My dad's in Haiti

My dad flew to Haiti today. I'm so proud of him. He will be there for a week with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention.

It's one of those things where I'm very happy that he is physically able to go, but I'm sad that there is such a horrible need. Haiti was in terrible condition before the earthquake. I've watched the videos and seen the pictures of the devastation and I know they really just catch a glimpse of the nightmare with which the Haitians are dealing.

In the last few years my parents have been volunteering in disaster relief. My mom spent extremely long hours in Galveston and Tyler making sure people got fed. Dad made a trip to Iowa to help out after the flood there. They've made other trips too, plus had hours and hours of training.

Some people think that what they are doing is crazy, helping people they don't even know. Some people make nasty comments about the people they are reaching out to, because they don't feel the victims deserve help. I say they are being the hands and feet of Christ. They are living out Micah 6:8 and Matthew 25.

My parents and I don't agree on a lot of things. We have different views about many things. There are some subjects that are best to be avoided. But, this is something we do agree on. If you can go and help, then go. If you have the means to go, then go. The small, little world you leave to go minister to someone else will still be there when you get back. It might be a little different when you get back. You will be a whole lot different. But, for the better.

To find out ways you can help in Haiti see any of the below:
RHFH Rescue Center
Compassion International
World Vision
Hands and Feet

These two involve family members. The sewing project is by my cousin, Jodi. Lovely, easy idea. The other one, for Red Cross, has my son in it.

Sewing Day
hitRECord & Red Cross

Switchfoot's Jon Foreman joins "Help Haiti Live"

SWITCHFOOT’S JON FOREMAN JOINS ‘HELP HAITI LIVE’

from Shlog by Shaun Groves

Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Big Kenny and More to Perform Live in Nashville to Raise Funds for Compassion International’s Continued Relief Efforts

NASHVILLE, TN…2/24/10…Switchfoot’s Jon Foreman hasannounced he will join the all-star cast of musicians gathering for “Help Haiti Live,” in Nashville on February 27th, 2010 to benefit Compassion International’s Haiti disaster relief fund. The concert is sponsored by Gaylord Entertainment Company and will be streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com.

With extraordinary need still existing in the devastated country, Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Big Kenny, Mat Kearney, Jars of Clay, Jon Foreman, Brandon Heath, NEEDTOBREATHE, Dave Barnes, and Matt Wertz will participate in a concert at Nashville’s famed and Gaylord-owned Ryman Auditorium. Produced to inspire live concert and on-line audiences to financially support the relief work of Compassion International in Haiti, all talent and production fees have been donated, along with streaming services (Livestream.com), allowing proceeds to go toward Compassion’s disaster relief fund (more details below). Gibson Guitars has donated a guitar to be signed by the evening’s performers and auctioned off, with bids starting today at HelpHaitiLive.com/auction. For artist and venue information please click here.

Tickets range in price from $25-75 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations, as well as through The Ryman box office: 800-745-3000 or Ryman.com.

Event details include:

Nashville/Ryman Auditorium, 7:30pm cst:
Host: Big Kenny (plus performance)
Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Jars of Clay
Mat Kearney
Jon Foreman
Brandon Heath
Dave Barnes
NEEDTOBREATHE

All net proceeds from HelpHaitiLive.com will go to Compassion International’s Haiti disaster relief fund. All money raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to re-equip Compassion’s local support structure and to provide for the immediate needs of Compassion-assisted children and families.

Compassion has been meeting the physical and spiritual needs of Haitians for more than forty years and will continue to serve them
in this time of extreme need. Already Compassion International has supplied more than 15,000 families with clean water, food, blankets, temporary shelter, medical supplies and counseling. Donations will lay bricks, feed, educate, clothe, heal and rebuild Haiti for many months to come.

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from
poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in
26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through
local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children, enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating “four stars” for eight consecutive years.

“Help Haiti Live” is owned by Compassion International and will be produced by Shaun Groves and Synergy Production Group. Synergy Production Group creates and produces live events that connect audiences with brands or causes. Offering turn-key event solutions, strategic content development, creative design, audio, video and lighting production, talent procurement and complete program management, Synergy Production Group is based in Franklin, TN (www.synergyprg.com).

Gaylord Entertainment Company has taken an active and immediate role in supporting earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. In addition
to its involvement in the Help Haiti Live concert event, Gaylord is providing direct aid to family members of employees who live in Haiti through its STAR Assistance Program. The company also provided financial support to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts and is currently working with Harvest Time International in Florida as well as the Salvation Army to transport thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and household goods donated by its STARS (employees) to the hardest-hit areas of the island nation.

###

FOR MORE INFORMATION/PRESS CONTACT:
the media collective
velvet kelm, christina garvin, courtney hyder, errine garnett
615.591-7989
velvet@themcollective.com
christina@themcollective.com
courtney@themcollective.com
errine@themcollective.com

All star cast of musicians to gather for "Help Haiti Live" on February 27

This whole post came from Shaun Groves' blog. It was easier to copy his than to dig through his long email with all the same information in it, put it into readable form and then pass it out into the world. He always does a better job anyway. I even took his headline. Now...how do I get to LA in a few days?

ALL STAR CAST OF MUSICIANS TO GATHER

FOR ‘HELP HAITI LIVE’ ON FEBRUARY 27^TH

Alison Krauss & Union Station (featuring Jerry Douglas), Amy Grant, Big Kenny and More to Perform Live in Los Angeles and Nashville to Raise Funds for Compassion International’s Continued Relief Efforts

NASHVILLE, TN…2/15/10…One month following the 7.1 earthquake that struck Haiti, an all-star cast of musicians is gathering for “Help Haiti Live,” a two-city ticketed concert event taking place on February 27th, 2010 to benefit Compassion International’s Haiti disaster relief fund. The concerts are sponsored by Gaylord Entertainment Company and will be streamed live at HelpHaitiLive.com.

With extraordinary need still existing in the devastated country, Alison Krauss & Union Station (featuring Jerry Douglas), Amy Grant, Big Kenny, Mat Kearney, Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, NEEDTOBREATHE, Brandon Heath, and a to-be-announced special headliner will participate in two concert events, live from Los Angeles at the historic Wiltern Theater and at Nashville’s famed and Gaylord-owned Ryman Auditorium. Produced to inspire live concert and on-line audiences to financially support the relief work of Compassion International in Haiti, all talent and production fees have been donated, along with streaming services (Livestream.com), allowing proceeds to go toward Compassion’s disaster relief fund (more details below).

“This cause has been something our employees have taken very close to heart in recent weeks, and they’re thrilled for Gaylord to be involved in such an inspiring event. We’re also proud to support the generous efforts of all the artists who are donating their time and talent to make this concert a success,” said Colin Reed, Chairman and CEO of Gaylord Entertainment Company.

Tickets for each event will range in price from $25-75 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations beginning Monday, February 15^th, as well as through The Ryman box office: 800-745-3000 or ryman.com, and through Live Nation for The Wiltern at http://www.livenation.com/venue/the-wiltern-tickets

Nashville/Ryman Auditorium, 7:30pm cst:
Host: Big Kenny (plus performance)
Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
Jars of Clay
Mat Kearney
Dave Barnes
Matt Wertz
Brandon Heath

Los Angeles/Wiltern Theater, 7:30pm pst:
Francis Chan
Special Guest headliner
Amy Grant
Leann Rimes
Rebecca St. James
NEEDTOBREATHE

All net proceeds from HelpHaitiLive.com will go to Compassion International’s Haiti disaster relief fund. All money raised in response to the Haiti earthquake will be used immediately to re-equip Compassion’s local support structure and to provide for the immediate needs of Compassion-assisted children and families.

Compassion has been meeting the physical and spiritual needs of Haitians for more than forty years and will continue to serve them in this time of extreme need. Already Compassion International has supplied more than 15,000 families with clean water, food, blankets, temporary shelter, medical supplies and counseling. Donations will lay bricks, feed, educate, clothe, heal and rebuild Haiti for many months to come.

Compassion International is the world’s largest Christian child development organization that permanently releases children from poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion successfully tackles global poverty one child at a time, serving more than 1 million children in 26 of the world’s poorest countries. Recognizing that poverty is more than a lack of money, Compassion works holistically through local churches to address the individual physical, economic, educational and spiritual needs of children, enabling them to thrive, not just survive. Charity Navigator, America’s largest charity evaluator, has awarded Compassion its highest rating “four stars” for eight consecutive years.

“Help Haiti Live” is owned by Compassion International and will be produced by Shaun Groves and Synergy Production Group.

Synergy Production Group creates and produces live events that connect audiences with brands or causes. Offering turn-key event solutions, strategic content development, creative design, audio, video and lighting production, talent procurement and complete program management, Synergy Production Group is based in Franklin, TN (www.synergyprg.com).

Gaylord Entertainment Company has taken an active and immediate role in supporting earthquake recovery efforts in Haiti. In addition to its involvement in the Help Haiti Live concert event, Gaylord is providing direct aid to family members of employees who live in Haiti through its STAR Assistance Program. The company also provided financial support to the American Red Cross’s relief efforts and is currently working with Harvest Time International in Florida as well as the Salvation Army to transport thousands of pounds of food, clothing, and household goods donated by its STARS (employees) to the hardest-hit areas of the island nation

ARTIST & VENUE information:

About Alison Krauss and Union Station: Multiple Grammy winning artist Alison Krauss and Union Station are excited to a couple of years, and are currently in the studio working on a new album–their first band album since 2004’s “Lonely Runs Both Ways.” This is one of only a few appearances that the band will make this year. (www.alisonkrauss.com/site.php)

About Amy Grant: Amy Grant’s career spans over 25 years and stretches from her roots in gospel into an iconic pop star, songwriter, television personality, and philanthropist. Grant has sold more than 30 million albums and won six GRAMMY® Awards in multiple categories, beginning with the platinum selling Age to Age in 1982. She also has six #1 hits, including “Baby, Baby,” and “Every Heartbeat” and is one of only two Christian artists to be awarded a star on the legendary Walk of Fame in Hollywood.(www.amygrant.com)

About BIG KENNY: As one half of the super duo Big & Rich, “Big Kenny” Alphin sold in excess of five million albums, opened sold-out stadium tours for Kenny Chesney, hit the amphitheaters with Tim McGraw, graced the covers of Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Country Weekly and was featured in such magazines as Rolling Stone, People and many others. Also an accomplished songwriter, Big Kenny was named the BMI Songwriter of the Year in 2005, and has written several top 10 hits for artists such as Tim McGraw, Gretchen Wilson, and Jason Aldean. Now, the Culpeper, Virginia, native is celebrating the release of his latest solo effort, The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farm Boy, (November 2009). (www.bigkennytv.com)

About Jars of Clay: Jars of Clay launched its breakout career with the multi-format hit “Flood” in 1995. Since then, it’s amassed more than six million in career sales (5 Gold, 2 Platinum and 1 double Platinum certification), 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 8 nominations), an American Music Award nod, 17 No. 1 radio hits, and numerous film credits and BMI honors for songwriting and performing. Compelled to make a difference with needs to around the world, the band founded Blood:Water Mission in early 2002. Blood:water mission empowers communities to work together against the Water & HIV/AIDS crises in Africa. (www.jarsofclay.com and www.bloodwatermission.com).

About Mat Kearney: After spending five years traveling the country establishing himself as a new artist supporting his first release, Nothing Left To Lose, Mat Kearney dug his roots into his new hometown of Nashville, TN, and cultivated the tracks for City of Black & White, released in May 2009 on Aware/Columbia Records. He opened up the writing process to friends and to the community of musicians in Nashville, and crafted hit songs such as “Closer To Love,” “Here We Go,” and “Lifeline.” Kearney was a VH1 You Oughta Know Artist, headlined the first VH1 You Oughta Know Tour, and his video for the single “Nothing Left To Lose” tied the record for the most weeks in rotation (45) on VH1. His songs have received prominent television licensing on popular shows such as Grey’s Anatomy, Bones, Friday Night Lights, Army Wives and more. (www.matkearney.com)

About Rebecca St. James: Australian born Rebecca St. James is both a Grammy Award winner and multiple Dove Award recipient, who can count her lead acting role in the November ‘09 film release Sarah’s Choice, among her most recent career highlights. She has received RIAA certified gold album awards—for her ground-breaking album God and her Grammy Award winning project Pray, certified gold in 2006 and has had seventeen Top 10 singles–nine of which have reached the #1 spot on the charts to date. In addition to music, Rebecca is a best selling author, with more than a half dozen books to her credit—including Wait For Me (Thomas Nelson) which has sold more than 100,000 units, Pure(Hachette/Faithwords)which reached Top 10 on the CBA Bestseller List in February 2009 and her latest book, Loved (Hachette/Faithwords)(www.rebeccastjames.com).

About Brandon Heath: Emmy-Award winning, GRAMMY and American Music Award nominated, Brandon Heath holds multiple Dove Awards including the Male Vocalist and Song of the Year (2009) categories. Heath released his sophomore album, What If We (8/2008), yielding two No.1 singles, “Wait and See”, and the blockbuster “Give Me Your Eyes” which was selected by NASA this week as the wake-up song for the orbiting Endeavour shuttle crew on Feb. 8. The album’s third single “Love Never Fails” moves into Top 20 at Billboard’s AC Monitored radio chart this week. Heath’s 2006 debut, Don’t Get Comfortable, produced the radio No.1 hit, “I’m Not Who I Was,” which contributed to his New Artist of the Year Dove Award win. Heath has been covered by The New York Times and “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric.” (www.brandonheath.net)

About NEEDTOBREATHE: Formed in 1999, South Carolina based rock band NEEDTOBREATHE made a name for themselves with constant touring. Upon signing to Atlantic, the band released its debut album, “DAYLIGHT” and toured harder than ever following the album’s 2006 release. The band returned the following year with “THE HEAT,” which reached #2 on Billboard’s “Top Heatseekers” chart thanks in part to their top 10 Triple A hit single “More Time” and its inclusion in the movie “P.S. I Love You.” NEEDTOBREATHE recently announced their “Won’t Turn Back Tour” beginning Mar. 3 which celebrates their third album, “THE OUTSIDERS,” released last summer to universal critical acclaim and a top 20 debut on the Billboard Top 200. The “Won’t Turn Back Tour” follows last year’s successful headline tour which included sold-out shows in virtually every market visited. NEEDTOBREATHE has also been invited to play Bonnaroo 2010 this coming summer. (www.needtobreathe.net)

About Dave Barnes: Mississippi-bred, Nashville Based Dave Barnes is not only known for his soulful pop tunes, but also for his comedic story-telling abilities, as can be seen in numerous, frequently-viewed posts on YouTube. Armed with an acoustic guitar, clean-cut good looks and a knack for catchy hooks, Dave Barnes can do it all. (www.davebarnes.com

About Matt Wertz: Over the past 9 years, Nashville resident Matt Wertz has built an incredible story as an independent musician. With four records to his credit and sales of over 75,000, Matt has seen his career grow tremendously through constant touring, commercial radio airplay and having his songs featured in numerous television shows and films. In addition to music, Matt is also passionate about community needs around the world. In 2005, Matt helped launch an organization called the Mocha Club, who’s vision is to provide funding for releif and development projects in Africa. Mocha Club’s five main project areas are: Clean water, Education, Child Mothers, Orphan Care, Healthcare. (www.mattwertz.com)

About the Ryman Auditorium: A National Historic Landmark, the Ryman Auditorium was built as a church in 1892, served as the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-74, and was completely renovated in 1994. The Ryman is open as a museum during the day and at night continues its more-than-100-year music tradition by offering the best in live entertainment. The Ryman Auditorium is owned by Gaylord Entertainment (NYSE: GET), a Nashville-based hospitality and entertainment company that owns and operates Gaylord Hotels and the Grand Ole Opry. (www.ryman.com)

About the Wiltern Theater: The Wiltern Theatre first opened its doors to the action picture crowds on October 7th, 1931. Recognized by the City of Los Angeles as a Historic Cultural Monument, this Art Deco Landmark was refurbished and restored to its creative brilliance in 1985, under the bearing of Bill Graham Presents. Following a famous history of performances and actions, a $1.5 million facelift led to the Grand Re-Opening on October 15, 2002.

My quirky little store

I would love to have a quirky little store. I think I really would. There's a few things that keep me from opening a quirky little store. I have no business skills or knowledge and I have no money with which to open a store. And, I really think those are valid reasons not to have one.

But, if I had one I would want it to have French flea market finds, because I love France and I love flea markets. Put the two together = extra special.

Also, I would want it to have lots of handmade, re-purposed items like the ones my cousins make. Gorgeous stuff! Quirky, chippy, usable, well-worn = LOVE IT!

And folk art. I'm crazy about folk art. Stick me some place full of folk art and I start drooling. Like Yard Dog or House of Blues.

I wouldn't want to have a store just to have a store. The drive behind my store would be to fight slavery and to support the organizations that have homes for the people rescued from the horrors of slavery. Those rescued need huge amounts of support to get on their feet and be safe from getting drug back into slavery. The brave souls providing this physical and emotional support need support.

The store's purpose would be to support organizations that have real, practical, smart programs to end extreme poverty and slavery. So it would be stocked with fair trade items like coffee, chocolate, clothing, jewelry, art, etc...

But, like I said, I don't have the skills or money to make my quirky little store a reality. So, what I can do is tell you about some of the organizations my quirky little store would support.

Love146
Faceless International
Polaris Project
International Justice Mission
Free The Slaves
Trade As One
Not For Sale
Abolish Slavery Coalition

Kay Warren said in a piece for start> that she used to be a nice person, but she didn't feel nice now that she knew of the horrors of AIDS sufferers. She became "seriously disturbed" by their pain. She couldn't be quiet. And I knew exactly what she was talking about.

That's how I feel about slavery. I come across as fanatical at times. I can't stop talking about it. It hangs on me. It hurts my heart. Sometimes people think I'm joking about my passion for fair trade coffee, chocolate, sugar and clothing. Nope, I'm not. I'm serious as a heart attack. I don't want to knowingly participate in the slave industry or abuse those in extreme poverty. When I ask where those t-shirts are manufactured and if they are legit, I'm dead serious.

So, if it seems I spend a lot of time talking about slavery or it seems like I'm staring at you extra hard when I'm discussing it with you, that's because I am.

Wow, that got serious.

What are your purchases supporting?

This question and answer is from a post by Becky Garrison as part of the God's Politics blog. It is in two parts and contains interviews with Shannon Hopkins and Alissa Moore.

How do you encourage people to move from being consumers of fair trade and organic products to becoming advocates for social justice change?

SHANNON: Addressing consumption is the place to start. Slowing down and thinking about what you are buying. Do you really need it? Where did it come from? Realize that every dollar you spend supports someone, somewhere. What are your purchases supporting? Justice? Equality? Fairness? Peace? Or is it creating a bigger divide between rich and poor?

Swap your chocolate

Amos Ivey makes it to his forever home

Seems like we've been praying for this homecoming forever. It finally happened. You can learn the complete story at Aaron's blog and Jamie's blog.

I get twitchy about slavery

Some people know I get a little twitchy about modern-day slavery. I get twitchy when people talk about pre-Civil War slavery and try to justify it. Slavery, all around makes me twitchy. It makes me grit my teeth and squint my eyes and twitch.

I never really thought much about modern-day slavery until I saw it with my own eyes. It made me want to throw up. I will never get those images out of my head.

Sometimes I get overcome by urges to make something with my hands. Usually it happens when I'm stressed. There is something about pouring myself into creating that calms me. Most of the time whatever it is that is asking me to make it gets completely hand sewn. I like the folk artsy look of hand sewn items and I feel more connected with the item. And, some of the time, I've screwed up a knob here or there on the machine and can't use it.

What in the heck does that have to do with slavery? Well, I decided to put some of the quirky dolls on Etsy. Since I make them with mostly recycled, found objects all of the adoption fees go to Faceless International.

Faceless International aims to defend the plight of exploited people worldwide who have gone faceless and unknown for far too long. We exist to raise awareness about social issues happening throughout the global community. We provide first hand experience and education through trips around the world and solution-based opportunities through regional resources.

Each doll has a story that they tell me as I'm making them. Sometimes a picture or person inspires their beginning or helps it develop as we move along.

Each are very simple and unique. I'm pretty sure I couldn't make two alike if I wanted to.

Some are safe for young children. Some are not.

All are perfect for people with weird tastes and/or personalities. That is why I love them.

My shop is called lovemercy.

Fast Soup

1 poblano pepper, roasted, peeled, chopped
1 can black beans
1 can hominy
1 can vegetable broth
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
teaspoon salt
1/4 t or so pepper
couple of shakes garlic powder
fresh cilantro

Heat through. Put over brown rice seasoned with garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Top with your favorite cheese.

Easy peesy!