Ann so beautifully puts to words what we here are thinking and praying.
http://holyexperience.blogspot.com/2007/05/one-piece-life.html
Setting out on an icy, blustery day with flu-wearied bodies, stir-crazy souls and three hearts needing more to listen, needing more of Him.
always
jana
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
So what were all those slideshows about?
Well. . . let me tell you:
Urban Farming
(http://www.urbanfarming.org/ for more info):
Urban Farming is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate hunger in impoverished urban areas by optimizing the production of unused land for food and alternative energy. Among their objectives is to increase diversity and community by motivating youth and seniors to work together educating others and maintaining the garden. In the St Louis area, Urban Farming partnered with Starbucks and The Home Depot to fund the project and we, through a connection at Starbucks, were able to serve as well. We had more than 10 volunteers with us working to break ground, dig trenches, and plant everything from okra to watermelons. We are also scheduled to provide occasional support in the upkeep of the garden.
OASIS Food Pantry
(http://www.oasisfoodpantry.com/ for more info):
Serving as a member on the Board of Directors, I was able to secure a regular shift for SENTralized to staff while assisting in additional monthly openings. OASIS serves over 300 families each month and provides food as well as personal care/hygiene items. Our clients range from ongoing, long-term needs, to very temporary, emergency help while they get back on their feet. God has really opened opportunities here to extend a loving hand, a warm smile and a trunk full of groceries to so many people. Our clients remember us and just tonight, as I am writing this, told us how much more comfortable they feel just being around us. Our service at OASIS will remain on our Outbreak schedule as we volunteer the third Thursday of every month and every fifth Saturday. We also have the opportunity to assist in the unloading and stocking of perishable items that we receive from local grocery stores on an ongoing basis. This has been one thing that Sedona and I (Jana) really enjoy doing together.
Roofing Christ’s Church
(http://www.celebrating.org/ for more info)
In June, we had the opportunity to help put a new roof on the church where we were meeting. We rented their building on Saturday evenings for our meals and service and have really grown to appreciate the mentorship and encouragement of their pastors. When we learned that they would be roofing the entire church building without any professional assistance, relying only on volunteer help (some of which came from out of state) we offered our hands as well. About 8 of us pitched in to help get that roof on with very conscious effort to further the relationship between church bodies and combat the competitive nature of churches in our area.
Debbie’s House
(http://www.bridgewaycounseling.com/ for more info):
Bridgeway Counseling Services, a prominent treatment center in St Charles County, houses women in domestic abuse situations and substance abuse recovery. One of their facilities that houses up to 20 women, was in serious disrepair. Over the last few months we have worked to repaint, repair and refurbish two units in particular. We have provided days of manual labor as well as material donations of bathroom fixtures, towels, rugs and a shower curtain. A primary objective in working to restore the accommodations there is to demonstrate that the women living there are valuable, are loved, by God and by extension, us. We have established an excellent relationship with the staff at Bridgeway and look forward to serving them in the future.
Urban Farming
(http://www.urbanfarming.org/ for more info):
Urban Farming is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate hunger in impoverished urban areas by optimizing the production of unused land for food and alternative energy. Among their objectives is to increase diversity and community by motivating youth and seniors to work together educating others and maintaining the garden. In the St Louis area, Urban Farming partnered with Starbucks and The Home Depot to fund the project and we, through a connection at Starbucks, were able to serve as well. We had more than 10 volunteers with us working to break ground, dig trenches, and plant everything from okra to watermelons. We are also scheduled to provide occasional support in the upkeep of the garden.
OASIS Food Pantry
(http://www.oasisfoodpantry.com/ for more info):
Serving as a member on the Board of Directors, I was able to secure a regular shift for SENTralized to staff while assisting in additional monthly openings. OASIS serves over 300 families each month and provides food as well as personal care/hygiene items. Our clients range from ongoing, long-term needs, to very temporary, emergency help while they get back on their feet. God has really opened opportunities here to extend a loving hand, a warm smile and a trunk full of groceries to so many people. Our clients remember us and just tonight, as I am writing this, told us how much more comfortable they feel just being around us. Our service at OASIS will remain on our Outbreak schedule as we volunteer the third Thursday of every month and every fifth Saturday. We also have the opportunity to assist in the unloading and stocking of perishable items that we receive from local grocery stores on an ongoing basis. This has been one thing that Sedona and I (Jana) really enjoy doing together.
Roofing Christ’s Church
(http://www.celebrating.org/ for more info)
In June, we had the opportunity to help put a new roof on the church where we were meeting. We rented their building on Saturday evenings for our meals and service and have really grown to appreciate the mentorship and encouragement of their pastors. When we learned that they would be roofing the entire church building without any professional assistance, relying only on volunteer help (some of which came from out of state) we offered our hands as well. About 8 of us pitched in to help get that roof on with very conscious effort to further the relationship between church bodies and combat the competitive nature of churches in our area.
Debbie’s House
(http://www.bridgewaycounseling.com/ for more info):
Bridgeway Counseling Services, a prominent treatment center in St Charles County, houses women in domestic abuse situations and substance abuse recovery. One of their facilities that houses up to 20 women, was in serious disrepair. Over the last few months we have worked to repaint, repair and refurbish two units in particular. We have provided days of manual labor as well as material donations of bathroom fixtures, towels, rugs and a shower curtain. A primary objective in working to restore the accommodations there is to demonstrate that the women living there are valuable, are loved, by God and by extension, us. We have established an excellent relationship with the staff at Bridgeway and look forward to serving them in the future.
Of human weakness and divine parenting
It is nearing 7am and I sit with one child on the couch, another burning up in bed, a husband shivering beneath blankets, and I am so humbled(/astounded/confused/intrigued maybe?) at the very nature of our Father.
To be so wholly God, and to know us in our very flesh, having graced the earth with heavenly steps, and yet not to tire (or sicken) the way we mortal parents must. To be vigilant, watchful and caring with each unending hour of sickness, weakness, fear. . . .
As the sun settles with great relief on this now quiet house, I wonder what magic lies in this early light. What mystery does the Master unfold in this ethereal light I rarely visit? I've long been told the significance of morning "quiet time" and that early rising starts the night before and I've longed to be that person who wakes in the quiet dark, tiptoes to the kitchen table to drink in the Word before the long dry day begins. To quench the already burning inadequecies first so that other needs might be met throughout the day.
We pray daily to be filled to overflowing, leaving no empty spaces wanting for earthly things. We pray for discipline and for strength to obey. And while our Bibles flop open at breakfast, verses repeated and prayed over before sending one out to the bus, is there something more that I am missing?
I have always resisted this notion of "quiet time". Long ago I carved a picture in my head of a God who waits there in the kitchen for his alotted time while the coffee brews. I imagined that this notion of quiet time somehow suggested a relationship that stayed there in the early morning. I realize now, of course, just how wrong that assumption was.
So now, having watched the light slowly creep in through the windows, having spent hours in silent 15 second prayers, and feeling the weight of bodily need, I am reminded anew of One who does not rest. Who does not grow weary with the coming of morning light, but who deserves praise at morning's first light and with the first breath of the day. Lord, give me strength in this faulty body to be one called unto you. To be one disciplined to make you first. Not to schedule only 30 minutes each day but to offer you my time at the start of each day you breath into existence so that I might see you in everything, that I might be more intent on hearing your voice all day long.
“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.” ~Isa. 55:3
To be so wholly God, and to know us in our very flesh, having graced the earth with heavenly steps, and yet not to tire (or sicken) the way we mortal parents must. To be vigilant, watchful and caring with each unending hour of sickness, weakness, fear. . . .
As the sun settles with great relief on this now quiet house, I wonder what magic lies in this early light. What mystery does the Master unfold in this ethereal light I rarely visit? I've long been told the significance of morning "quiet time" and that early rising starts the night before and I've longed to be that person who wakes in the quiet dark, tiptoes to the kitchen table to drink in the Word before the long dry day begins. To quench the already burning inadequecies first so that other needs might be met throughout the day.
We pray daily to be filled to overflowing, leaving no empty spaces wanting for earthly things. We pray for discipline and for strength to obey. And while our Bibles flop open at breakfast, verses repeated and prayed over before sending one out to the bus, is there something more that I am missing?
I have always resisted this notion of "quiet time". Long ago I carved a picture in my head of a God who waits there in the kitchen for his alotted time while the coffee brews. I imagined that this notion of quiet time somehow suggested a relationship that stayed there in the early morning. I realize now, of course, just how wrong that assumption was.
So now, having watched the light slowly creep in through the windows, having spent hours in silent 15 second prayers, and feeling the weight of bodily need, I am reminded anew of One who does not rest. Who does not grow weary with the coming of morning light, but who deserves praise at morning's first light and with the first breath of the day. Lord, give me strength in this faulty body to be one called unto you. To be one disciplined to make you first. Not to schedule only 30 minutes each day but to offer you my time at the start of each day you breath into existence so that I might see you in everything, that I might be more intent on hearing your voice all day long.
“Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, for the life of your soul is at stake.” ~Isa. 55:3
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Cultural artifacts
As I struggle (often in vain) to relieve us of some of the clutter that creeps into our closets and drawers under cover of night, I keep finding fascinating items that really, can't be called clutter at all. Rather, I think of them as artifacts and I, the archeologist of sorts, am left to relate their ancient significance to our current state of affairs. What can we learn from them? How far have we come?
Those of you who knew me growing up might well have a clear and working definition of just how far I've come. (I won't dare post a picture here to inform those who weren't blessed with the daunting and often terrifying experience of watching me navigate the teenage years.) Sometimes, though, I am swept away with memories that focus a little too clearly on the eyeliner and paratrooper boots, completely missing the wonder of the girl beneath. Is it so easy to take even myself at face value?
Maybe I should get to the point.
Well, maybe.
As I've wound my way back to Jesus over the years I have been consistently amazed at the traces of his presence along that long, dark road I dragged myself down. I can't not wonder how that girl became this girl.
(and an old song comes to mind- "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" and in looking for old hymn singing I find some very non old-hymn takes on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYpSZxF4hE0&feature=related) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wej1jHtiH-M&feature=related.)
And yet, what I've learned is a deep appreciation for the journey that is loving Christ. The process of it all, the rich teacher of experience, and the irrefutable beauty of weakness. It is where we are most weak that we find the beauty of his love. It was when the clothes got crazier, the tongue got sharper, and the heart screamed out for something I couldn't know, that the beauty of unconditional love and grace became clear. Huh, so he really does work ALL things to his glory.
But there is more to this jaunt down memory lane. What I found, suprisingly, is that this passion for connection and relationship and love of the lost and the least, has been there all along.
I remember serving Thanksgiving dinner downtown Chicago at Uptown Baptist Church and my father describing it, teary-eyed, as a defining moment in his/my life. I was maybe 10 and without pause, laughing and loving on and serving joyfully some of the filthiest, least desirable, most dangerous (knives slipped from pockets as I pour them more coffee) folks to be found on the city streets. And I could have stayed for days. My story is one that leads me to exactly this place. It is not by accident that I sit here working on action items for moving SENTralized forward, thinking about the friends I've made at the local food pantry, and anxiously imagining the opportunities to simply, well, to simply love. Afterall, as it turns out that is what it is about. Simple, radical love.
I couldn't see it at the time and I certainly didn't realize it looking back over the past 15 years until yesterday when I stumbled across one lovely item buried in the office.
The Donovan Family Christmas Letter - circa 1997.
It reads (in part):
"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. Is this really OUR house?
Greetings from the Donovan Home for Throw-Away Kids. What, you didn't know we had 15 or 20 children who call us Mom and Dad? Right now only our daughter, Jana, lives here but 1997 saw a parade of residents in "Anna's" room. (Remember, Anna was our exchange student from Romania who lived with us during the 1995-96 school year.) Some kids bring home stray animals, but our daughter brings home stray kids. Bless her heart.
Our home has been home to about 5 teens at various times and for varying lengths of time during 1997. These kids are, for the most part, homeless and forgotten by their parents and society. Many besides the 5 have practically lived here. Especially throughout the summer, we never knew who or how many would be here for dinner. They came with hair the colors of the rainbow and clothes from punk to preppy. Almost without fail, though, they also respected us and followed our rules. They also ate and ate and ate and drank Mountain Dew by the gallon. But they found love and acceptance and a safe place to be. We tried to show them God's love unconditionally. It wasn't always easy. And privacy didn't exist. But if we had it to do over, we would. Differently, certainly. But the Lighthouse banner in front of our house tells what we try to be."
Wow. Our hope is that our home might be the same refuge for our children's friends, that our children won't know how not to love and give and serve any and everyone. To be a lighthouse and with open arms and full plates, extend the love and acceptance of Jesus.
Praise God.
Those of you who knew me growing up might well have a clear and working definition of just how far I've come. (I won't dare post a picture here to inform those who weren't blessed with the daunting and often terrifying experience of watching me navigate the teenage years.) Sometimes, though, I am swept away with memories that focus a little too clearly on the eyeliner and paratrooper boots, completely missing the wonder of the girl beneath. Is it so easy to take even myself at face value?
Maybe I should get to the point.
Well, maybe.
As I've wound my way back to Jesus over the years I have been consistently amazed at the traces of his presence along that long, dark road I dragged myself down. I can't not wonder how that girl became this girl.
(and an old song comes to mind- "Nothing but the blood of Jesus" and in looking for old hymn singing I find some very non old-hymn takes on it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYpSZxF4hE0&feature=related) and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wej1jHtiH-M&feature=related.)
And yet, what I've learned is a deep appreciation for the journey that is loving Christ. The process of it all, the rich teacher of experience, and the irrefutable beauty of weakness. It is where we are most weak that we find the beauty of his love. It was when the clothes got crazier, the tongue got sharper, and the heart screamed out for something I couldn't know, that the beauty of unconditional love and grace became clear. Huh, so he really does work ALL things to his glory.
But there is more to this jaunt down memory lane. What I found, suprisingly, is that this passion for connection and relationship and love of the lost and the least, has been there all along.
I remember serving Thanksgiving dinner downtown Chicago at Uptown Baptist Church and my father describing it, teary-eyed, as a defining moment in his/my life. I was maybe 10 and without pause, laughing and loving on and serving joyfully some of the filthiest, least desirable, most dangerous (knives slipped from pockets as I pour them more coffee) folks to be found on the city streets. And I could have stayed for days. My story is one that leads me to exactly this place. It is not by accident that I sit here working on action items for moving SENTralized forward, thinking about the friends I've made at the local food pantry, and anxiously imagining the opportunities to simply, well, to simply love. Afterall, as it turns out that is what it is about. Simple, radical love.
I couldn't see it at the time and I certainly didn't realize it looking back over the past 15 years until yesterday when I stumbled across one lovely item buried in the office.
The Donovan Family Christmas Letter - circa 1997.
It reads (in part):
"Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring. Is this really OUR house?
Greetings from the Donovan Home for Throw-Away Kids. What, you didn't know we had 15 or 20 children who call us Mom and Dad? Right now only our daughter, Jana, lives here but 1997 saw a parade of residents in "Anna's" room. (Remember, Anna was our exchange student from Romania who lived with us during the 1995-96 school year.) Some kids bring home stray animals, but our daughter brings home stray kids. Bless her heart.
Our home has been home to about 5 teens at various times and for varying lengths of time during 1997. These kids are, for the most part, homeless and forgotten by their parents and society. Many besides the 5 have practically lived here. Especially throughout the summer, we never knew who or how many would be here for dinner. They came with hair the colors of the rainbow and clothes from punk to preppy. Almost without fail, though, they also respected us and followed our rules. They also ate and ate and ate and drank Mountain Dew by the gallon. But they found love and acceptance and a safe place to be. We tried to show them God's love unconditionally. It wasn't always easy. And privacy didn't exist. But if we had it to do over, we would. Differently, certainly. But the Lighthouse banner in front of our house tells what we try to be."
Wow. Our hope is that our home might be the same refuge for our children's friends, that our children won't know how not to love and give and serve any and everyone. To be a lighthouse and with open arms and full plates, extend the love and acceptance of Jesus.
Praise God.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Hello, said Jana.
Welcome to the new blog.
Let me encourage you, now, before I've even provided you with comment fodor, to please please pretty please post comments, stories, and maybe even a few snyde remarks for us here! You can also always reach us at jana@sentralized.com.
Our other blog is located at www.familybazaar.blogspot.com, where you will find any number of videos, photos and anecdotes about this crazy life with kids.
Here's hoping I can get even a fraction of what is happening here into print for all to see. Oh, and allow me this brief disclaimer:
Consistent correspondence has never been my forte. That said, I/we love you all so very much and hereby commit to doing our darnedest to keep this blog current and always updated (if not always interesting. Although . . . the "interesting" might be easiest for us. We are not particularly known for dullness but rather tend to suffer excesses of personality, which we gladly share now with you).
always
jana
Let me encourage you, now, before I've even provided you with comment fodor, to please please pretty please post comments, stories, and maybe even a few snyde remarks for us here! You can also always reach us at jana@sentralized.com.
Our other blog is located at www.familybazaar.blogspot.com, where you will find any number of videos, photos and anecdotes about this crazy life with kids.
Here's hoping I can get even a fraction of what is happening here into print for all to see. Oh, and allow me this brief disclaimer:
Consistent correspondence has never been my forte. That said, I/we love you all so very much and hereby commit to doing our darnedest to keep this blog current and always updated (if not always interesting. Although . . . the "interesting" might be easiest for us. We are not particularly known for dullness but rather tend to suffer excesses of personality, which we gladly share now with you).
always
jana
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