Semper Vita

Faith in Action

"...continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling."    Paul in Philippians 2:12

One of the groups I try to attend regularly is KIROS, a group of business people who meet for breakfast once a month in various locations in the Greater Seattle area. I attend the Bellevue meeting. KIROS consists of mostly Christians who seek to do business in such a way that it demonstrates their faith in Jesus and brings honor and glory to God. Don't worry, they don't go around preaching and being "weird," but they work in such a way that demonstrates their faith in action.

One of my friends, Darrell, owns his own business and is passionate about living out his faith at work - both in the way he treats his employees and in the way he runs his business. He's known for saying, "do what you say you will do." Darrell has trusted his business to God. At times, he's referred potential customers to another business rather than compromising his principles. Good for you, Darrell!

The Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2 that we need to "work out our salvation in fear and trembling." This applies to all people who believe in Jesus. It's nice to do this on a Sunday morning as part of a Christian clique, but it is far more important to do this visibly, every day as we live and work in our business, volunteer in the community, attend school and live in the neighborhood.

Fear and trembling is not about being so scared of God that we are terrified to do something wrong lest he'd slap us. It also does not mean we are trying to earn our way into heaven or into God's favor. 

Working out our salvation means to finish it through spiritual growth and development. It's a process that needs to be worked out daily, especially in our every day life. It's easy to look good for an hour a week on Sunday morning. Working out your salvation or faith refers to living our faith and growing in our relationship with God. It's a process of humility, service, perseverance, and spiritual growth.  

Only through faith in Jesus can any of us have right standing before God. As a result of that right relationship, we continue to work out how to live our faith in a way that brings honor and glory to God. Salvation and faith in this context is all about our relationship with God. And, just like any relationship, it requires work! We have to work out our faith because a life of faith is very different from our regular, everyday-without-God life.  To most of us who have jumped into this life with Jesus, it all feels, well, upside down. It's not about power, money, beauty or fame - but about respect, servanthood, gentleness, love, peace and hope. It's the life Jesus lived while he was on earth.

In order for people to rediscover the real Jesus, his people need to live in such a way that those who do not yet know him can see him in our lives, as we live out our faith in action. 

That's our goal - living our faith through acts of volunteering in a way that shows Jesus. Are you living your faith in action? Looking for a way to connect with others living this way? Please join the movement of volunteers and partners...so we can do more good together.

Semper Vita needs your help!

The dream is becoming a reality. Semper Vita is happening. It is exciting! At the Northwest Ministry Conference it was clear that the idea is timely. Churches are ready to  do good in their communities and would love to connect with others. Semper Vita’s software will help them do just that.


What we need from you
It takes a lot of people, prayers, partners and money to make this happen. Would you join us as we seek to help churches be the church in their communities? Would you commit to one or more of the following:


Pray for Semper Vita:
Pray for the software development. Pray that the right partners will sign up. Pray that God will bring us volunteers. Pray that we would continue to work toward making this dream a reality. Pray for financial provision. Pray that God will bless Semper Vita for His glory.

Finances:
We need money to reach the thousands of people in our communities with the love of Jesus. Whether $5, $500 or $50,00 your donation will help us to finish the software, to reach out to potential partners and to move Semper Vita forward as an organization. Would you support us? To donate please go to our donate page.

People:
We need people to help us make this happen. Are you a videographer? We could use your help. Do you like marketing, administrative support, finance, sales? We could use your help. There’s stuff to do for everyone.  Please join us and help us make this happen. Contact us to volunteer as part of Semper Vita.

Partners:
We need churches and non-profits to partner with us to impact the community for good. Please consider partnering with us to reach our communities with the Good News. 

An Easter Egg Hunt and Feeding the Homeless on Easter Weekend

How was your Easter? Several of us from Semper Vita joined with partner churches this Easter. It was great! We had fun and we did some good together.

A pre-Easter egg hunt

On Saturday, we joined Life at the Ridge fort their annual Redmond Ridge community Easter egg hunt at Rosa Parks Elementary. We arrived at 8 am on a very cold and somewhat windy morning. We joined Pastor Josh and his wife Tanya and about 20 others from Life at the Ridge. Together we put out 7000 eggs, placed signs, set up the gift tent and prepared the gym in the school for the festivities. Hundreds of Redmond Ridge kids and parents started arriving at about 9:45 am. The Easter egg  hunt activities started out in the gym followed by a kid frenzy in the egg-filled fields at 10:20 am. Those eggs disappeared in a matter of minutes. One little boy in the area I watched, filled his bucket in under a minute. This was race for some kids. The eggs were filled with good stuff too - candy, little stuffed animals (for the little ones), See’s gift certificates, cash and more. Wow! After the hunt and games, the crew cleaned up. Helping out at the community Easter egg hunt was fun!

Easter at Occidental Square

On Sunday, after attending services, a few Semper Vita folks joined Missio Lux at Occidental Square in Seattle for a special luncheon prepared for the homeless population. A great meal of ham, potatoes, salad and rolls followed by cake was served to the men and women who came by. The line looped around the square when lunch was ready. Tables and chairs were set up for the people at Occidental Square. The Missio Lux people and friends joined the locals for lunch and had great conversations with the people at Occidental Square. Great stories are being told of changed lives...Several accepted Jesus as their Savior. One man was healed from his anger and received peace. Others just enjoyed a good meal and conversation. 

It was a different Easter for me but it was great. Instead of the Easter brunch tradition at my mom’s we spent time with people in the community. At the end of the day we shared stories of our Easter adventures as we gathered for our Easter dinner.

Thank you! Our launch was a success

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth, staffed the booth and for all those people cheering us on behind the scenes. Also a big "thank you" to all the people who have been supporting us in prayer! The launch went very well. 

Tamara showing Laurie Bunnell and Tamara Buchan from Missio Lux a preview of our social software. Cindy is helping a person fill out a card.

Booth traffic and 5 lucky winners

In total we had over 200 people stop by our booth. About 150 people filled out a card for our $500 give-away. We had 5 winners each of whom won $100! We gave away Semper Vita pens and brochures to everyone who came by the booth.

Jeanne accepts her $100. She was the first to come claim her prize. 

Cindy hands Dan his $100. He was the last to come claim his prize. 

We gave away lots of water bottles.

Additionally, we gave away a Semper Vita water bottle to the first 100 registrants that filled out a drawing card. Our water bottles were such a hit that people were asking for them and offered to buy them. One college student took a dented one just so she could have a “cool” Semper Vita water bottle.

All in all, the Semper Vita launch was a hit!

A big "thank you" to our volunteers and others

I also want to thank everyone who helped us prior to the launch. Some of us have put in thousands of hours of volunteer time to get us this far. So a heartfelt "thank you" to: Cindy, Ed, Tamara, Jeff, Ardis, Dina, Fred, and Alex. An additional "thank you" goes out to Jacqui Lott who's designed our look and to Jason Savino who is creating our website application. We could not have done it without you. Thank you for making this happen!

Following the Semper Vita Vision

It is amazing to see an idea slowly but steadily become a reality. Our vision remains the same. We want to partner with churches and non-profits to impact every community for Christ. We want to see everyone experiencing life through service in community. To make this happen, we need partners and we need volunteers!

A small team of people have been giving hundreds, and some thousands, of hours to make this vision a reality. Semper Vita has been a labor of love. Why do we invest our time, energy and money in this endeavor? It's all about sharing the love of Jesus with those who do not yet know him. It's exciting that now, as we are nearing our launch date, more people are stepping up to volunteer to make this vision come to life. 

As a team, we believe that we are following God and answering his call to produce a ministry that allows people to easily and simply impact their communities through intentional volunteering and connecting. Semper Vita is one of the ways that God wants to reconcile people to himself. It will take all his people intentionally and missionally volunteering and connecting.

Jesus made it very clear: People will know that we are his disciples by our love for each other, for God and for our neighbors. How can we show that love? We believe it’s through spending time with people - in relationship and through serving together.

Won't you join us?

Do Good - Endure Suffering

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

John Wesley

Do good - it's rewarding

As Thanksgiving is approaching, it always prompts in me a sense of wanting to do some extra good. Of course I believe that doing good should be part of every Christian's life - but at Thanksgiving it seems like we should do more. This started me thinking about doing good...

When I do good I associate it with reward - not monetary but the intrinsic reward of feeling good and having helped. My particular brand of this often comes as people face their last chapter of life. I know it is not the norm but it's how God wired me. I love to come alongside a family when they've lost a loved one and do the memorial service. Tamara Dull jokingly calls me the "Last Chapter Pastor."

Now, rest assured, that's not my ultimate focus. In fact, it's because God's called me to be missional and serve beyond the walls of the church that serving families in time of need appeals to me. People without a church want a pastor to come alongside them and do the memorial. I get to love them and be Jesus' hands and feet. I get to share God's comfort. To me that's an honor and privilege.

How about you? How do you do good?

Suffering for doing good   

It is better, if it's God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil...So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good."    

1 Peter 3:17; 4:19

Doing good when there's a real cost and even pain is a lot harder. We don't often hear sermons about suffering for doing good. I suspect that's because pastors might fear that the people wouldn't continue attending their church. But suffering is mentioned a lot in the New testament. Obviously Jesus suffered and he made it clear that we shouldn't expect any different. He told his disciples, "No servant is greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also" (John 15:20).

Paul talks about the need and normalcy in suffering. Peter also makes it abundantly clear that suffering is part of the package. However, it should not keep us from doing good!

Wow. How does that change my view of doing good? Do I still want to do it? I've been tested this year and many times I wanted to walk away. Sometimes I hid for a while. I like the "doing good and being rewarded" idea better. And yet, we are called to do good and be willing to suffer. It's a tough call. But Jesus bids us to follow him.

Semper Vita and doing good

As we get ready to launch Semper Vita this coming March, we are asking people to step into a life of doing good. We will make it easy through our software. We believe that people will benefit and be rewarded as they do good. Are you ready to do good regardless of the cost? Will you follow Jesus?

Sustainable Volunteering: Give What You Can

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Jesus

Please volunteer to help those in need.

The needs in the world are overwhelming. Everywhere you look - in your community, online, on television and around the world - there are appeals for help. People need our time, money and service. Last week I drove past a food bank and the line wrapped around the building. It tugged at my heart. The commercials for starving children and abused animals tug at my heart. People in hurting relationships, parents of at-risk youth, and abused children tug at my heart. The need is so great. I want to solve the needs but what can one person do? The temptation is to either serve too much and get exhausted or hide and pretend all will be OK somehow.

Come away and rest

Jesus and his disciples faced all these needs in his day. On one occasion he sent out his twelve and they went around the villages healing and teaching. After a successful trip they came back and reported to him all they had done and taught. As a result many people were coming and going - so much so that they didn't even have time to eat.

As I read that story, I think about the fact that he could have done it all - solved every need. And yet....

In Mark 6, the account of the disciples tells us that they had been serving and ministering to those around them. And they were tired! I can understand that - since I lean to the side of over-functioning and trying to do it all. Jesus recognized their need and didn't give them a visionary speech to inspire them to keep going.

Instead he said, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest." So they went with him. However, the people followed. As they arrived at their quiet place, the crowds were waiting. Jesus didn't turn them away but had compassion. Then he tells the weary disciples (now they had just rowed or sailed across a big lake) to feed the masses. What? I thought we were going on a much needed retreat.

Probably a bit stunned, they point out to Jesus the fact that they don't have the practical resources - not to mention their emotional and physical condition. Unfazed Jesus tells them to bring what they have. They really have nothing to bring, but Jesus uses it to feed over 5000 people.

Jesus is more than enough.

The disciples had no resources but Jesus didn't need anything from them. God has been showing me that I need to live at a sustainable pace. It's not up to me. All I need to bring is what I have - though it is not much as far as time, energy and ability - it's more than enough. When I show up and rely on Jesus, he will provide and take care of all the needs.

Why Do You Serve?

"Everybody can be great because anybody can serve...You only need a heart full of grace; a soul generated by love. "

Martin Luther King, Jr.

What motivates us to serve?

Serving and volunteering to me are synonymous. After all, Semper Vita is partly about meaningful, missional volunteering. What we as Semper Vita people desire to do is serve people in the community. Now volunteering and providing opportunities isn't new. But lately, volunteering seems to be taking off. Of course people have always volunteered and served but now it appears to be surrounded with fanfare and more publicity. That leads me to ask a simple question: "Why do I serve? Why do I volunteer?"

For me worthwhile causes and the opportunity for lasting impact have been driving forces. I don't do it to be great but rather to make a difference. There are big issues and significant challenges that should be solved. I want to be part of the solution.

What is our focus?

Well hold on! Is there a difference between wanting to be great and wanting to have lasting impact? Just recently I realized that even the concept of serving to make a difference or change the world still revolves around me! People who've known me over the years probably heard me say at one point "I want to change the world." The problem with this statement is not my passion but my focus.

Instead of focusing on me, I need to keep my eyes on God. The key is to join Him where He is already working. (For more on that concept read Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God.) He's the only one who can truly heal, change and save people.

Why do I serve? I would have to say that God compels me. Often I don't really want to volunteer or serve because there's a cost. Sometimes when I feel that the cost is too great, I just don't do anything. This usually doesn't last long because when I don't give back and serve I feel so much less alive.

How about you? Why do you serve?

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve."

Albert Schweitzer

Ingredients for a Meaningful Life

It's about who not what...

Fame and fortune don't matter much

It seems like in the last few weeks we've lost quite a few famous people...I'm sure you can fill in the blanks of people who fit those ranks. How long will they be remembered? Did their lives leave a lasting impression?

I watched House last night, a rerun, and he addressed a very sick young woman who chose to refuse treatment and wanted to die with dignity. He told her, "people can only live with dignity." It's a compelling statement.  Rest assured, I don't take my prescriptions from House but his counsel is a truism. It's about here; it's about now; it's about life.

What are the ingredients of a meaningful life?

I happened to read Ecclesiastes chapter 1 this morning. (I try to read a chapter or section in the Old and New Testament each day.) This book starts out by telling us that everything is meaningless. This sounds like a pretty depressing statement on the surface unless you understand the context of what the writer is saying.

The probable author is King Solomon. He was the wisest man on earth, maybe the wisest ever. Yet as he explored all knowledge, sampled all experiences and investigated everything under the sun - that means here on earth - he found that everything is meaningless. What does he mean? It's meaningless without God.

The way we can live meaningful, purposeful and joyful lives is by placing God at the center of our life, work and activities. When we accept life as God designed it and seek Him first, the rest just starts making sense.

At Semper Vita, we believe that placing God at the center includes the way we volunteer. When we serve others out of our love and reverence for God, we create meaning and have lasting impact. Our "doing good" may actually do more good than we even could imagine. It's meaningful when we serve God by serving others - both for us and for them.

New Year's Plans

It's week 2 of the new year...how are the plans holding up?

As we plan for a new year, it makes sense to consider the ultimate outcomes. At the end of the year, when we reflect back, what do we want to be able to say? Do we want to have spent more time working? Shopping? Watching TV? Probably not. Or, do we want to look back on a year where we made a difference? Contributed to society? Grew personally? I hope that's our wish. It is mine!

Deeds that will last

Of course, if I invest I'd like it to have impact - lasting impact. At the end of the year, I'd like to look back and see that the things I spent time on produced fruit. Fruit that will last.

Recipe for lasting fruit

If there was a recipe for guaranteed fruit, would we follow it? What if there was a way to live so that we could have lasting results, would we take that road? There is according to John chapter 15. Verse 5 records Jesus' words on the matter, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5, NIV).  Another version states it this way: "I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you're joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can't produce a thing" (The Message).

These are strong words. How do we "remain"? I think it's through prayer and reading God's word. When we start there and then live to make a difference, we'll have lasting impact.

Your turn

What do you think? Are your plans the kind that will stand the test of time? Do you believe Jesus' words? If not, what's your standard that you live by?

Happy New Year - Let's Dream Big

Here's to a great new year, full of promises, hopes and dreams; let's together commit to making a difference by serving in community.

It's a New Year

As I reflected on the first lines of this post, the words "I love starting over" came to mind. And I do. It's exciting to begin again. Clean pages in a journal, new goals, a whole year full of promises. Last year's post on my personal blog, the predecessor to this one, I wrote that "I love to celebrate the start of a new year. The idea of starting over." Everyone can start over at any time during the year but New Year's seems just the perfect time.

For me it starts with the countdown and ringing in the New Year. Then on January 1, I spend time praying, reading my Bible and thinking about the year ahead. After my time with God, I write in my journal - the brand new one with clean pages - and write down my hopes, dreams and goals.

Hopes rather than resolutions

This year I established personal plans but also wrote my goals and dreams for Semper Vita. What do I hope to achieve personally? It includes spiritual growth, living each day to the full, staying organized, vacation, and of course...weight loss and exercise. No New Year's goals are complete without diet and exercise, right?

What about Semper Vita?

 Here are some of my goals for this brand new non-profit:

• invite hundreds of people to join the Semper Vita volunteer force
• helpdf people to discover their wiring and find their best self through training
• release version 1 of the software
• officially launch Semper Vita as a missional entity
• raise $200,000
• partner with churches and non-profits to collaborate for a better community

I believe that together we can make a difference in our communities and in the world. Together we can begin a new year, starting with the best resolution: to love much, live well, and give back this coming year.

Make It Christmas For Kids In Need

The right treatment can change the day.

Unequal treatment

My front wheels were damaged last week during the snow storm in the Greater Seattle area. One was clipped by a snowplow the other just dinged on a curb. An expense I didn’t need three days before Christmas.

So to make sure I have a car during this season (given that the replacement wheels would take a week), I decided to get all new wheels at a national tire chain. (You know the one that invites you to return your tires if ever you’re not satisfied.) At their nearest location, they didn’t have the wheels and they offered no solutions. I asked for other locations. Grudgingly, they provided me with phone numbers for two nearby locations. (I had to call them myself.)

Before I called I prayed (I tend to pray about most everything) and asked God to lead me to the right place and provide the wheels at a good price. The first number was busy. I tried the second. A courteous manager listened to my situation and offered a solution. He could get the wheels from another location in about an hour. The four wheels were about the same price as the two replacement wheels I had already ordered. So I canceled the first order and purchased the four new wheels. They had an employee drive (about 30 minutes each way) to get the wheels.

The manager told me what time to be at the store - they were staying open till all their customers were helped. Once I arrived, I learned that they had put me in the system at the time of my call – reducing my wait from four hours to two hours. What amazing service. They apologized on behalf of the other location. I thanked them for the excellent service – and told them they were an answer to prayer.

Preferential treatment: You can help kids and teens

So why write about wheels on the Semper Vita blog? Not just because it's a great story about a person who went out of his way to help someone in need but also because it's a great analogy about the plight of struggling kids and teens. Some people see them as necessary inconveniences while other people go out of their way to help them - making a difference in their lives.

I'm including three Seattle-area organizations that are serving homeless or at risk kids. (Not in Seattle, check out your local organizations. Want help? Contact us and we'll help you find the organizations in your area).

Here's three ways we can help kids in need:

• Vision House

Since 1990 Vision House has provided transitional housing with integrated support services to homeless single mothers and their children. Their premise:

1. Kids shouldn't be homeless.
2. Every child deserves a home free from anxiety and fear.
3. Only $26 dollars per night provides housing and services to a homeless child.

There are several ways to help. You can donate to help house a homeless child, help them raise $500 by January 10, donate furniture for new apartments or help out in one of the many volunteer opportunities.

HT: Colleen Nordlund via Facebook Causes.

• Friends of Youth

Friends of Youth delivers a broad range of services to youth and their families to improve their emotional stability and self-sufficiency. "Friends of Youth envisions all youth having every opportunity to succeed."

You can help by donating your time, providing needed items or giving to the great work.

1. Volunteer opportunities include:

• being a parent mentor
• providing childcare at one of the homes
• making dinners
• offering administrative support
• working as a special event or seasonal volunteer
• serving in development positions

2. Want to provide needed items? Here are some things on their wish list:

• personal care items
• bedding
• teen clothing

3. Of course you can always give toward their work through cash donations.

• New Horizons Ministries

"New Horizons Ministries has been serving Seattle's street youth population since 1978. The faces have changed over the years but the nature, heart and extraordinary resilience of these kids remains. That's how we see these youth – as people who are quite extraordinary."

As a multi-cultural organization, they see their mission as follows: "to be in relationship with homeless and street involved young people, serving and loving in the way of Jesus, equipping them to leave street life."

You can help financially, by volunteering or both. To give to the work visit their Ways to Give page on the website. Looking for volunteer opportunities at New Horizons? They range from putting together a building work group, to serving in a food group, providing office help, or working directly with the youth.

Just three more ways to make Christmas special and continue the spirit well into the new year.

As for my car? It was ready after about two hours. Guess what? The wheels look great. Thanks to some great customer service and a caring manager.

Spread Christmas Cheer

It's the season to spread cheer...

It's cold outside. The new snow on my deck measures 10 inches tall. I'm glad I have a home with insulated walls, a heater, warm clothes, electricity and food. I can't imagine being cold, hungry and homeless. This time of cheer is so much harder for our friends and neighbors in need. Everyone of us can make a difference. That's what I believe - it's the Semper Vita premise. Check out these suggestions for making Christmas better for people in need.

Ideas 33 through 37 (out of 46) to make it Christmas every day

        Donate the following to a local food bank, charity or church:

• gift cards to a supermarket for food and/or toiletries
  
• donate clothing with the gift receipt for easy size exchanges

        Call a charity or church (or maybe you know someone personally):

• make a week’s worth of meals for a family in need
• adopt a family for the season and make their Christmas bright
• invite people to your home for Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meals

HT: K. Jason and Kelli Krafsky

Kids Deserve Clothes, Protection and Birthday Parties

With a little time, attention and effort we can change a child's life and future.

Birthdays matter to me

My mother gladly takes the blame for my view on birthdays. She created the situation. Birthdays mattered to her. My sister and I never spent a birthday just getting cake and ice cream with some presents at the end of the day. No way. Birthdays were an event - always. I remember the birthday when the Sound of Music first came out  in the Netherlands (I know this dates me.) My parents allowed me to bring 7 friends to the theater which was a big deal then. We went in our Volkswagen bus and had dinner and a special birthday cake afterward. Another birthday we piled about 20 kids in the bus and other vehicles and went to the dunes in Holland to play the equivalent of "Cowboys and Indians." Afterward we went to a Dutch Pancake house to eat dinner plate-sized pancakes. Yum. Of course before those there were the birthdays at home with games, magic (my dad would do magic tricks), a puppet show (the same dad would put on the performance) and more. After the fun we had dinner and cake. And, we always were allowed to select our favorite dinner. Mine: cooked spinach, mashed potatoes and meatballs. It still is my birthday dinner. (Weird, I know.)

Of course, birthdays are just the icing on the cake. The basics include food, clothes, school supplies, books, and toys. My parents provided those too of course.

Today, I'm writing about three ways to help children and extend Christmas to everyday.

1. All children need clothes, books and toys

Imagine that there are many kids that don't even have the basics. Many foster kids don't have enough for clothes, books and toys. In Washington State, my state, the government pays a maximum of $300 per year for a foster child's clothes. It costs about twice that to clothe them.

If you live in the greater Seattle area you can join Icon Church to help foster kids. On Saturday, December 6, they're going to Seattle to volunteer in the Tree House Wearhouse.  Be part of a team that organizes and distributes books, clothes, and toys to needy foster kids.

They're meeting in Issaquah at 9:00 am and carpooling to Seattle.  RSVP to info@iconchurch.com.

2. Receive Amber Alert texts

Sadly, many children still get abducted each year. The Amber Alert system, named after an abducted child Amber whose parents fought to improve the search process, has helped to locate at least 250 children. The notifications have gone out through radio and television alerts as well as on freeway signs.

Now you can help more quickly and easily. The Amber Alert now uses texts to alert people wirelessly.

"This program is put into place to send text messages to people who sign up in their specific geographic areas when an amber alert is made."

It's easy. Sign up for Wireless Amber Alerts and participate when an alert goes up in your area. Help save more children's lives through receiving a free text message with info of the local Amber Alert.

3. Make birthday gift bags to give a child a birthday

Everyone can do this one. It's a great event for a family, group, church, neighborhood, birthday party or company. I've mentioned Cheerful Givers on this blog before. They provide toy-filled birthday gift bags to food pantries and shelters "so that parents living in poverty can give their child a birthday gift." What a great idea.

Here's how you can help:

• Hold a Birthday Bag Blitz - It's an intense (and fun) campaign. You and your group of volunteers get together to create birthday gift bags, filling each bag with an assortment of ten new toys which include items like books, plush toys, balls, puzzles, stickers, crayons, etc.
  
  If you're in the Minnesota area, Cheerful Givers has a list of local food shelves or shelters. Outside of the Twin Cities it will take one extra step. Find your local food bank and drop off the bags.
  
  Want to plan a Blitz or need more information? Contact Karen@cheerfulgivers.org.
• No time for your personal Blitz? Donate online.
• Let them know what you did. Send photos or a your story to Karen.

Thanks for spreading the cheer. Want to give to Semper Vita? We would love your help. We're working to connect people and organizations to do more good together.

Do Good 46 Days 46 Ways

46 reasons to make Christmas last.

It's 46 for me

What's all this about 46? Well, last Friday I turned 46. So knowing that this was coming, I started this campaign of extending Christmas and thinking of ways to contribute to neighbors, local communities and global causes on November 10...46 days before Christmas.

11 down, 35 to go

Well, I skipped two days so will have to double up some. I've suggested and highlighted 11 ways to contribute. Did you catch them all?

1. 50,000 shoes to those who need them.
2. Benefit for Nickelsville.
3. Shopping smart for local food banks.
4. Call to make someone's day.
5. Become a daily do gooder.
6. Give a Thanksgiving dinner.
7. Provide a meal and shelter for a pet.
8. Notice people around you and act.
9. Donate air miles to charity.
10. Thank a fire fighter.
11. Invest in someone today.

Today's suggestions to make a difference - #12

Arriving in the second half of my forties, the fight to cure breast cancer becomes more real. Dear friends of mine are breast cancer survivors. Teree and Kathy are doing very well. Another friend has participated in the breast cancer 3-Day two years in a row. Happy Birthday Marina! I'm proud of you. You can make a difference by giving a woman in need a free mammogram. A free click might save a life.

I need your help!

I'd like to come up with 34 more ways to make it Christmas everyday. What's your suggestion? Any ideas for volunteer opportunities? Click on "comments" and send me your way to spread cheer.

Look Around, See The Signs And Respond

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders...Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out. (Colossians 4:5, the Message)

Do you know the phenomenon of semiotics? Semiotics is the study of sign processes (semiosis), or signification and communication. It involves signs and symbols. I first learned of it from Leonard Sweet. According to Semioticon.com, it can be

"understood as the multidisciplinary study of information, meaning, communication, interpretation, sign systems and evolution, texts, interactions, organizations, cultural and social transformations, sense-making and all other topics that may emerge from future research, models and theories."

Reading the signs

Over your head? Well, yeah. Me too. But  one of the basic ideas is something we've all experienced. You know how when you learn a new word, suddenly everyone is using it? Or so it seems. And, if you find a new car, suddenly there's lots of those kinds of cars on the road - even though you never saw one before. Coincidence? No, it's semiotics. It's seeing and reading signs. The new car, the new word - they're like signs. Once you notice the sign you see it everywhere.

Helping people

I'm sure it's like that with helping people. I've been suggesting ways to make it Christmas everyday (over the last seven days). Has it helped you? Are you looking around for opportunities? Are you noticing things differently? Does it seem like everyone is talking, writing, blogging and mentioning volunteering? If so, you're reading the signs.

Look and respond

I guess I'm starting to notice too. Yesterday, I went to a church near my home. I had meant to visit it for years but never got around to it. My son was supposed to play in a soccer game in Everett but he woke up with the flu. So, we decided to stay home. This meant I could go to church. After a few minutes of debating, I went to this church.

The worship was good. The congregation was small - only about 35 people. The atmosphere pleasant. And then, it happened. The pastor stood up and announced that this was his last day. He'd been appointed two years earlier and now had been let go. As I heard him tell his story in a very gracious way - honoring his leaders, the people in his church and God - I knew that I'd been sent to be there that day.

You see, a year ago, I was let go from my pastoral job. I knew it was the right decision but it still hurt when it happened. Now, looking back, I'm so glad. God knew that I needed time to start Semper Vita, time for my family, and time to deal with the remodel of my house.

Back to this morning. When the pastor left, I followed him out and introduced myself. I encouraged him to stay positive and to continue believing that God was in the situation with him. I told him a bit of my story, how originally it had hurt but that I had known letting me go was right. Now I am very grateful. He seemed encouraged. I knew that I'd just read the signs and answered the call.

Your turn

Who's around you that needs a word of encouragement, a hug or a helping hand? Please look around. And, if it seems just too coincidental - it probably is no coincidence at all. You're there to reach out. Let me know how it goes. Send me your comments and stories. Thanks!

Coupons to Help Local Food Banks

Adjusting to include new uses for coupons to live Christmas everyday

On a recent visit to Dr. Curt Nelson, my chiropractor of 15 years, I noticed a collection box for canned and dry goods. His practice's anniversary is coming up and he celebrates every year by collecting food for Hopelink, one of our local food banks, and giving away free adjustments. Of course I'll participate in both! He takes good care of my back and by going I'll be helping my local neighbors. My back and my heart will feel better in one visit!

As I was thinking about what to donate, I thought about my recent re-dedication to coupon clipping. There are many coupons I don't use because we can only eat so much! Then it hit me. What a great way to extend my food donation. I'll be using the coupons to buy extra canned and dry goods to donate when I go to Dr. Nelson's anniversary celebration.

Coupons, canned foods and the food bank

Clipping coupons and checking the grocery stores' sales flyers are another way to help neighbors in need. For a little extra change you can add a few items to your cart and help a local family have a meal. Coupons can help you and others in these tougher times. It's just another way to make it Christmas every day. Won't you add a few canned and/or dry goods to your cart to help a neighbor? I'm sure there's a donation box or food bank near you. Let me know if you need help finding a location to donate the goods!

It's one more way to make it Christmas everyday.

Live Music, Coffee and Tea Served for Nickelsville

Christmas everyday continued...more ideas for ways you can spread cheer.

When my son was little he saw a homeless man in Seattle and just burst out in tears. My reaction had been to walk by while considering whether to give the guy my spare change or not. I really didn't think it would be put to good use so I would have kept walking. However, my son could not move on. He wanted to stop and help. So, I grabbed some dollars out of my wallet and let him give it to the man.  Though I might have felt satisfied with my response, my son remained sad for a long time. His response revealed my callousness. How could I as a Christian walk past someone in need without concern? Hmmm.

A Quest For More

This past Sunday, Shane Claiborne spoke at Quest Church in Seattle. Eugene Cho, pastor of Quest, had invited him for a learning conversation. The attendees in the packed room eagerly listened to Shane discussing concepts from his book, Jesus for President. He spoke about our political response as Christians. He challenged us to look at homelessness, the poor and disadvantaged, those without health insurance and other issues in a new way. Rather than dismissing the issues or judging the people, Shane, founder of the simple way, invited us to respond with love, compassion and as community.

Listen, Sip and Bring A Blanket and Change 

Eugene Cho added a plug for an upcoming event at Q Cafe, a non-profit neighborhood cafe in Seattle featuring direct trade espresso and tea, art, live music, and community events.  This coming Saturday at 7:30 pm, Jeff Green, Tim Harris, and The Raging Grannies will hold a live music benefit show for Nickelsville. The cost is $10 or $5 when you bring a coat or blanket.These are the kinds of things we can all do. At Semper Vita, we want to help each person find their way to volunteer, give back, live and give in community. Maybe this is one way to help the homeless.

Stay tuned for more ideas for things you can do to make it Christmas everyday.

Bought Two Pairs at www.50000shoes.com

I bought my two pairs or shoes. Wonder which person they'll go to. Can you imagine never having owned shoes? Buying 2 pair for $5 is the least I could do. How about you?

At TSO, Bart Shatto Invited Us To Live Christmas Daily

A bit early? Remember, it's only 46 days till Christmas.

Tamara, Fred and I went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Show in Seattle on Saturday, November 8. It was great! Amazing music, a spectacular light show, great entertainment and the wonderful telling of the Christmas story.

My favorite was still Bart Shatto.

Last year I was deeply moved by a homeless man in the TSO audience who seemed displaced. Some of you may remember that I wrote on my blog that I was surprised by his presence and then worried about him. I didn't want him to be kicked out. Eventually I discovered that he was part of the show. He challenged me (and everyone there) with his presence and with a very moving song. 

Well, he was there again this year - and he was still the favorite part of the show for me! He sang the same song, "Why can't it be Christmas every day?" and I want to ask again, "why not?"

Can We Make It Christmas Everyday?!

Bart's ballad illustrated the need for being aware of needs around us everyday. Homelessness, needs, poverty and loneliness exist year round. What if we started now and acted everyday? We have 46 days until Christmas to make a difference.

What Can We Do Now?

Donate two pairs of shoes for $5.

As Tamara wrote on her blog today, you can donate 2 pairs of shoes in 2 minutes for $5 and you will be entered to win a trip to Mexico to give someone their very first pair of shoes!

She explains that Forbes.com released the story on Friday: Soles4Souls(TM) Inc., the Shoe Charity, Launches Large Scale Charity Challenge Using Social Media. And today, bloggers, tweeters, Facebookers, and social media users around the world are uniting to spread the word about this new charity challenge:

If you, I,  and 24,998 of our closest friends donate $5 before the new year chimes in, 50,000 people will be getting their very first pair of shoes!

Visit www.50000shoes.com to donate $5 now.

Tomorrow: More ideas for things you can do to make it Christmas everyday. Stay tuned.