Luis Palau Article

Willamette Week, a rather "liberal" paper in Portland, published an article (here) on the Luis Palau ministries. LP is where Allan works as the multimedia producer. The article is already stirring up a lot of controversial discussion in the comments. I was impressed, though, with its message, and more importantly, with the level of integrity and heart revealed by the Palau team. Congrats guys!

Represent

Portland's own Donald Miller led the closing benediction at the Democratic National Convention last night. When asked by Christianity Today why he agreed to participate, Donald replied, "Somebody calls you and asks you to pray, you do."

Father God,

This week, as the world looks on, help the leaders in this room create a civil dialogue about our future.

We need you, God, as individuals and also as a nation.

We need you to protect us from our enemies, but also from ourselves, because we are easily tempted toward apathy.

Give us a passion to advance opportunities for the least of these, for widows and orphans, for single moms and children whose fathers have left.

Give us the eyes to see them, and the ears to hear them, and hands willing to serve them.

Help us serve people, not just causes. And stand up to specific injustices rather than vague notions.

Give those in this room who have power, along with those who will meet next week, the courage to work together to finally provide health care to those who don’t have any, and a living wage so families can thrive rather than struggle.

Hep us figure out how to pay teachers what they deserve and give children an equal opportunity to get a college education.

Help us figure out the balance between economic opportunity and corporate gluttony.

We have tried to solve these problems ourselves but they are still there. We need your help.

Father, will you restore our moral standing in the world.

A lot of people don’t like us but that’s because they don’t know the heart of the average American.

Will you give us favor and forgiveness, along with our allies around the world.

Help us be an example of humility and strength once again.

Lastly, father, unify us.

Even in our diversity help us see how much we have in common.

And unify us not just in our ideas and in our sentiments—but in our actions, as we look around and figure out something we can do to help create an America even greater than the one we have come to cherish.

God we know that you are good.

Thank you for blessing us in so many ways as Americans.

I make these requests in the name of your son, Jesus, who gave his own life against the forces of injustice.

Let Him be our example.

Amen.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

This conversation has been all over our blogdom circles the last twenty-four hours. Whether you tend to side with the likes of Mark and Greg or lean more towards a view shared by Jared or Mike, it is a hot topic, to be sure (where are all of the thoughtful political discussions led by women??). This election cycle has brought out great passion in many people, which is such a great thing for our country! In years past, there was a lot of talk of the apathocracy that is the American public; this year's elections have awakened the sleeping beast it seems.

So let's hear it...If you had to vote today, where would you check your ballot: Clinton, Obama, or McCain? And most importantly, why? What leads you to support a candidate? What sways you most - the particular hot issues at hand, the party, or the candidates overall character? What issues are non-negotiable?

Tell me what you think! *Be Nice* as you share.

Tuesday Randomness

No, I have not found my beloved iPhone yet. Or my wedding ring. But I did find my keys! Yay! I feel a little guilt that I am more emotional over my phone than my ring (which I do truly love). I am moving nicely through the stages of grief - I rested in denial for a while and still visit there often. I hit anger a few days ago. Where is that stupid phone?? I don't know if I am bargaining exactly, but I have resorted to begging God to show me where it is. Please? Please? Just show me today. Please?So I guess depression and acceptance are soon to follow.
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I just read that Condolezza Rice left the door open regarding running as VP with McCain. That doesn't make him as attractive as Barrack, but it surely would help his case, in my book. Go Condi!
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There was baby in India born with two faces! Have you ever heard of such a thing? I know it's tacky to be a rubber-necker, but you have to see the pictures. Bless her sweet heart!
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My newest addiction? Geni.
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Thanks for the prayers for my dad. He ended up having his gall bladder out due to "sludge" (which makes my mom smirk every time she says it) and pancreatitis. He's recovering well and is home from the hospital now.
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Happy Tuesday!