Shown Mercy

AN ADVOCATE IS SOMEONE WHO : refuses to stand by. : speaks up when something is wrong. : uses their voice on behalf of people living in slavery and violent oppression today. AN ADVOCATE IS SOMEONE LIKE YOU   noun : a person who argues for or supports a cause or policy : a person who works for a cause or group : a person who argues for the cause of another person in a court of law verb : to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.) Advocacy  is about shifting the balance of power. [Visit: www.freedomcommons.ijm.org ]   Since 2010, I have had multiple opportunities to join other modern day abolitionists on Capital Hill to speak up on behalf of the vulnerable, the poor and the oppressed, specifically regarding the issue of modern day slavery and violent oppression that effects the global poor.  These past couple days were yet another opportunity to not only be encouraged by the persistence and dedication of hundreds a...

It is a humbling privilege to be able to participate in an upcoming women's retreat through the leading of musical worship.  Your prayers are deeply appreciated as I continue to make preparations. Meanwhile, here is a copy/paste of a blog teaser I wrote recently in anticipation of the retreat... [Learn More About the NC Baptist Women's Retreat here ] One of my favorite hymns is Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing . The hymn writer beautifully pens this anthem of grace and call to praise of the One whose streams of mercy are never ceasing . Come, Thou Fount of every blessing Tune my heart to sing Thy grace; Streams of mercy, never ceasing, Call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, Sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I’m fixed upon it, Mount of Thy redeeming love. Sadly, we often sing this hymn, and others, mindlessly. Who is this Fount of Every Blessing? Why do we need to have our hearts tuned to sing His grace?   ...

Figured a post with a lighter tone would be appropriate especially following my previous two posts... Therefore, below I've shared some images from our recent "Merida side of the family" vacation.  We greatly enjoyed the opportunity of a week away resting and spending time with our family.  Tony's parents came to our house a day early with 2 nieces and 1 nephew in tow.  Sunday, following worship, we caravanned down to Myrtle Beach for the week.  James rode with grandparents and the older two cousins while Mercy hopped in our vehicle.  Sunday evening unwinding...  Tackle dad time...  NBA Playoffs bonding time with our little Lebron James...  Cousins... Our favorite spot of the week...  Meal time for 16-19 people was quite the event!  Group selfie...  So nice to have the option of an indoor/outdoor pool for reprieve from the sun...  Fun...