Take It for What It's Worth

Each life is a journey. The voices of many guides try to direct us, saying,“This is the path – walk in it!” Yet each one leads in a different direction.

I believe only one Voice can be true. That Voice will lead us in ways most unexpected, into worlds yet undiscovered. It will lead us up the hill, around the river and through the forest.

And sometimes, it will lead without mercy.

Or so it seems.

I have made listening for that Voice and following it, my life’s quest. I will share some of what I have heard that Voice say with you. But I am not in the business of telling people how to think or what to believe. Each has to decide for himself. Only you can decide if you find the truth of the Voice in these words. And only you can decide how much it is worth to know the Voice, and follow.

But as for me, it is worth the whole world. And then some… (more)

Recent Articles

Beautiful Slave: a true story in song

 Click on the title to watch a video by Take No Glory. They wrote the song, Beautiful Slave, after reading the story of a little girl. A real little girl. Watch here.

 

For Runaways, Sex Buys Survival: NY Times

"Nearly a third of the children who flee or are kicked out of their homes each year engage in sex for food, drugs or a place to stay, according to a variety of studies published in academic and public health journals. But this kind of dangerous barter system can quickly escalate..." Read more here

 

The Weekend to End Slavery - Nov 14-15, 2009/ Extended

 From the International Justice Missions A practicle way to help fight slavery, today. Please consider it. The cost is minimal -- $15USA for 2 movies and house-party kits. See here for more info   This has been extended for as long as you need. Not limited to the stated weekend.

The Two Trees: Dogwood and Christmas

The limbs of the dogwood tree meander gracefully outside our kitchen window. In the spring, flowers festoon its branches in clusters like puffs of pink snow. Heidi loved that tree.

Read the story here

 

 

Group 1Crew on Forgiveness

 

Just for fun. I fell in love with this group when their first CD came out. This is one of my all time favorite

songs. Similar theme to The Motions. Another favorite from Group 1 Crew is "Can't Go On" 

 

The Happy Cardinal 

 I put off dealing with stonecutters. I just could not find what I wanted.

I knew what I wanted........  Read more here

 

 Time Management with God

Oh no -- it is 11 o'clock. The hour is up.

 -- Yes. And your coach is about to turn into a pumpkin...

 To read the rest, go here

 

Dogwood in sand

Buying Not Bread 
 

-- You're distracting --  

oh. I guess I don't really want to write.

 To read, go here

Dusty Pictures: Heidi Elizabeth Kashtock

Oh, where did the time go

the child go

when did she leave?

To read the rest go here

 

 

Child Slavery in Africa from Generation to Generation.

The LA Times recently posted an artical byRobyn Dixon about the viscious cycle of slavery in Africa today. One would think that a mother's experience of being a child slave would stop her from selling her own child into slavery, but it does not necessarily.

 

From a recent newsletter:

 American attorney David E. Taylor, a ChinaAid volunteer, delivered the petition for Gao's release to the Chinese Embassy. However, when the embassy staff saw the petition was from ChinaAid for Gao Zhisheng, she said, "I'm sorry, Sir, I'm sorry! Take it away!"  Read the rest here

Plastic Guards and the King of Heart

 I heard

                    --- Let Me in –

and suddenly I feel/see these little plastic guards around my heart. Yet flimsy and small though they are, You do not breach them.

--- Of course not little one.....                   Read the rest here

Gone Fishing

....And of course, Heidi.

But there really is no of course about that. At least not here in the US. And maybe never...

Read the rest here

Hope from a Near Death Experience

Dale could not have known this, but the day he sent his testimony, I probably felt as discouraged as I have ever been. The feelings of uselessness nearly overwhelmed me that night.... Read the rest here.

 

Near Death Experience

 

I know I was in bed sleeping. Suddenly, no dreams. I felt myself take my last breath, let it out. Then, my soul (?) started to rise up. I was in a complete surrounding of pure black... Read the rest of Dale Cordell's experience here

 

Diary of a Cancer Ward 5/29/85: The Existential Roller-coaster

I can’t understand this roller coaster of hope and despair we live on, clamped tight inside the flimsy cars against our wills. One moment we are climbing. The way up is slow and labored, but the cars creak their way towards the top where the sunlight shimmers and dances. The next moment we catapult straight down into the darkness leaving our souls back at the top where the sunshine lives. Read the rest

Ducks Don't Stay In Rows

     I thought You said something, but just in writing the above, I lost it. 

Trying to get my ducks in a row again. Read more

Return of The Cosmic Commander

Of the thousands of people I have met over the course of a life time, Heidi may have been the most intent, stubborn, and determined one of all. Just didn’t trust us, those awful forgetful parents of hers! Mind you, she would NEVER forget something so all-important as setting a clock for the morning.

But we did....

 

Finding Faith in a Cancer Ward

Elizabeth Moll Stalcup tells the story of a pediatric oncologist whose young patients saw angels as they died. Only, the oncologist was an atheist.

Read more

 

When the Journey Began

But Lord, I don't feel very lovable.

– I know... –

I'm not sure that is You........ Read more

  

 

What Does It Cost to Free Slaves without Buying Them Back?

Buying slaves back. It sounds tempting. But those who work to free slaves say this is not a good idea. It only perpetuates the problem. There are other ways to deal with it. See this chart from Freetheslaves.net to find concrete ways you can help free real children from very real bondage. Read more

 

 

 

From Free the Slaves. Real slaves. Today. 27 Million.

And some are in the US.... Read more

 

Shuang Shuying Released from Chinese Prison to See Dying Husband

Update on Shuang Shuying Praise God! On Feb. 8 Shuang Shuying was released from prison and immediately went to see her deathly ill husband in the hospital. Shuying wrote a letter thanking you for praying and supporting her. The letter also revealed that she was tortured in prison.... Read more

 

How Do You Tell Your Child She Is Going to Die?

Her head lifts up as she hears the door open. There’s my Mommy! She’s so pretty. She looks so pretty... she looks... pretty sad. I can make her laugh. And her bright eyes dance in the overhead light, headache forgotten.

In slow motion, I approach the gurney and gently take her hand. Kneeling in front of her on the cold hospital floor, I start to speak.

Read more

  

 

Christmas 2004 – And then there were four

While out shopping for gifts some little thing will catch my eye and I’ll move towards it thinking, “Oh, Heidi would love that!”

Then I remember... and pray for the grace not to cry.

Read more

Listen to My Chains Are Gone

 

This is my favorite version of Chris Tomlin's reworking of Amazing Grace. Here he uses a Gospel choir to sing back up.

 

 

Chinese police are angered by your response

The recent news letter from China Aid gives hope. We can affect even totalitarian governments when they persecute people. There are things we can do. Once this process begins we are given a small window of time in which to press in. Please click on the above title.

Ending Slavery: the Obama/Lincoln connection

IJM has posted something you can do to help. Please help.

 

Change is in the air in Washington.

But there are some things that haven’t changed. Beyond our borders, the poorest of the poor are victimized by violent crime – sexual violence, slavery, trafficking, police brutality, and property theft from widows and orphans.

 

Dancing Feet (from the UpperRoom)

Although she could no longer dance, she always smiled and said, "I know that when I get to heaven, I will be able to dance."

Christmas 2003 –You never know when the last one will be

But the Lord made me a promise that it all would be, “like a dream, like a vision that passes in the night,” and “they will be like the morning mist, like the early dew that disappears.” And indeed, it has been like a dream in which one has no control, and in which things go from bad to worse with no one to intervene.

Then suddenly, you wake up.

And sitting up, you realize how horrible it was.......

 

 

Christmas 2000 - Finding Warmth in a Frozen World

 I wondered whether or not to write this year.

 

 

  

For Christmas - a new gift

There are many gifts to buy or make during this month before Christmas. People we love will be touched that we thought of them. Of course, we hope they will actually enjoy the gift we took the time to find or make for them.

Here is a gift the person receiving it will be thrilled to get: the gift of Freedom. Please click on above title.

 

Poor Zucchini: All Tied Up and Nowhere to Grow

I like zucchini. Really.

--To eat it, that is. So I grow it.

But I don’t like growing it.

Zucchini is a stubborn plant. It grows where it wants and how it wants with no regard for anything in its path.

And it has prickles. Sharp prickles. If it had a mind it would own the garden plot, thank you and don’t step on my stems on your way out.

 

Not For Sale and PropositionK

Proposition K sought to make prostituion legal in the San Fransico district.

Horrifying to think this could have passed all in the name of allowing people the freedom to do as they want. The problem is, this "freedom" would have destroyed the freedom of many weak and innocent people.

 

Read the newsletter here

 

 The God WhoWeeps

 

God weeps?

Yes, God weeps, Child.

For you,

For the world

God weeps.

But the day will come when there will be an end to that weeping, both yours and Mine.

 

Squirrels and ADHA Living

 

Yup. It's true. Squirrels have ADHD.

 

That doggone Pruning. Again. And What’s With the Darkness, Already?

Oh how I hate being pruned! And darkness, even like that of the last very few days is something I shrink from. You said that ... Read the rest

What Does Surviving a Saline Abortion Look Like?

"And I stand up here today with a mild little limp, and without a walker and leg braces. I fall gracefully sometimes and very ungracefully at other times, depending on the situation. "But I consider it all for the glory of God. You see ladies and gentlemen, I am weaker than most of you, but this is my sermon. And what a small price to pay to blaze through the world and offer hope as I do"

International Justice Missions Newsreel

Bob Mosier, a friend of our family says, "If it's only one child that is saved, certainly it is worth it."

Please click on the above title to watch the video.

 

Mother’s Day

I stand here by the graveside, a mother lost in pain....
Yearning to see her child dance lightly once again
Please go here

 

Out of the Loom

Rambho was tricked into slavery after his father died. He worked 16 hours a day weaving carpets. When his fingers bled - the slave owner dipped them in oil and lit them on fire. That was before the raid that changed Rambho's life forever.

 

Robin On Guard

 

Don't know about you, but I make a lousy sentry.

 

Christmas 1998 - Questioned by God

Job questioned God, and I am no better. What is it like when He turns it around and questions you? (Click on the title above to read)

 

On Total Healing

Some believe this to be a sword with two edges. To read about one outcome, and a scientist's perspective on aspects of healing, click here.

 

The Jagged Ocean

Mother-dreams and jagged buildings collide. In A Child's Brain-tumor

 

Slave Dreams andDanger

Ramphal and his entire family were slaves in the rock quarries of India for as long as anyone can remember. Slowly - with the help of grassroots activists, Ramphal and the other slaves in his village realized that freedom was possible. Getting there was dangerous. Please read THE REST

So Just Who Is The Real Terminator?

See the real-deal HERE

 

Clothed.......In a Bathrobe?

Okay. I understand the concept of being clothed in righteousness and all that. But this? "But today I am your fluffy robe" More

Christmas 1995 - Devastated Hearts Waiting for theLight

One does not fault a child for losing his way in the dark - one seeks to find him and bring him home.
And so I will "find" you if you are willing

-- for I am not willing that any should be lost in the dark

and nothing is dark to Me.

MORE

Freedom at a Rice Mill

Families rescued from slavery from a rice mill hold government-issued release certificates, certifying their freedom. They now live in a village together where they have their own houses, visible in the background of this picture.
Please click HERE to read.

So What Am I Supposed to Do?

Ever wondered what on earth you could do to help fight modern day slavery?Here is one solution three young men came up with. Please read here for a good example of a weapon of righteousness.

 

Weapons of Righteousness vs. Weapons ofHate

So -- what are we supposed to fight with anyway? And just when did Casper Milquetoast ever win a war?
See MORE

 

Power and Anger and Hate

So: what about the wrath of God and Vengeful-ness? Isn't anger in the hands of the powerful, dangerous? See here

 

Party Like Jesus Did

So. God's the great cosmic Kill-Joy, right? I mean, how on earth can we even consider wasting time hacking around when there is so much to be done. See here

Christmas 1994 - Coal Under Pressure

Ever wonder how a piece of coal feels down in the heat with the weight of the earth pressing in on it? Well, see here

Balking at Love and Difficult Children

So how does He deal with pain in the neck obstreperous children? See here

CrossMarkings

Well, we are supposed to take up our cross and follow, but do we sometimes get things

confused? See here.

Christmas 1991 - Not Your Grandma's Chrsitmas letter

For a different sort of Christmas "news" letter, see here

 

Draining Him Dry

Have you ever feared there might not be enough left for you? That everyone else will receive, and you will be left all alone with hands hanging empty? Click Here.

 

Sheepish Under-shepherds

To see a contrast in sheep, shepherds, and how to be both rolled up in one, click here

The Forgotten

Remember the broken, the weak, the helpless. Click here.

Slavery isToday

Just months ago, I believed slavery no longer existed.

I was wrong. Click there.

 

 

Everlasting Love

And how does the Owner of this Voice feel about you? Click: Everlasting Love

In Heidi'sWords

With their prospects of a normal life dashed by severe and pervasive head trauma, can a young person find hope?

See In Heidi's Own Words.

"I Am Recovery"

How can a young person with a full life ahead of her face the limitations of head trauma?

To see in her own words go to I Am Recovery --

 

Teeth Clenching Pride and Kings

Hardened kings in full rebellion. How much like them are we?

For one possiblity see Teeth Clenching Pride andKings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas 2003 –You never know when the last one will be

Important: How To Scan and Remove Malicious Viruses

Every so often, we hear about a new and horrible virus spreading across the internet, infecting millions of Windows computers. Today we'll show you the steps to remove those threats and (hopefully) prevent them from happening in the future.

Note: The latest horrible virus is set to hit on April 1st, 2009. It's called Conficker, and we'll explain how to make sure you are safe.

 

 

 

 

 

See the Need at Christmas

People are being enslaved, and entire families are forced to work to pay off debts they can never repay. International Justice Mission is freeing these slaves.

Former slave families carry flags and banners in a mock olympic ceremony organized in part by IJM. "Many sang their national anthem for the first time ... as free citizen[s]," says IJM Communications Manager and photographer Ted Haddock.

 

Slavery and Human Trafficking - What you need to know

 

Of the thousands of people I have met over the course of a life time, Heidi may have been the most intent, stubborn, and determined one of all. Just didn’t trust us, those awful forgetful parents of hers! Mind you, she would NEVER forget something so all-important as setting a clock for the morning.

 

Embassy Says "Take it away!"

 

DAY 168: Gao Zhisheng Petition Delivered; Chinese

 

It seems that Christmas letters are supposed to be cheery news of how well the year has gone for one’s family -- and in some ways this has been a harder one for us than most, yet of course there have been many, many blessings along the way.

 

But we did. Read more