Bittersweet day

Today was our last this year at Emaus. We carry each other in our hearts at all times, but distance makes us two physically. Imagine there's no country, imagine all the people living together. Someday we will be all together and we will understand each other totally but for now we speak the universal language of love. MF

Yesterday we visited Casa Gabriel, a home for street kids who have chosen to get an education and become a disciple of Christ. During our visit we were told by the director of the newest need in Quito - creating a safe place for young girls who have become victims of human traffiking. When I learned about the epidemic of 12 - 17 year old girls who are forced into prostitution, my mind's eye immediately went to my daughters as young girls, as well as the 12 year old girls I teach as a middle school teacher. God, please show me how I can make a difference in the lives of these precious children of God.
Forever in awe of the mighty power of God,
Dianna Deaderick

The Kingdom of God. Now. Not Later.

We are called to establish the Kingdom of God, which to me means to create a "little piece of heaven" for someone who is in need or hurting. In Matthew 25, Jesus calls us to establish the Kingdom of God by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the prisoner and such. We do have the option of adding other activities to this list, such as a kind word, a smile, an ear to listen.

Often, other things or activities get in the way, keeping me from establishing the Kingdom of God (creating a little piece of Heaven) for someone who is hungry, needs clothes, needs a visit, or for ssomeone who needs something as simple as a kind word, a smile or an ear.

Jesus is calling me. Often, I am too distracted to hear.

Douglas "Dew Gloss" Deaderick

Relationships

"Life is not about things. Life is about relationships." From The Gift of Years by Sr. Joan Chittister, O.S.B.