has tasted, when I prayed in desperation for food. God saw me, as my heart was breaking after I witnessed brutal tragic death. God heard me, when my songs were overwhelming with gratitude. He sent His only son to suffer and experience my life. Jesus became Love for me, in order to feel, hear, taste, touch and see everything I did. Love (AKA JESUS) truly understood me, because He was me, looking through my mortal glasses, living in my shoes! Not one ounce of pain I feel, and will feel…He has not felt. Not one ounce!
I know what Love is. Believing in Love is true reality, and I have found the key to eternal life is found in the burning, compassionate, flaming Love of Christ. He is mine, and I am His… beloved. He altered himself for me. “Love does not alter the beloved, it alters itself.”

All I need is Love. All YOU need is Love All we need is Love.

11 Helpings of Inspirations In an Integrated Day

2010-04-16T07:37:00.000-07:00

1.) Spend time with God however He presents Himself/Herself that day.
2.) An outstanding beverage? Coffee. Drink it! Full of antioxidants, helping you continue in productivity, health and wealth.
3.) Slept in at least twice this week.
4.) Didn't make it to church on Sunday. Stayed home, and didn't beat myself up over it! Instead, do something with God alone without that fear of what people “think” of your absence. Legalism = Death
5.) Find space in a cozy chair, to sit. Then, run a while and laugh lots.
6.) Journal a bit. Never to catch up... only Present, here and now.
7.) Light a vanilla scented candle.
8.) Hopped a fence with my best friend Julie.
9.) Holding a baby a bit.
10.) Smoking almonds, currently eating them like water.
11.) Hit the gym, followed by a rock concert.

Not Real

2010-04-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I sit in my semi - comfy, brown, normal rocking chair. I look at my grandfather watching a program on TV as a man from the music video sings with passion to the audience, “this is what people want... to dance and sing and be merry! This is reality guys, and if you don’t change your marketing procedures, no one will listen to you!!” Rolling my eyes I think… “What if this life is not reality? What if true reality is that which I cannot see? What if my life were different than what I perceive to be reality? What if the daily reality I see -- with my little raccoon eyes, is not a valid picture of reality at all? Reality is something I cannot comprehend. Reality comprehends me.

Reality comprehends me because reality is nothing I can obtain or grasp. It has understood my plight long before I came into existence. Reality in it’s purest form is by definition… the after life; a circumstance that lives and breaths -- a place, a word that isn’t a word at all… it’s a place full of life! It’s a spiritual area… a moment of eternity. Call it heaven? Call it truth for a moment. Call reality a sparkle in a child’s eye. Call it a belief in love or the fulfillment of a medium rare steak. Reality was there before I was born… I promise you… It understands us more than we understand ourselves. It’s an incredible creature we cannot see.

What if reality is not what I see, and only what I believe from hearing and trusting? What if reality and the truth of reality is something I cannot understand or see? What if? What if there is a God I cannot control? To not control something? Oh, God forbid! What if reality had nothing to do with temporal morality? What if morality though, has everything to do with ONLY eternity? Am I over spiritualizing? Would I matter, if the reality we see in this life from material things is, in its very nature—only the taste of spiritual heavens in the next life? If so, then reality is truth we choose to block out on a daily basis, through covering up feelings by temporal enjoyments or merely what we perceive to be truth in our daily lives.

What if the woman next to me is more a part of me than I realize? She is me. She is me? She has the same worries, same struggles, fears and likes. She enjoys the comfort of good food, same standard of music likings, loves to read and write, likes chex mix, desires to eat healthy yet busts it with a burger sometimes, really enjoys eclectic middle names, latte’s with no sugar, dry salads, dark red wines, working out, hates sitting down, and loves for the poor deeply.

“The very thing that I once thought made me unique makes me like everyone else. We are all the same in reality with skin to cover this reality. ”

What a paradox? To feel unique as a human, yet know we are similar and in reality all the same...destined to go to true reality. To covet similarity and common ground, yet desiring independence and want to “feel unique and special” depending how our passions guide us.

We assume that those who have ‘made it,’ in life have it all together. Reality cries out from the street and says…. No one knows. The truth is crying out yet we choose to run from it desiring uniqueness in our own nature -- which is pride.

I look up; my grandpa stretches out his toes. He is tired and getting older. He might think ‘what an interesting program on TV!’ Is he watching this to drown out his sorrow and pain he feels from his late wife’s death? Does he truly enjoy watching this tiring and annoying television show? Really, reality?

“Truth and reality are connected in almost a marriage relationship. Reality is not what I see, but what I know will come. Truth is what I do not see. Truth is what I cannot understand. Truth is a life after I am dead. Truth is the next life. So, what is important? Seeking others in the truth of who they will be, not how they see themselves right now. If we see truth in others as the finished work, then we will see them as a beautiful, incredible individuals with potential to always grow and thrive. We will see others not as objects, but as true loving friends who always tell the truth. To desire to walk in constant surrender of those who are in our face daily.

So, what is truth and reality in the temporal? Allowing God to posses you with the reality of a next life. Allowing your neighbor the love and respect you will one day show them in a life after this. Loving the truth of the person you do not know in the car next to you. Loving the truth about the loneliness of this life as well. Loving, that we are all in this thing we entitle with such a simple and extremely under-appreciated word… “life.” We all have felt the pain and sting of hardship in one way or another, whether it be growing pangs or physical ailments. Mental philosophical hardships or monthly gym fees! From the struggle of spending too much money on trivial enjoyments... while really wanting to save it. These things we worry about don’t really matter because in reality -- we are all in heaven already. This earthly life is only a dot in the string of dots to come.

An interesting thought, considering we cannot ‘see’ eternity… only know it is truthful reality based upon belief.

I get up; I stumble softly over the shoe in front of me, as I walk out of my scene of ambiguous thought to physical reality. “Ouch, that toe again! I always stub the same toe…” I pause, laugh in my heart a bit and think, “how wonderful it is that we all have stubbed our toes at different moments in time—yet all we see and think at that moment is how we feel.” In eternal reality we all enjoy the same things, love the same foods in different forms, hate the pain of toe-stubbing and recognize the uniqueness of each person and the potential he or she offers. What a beautiful confusion, what joyous bewilderment, what an illusion of certainty!!

Laughing, I consider how I love the similarity of humans, all of us living on the same ground. Building houses for ourselves on the top of it yet segregating ourselves...for no reason at all. Believing that ‘my life,’ is to have a house of my own, a cute dog and a cup of ice cream every once in a while. However, in truth… these things are what we all desire, yet ultimately to help others… the issue is that we cannot do it on our own.

We are all the same, and its time to recognize our similarities. We all struggle with the same things in different forms. What we choose to do with these differences is up to us. How we choose to act the next time we stub our toes, get pulled over and have coffee with a friend is up to us? Will we enjoy it, knowing that in a few short years this 'dot' we call life will be a 'string of dots,' in the next? Will we live in right reality or only think about ourselves? Reality is something I cannot understand. Reality is something that understands me.

peace, Davy Nicole

Lovey Love... Believe in love.

2009-09-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

Love is all around you. Is is consistently apparent in the rustling wind, the frothy beverage, the simple smile, the colorful faces. It is never silent. It screams at us; every moment, every minute ever meeting. It forges its light into every dark pathway.

It is our fault for failing to recognize it, grasp onto it and never let it go. To recognize love in your life is the first key to unlocking a number of successes in our lives. It is screaming at us behind closed doors, in a restaurant, and in your community. To believe and accept it, is where we MUST act. To capture it and believe it is our duty.

To believe in love. To live in it married to truth is even more enlightening.

The truth is a mighty and intense opportunity that we must not fear. However if we can grasp the understanding for of true optimism, and love life in and out of every situation will bring true joy.

Live in Love,
Davy Desmond

I like Steak... How About You?

2009-09-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

In her interview with Time magazine in 1989, Mother Teresa said

"It's a big sadness; it's always the children who suffer most when there is no love in the family. That's a terrible suffering. Very difficult because you can do nothing. That is the great poverty. You feel helpless. But if you pick up a person dying of hunger, you give him food and it is finished."

There is a great reality that sweeps throughout the earth; It is the reality that millions of children DO NOT have enough food, clothes, and medical treatment. When I say the word 'enough', naturally everyone has a different opinion on what 'enough' is. Often in America, many have 'more that enough.' The ability to have a lunch break, the beauty of enjoying a meal with a family, and the ability to go to the movies at any time. These things are all wonderful things, and also a wonderful blessing.

However, once one sees the reality of a person not having anywhere NEAR 'enough', the understanding of this concept changes. The word enough changes to necessity and the human's desperation for survival. It is not a selfish thing to be blessed, but rather to recognize that to who much has been given, much much more will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

We know it is the duty of those who have much to give much. We know it is also the duty to enable others in the world to receive this beautiful blessing as well. No matter what you have been given, no matter what you know, may you not grow weary in giving this blessing to those who are in front of you, behind you, right next to you and across the ocean.

I hope that the next time you are enjoying a steak... ENJOY it! However, may your enjoyment of it make you EVEN more grateful, more loving and more content knowing you can serve others. Do not take the options, choices and the blessings we have been given go to waste. Eat, be fed, and feed.

always, davy

September

2009-09-14T07:27:00.000-07:00

September

Brierly Ashour

When the goldenrod is yellow,
And leaves are turning brown -
Reluctantly the summer goes
In a cloud of thistledown.

When squirrels are harvesting
And birds in flight appear -
By these autumn signs we know
September days are here.