Hey guys,
Thanks for taking time to visit the blog! It's been a while since the last post but so many great things are going on and it's hard to keep up really. As you know "Forever Mine" released on Valentine's day this year and it's been a real treat to share this song with my parents and have it on the radio to share with so many. Thanks to the Bull Atlanta 94.9FM for believing in local artists. It's really sad to say but there aren't many radio stations that will open the door for local, un-signed artists. This is something that needs to change don't ya think? So, a huge shout out is in order for Backyard Country! Also, a % of sales from this song goes to help Operation RECON to help our wounded soldiers get back on their feet.
Here's a link: http://roeverfoundation.org/project.php?id=12&tab=-1
Btw, you can still vote to keep it playing!! Go to this link: http://www.949thebull.com/pages/byc_voting.html
Feel free to vote as many times as your fingers feel like it!
Motion ---
The Lord is stirring in my heart such MOTION - to keep moving forward in music evangelism - simply put - to be a light in the darkness. There's nothing like celebrating & loving Jesus through loving others. So, whatever we do, on job - off job - let the light of Christ shine so that people will see Jesus' love radiate in every area of life.
Tools ---
Music is a relationship opener. It connects people to one another & helps create common bonds. I'm seeing this tool as a way that not only reaches & pleases the Father's heart in worship but also connects our hearts to one another. God is glorified when we walk in unity and to me, music is an important element of connection. I'm praying for wisdom in how I use these God given tools more effectively for His kingdom expansion & glory. Please pray for me.
Last night we sang at Eddie's Attic for the songwriter's open mic. There was such diversity and to think that God created each and everyone, with stories & skill just blew my mind in amazement at our awesome God, Creator. Cindi Hall & Ryan & Ashley White went with me and they both are precious, gifted people with hearts for God & people. It was a joy to have them by my side. Having Brad with me, supporting me, believing in me is just precious to my heart on every level. He is the sweetest! Pray for Him because he leaves this Sunday for Africa. Even though I can't physically go with him, my heart is fully there - above & beyond. I am so proud of him and believe God's best & favor over his life as the spiritual leader of our home.
God, may you continue to stir in us compassion for souls in MOTION with the TOOLS you've given us to get the job done!
Thank you for reading and God bless,
Carrie ~ xoxoxoxoxo
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope. Show all posts
3.20.2012
2.12.2012
1.26.2012
Forever Mine ~ More than Music
Hey friends & family, here's a sneak peak of what's to come on Valentine's day....my new single, "Forever Mine"...it's a snippet of my parent's story...take a look & listen here:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrR4OiHVFbs&list=UUcwfc5pHcY1AIt-LuOS4y5A&index=1&feature=plcp
The song will be available on iTunes 2/14/12 and a percentage of the proceeds will go to Dave Roever's Ministry called Wounded Warriors.
Check out how this ministry is making a big difference with helping our soldiers.
Wounded Warriors is dedicated to rebuilding self esteem, confidence, financial freedom and family relationships in our wounded warriors by providing a one week program that includes mentoring, educational opportunities and participation in public speaking forums at Eagles Summit Ranch.
• Certificate Program includes private mentoring & group class time instruction with Dave Roever & Matt Roever, and other RLRC graduates.
• University Program includes internet courses, accredited through Southwestern Assemblies of God University and Colorado State University - Pueblo.
• The accommodations at ESR Colorado are limited, thus providing intense training and personal one-on-one tutoring with the presenters.
• Family Camp offers the entire family (all ages) to come together for a week long camp experience, filled with hands-on learning, fun, and family time!
Many of our participants come in search of themselves and do not know what to do with their lives after the traumatic experiences of war. In addition to the classes, the wounded warriors and their families are provided encouragement and time to adjust to the challenges in their lives.
http://roeverfoundation.org/project.php?id=12
Thanks for your love & support...please feel free to post this video on your page & share it with your friends & family.
God Bless!!
Carrie xoxox
www.carriebowen.com
@carrieluvsmaze
@YesIAmUs
1.23.2012
Love Song Serenade for Valentine's Day
Hey friends & family----
Want to send your special someone a special message of love for Valentine's Day? This is sure to blow their mind with love from your heart all wrapped in a love song delivered straight to their door or workplace!
Be sure to place your order for a LOVE SONG SERENADE for your special someone for Valentine's Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14th. The LOVE SONG Serenade includes ONE song (live by me), 1 balloon & assortment of candy delivered to your special someone to their place of employment or home. Last year was a blast and I'm sure this year will be even more fun! Each serenade is $40 and half of the money raised will go back into our REVO Youth Ministry for new microphones so they are better equipped to lead worship! Thanks for your support and love! Place your order NOW...don't wait because time slots fill up quickly!!
*Will deliver for the Monroe, Social Circle, Winder, Loganville, Athens areas ONLY*
Send me a personal message on Facebook or email with the following info.
Your name (Sender):
Your special someone's name (Receiver):
Place to deliver and address:
Business Hours / Work Schedule
Your phone #
Your special someone's phone number:
A special message from you:
*make checks payable to Carrie Bowen*
Thanks so much and I look forward to a great Valentine's Day filled with love!!
Haven't gotten the new Color CD yet? Be sure to do this before Valentine's Day....LOVE SONGS galore built on hope all because of Jesus!
xoxoxoxo,
Carrie Bowen
706.373.1113
@YesIAmUs on twitter
www.YesIAm.US-blogspot.com
www.carriebowen.com
1.16.2012
Their Story....Forever Mine....
Every year since my parents were married in August of 1967, my daddy continues to give my mama the same Valentine's Day card with a new date & a new love note inside declaring his love all over again and again. To me, this kind of love overture is very sweet & sentimental. It's "their" bit of nostalgia.
These are the kinds of treasures I want to always keep tucked in my heart & memory about my parent's love for one another. In fact, before they were married, he was away in Vietnam and wrote her a sweet, tiny song & recorded it on a little, yellow record. You'll be hearing more about this later....
I have been wanting to do something extra special to celebrate my parents love & commitment for Valentine's Day this year. So, on Feb. 14th, I'm releasing the song, "Forever Mine". It's their story....AND it's a surprise...so please don't tell them!! I'll be sure to catch them on video when they have their first listen....stay tuned : )
I would so appreciate it if you would help me get the word out to your family & friends....THANK YOU!!
Much love xoxooxoxo,
Carrie
These are the kinds of treasures I want to always keep tucked in my heart & memory about my parent's love for one another. In fact, before they were married, he was away in Vietnam and wrote her a sweet, tiny song & recorded it on a little, yellow record. You'll be hearing more about this later....
I have been wanting to do something extra special to celebrate my parents love & commitment for Valentine's Day this year. So, on Feb. 14th, I'm releasing the song, "Forever Mine". It's their story....AND it's a surprise...so please don't tell them!! I'll be sure to catch them on video when they have their first listen....stay tuned : )
I would so appreciate it if you would help me get the word out to your family & friends....THANK YOU!!
Much love xoxooxoxo,
Carrie
1.10.2012
Sweet Treat for the Ears this Valentine's Day
This Valentine's Day holds the release of a little love tune for all the lovebirds out there! I'm super excited about this sweet treat for your ears and I really appreciate all the support and downloads! Help spread the word & THANK YOU!!
The single will be available on iTunes, Cd Baby, Amazon & Facebook to download on Valentine's Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14th, 2012.
If you don't-do-downloads, you can pre-order a CD/single for $2 === Just email me at cbowen30@gmail.co to order yours today!
THANK YOU!!
Carrie xoxoxoxoxo
12.15.2011
Give Christmas Away
Merry Christmas! Our team of 15 had a blast delivering Christmas stockings & purchasing shoes for the kids of Casa Shalom!! Thank you for your support, prayers & love that covered every ounce of this amazing trip/experience. I hope you enjoy the video and I hope it inspires you to GIVE CHRISTMAS AWAY to someone that needs a little extra love. Use what's in your hands to be a blessing to your family, friends, co-workers - near and far - and remember that your act of love and kindness could very well be a kiss from God to those needing His love in a very real, tangible way.
Much love this Christmas season and I hope to see you sometime before Christmas as we bring some Christmas tunes to the community at the following local coffee-shops:
Sat. Dec. 17th 6-8pm
Judson House Coffee Shop
Bethlehem, GA
*Patty Joiner will be singing with me : )
*Tips for the Murray Family*
http://www.judsonhouse.net
Fri. Dec. 23rd 7-9pm
The Square Perk Coffee Shop
Covington, GA
*Patty Joiner will be singing with me : )
*Tips all for the Widows Might Ministry*
http://squareperk.com
Merry Christmas!!
Carrie
10.29.2011
Sticks with Me on 94.9 The Bull....The Reason Why?
This week I was honored to have one of my songs chosen to be played on the Atlanta Country Music Radio station (94.9 The Bull). Some people have asked, why would you want to have your music played on a secular (non Christian) radio station that plays music that glorifies ungodly practices such as drunkenness, fornication (sex outside of marriage), etc. I understand the concerns and questions that may arise and I have spent time in prayer about this decision. Let me clarify this decision with the following explanations:
1. Although my primary ministry calling is in the area of leading worship for the church, as a Christian I have another calling, that is to be salt and light to the world (Matt. 5:13). My desire to have my song played on secular radio stations is to influence listeners who are not in the church. My hope is that they will hear my songs of hope and be drawn to my website to see what the songs are about. I have written detailed blogs about each song that explains that the inspiration for these songs is my hope in Jesus Christ. I also hope that the people who connect to these songs will be drawn to my worship songs as well. It is my belief that the light must be shined in the darkness not only in the light.
2. The songs on my latest album are relationship songs written from a Christian world view. I believe that families are under attack in todays society and many people who never visit a church service listen to the radio while suffering from broken families, broken relationships, and broken hearts. My goal in releasing my song into the secular market place is to connect people to something positive and hopeful that glorifies God and promotes His power to preserve marriages and families. This message is being sung about on Christians Radio and in churches but my desire is to send these songs into the places where it is scarce. The world. Jesus instructed us to take the hope of the gospel into the highways and the hedges. That is my desire. (Luke 14:23)
3. I believe that the church should actively engage in influencing the world rather than being influenced by the world. There is an old saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." I am grieved at the messages being distributed to todays young people over the radio. According to a USA today article written by columnists Cathy Lynn Grossman & Stephanie Steinberg Published August 10, 2010 only 1 in 4 teenagers are currently part of a church youth ministry. This means that 75% of this generations young people get their ideas about relationships from the their friends, schools, & most notably the media. Instead of just complaining about the garbage that is being fed to them on these stations, I have made an attempt in my very small way to make a difference and put something positive on a station that kids who don't attend church and don't have a youth pastor are listening every single day.
4. My songs are written from a Christian world view and are moral and clean. In writing songs that deal with love, marriage, and relationships it is important that the message of hope and a clearly Christian perspective be maintained and never compromised. I believe I have succeeded in doing this in my recent album of relationship songs and it is my goal to always live up to that standard. I would never write a song that compromises or is morally ambiguous.
5. I am part of the local church and I always will be. I released my songs and sang them first in my local church. I am not looking for a career outside of the church nor attempting to gain fame or accolades outside of the church. My desire is to continue to be used inside of the church for God's glory and to also be supported by and uplifted by the church in my efforts to reach the lost with a message of hope. I pray that everyone who knows me and those who don't will see and hear my heart in these efforts and will pray for me as I attempt to reach out beyond the four walls of the church.
Matthew 5:13 (salt & light)
Luke 14:23 (highways & hedges)
Thanks for reading and thanks for voting to keep it on the air!
Place your vote here by clicking under my photo...
http://www.949thebull.com/pages/byc_voting.html
Shining the light,
Carrie
1. Although my primary ministry calling is in the area of leading worship for the church, as a Christian I have another calling, that is to be salt and light to the world (Matt. 5:13). My desire to have my song played on secular radio stations is to influence listeners who are not in the church. My hope is that they will hear my songs of hope and be drawn to my website to see what the songs are about. I have written detailed blogs about each song that explains that the inspiration for these songs is my hope in Jesus Christ. I also hope that the people who connect to these songs will be drawn to my worship songs as well. It is my belief that the light must be shined in the darkness not only in the light.
2. The songs on my latest album are relationship songs written from a Christian world view. I believe that families are under attack in todays society and many people who never visit a church service listen to the radio while suffering from broken families, broken relationships, and broken hearts. My goal in releasing my song into the secular market place is to connect people to something positive and hopeful that glorifies God and promotes His power to preserve marriages and families. This message is being sung about on Christians Radio and in churches but my desire is to send these songs into the places where it is scarce. The world. Jesus instructed us to take the hope of the gospel into the highways and the hedges. That is my desire. (Luke 14:23)
3. I believe that the church should actively engage in influencing the world rather than being influenced by the world. There is an old saying, "It is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness." I am grieved at the messages being distributed to todays young people over the radio. According to a USA today article written by columnists Cathy Lynn Grossman & Stephanie Steinberg Published August 10, 2010 only 1 in 4 teenagers are currently part of a church youth ministry. This means that 75% of this generations young people get their ideas about relationships from the their friends, schools, & most notably the media. Instead of just complaining about the garbage that is being fed to them on these stations, I have made an attempt in my very small way to make a difference and put something positive on a station that kids who don't attend church and don't have a youth pastor are listening every single day.
4. My songs are written from a Christian world view and are moral and clean. In writing songs that deal with love, marriage, and relationships it is important that the message of hope and a clearly Christian perspective be maintained and never compromised. I believe I have succeeded in doing this in my recent album of relationship songs and it is my goal to always live up to that standard. I would never write a song that compromises or is morally ambiguous.
5. I am part of the local church and I always will be. I released my songs and sang them first in my local church. I am not looking for a career outside of the church nor attempting to gain fame or accolades outside of the church. My desire is to continue to be used inside of the church for God's glory and to also be supported by and uplifted by the church in my efforts to reach the lost with a message of hope. I pray that everyone who knows me and those who don't will see and hear my heart in these efforts and will pray for me as I attempt to reach out beyond the four walls of the church.
Matthew 5:13 (salt & light)
Luke 14:23 (highways & hedges)
Thanks for reading and thanks for voting to keep it on the air!
Place your vote here by clicking under my photo...
http://www.949thebull.com/pages/byc_voting.html
Shining the light,
Carrie
9.01.2011
Story Behind the Song Part 3
Okay, so now to the title track, #3, COLOR...(this song is just yummy to me)...if I could eat it I would - believe me!! HA!! I wrote this song June of 2010. It came fairly quickly one night and finished it up the next day.
Color is all about seeing God's mercy & promises breaking through the bleak of brokenness. Over the last few years, I felt like I was walking through a valley of death. The death of my marriage, the death of friendships, the death of dreams, the death of ministry...it was like death touched every area of our world. I had never experienced anything like it before. I have never walked in a season like this and wondererd many times if I could survive. Just when I thought I was about to die inside, Jesus would shine His light of love- through His word; through my family; my church family; my pastors; my friends- to wash away the gray of hopelessness once again. I'm learning to trust Him even when I can't see. I am learning to glady put on the blindfold of trust and take His hand. I learning to PUT my hope in an amazing, wonderful, loving God who has always been with me. He has picked me up from the the floor, time & time again, dusted me off and kissed away my fears - just like a good parent would do. Color is about "SEEING" Jesus in those around you and letting His love bring hope, correction, help to adjust the areas that He is perfecting inside. I just love Him so much and I'm so grateful for the COLOR He is to me.
(photo was from Easter Sunday on the way to lead worship that morning)
Color
By Carrie Bowen
Love drops like rain all around my feet
I'm soaking it up, it's infecting me
Everywhere I go I'm blinded by disease
I hear You say my name
Means more to me than simple letters connecting
You're giving life to what's been deceased
Take me away from here
Take me far into the light
Where the warmth of Your smile
Bleeds through the gray
I see You now clearer than before
We can figure this out, our love
You are to me my half-time harmony
I see color, color
a multitude of red
I see rainbows, rainbows above my head
I see you
(here is a little snipit of the COLOR shirt - designed by Jessica Preskit)
8.31.2011
Story Behind the Song Part 2
Hey guys,
Here is song #2 on the album, "I Choose You". This song came very quickly one afternoon while I was playing guitar. It's simple and tender in melody & lyric...not complicated.
What little bit of knowledge I do know about love is that when you choose to love someone, that decision becomes the stake in the ground that holds the line so that when the water rages and the earth quakes, you can look back and know the truth. Choosing is powerful & essential to loving someone the way Christ loves. I'm so grateful He chose you and me - even with all our flaws & failures - it's only by His love can we even begin to choose and scratch the surface to loving our spouses the way He desires.
I Choose You
By Carrie Bowen
I've been wearing you
Everywhere I go
The necklace from India
All the colors sing
Reminding me of how we used to dream
I've been wearing you
Even though I know promises can be broken
But the gold shines through in full belief that our love is unending
Beads on a string
This diamond ring
Means nothing
If you're not beside me
When it's said and done
You're the only one
I choose to love
I've been seeing you in the eyes of her
You're miniture replica
Do you hear me too in her "I love you's"?
Cause they're coming
They're gonna get ya!
I love you and I aways have
I love you and I aways will
8.30.2011
Story Behind the Song Part 1
Hey everyone...thanks for stopping by for a quick read...
I'm super excited because I just got the final mix today for my 2nd album COLOR and I'm so thrilled with how it all turned out! John Johnson of Johnson Brothers Studio is amazing! If you ever need to record, please go there! He's got the skillz to pay the billz!!! Thanks John for taking this project on and making it something really special. You helped me see the possibilities and believe again. I'm forever grateful.
I've decided to blog everyday for the next 9 days to give you the story behind each song from the album. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day/schedule to read this. I hope these songs encourage you - deeply. I'd love to hear your comments, feedback, etc.
Don't forget the release party is Friday, Oct. 7th, at 7pm. The album will be avaliable on iTunes, Amazon, CDbaby too!
(tell your friends to tell their friends)
I would love to give a huge shout out to a few of my sponsors: Utopia Hair Salon, Trinity Lawn Care & Elite Carpentry Inc. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!!
If you haven't gotten your tickets yet, go to my website to purchase them for $5 at www.carriebowen.com
If you would like to pre-order your copy of the album for $12 and a chance to win a cool color prize, please send a check or cash to my address:
2592 Tom Odum Rd
Monroe, GA 30656
Memo: Color Pre-Order
THANK YOU!!
So, here's the first song story....
When Love Comes Back
By Carrie Bowen & Katie Melton
I woke up one morning with these words "little fingers reaching upward, pulling down realities covers, with 'good morning' kisses, 'I love you' whispers". I immediately grabbed a piece of scratch paper and used my pillow to brace the lyrics as they began to flow. I had been following one of my friends blogs who had recently lost his wife. His story impacted my life on so many levels. His words were emotional and ever so transparent. I would literally read his grief-stricken words and sob. How will he and his little girl recover from this emptiness? How? My heart broke for him & his daughter and all I could do was pray.
I didn't lose my husband to death, but our marriage was dead so a part of my heart could relate just a tiny bit to what my friend was feeling. I wondered how we could ever recover from this brokenness? How?
As the song came together, I knew this was a song of "working through" the process of the fact that one day, love would come back. Deep inside, despite how I felt, I believed love would return. Today my friend has been found by love again and he is about to be married. I'm so thankful that God is good and He really does care for us. His word says that He will not forsake us. This means He will not FORGET us. Even in the most painful, broken, wounded places of our hearts, God is restoration and in Him our love and hope remains secure.
My sweet niece Katie helped me write this song and she was a great sounding board for the grammatical challenges I still face with writing. She better be good at writing since she is at Emmanuel College studying to be an English teacher! Ha! So proud of you Katie! Thank you for pounding through this with me. The looks you gave me were priceless! AND thanks for going to the studio with me on that first day!
This was the first song I wrote when I moved back home to Monroe and was the first song I recorded at Johnson Brothers Studio. I played it on piano and cried. From that day forward, I knew this was the rebirth of purpose and a resurrecting of a dream that had died. I'm now on a musical journey that has been so fun and full of life. So, I had to make this the first song on the album because it's the right thing to do. I hope you'll let the song inspire you to believe in LOVE again and put your hope in a God who will walk with you through the valley of the shadow of death to the other side where love is.
Thanks for reading...
When Love Comes Back
By Carrie Bowen & Katie Melton
Vs. 1
Little fingers reaching upward
Pulling down realities covers
With "Good morning" kisses, "I love you" whispers
Our stories become dream-like sequences
Waiting for response
Just a glimpse, a flicker of you
PRE-CHORUS
My light, my love
Suspended between here and up
CHORUS
When love comes back again
I'll hear our song again
A distant lulaby over the clouds
I'll see your smile again
I'm lost in love again
My heart will beat again somehow
My heart will beat again somehow
VS. 2
Unlocked tears water the earth
I shout, I scream my prayers cresendo
Do you hear this cry?
You will not stay silent I know
BRIDGE
I hold tight to the song of You
Every memory brings me back to truth
The song of You is the song of love
Heavenly melodies are joining us
(me & katie)
8.05.2011
1.10.2011
YesIAm Singing Valentines............... Order Yours Today!!
Valentine's Day is quickly approaching & it's time to be thinking about the little extra special ways we can give & express love to the ones we cherish in our world locally & globally. Here's how you can make a difference this Valentine's Day...
Order your "special someone" a SINGING VALENTINE....
The YesIAm team will be delivering SINGING Valentines on Monday, Feb. 14th
This will include a sweet treat (YesIAm home-made), a balloon & a love song performed by Carrie & Meagan LIVE!!
All this love for $25.....
A percentage will go towards "Hand of Hope" in providing clean water to villages in need. Check out my website for more info. about Hand of Hope at www.carriebowen.com
As you know my new album, "Color" is set to release this summer, so please feel free to venture out & send your loved one a "new" love song from the album. Here is a list of songs we will feature on Valentines Day:
1. Your Love Sticks With Me (written by Carrie & Meagan & Maisey)
2. Color (written by Carrie)
3. I Choose You (written by Carrie)
4. Falling For You (by Colbie Caillat)
5. My Funny Valentine (Great American Classic)
Since this will be a lovely surprise for your sweetheart, please email YesIAm the following info. (copy & paste) to place your order today at yesiamus.@gmail.com
Sender/Your Name:
Recipient:
Place/Address to Deliver:
Song Selection from list:
Special Message:
Due to time, we can only deliver to Walton County. Thanks for your help in giving love this year through your support of YesIAm 2011.
** GIVE LOVE **
Order your "special someone" a SINGING VALENTINE....
The YesIAm team will be delivering SINGING Valentines on Monday, Feb. 14th
This will include a sweet treat (YesIAm home-made), a balloon & a love song performed by Carrie & Meagan LIVE!!
All this love for $25.....
A percentage will go towards "Hand of Hope" in providing clean water to villages in need. Check out my website for more info. about Hand of Hope at www.carriebowen.com
As you know my new album, "Color" is set to release this summer, so please feel free to venture out & send your loved one a "new" love song from the album. Here is a list of songs we will feature on Valentines Day:
1. Your Love Sticks With Me (written by Carrie & Meagan & Maisey)
2. Color (written by Carrie)
3. I Choose You (written by Carrie)
4. Falling For You (by Colbie Caillat)
5. My Funny Valentine (Great American Classic)
Since this will be a lovely surprise for your sweetheart, please email YesIAm the following info. (copy & paste) to place your order today at yesiamus.@gmail.com
Sender/Your Name:
Recipient:
Place/Address to Deliver:
Song Selection from list:
Special Message:
Due to time, we can only deliver to Walton County. Thanks for your help in giving love this year through your support of YesIAm 2011.
** GIVE LOVE **
1.03.2011
Our Only HOPE
Her silver hair sparkled as the afternoon sun kissed her head as she sat on the cold, metal bench waiting. In a hurry to get home, I almost passed her by. It was by accident that in this brief moment in time, our eyes locked. Or was it? I knew her story very well. Immediately the pain & brokenness swelled to form more familiar tears and once again her face was wet with sadness. Only a few, short months ago, she buried her oldest son and yesterday the love of her life of 43 years was laid to rest. I sat down beside my friend and held her close. There were no words to say. I offered a tissue & a shoulder to lean on. We were there together for only a few minutes and as we talked I sensed God's presence. He is with her. He knows her & knows exactly what she needs. Even though she is walking through the valley of the shadow of death and this breaking has caused her to question her purpose to live, she is loved by a God who cannot leave her alone. This is His faithful promise. Today I realized again that God is our Only Hope in this life & for eternity. We can rest in Him to get us through the storm to the other side. He is our Only Hope. My heart is heavy for her tonight & I'm praying.
My Hope
By Matt Redman
My hope is built
On nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness
I dare not trust
The sweetest frame
But wholly lean
On Jesus' name
When the mountains are falling
When the waters are rising
I shall be safe in You
Though the nations are quaking
Every kingdom be shaken
Still I will rest in You
When darkness seems
To hide Your face
I rest on Your
Unchanging grace
In every high
And stormy gale
My anchor holds
Within the veil
3.15.2010
24 Things YOU Can Do to Fight Human Trafficking
24 things you can do to fight human trafficking
1. Tell others- Expose the truth about modern-day slavery. Make sure everyone knows the 27 million dirtiest secrets. Research on your own at websites such as:
www.faastinternational.org
www.iast.net (Initiative Against Trafficking)
www.freetheslaves.net
www.state.gov/TIP
2. Invest in Change- Support those on the frontlines and enable them to make a difference. Help fund the most effective project to reduce slavery and care for its victims like:
www.ijm.org
www.gracehavenhouse.org
www.sharedhope.org
3. Consume wisely- Hold businesses accountable and ask corporations to join the fight. Buy Fair Trade products like coffee and chocolate. Spend a little more on Fair Trade websites like:
www.greatergood.com or www.tenthousandvillages.com
4. Watch- Keep an eye out and don’t turn away. If you suspect slavery or exploitation, cal the national trafficking hotline: 888-3737-888
5. Write- Do you know any journalists? Encourage newspapers, magazines and television stations to publish or to write stories about modern-day slavery, and how to stop it.
6. Tourism Matters- Visit the Trafficking in Persons Report from the State Department . Find out which countries are the worst trafficking offenders. Write a letter to their travel bureau and tell them you won’t visit the country until they address the issue.
7. Purchase- Buying products made by survivors helps ensure their self-sufficiency. Shop at the Emancipation Network’s www.madebysurvivors.com.
8. Make help available- Place coasters at bars and sleeves for coffee cups to promote the hotline (888-3737-888). In public places, disseminate posters, brochures and other materials about trafficking. Download them from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at: www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/.
9. Organize- Organize your community to address the issue. For tips, see www.stopmodernslavery.org/docs/toolkit/pdf.
10. Advocate for change- call or write your elected officials. Tell them that you care about the issue of human trafficking and want stronger laws to protect victims. Keep telling them. Get news from www.polarisproject.org on how to engage in political action and advocacy- P.O. Box 32489 Newark, NJ 07102. Tel- 973-624-5454; email- nj@polarisproject.org.
11. Give healthcare- Help collect and pack medical supplies and equipment to be sent to shelters for survivors. Check out Giving Children Hope.
12. Walk- Global March has freed over 60,000 slaves in India. Their marches promote education for children instead of forced labor and exploitation.
13. Cybervention- Make sure trafficking does not happen on the internet. Keep an eye on Craigslist and advertising spaces. Write to Craig’s list and ask that they stop allowing people to be sold on their listing.
14. Fight Sex Tourism- Ask travel agencies, hotels and tour operators to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism
15. Prepare caretakers- Encourage healthcare providers and law enforcement officials to be aware of the signs of human trafficking. Download resource guides. Get the information to school nurses, clinics and urgent care centers.
16. Rescue victims- pressure for raids of forced labor and slavery situations. Lawyers can make a bid difference in advocating for legal investigation and prosecuting perpetrators. Have them join the team at International Justice Mission.
17. Go- volunteer with organizations caring for survivors. Help build shelters. Teach English. Provide skills training. Ask the organization how you can help.
18. Slave-Free Campuses- Start a group at your school or university, and make sure your campus is free of products made with slave labor.
19. Safeguard transportation- ask airlines to provide training manuals to all their flight attendants on how to watch for victims being trafficked. Find the manual at www.innocentsatrisk.org.
20. Remember the facts- memorize the statistics about child and sex slavery. Tell people to memorize the National Human Trafficking Resource Center number: 888-3737-888.
21. Faith, Schools and Freedom- Help your faith community or school become an Abolitionist Organization. Find theses handbook in the action downloads section at: www.notforsalecampaign.org.
22. Get insights from the UN- learn more and find expert advice in the UN’s toolkit to combat trafficking.
23. Do what you love- Use your talents to fight slavery. Do an art project and display it in a public place. Film a movie on the state of modern-day slavery. Write about the issue and post it on blogs.
24. Pray…pray…pray… “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Ps. 89:14.
Visit www.gracehavenhouse.org for more information on how YOU can make a difference in the lives of others!
1. Tell others- Expose the truth about modern-day slavery. Make sure everyone knows the 27 million dirtiest secrets. Research on your own at websites such as:
www.faastinternational.org
www.iast.net (Initiative Against Trafficking)
www.freetheslaves.net
www.state.gov/TIP
2. Invest in Change- Support those on the frontlines and enable them to make a difference. Help fund the most effective project to reduce slavery and care for its victims like:
www.ijm.org
www.gracehavenhouse.org
www.sharedhope.org
3. Consume wisely- Hold businesses accountable and ask corporations to join the fight. Buy Fair Trade products like coffee and chocolate. Spend a little more on Fair Trade websites like:
www.greatergood.com or www.tenthousandvillages.com
4. Watch- Keep an eye out and don’t turn away. If you suspect slavery or exploitation, cal the national trafficking hotline: 888-3737-888
5. Write- Do you know any journalists? Encourage newspapers, magazines and television stations to publish or to write stories about modern-day slavery, and how to stop it.
6. Tourism Matters- Visit the Trafficking in Persons Report from the State Department . Find out which countries are the worst trafficking offenders. Write a letter to their travel bureau and tell them you won’t visit the country until they address the issue.
7. Purchase- Buying products made by survivors helps ensure their self-sufficiency. Shop at the Emancipation Network’s www.madebysurvivors.com.
8. Make help available- Place coasters at bars and sleeves for coffee cups to promote the hotline (888-3737-888). In public places, disseminate posters, brochures and other materials about trafficking. Download them from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at: www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking/.
9. Organize- Organize your community to address the issue. For tips, see www.stopmodernslavery.org/docs/toolkit/pdf.
10. Advocate for change- call or write your elected officials. Tell them that you care about the issue of human trafficking and want stronger laws to protect victims. Keep telling them. Get news from www.polarisproject.org on how to engage in political action and advocacy- P.O. Box 32489 Newark, NJ 07102. Tel- 973-624-5454; email- nj@polarisproject.org.
11. Give healthcare- Help collect and pack medical supplies and equipment to be sent to shelters for survivors. Check out Giving Children Hope.
12. Walk- Global March has freed over 60,000 slaves in India. Their marches promote education for children instead of forced labor and exploitation.
13. Cybervention- Make sure trafficking does not happen on the internet. Keep an eye on Craigslist and advertising spaces. Write to Craig’s list and ask that they stop allowing people to be sold on their listing.
14. Fight Sex Tourism- Ask travel agencies, hotels and tour operators to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism
15. Prepare caretakers- Encourage healthcare providers and law enforcement officials to be aware of the signs of human trafficking. Download resource guides. Get the information to school nurses, clinics and urgent care centers.
16. Rescue victims- pressure for raids of forced labor and slavery situations. Lawyers can make a bid difference in advocating for legal investigation and prosecuting perpetrators. Have them join the team at International Justice Mission.
17. Go- volunteer with organizations caring for survivors. Help build shelters. Teach English. Provide skills training. Ask the organization how you can help.
18. Slave-Free Campuses- Start a group at your school or university, and make sure your campus is free of products made with slave labor.
19. Safeguard transportation- ask airlines to provide training manuals to all their flight attendants on how to watch for victims being trafficked. Find the manual at www.innocentsatrisk.org.
20. Remember the facts- memorize the statistics about child and sex slavery. Tell people to memorize the National Human Trafficking Resource Center number: 888-3737-888.
21. Faith, Schools and Freedom- Help your faith community or school become an Abolitionist Organization. Find theses handbook in the action downloads section at: www.notforsalecampaign.org.
22. Get insights from the UN- learn more and find expert advice in the UN’s toolkit to combat trafficking.
23. Do what you love- Use your talents to fight slavery. Do an art project and display it in a public place. Film a movie on the state of modern-day slavery. Write about the issue and post it on blogs.
24. Pray…pray…pray… “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Ps. 89:14.
Visit www.gracehavenhouse.org for more information on how YOU can make a difference in the lives of others!
3.08.2010
Crab Apple Tree
TO EVERYTHING there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose
under heaven...
On my way to the mailbox this afternoon I noticed it. The big open space in the front yard of my parents house was very much out of place. There inside that strange openness, once stood the most magical, lush, twisted-limbed, crab-apple tree in all of Campton, GA! And now, nothing. This tree was a landmark in my childhood.
It was "base" in the game of freeze tag for us kids and it was the place where my daddy & I took my absolute favorite photo that I have framed. It is a great picture! I was about 7 or 8 years old, hanging from a limb,dangling over my daddy's shoulders. Both of our hair was a mess but we didn't care, we were loving life!
It was there in that tree I would play & hide for hours. In the summertime we would gather the small, tangy-tart crab apples for pies and boy did that tree produce! A few years back, an ice storm hit our little town pretty hard and caused the old tree to slowly die. Today as the bulldozer removed the remains of the stump and limbs, my heart ached and I cried. Am I really crying over a tree? I asked myself. Truthfully, it's the memories the tree holds & symbolizes. On a deeper level, it's the fact that you think the tree will always be there and over time something changes and it's gone. It's the reality that life & circumstances are ever-changing and this is never easy to face. My daddy told me today the tree was dead all the way to the root and it
was very easy to remove. I thought about this for a while so I guess that's why I'm processing tonight.
It's the same with our heavenly Father. If we let Him, Jesus will remove all the dead, fruitless places in our hearts so that we can fully become all He desires for us to be for His glory & purpose. His ways are higher - a lot like the new openness to the front yard. It doesn't seem or feel like it used to but there is a new, clearer perspective and a brighter future. So as the world shifts and changes, we can trust Jesus to hold us in His peace. I will always remember the good, warm and fuzzy memories of my childhood in the front yard, running bare feet as fast as my legs would go around the crab apple tree; however, I am old enough now to know that I have to let it go. Even in the midst of changing circumstances, I must keep walking forward and daily yield to His presence as He fills all the spaces inside my heart with His unchanging love for me.
Thanks for reading!
Blessings,
Carrie
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