Ugh. Brain is a little frazzled so hopefully my thoughts can stay clear.
So what is 30 hour famine? It's where people go hungry so others can eat. 30 Hour Famine is an event where hundreds of kids across the U.S. go without food for 30 hours in order to get a taste of what it's like to be hungry. We raise money which goes to stop hunger in other countries. The money we raise is to buy food for children world wide to eat. Sadly, nearly 8,000 kids die everyday because of hunger, every 10 seconds a kid dies because of hunger (two would have already died since the time you started reading this).
So those are the stats. Here are my thoughts:
Part of me wants to yell, the other part, cry. I mean daily we are hungry and daily we take our food for granted. I know at least for me I constantly think about what type of food I'm putting into my body and when really I should be happy I can shovel in REAL food. Of those thousands/millions of children in the world right now going to sleep they are almost positive that when they wake up tomorrow they won't have Cheerios in their cupboard. Heck, they don't even have a cupboard or sometimes a bowl even to put it in if they did. They don't know if they will have a meal to put into their inflated stomachs (a sign of extreme lack of protein) tomorrow or the day after. Their mothers tonight will give them mud cakes or mud pies so they can feel something, anything in them, just so they can sleep tonight.
And yet WE eat. We scarf down our food. I'm not going to lie, that's what I did after not eating for about 35 hours. Daily, we are able to eat. We pay for our food that is enough to feed a child for a week. The point I'm trying to get at is that God wants us to be stewards with the resources in which he has given us.
"From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." -Luke 12:48.
This doesn't mean you have give all your belongings up, God has blessed us with more that we even really ever think about, and so that is why we should use God's blessings to overflow though us and into other people. In this way we can show His love to others. When we serve others, it's a way of saying thanks to Jesus.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."-Matt. 25:31-36
Something I learned from the famine is that I need to be more wise in the way I spend my time and my resources. Not more for me but for others that truly need it. I've been granted a happy 16 years of my life. I wish I could say all kids could get what I have but that is for us to do. For us to step up and make a difference and let kids live past the age of 5 and 10. For these kids to grow up healthy and strong so they can go to school and then become doctors and teachers in their countries.
Really it's not that hard. Please go to this website to find out more facts and information on how you can help:
$1.00 is all it takes to make a kids day, so do it. What do you got to lose?
P.S. I apologize for the advertisement but I can't just tell you that there is a problem without telling you how to fix it.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Speak Out without Speaking:25
Starting last night at 7 pm, I stopped talking. I haven't talked sense.
We'll actually I've tried not to talk(I did say hey when I came back from the neighbors but that was it!). I have been moving my arms as if I'm playing a continuous game of charades or I will point at several things to describe what I'm saying. Sometimes I have to write or type things to communicate with a partner in class.
So, why am I doing this. Well for the passed 25 years there has been a terrible war lead by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda. Many of the citizens in Uganda and now spreading into surrounding regions are caught in the middle of it. Families are forced to move into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Many Children get taken away by the night commuters and are then forced to fight as child soldiers. Unlike in the U.S. there is no police to call or anyone to help you if these people come and invade your camp.
Invisible Children is raising awareness of these children and their families with this 25 event. There are 25 cities in the U.S doing this. In those 25 cities there are young people who are paying $25.00 (or raising) to go to building radio towers, creating rescue teams, and rehabilitation centers. And what are those kids doing? Not speaking for 25 hours so that others will learn, see, and know about these invisible children. This will help protect children from the violence that is going on, and has been going on in the congo for 25 years.
So following the 25 theme, I'm going to think of 25 divided by 5 (I don't think you want to read 25) so 5 of the best events that happened during the past 25 hours!
1. Before each class I gave a slip of paper to each teacher explaining why I wasn't talking and the website for invisible children. During my first class, algebra 2 we had our warm up question which I did but I must of screwed up because I didn't get the same answer. I'm one of those people who asks questions, a lot of questions. So I did what I normally do and raised my hand to ask a question. Giving me a strange look, my teacher called on me. It wasn't until he said my name I realized I couldn't talk. I could feel the entire classes eyes on me. My face flushed and I made a weird murmur come from my throat (NOT TALKING) and moved my hand in the way you would move them if you didn't want something anymore. AWKWARD MOMENT!
2. During my English class my teacher decided to go on a schpeel on how teenagers have the right to speak up about anything and used me as an example. Then ended the speech by asking the class to give me a round of applause.
3. During my classes I would occasionally pass note so I could communicate with people. Some people would talk back to me like we were actually having a conversation but others would write on the notes as well. I'm thinking, people! YOU CAN TALK!
4. Another way I communicated as I said before was by charades. It's very hard to express your ideas when all you can do is wave your arms and jump up and down like a maniac.
5. Was breaking the silence, seeing a concert, and ending in a crazy dance party with a bunch of random people who like me want to change the world.
For more information: http://www2.invisiblechildren.com/25
We'll actually I've tried not to talk(I did say hey when I came back from the neighbors but that was it!). I have been moving my arms as if I'm playing a continuous game of charades or I will point at several things to describe what I'm saying. Sometimes I have to write or type things to communicate with a partner in class.
So, why am I doing this. Well for the passed 25 years there has been a terrible war lead by the Lords Resistance Army (LRA) and the Government of Uganda. Many of the citizens in Uganda and now spreading into surrounding regions are caught in the middle of it. Families are forced to move into Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps. Many Children get taken away by the night commuters and are then forced to fight as child soldiers. Unlike in the U.S. there is no police to call or anyone to help you if these people come and invade your camp.
Invisible Children is raising awareness of these children and their families with this 25 event. There are 25 cities in the U.S doing this. In those 25 cities there are young people who are paying $25.00 (or raising) to go to building radio towers, creating rescue teams, and rehabilitation centers. And what are those kids doing? Not speaking for 25 hours so that others will learn, see, and know about these invisible children. This will help protect children from the violence that is going on, and has been going on in the congo for 25 years.
So following the 25 theme, I'm going to think of 25 divided by 5 (I don't think you want to read 25) so 5 of the best events that happened during the past 25 hours!
1. Before each class I gave a slip of paper to each teacher explaining why I wasn't talking and the website for invisible children. During my first class, algebra 2 we had our warm up question which I did but I must of screwed up because I didn't get the same answer. I'm one of those people who asks questions, a lot of questions. So I did what I normally do and raised my hand to ask a question. Giving me a strange look, my teacher called on me. It wasn't until he said my name I realized I couldn't talk. I could feel the entire classes eyes on me. My face flushed and I made a weird murmur come from my throat (NOT TALKING) and moved my hand in the way you would move them if you didn't want something anymore. AWKWARD MOMENT!
2. During my English class my teacher decided to go on a schpeel on how teenagers have the right to speak up about anything and used me as an example. Then ended the speech by asking the class to give me a round of applause.
3. During my classes I would occasionally pass note so I could communicate with people. Some people would talk back to me like we were actually having a conversation but others would write on the notes as well. I'm thinking, people! YOU CAN TALK!
4. Another way I communicated as I said before was by charades. It's very hard to express your ideas when all you can do is wave your arms and jump up and down like a maniac.
5. Was breaking the silence, seeing a concert, and ending in a crazy dance party with a bunch of random people who like me want to change the world.
For more information: http://www2.invisiblechildren.com/25
Challenge 25-30-68
Lent and Easter has come and gone meaning that the challenge of not wearing make-up for 40 days is gone!
Yesterday I was able to wear make-up for the first time in over a month. Surprisingly no one really noticed... some people just said I look different like my beauty was enhanced. Not wearing make up taught me that I am beautiful just in the way that God made me and I don't even need makeup (oh stop it Morgan). I also learned that makeup takes up a ton of time and is repeatedly a hassle though out the day.
Anyways now sense that challenge is over time for a new one. I call it Challenge 25-30-68. Meaning I don't talk for 25 hours (Invisible Children), I don't eat for 30 hours (30 Hour famine), and I bike 68 miles (MN Ironman).
Yeahh, I am a little crazy but who doesn't need a good challenge. It's a chance to discover and learn new things. So let me know if I should add any more challenges or if you want to sponsor me for any of them! (email-mjbchamp.morgan10@gmail.com)
All for now but I'll keep ya'll posted!
Yesterday I was able to wear make-up for the first time in over a month. Surprisingly no one really noticed... some people just said I look different like my beauty was enhanced. Not wearing make up taught me that I am beautiful just in the way that God made me and I don't even need makeup (oh stop it Morgan). I also learned that makeup takes up a ton of time and is repeatedly a hassle though out the day.
Anyways now sense that challenge is over time for a new one. I call it Challenge 25-30-68. Meaning I don't talk for 25 hours (Invisible Children), I don't eat for 30 hours (30 Hour famine), and I bike 68 miles (MN Ironman).
Yeahh, I am a little crazy but who doesn't need a good challenge. It's a chance to discover and learn new things. So let me know if I should add any more challenges or if you want to sponsor me for any of them! (email-mjbchamp.morgan10@gmail.com)
All for now but I'll keep ya'll posted!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Luke 21:10-19
This verse is a little long, but bare with me because it's worth it.
Then He (Jesus) told them, " Nations will be raised up against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. There will be violent earthquakes, and famine and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to be brought to the synagogues and prisoners and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will lead to an opprotunity for you to witness. There fore make up your mind not to prepare your defence a head of time for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your advisories will be able to resist or contradict. You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of my name but not a hair of your head will be lost. Standing firm, you will gain life.
Obviously this is talking about the end of times. Wars, earthquakes, plagues, alarming sights, and signs from heaven. Sounds a little like 2011? Maybe. Wars in the middle east, Japan's tsunamis, earthquakes in Haiti, almost 5 million children dieing every day from hungry, and so much more. I'm not here to scare you about the end of the earth. Sure maybe Jesus will come back again this Easter, but same with 30 Easters from now or any other day. What I am here to tell you is to get the point across that Jesus said this is the opptunity for you to witness. As hard as life gets as it says in this verse you will be hated because of God's name living in you. Even your friends and family may betray you. It says that some will kill you and though that may mean they will literally kill you as in people become Martyrs I think this also means some of us will lose are souls as a result of falling into the ways of this world. Also, you will be hated because of what you believe.
In 2 Corinthians it says "'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." So in any hard times your having now use it to show that God is giving you the power and endurance to endure this race of life for him.
Then He (Jesus) told them, " Nations will be raised up against nations and kingdoms against kingdoms. There will be violent earthquakes, and famine and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. But before all these things they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to be brought to the synagogues and prisoners and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will lead to an opprotunity for you to witness. There fore make up your mind not to prepare your defence a head of time for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your advisories will be able to resist or contradict. You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you. You will be hated by everyone because of my name but not a hair of your head will be lost. Standing firm, you will gain life.
Obviously this is talking about the end of times. Wars, earthquakes, plagues, alarming sights, and signs from heaven. Sounds a little like 2011? Maybe. Wars in the middle east, Japan's tsunamis, earthquakes in Haiti, almost 5 million children dieing every day from hungry, and so much more. I'm not here to scare you about the end of the earth. Sure maybe Jesus will come back again this Easter, but same with 30 Easters from now or any other day. What I am here to tell you is to get the point across that Jesus said this is the opptunity for you to witness. As hard as life gets as it says in this verse you will be hated because of God's name living in you. Even your friends and family may betray you. It says that some will kill you and though that may mean they will literally kill you as in people become Martyrs I think this also means some of us will lose are souls as a result of falling into the ways of this world. Also, you will be hated because of what you believe.
In 2 Corinthians it says "'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." So in any hard times your having now use it to show that God is giving you the power and endurance to endure this race of life for him.
Friday, April 15, 2011
To: Mr.Right From:Me
Dear Mr. Right,
Do you know how hard it is to be a teenage girl who doesn't date? Seriously. In times where all girls are Justin Beber crazy or going nuts over vampires. In a time where you can change your relationship status in just a click. In a time where people feel the need to have their phones glued to their hands, anxiously checking to see if they have a new text from a crush. Where girls think they have to wear skin tight clothes and booty short skirts in order to feel accepted, pretty or noticed. A time where people feel like they have to change who they are to get a guys attention or even go further in a relationship just to keep him. A time where everyone feels like they need to be loved and a time where it's good to have much "experience". A time where people desire to be in a relationship and by relationship I mean the right to touch and ownership.
Kids are so dumb.
What ever happened to Mr. Darcy and the gentlemen out there? Or when you first met a person you didn't ask for a number and to hook up but instead you'd meet, talk, laugh, and converse, Got to know each other and met their parents, and eventually, if you felt close to this person, thought about future rather than thinking about the present and how to please yourself now. What ever happened to the guys who helped you into your coats and opened doors. What ever happened to when love was patient and you'd wait for days maybe weeks for your letter from your courter. Where girls were modest and guys respected that; where they saw you for compassion and kindness on the inside before seeing too much outward appearance. How about the times where the family was there and always the number one priority; why look much further for love or acceptance. A time where people desired to be in a relationship and by relationship I mean they're ready to take a step forward towards marriage.
I know, I know, it's hard-to-nearly-impossible to find that "perfect person". And I know, I know, I don't mean all people are like my "bad-mean" descriptions above in this day and age. And I know, I know, life will never be perfect and no relationship will. And no it won't. No body can be perfect, but maybe if we start with ourselves and work on making our insides better before looking for relationships outwardly. Then maybe we can be that almost perfect person for someone else. Maybe if we concentrated on accomplishing new goals and excelling in the God given gifts within us maybe we will be able to confident with ourselves without needed someone else to confirm it. If we spend more time caring for other people that are placed in our lives rather than reaching out for someone to love us maybe we would find that exception. Maybe if girls started to make stronger bonds with their fathers and sons with their mothers maybe they'll find out how they really should treat their future wife or husband.
So what if we started loving others as brothers and sisters rather than a potential mate. What if I dressed more modestly? Or you started opening doors? I was patient and waited? And you did too?
To anyone else who reads this, now is the time of our lives to be independent and to be social; it's not a time where you should have to constantly feel like your married to a person. Save that for when your ready. Now, work on yourself so that you can really show love to the person made just for you. So you can be Mr. or Mrs. Right.
Do you know how hard it is to be a teenage girl who doesn't date? Seriously. In times where all girls are Justin Beber crazy or going nuts over vampires. In a time where you can change your relationship status in just a click. In a time where people feel the need to have their phones glued to their hands, anxiously checking to see if they have a new text from a crush. Where girls think they have to wear skin tight clothes and booty short skirts in order to feel accepted, pretty or noticed. A time where people feel like they have to change who they are to get a guys attention or even go further in a relationship just to keep him. A time where everyone feels like they need to be loved and a time where it's good to have much "experience". A time where people desire to be in a relationship and by relationship I mean the right to touch and ownership.
Kids are so dumb.
What ever happened to Mr. Darcy and the gentlemen out there? Or when you first met a person you didn't ask for a number and to hook up but instead you'd meet, talk, laugh, and converse, Got to know each other and met their parents, and eventually, if you felt close to this person, thought about future rather than thinking about the present and how to please yourself now. What ever happened to the guys who helped you into your coats and opened doors. What ever happened to when love was patient and you'd wait for days maybe weeks for your letter from your courter. Where girls were modest and guys respected that; where they saw you for compassion and kindness on the inside before seeing too much outward appearance. How about the times where the family was there and always the number one priority; why look much further for love or acceptance. A time where people desired to be in a relationship and by relationship I mean they're ready to take a step forward towards marriage.
I know, I know, it's hard-to-nearly-impossible to find that "perfect person". And I know, I know, I don't mean all people are like my "bad-mean" descriptions above in this day and age. And I know, I know, life will never be perfect and no relationship will. And no it won't. No body can be perfect, but maybe if we start with ourselves and work on making our insides better before looking for relationships outwardly. Then maybe we can be that almost perfect person for someone else. Maybe if we concentrated on accomplishing new goals and excelling in the God given gifts within us maybe we will be able to confident with ourselves without needed someone else to confirm it. If we spend more time caring for other people that are placed in our lives rather than reaching out for someone to love us maybe we would find that exception. Maybe if girls started to make stronger bonds with their fathers and sons with their mothers maybe they'll find out how they really should treat their future wife or husband.
So what if we started loving others as brothers and sisters rather than a potential mate. What if I dressed more modestly? Or you started opening doors? I was patient and waited? And you did too?
To anyone else who reads this, now is the time of our lives to be independent and to be social; it's not a time where you should have to constantly feel like your married to a person. Save that for when your ready. Now, work on yourself so that you can really show love to the person made just for you. So you can be Mr. or Mrs. Right.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Morgan and the Great World
So for months now I've been contemplating on whether or not to write a blog. I hate to be online to long, but I also like sharing to the world the stories and advice I have to offer. I decided to write. Everyone has a story to offer, right? So let my story be told!
I decided to base my blog name after the book, "Betsy and the Great World". Although I have not read it yet, my mom just bought it today and it is next on my list of readings. (I have read every Betsy-Tacy books except the last two, they are my dearest friends) The book is about Betsy traveling away from her beloved town of Mankato, Mn and into the vast wonders of the world.
I thought, gee, that sounds a lot like me! This summer I take my first solo trip to Poland but along with that I have so many stories about the Great World in Minneapolis, Minnesota, my home sweet home. All the people I meet, adventures I take, buses I ride, bike accidents I have... As I said, everyone has a story. I might as well let my be told.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)