A place to take refuge

This weekend I was a sponsor on a BSM trip to Fort Worth. Shane and Katy Blackshear and I took 11 students to work with refugees through a non-profit organization called Catholic Charities. Over the past few months I had been praying about mission opportunities that the Lord might have me be involved in, and I was so excited when Katy asked me to join this trip - it was definitely an eye-opener!

Amazingly, I only had to travel 2 hours away from my home to meet people from Burma, Bhutan and Kenya. Honestly, while I have heard of all of these countries and could probably locate Kenya on a map, I definitely had no idea about where Burma or Bhutan were located or anything about the struggle of the people there and why they would be refugees.

The families we encountered have come to America for refuge and safety. They fled their homes for many reasons and some have lived in refugee camps for ten years or more. Many that we met spoke very broken English, so I didn't hear all of these stories, but I know that they are survivors! Each family was so welcoming and kind. Several invited us into their homes and gave us the only chairs that they had in their apartments to sit on, while they took the floor. We were collecting "Christmas Wish List" information for their children, so we asked them each what they would they might like. It was so humbling when they would simply ask for a jacket to keep warm or pencils for school. None of them asked for an X-box 360 or Wii, the latest Hannah Montana cd or an ipod. Their faces lit up when we suggested a gift like a soccerball or baby doll.

It really made me aware of how much I have and how I take it for granted. There are so many in need around the world, people who don't know when they will be able to eat again or if they will have a roof over their head tonight. I am so thankful that I do not have these worries, and I hope that this holiday season I can find opportunities to share with those less fortunate.

I was also struck this weekend by the fact that we live in a country where people can feel safe enough to come here for refuge. It is wonderful to know that our government is helping those who cannot help themselves. But, at the same time, it is important to remember that God is our ultimate refuge! As the psalmist said in Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble." It is my prayer that as these refugee settle into their new homes and new lives that they will meet Jesus Christ. That they will find the ultimate hope that comes from a relationship with him and experience hope and peace like they've never known.

This morning we had the opportunity to worship with several Bhutanese people at the Altamesa Christ of Christ. This church has been a wonderful example of God's love to these hurting people. We talked with some of the church members that work with the Bhutanese ministry and they shared that through meeting the immediate physical needs of the refugees, they were able to meet their spiritual needs. The chuch was not looking to start a Bhutanese ministry, but God lead the people to their door, and so they embraced them and started finding ways to minister to them. I pray that I would be an ever-ready servant like that!

Second box of candles and the BGCT

Did you know that birthday candles only come in boxes of 24? I learned that the hard way when Lorin had to buy two boxes of candles for my birthday cake on Friday. haha, it's so funny getting older! I had such a wonderful birthday! I drove down to Galveston and took Lorin's guided tour of the Moody mansion, then Lor, Phil and I drove into Houston to meet Mom, Dad, Jamie and Madison at Outback Steakhouse to celebrate! I don't think I could have asked for a better present than to have all of my family together! (I did get a GPS, Sleeping Beauty, the new Carrie Underwood CD and a beautiful mirror as well!)

The rest of the weekend we spent together (in the executive suite at the Hilton - which was definitely a sweet suite!) at the Baptist General Convention of Texas Annual Meeting. Since Dad is president, he presided over the entire meeting and did such a wonderful job! People kept telling me how much they appreciated his leadership, his kind and gentle spirit and the way that he has brought about so much peace to the convention over the past year. The Lord has truly gifted Dad is so many ways and I was beaming with pride for him these past few days. Dad was re-elected to serve as president for another year through a vote of acclimation. It served as a great affirmation to his great leadership this past year. Here's a story about it!

It was also a mini family reunion - my grandparents were there along with my uncles John and Steve, aunt Debbie, and to our great surprise, my great aunt Debbie and uncle David! Monday night was really special because my mom sang in the praise team, my sisters and I read scripture on stage right before Dad preached a sermon on compassion, and then my Papa closed the session in prayer. Three generations of Lowrie's were present, representing a wonderful heritage of faith.

In addition to being the first daughter of the convention, I also had several other jobs. I worked at the HPU booth, helped with our alumni dinner (where my college roommate Meredith got to come and lead the prayer!) and wrote an article for about one of the general sessions. You can read it if you click here. It was a great convention and such a blessing to be a part of! So far, being 25 has been pretty wonderful! I look forward to all adventures to come!

All grown up

A couple of weekends ago, Jamie and I went home to Canyon to see little Madie in her high school musical The Music Man. While we were watching her, Jamie and I both looked at each other and realized that our baby sister was all grown up! She looked so beautiful and was a wonderful dancer and chorus girl! Here's a few pics from her standing ovation producing performance!

H-town

While my family and I were in Houston for the BGCT annual meeting, we took part in several VERY different cultural events!


On Saturday night, my sisters and I went to the sold out Chris Brown concert at the House of Blues. It was quite an experience! I don't think I would've gone with anyone else, and we were definitely out of our element, but we had a lot of fun. While we do not agree with his personal choices in life, Chris is really a great dancer, singer and overall entertainer. We had alot of fun!


On Sunday night, Lorin, Phil and I went with my mom to see the auther A. J. Jacobs speak at the Jewish Community Center. Jacobs is the author of several books including Know it All and The Year of Living Biblically. He has just written a new book, which he was promoting. I haven't read any of his books, but I think that they are probably really funny. I did buy the biblical book to read, and of course get autographed. That book is the most intriguing to me because he is a Jew that decided to live an entire year of life following every law and rule he could find in the Bible. He said that it was a really life changing year and he implemented several things into his life afterwards, but sadly, he missed the point of the Bible. He was so wrapped up in the legalism that he missed out on the Savior! He missed the reason for following God's laws - love that pours out of our lives after we have accepted Jesus in our hearts and received redemption from sin. I'm looking forward to reading the book, and it was neat to hear him speak, nonetheless.


Then on Sunday night, we were able to see Robbie Seay perform a concert at the convention. I really loved his voice and he has a great new song called "Miracle" that I'm going to buy on iTunes! It was definitely a change from the other two nights, but I really enjoyed it!!!

25

This Friday I will be turning 25 years old. It is so hard to believe that I'm that old already! For some reason I have been dwelling on this birthday for a long time, or should I say dreading it? ha ha. Growing up, I think that I always imagined 25 as this magical age where everything that I had dreamed about would become a reality. My mom was married and had me by the time she was 25, so logically, I would be married and already be a mom as well. But, you know, life doesn't always (OK it rarely ever) turns out the way you imagine, and I'm finding that it's really okay, and actually better that way. God has plans for my life that I would never have thought of, and His plans are SO much better than mine! While I may not be married yet or have any kids, I do have so much to be thankful for! And so, in honor of my 25th birthday, I decided I would share 25 things that I am thankful for.

1. My Savior Jesus Christ - he gave his life for me and he loves me more than I deserve or can comprehend. I would be nothing without him!
2. Dad - an amazing father and incredible man of God! I am so honored to call him my dad! He has taught me so much and I am so proud of all that he has done!
3. Mom - my mom has invested so much into my life. I am so amazed how resilient she is and how amazing she is! Her thirst for knowledge is unquenchable and I am always learning something new from her! She is so much fun to be around and I know that she prays for me every single day!
4. Lorin - my sister, my friend! Lorin knows me better than anyone! She is such a blessing in my life and I am so proud of the woman that she has become! She has such a tender, compassionate heart and loves with everything inside of her!
5. Jamie - also my sister and my friend! She is so much fun to be around and has so much to add to my life! I love hanging out with her and am so proud of the woman she is becoming!
6. Madison - my baby sister that is all grown up! Sometimes I think she is so much like me, and other times we are so different. I love her so much and can't wait to see all that she will do!
7. Phillip - my brother-in-law. He loves my sister so much and it has been so wonderful to add him to our family! He is truly the man God designed for Lorin and I am blessed to know him!
8. HPU - I don't think I can put into words how much this school has changed my life! I never dreamed I would've gone to college at this small Baptist school in central Texas, but God sure had other plans in mind. The people at HPU have forever made an impact on my life!
9. My job - I never knew I would be working as an "alumni and media relations assistant," but I am able to use the talents God has given me to share the good news about a school that I love. I am especially thankful for a job in our economy right now! Praise God for a secure paycheck!
10. The Herd - you know who you are! I was starving for friendship when I met each of you amazing girls and you are so much more amazing than I could have imagined! I know that you will always be part of my life and I can't wait for our reunion in January! Bran, Jess, Cass, Mere, Becca, Kate, Steph, April, Katie, Maria, Hannah, Sarah - I love you all!
11. Wauwatosa, Wisconsin - really, the people in this suburb! Again, I never dreamed that the Lowrie pilgrimage way up north would change my life, but it sure did. I learned so much during my time living there and I will forever treasure my memories! Katie, Erie, Jen McT, Jenny P, Erin, Courtney, Sarah, Erin- you bless my life!
12. Shelley and Amanda - we have been friends since we were 3 years old! We were all baptized on the same day, and I was blessed to stand up in both of your weddings. You will always be part of my life!
13. Family - I have come from such a rich heritage and I am so thankful for each of my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I was thinking about my Papa Crane today - on Veteran's Day. He served in the Navy during WWII and I am so proud of his service! I really miss him so much!
14. Travel - God has blessed me with the ability to travel around the world, and I am so thankful for each of the opportunities! I love travelling so much and can't wait for my next adventure.
15. Books - I absolutely LOVE to read and I am so thankful for books! I just don't know what I would do without them.
16. Great co-workers - God has blessed me with great co-workers and student workers that are wonderful to work with! I never dread going to work in the morning, because I get to see great people everyday!
17. America - I know, of course I would say this as a political science nerd - but truthfully I am very thankful for this country I live in.
18. Surprise friendships - (Danielle and Candice) God has provided me with surprise friendships exactly when I needed them!
19. Education - I am so thankful for the education that I have received! I wouldn't be where I am without it!
20. My apartment - this has been such a wonderful arrangement since I graduated! It is so close to everything and living here rent free has been incredible! Thank you God for my little home!
21. The Mitchell Family - Jeff, Kristy and Tyler - I am thankful for the blessing they are in my life! They are great friends that I know I can always rely on! I don't know what I would do without them in Brownwood!
22. Facebook - haha, I know it's kind of a frivilous thing to be thankful for, but I really am grateful for it because I am able to stay connected with so many people in my life!
23. My good old cellphone - another great communication tool that allows me to stay connected with everyone I love while they are spread out all over the place!
24. Musical nights - with Lorin, Cristal and Brittany! Definitely a wonderful addition to my life. I love you girls and am so thankful for you!
25. Twenty-five wonderful years of life - for the good times, the bad times and the inbetween. God has remained constant everyday and I am so extremely blessed! Thank you, sweet Jesus for all of these blessings!!!

What difference do it make? by Ron Hall, Denver Moore and Lynn Vincent

Ron Hall and Denver Moore join together for a sequel to their New York Times bestseller Same Kind of Different as Me. A wonderful continuation of a truly life-changing story, this book shares more stories of the unlikely friendship between a millionaire art dealer (Hall) and an illiterate homeless man (Moore). Throughout the book are stories about people who read the first book and were inspired in different ways. What difference do it make? also provides the reader with motivational thoughts on how to make a difference in the world around you.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to others! I think it is important to read Same Kind of Different as Me first, so that you understand the history and background. This is like a "bonus features" section, providing more detail on many stories that had already been shared. I absolutely loved the small stories from readers - sharing how the book had impacted them and inspired them to make a difference. It was definitely very convicting, making me aware of my own prejudices and uninformed views of homelessness.

This is my first book review for Thomas Nelson, and I am looking forward to my next book!

More pictures from DC

Here are a few more pictures from my trip to DC last week. I had such a great time! One of the highlights was actually seeing A Streetcar Named Desire at the Kennedy Center Starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett! She was awesome and it was so neat to see her perform live. It was definitely worth the $25 and standing for 3 hours straight (it was sold out and the only tickets they had available were standing room only!). Other highlights included my first trip to Mount Vernon - which was beautiful! - and a visit to the top of the Washington Monument to see DC from up above.