An attitude of gratitude makes us rich.
An attitude of gratitude makes us rich.
There are those who have everything and yet are thankful for nothing, but to those who are thankful, nothing becomes everything.
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| Sunset in Michigan |
Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving! :)! I hope you are doing ok and keeping your heart up despite all the craziness in the world around us.
I know it can be so easy to get weighed down with the burdens of life and sometimes just feel sad or troubled for no specific reason. Our minds tend to easily dwell on negative thoughts and overlook a a positive one right in front of us. We think about things we wish we had and yet fail to realize how much we actually have. We think about things we wish others would say or do for us, but then miss an opportunity to say or do something for others. Gratitude is a gift we can give ourselves, which like a seed, will grow into a whole new attitude and bring a beautiful change to your life.
Be grateful for that breath you just took, for the sun on your face or the rain on the window. Be thankful for your eyes to see, for a mind that can create and learn and for all the many gifts that surround you.
I know it can be so easy to get weighed down with the burdens of life and sometimes just feel sad or troubled for no specific reason. Our minds tend to easily dwell on negative thoughts and overlook a a positive one right in front of us. We think about things we wish we had and yet fail to realize how much we actually have. We think about things we wish others would say or do for us, but then miss an opportunity to say or do something for others. Gratitude is a gift we can give ourselves, which like a seed, will grow into a whole new attitude and bring a beautiful change to your life.
Be grateful for that breath you just took, for the sun on your face or the rain on the window. Be thankful for your eyes to see, for a mind that can create and learn and for all the many gifts that surround you.
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| Aspen gold in Colorado. |
I met a beautiful homeless man down town Chicago who had nothing to his name but a plastic bag with a few possessions in it. He was so grateful for a shirt I gave him he started crying and just didn't stop saying thank you. Maybe you and I have more than a plastic bag to our name, but what we have does not make us who we are. Imagine if you did, really have nothing but one bag with a few belongings in it. What kind of person would you be? Could you find contentment and happiness? Riches are within and an attitude of gratitude makes us rich.
I don't just mean just gratitude for things you can see, but rather a deeper gratitude that leads you to consider and contemplate a Father who gave us everything, even His own Son.
Imagine if you gave a child the coolest gift ever for Christmas, like a pony or bike. Then, instead of being really grateful, a few days later the child asked you for something else, then something else, then something else. If you just kept giving the child things, it would make that first awesome gift you gave him like nothing. God gave us the free gift of salvation. He gave us His only Son, Jesus. There is literally nothing else, nothing greater He could ever give us.
He gave us thee answer to every question and the solution to every problem. He gave us comfort in our pain, healing for our wounds and forgiveness for all our sin and mistakes past present and future. He gave us hope in a hopeless world, laughter in the midst of sorrow, a love beyond anything we could dream of and practical help in even the most impossible situation. He gave us the high purpose of serving others and taking His love to the world. And above all else He gave us eternal life, to be with the Father forever in His eternal Kingdom and be saved from hell.
Christ died so that we would not live for ourselves, but for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). The depth of our gratitude shows the depth we grasp the magnitude of our sin and the phenomenal work that Jesus did to pay our ransom. Let us be full of thanksgiving to God our Father and consider the way we reflect gratitude in our lives. That we give seeking nothing in return, that we love the unloveable and remember the forgotten. And that we look not merely to receive from life, but to define it.
I don't just mean just gratitude for things you can see, but rather a deeper gratitude that leads you to consider and contemplate a Father who gave us everything, even His own Son.
Imagine if you gave a child the coolest gift ever for Christmas, like a pony or bike. Then, instead of being really grateful, a few days later the child asked you for something else, then something else, then something else. If you just kept giving the child things, it would make that first awesome gift you gave him like nothing. God gave us the free gift of salvation. He gave us His only Son, Jesus. There is literally nothing else, nothing greater He could ever give us.
He gave us thee answer to every question and the solution to every problem. He gave us comfort in our pain, healing for our wounds and forgiveness for all our sin and mistakes past present and future. He gave us hope in a hopeless world, laughter in the midst of sorrow, a love beyond anything we could dream of and practical help in even the most impossible situation. He gave us the high purpose of serving others and taking His love to the world. And above all else He gave us eternal life, to be with the Father forever in His eternal Kingdom and be saved from hell.
Instead of thinking about things we can't do or change, let us do something that will change the way we think -
Contemplate Jesus. Study the Gospel of John.
Christ died so that we would not live for ourselves, but for Him (2 Cor. 5:15). The depth of our gratitude shows the depth we grasp the magnitude of our sin and the phenomenal work that Jesus did to pay our ransom. Let us be full of thanksgiving to God our Father and consider the way we reflect gratitude in our lives. That we give seeking nothing in return, that we love the unloveable and remember the forgotten. And that we look not merely to receive from life, but to define it.
It's funny how in just a few days you can end up in such a completely different world, now surrounded by extreme poverty, violence and chaos. We pray Gods grace and mercy would help us to touch lives here with His love.
Yesterday we performed an event for the homeless at a Catholic Parish. They provided a meal for around 150 families, and we performed a show of magic, dance and theater. I love to make them laugh in all their sadness and then plant a seed of hope that even though they have nothing, they can find a place in Jesus, a man who was also homeless.
We already have a lot of events scheduled here in Brazil for Christmas and after, so we are definitely going to hit the ground running. On thanksgiving we have an event with 500 kids! So as you kick back, watch football and eat turkey, enjoy relaxing and know I'll be surrounded with 500 kids shouting and yelling in an acoustically nightmare situation...really...enjoy :) (Unless of course you have some really wacky relatives, then I got it better;))
It was fun lugging 16, fifty pound boxes, and 16 very heavy "carry ons" through two international airports (carry ons which are insanely oversized and bought from thrift stores so already beat up and ready to bust;) :)! It's especially fun when we get to take them on and off the carts many times to go through security. Since we could never afford to ship things down to Brazil because its insanely expensive, we take everything we can on the check throughs which are allowed for free, so we are always pushing it with bringing bibles, our performance equipment, donated items companies have given us to give to the people we work with like stuffed animals, hygiene products, chess sets and small toys (to which I am extremely grateful)) When we landed in Brazil, this one guard was about to start opening and searching every box! We explained that we were working as volunteers in his country and that we would gladly open and every single box and spread all our stuff all over his counter, obviously greatly delaying everything and holding up the whole line :). He decided we could just go.
We had spent the fall in America because we had to take care of some things, and also because we got an amazing opportunity to work in some American prisons. We visited some of the universities, schools, cities, shelters and prisons across the US. The time went so quickly I can't believe it, but in another sense, it seemed like five years. We did so much, touched and were touched by so many people and I feel like I have learned so many things and touched a deeper level of the Fathers profound love.
Here is a quick update of our time in the States:)
One day when I was down town Atlanta, I met a beautiful family that was homeless. A mom, her sister and four small children. They were so open to the Gospel and grateful that someone would talk to them and care about them. I got them a pizza and some fries which made the little boys so happy:). The oldest boy was only 9 but really mature and eager to help his mom take care of his siblings. I held the littlest one for a bit to give the mom a break and he fell asleep in my arms.
We spent time down town Denver, working in schools and helping the homeless. In each city we visit we make up lunch kits and care packages that we give to the beautiful men and women who have come on hard times and ended up homeless. So many stories. I was also able to make a good contact with in the Colorado department of Corrections and we hope to be able to work with them in the prison in the future.
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| We make up lunch kits depending on what we can get affordable in bulk. |
When we were in Chicago, we had the idea after the Chicago marathon, to pick up all the coats and sweatshirts that the runners had discarded. It was raining so they were soaked and we took them home to wash and dry them then bring them back to give them out to the homeless throughout the city. They were so grateful to get a coat or sweatshirt of such high quality, since most of this stuff was expensive on brand athletic gear:).
I met a homeless man in a wheel chair named Punchy. He had been through so much in his life it would be a really long story to write to you. His father had left when he was a boy, he had suffered abuse, then been in an accident and now his feet were so swollen he suffered extreme pain and couldn't walk. He also had very serious heart problems. I took him to lunch and shared the Gospel with him and got to know him, it was a beautiful time. He told me that sometimes at night he was so afraid to go to sleep because he was afraid he might not wake up. I shared with him about eternal life and the hope of knowing the Father.
Another young guy I met named Tray, had a seizure while I was talking to him. He had to sit down and breathe. He told me that 5 years ago he had a great life and job. One day he was waiting for the metro when he lost his balance and fell on the tracks. The train hit him and he suffered broken ribs, a broken skull (he showed me his scars) and other injuries. He spent time in the hospital and when he couldn't pay the hospital bills, he ended up on the street. He told me that now all he had to his name was the plastic bag in his hand. I don't usually give money to the homeless I meet because I can't really afford to, and often they would use it on alcohol or drugs. I usually give out lunch bag or clothes. But I decided to give this guy 30$ along with some stuff because he clearly had it together and needed some help. I had the contact to a shelter that said they could give him a bed. He was unbelievably grateful.
My brother met a man name Anthony, who had just gotten out of prison after a 18 year sentence. He was given nothing, just set free. He was trying to take a bus but the driver wouldn't let him. He got into a scuffle, got arrested and sent to Cook County Jail for the night until the judge threw out his case the next day. We took him to lunch at subway and as he made up his food his eyes lit up just looking at all the options. He told us how this was a whole new world for him compared to what it was 18 years ago. He couldn't find a pay phone and so much was different. Think about how much has changed in 18 years?! We got him a room and the fair he needed to make it to his family. He was extremely grateful and wrote my brother the next day a long letter of gratitude.
Another young guy I met named Tray, had a seizure while I was talking to him. He had to sit down and breathe. He told me that 5 years ago he had a great life and job. One day he was waiting for the metro when he lost his balance and fell on the tracks. The train hit him and he suffered broken ribs, a broken skull (he showed me his scars) and other injuries. He spent time in the hospital and when he couldn't pay the hospital bills, he ended up on the street. He told me that now all he had to his name was the plastic bag in his hand. I don't usually give money to the homeless I meet because I can't really afford to, and often they would use it on alcohol or drugs. I usually give out lunch bag or clothes. But I decided to give this guy 30$ along with some stuff because he clearly had it together and needed some help. I had the contact to a shelter that said they could give him a bed. He was unbelievably grateful.
My brother met a man name Anthony, who had just gotten out of prison after a 18 year sentence. He was given nothing, just set free. He was trying to take a bus but the driver wouldn't let him. He got into a scuffle, got arrested and sent to Cook County Jail for the night until the judge threw out his case the next day. We took him to lunch at subway and as he made up his food his eyes lit up just looking at all the options. He told us how this was a whole new world for him compared to what it was 18 years ago. He couldn't find a pay phone and so much was different. Think about how much has changed in 18 years?! We got him a room and the fair he needed to make it to his family. He was extremely grateful and wrote my brother the next day a long letter of gratitude.
We had a number of performances scheduled at the largest jail in Chicago (actually in the entire US), but a high profile case started at the same time and our events had to be postponed. We were disappointed but got the chance to meet with some of the people in charge who were really cool and we hope to work together in the years to come.
Nearby the jail there here a few high schools in a real bad part of Chicago. These kids constantly have to deal with gang violence, poverty and the influence of drugs. We spent time with the kids, playing, taking and teaching them as well as giving them some different things to read, music to listen to and little gifts.
We were ministering near South Bend, so we got to visit the University of Notre Dame. Over 40 years ago my father gave his life to Jesus and was "born again" in the Notre Dame football stadium while looking out at Touch Down Jesus, so this place is special to us. My mom is Irish and my dad is Polish. They both gave my brothers and sisters and I a fighting Irish spirit :). They taught us to care about others and those that suffer and taught us that the things that matter most in life our worth fighting for. I dance Irish step dance as we perform and definitely love all things Irish ;)
We had an incredible opportunity to work in state prisons in Michigan. It is very difficult to get authorization to work with the department of corrections in the US because of high security protocols and bureaucracy. So we were very grateful for this opportunity.
The man in charge who organized everything was awesome and extremely competent. He actually had gone to CMU, the same university as my dad. He genuinely cared about the prisoners and helping us. He is a really cool guy and friend.
We performed for level 4, level 2, and level one guys, many who were serving a life sentence. They were able to bring together a large group of inmates and we had practiced our schedule many times so our transitions and acts were really sharp and on point. It was so cool to perform in a prison in English and have no language barrier.
We had an incredible opportunity to work in state prisons in Michigan. It is very difficult to get authorization to work with the department of corrections in the US because of high security protocols and bureaucracy. So we were very grateful for this opportunity.
The man in charge who organized everything was awesome and extremely competent. He actually had gone to CMU, the same university as my dad. He genuinely cared about the prisoners and helping us. He is a really cool guy and friend.
We performed for level 4, level 2, and level one guys, many who were serving a life sentence. They were able to bring together a large group of inmates and we had practiced our schedule many times so our transitions and acts were really sharp and on point. It was so cool to perform in a prison in English and have no language barrier.
The men were eager to laugh and really enjoyed our magic tricks. We taught so much about forgiveness, eternal life, using their time and the profound love of Jesus. The were so grateful and moved. Afterwards the guards gave us an extra 20 min to talk one on one with the guys and they all wanted to tell us their stories. Most of them had very long sentences.
We heard a good quote in a movie one time that said, "You only have to forgive once, but to regret you have to do it over and over again every day". So many of these guys just live regretting what they did or full of vengeance at someone for what they did. To forgive is the only way to move on and begin to build a future, even behind walls.
In between performances they gave us a nice chicken meal, cooked by inmates, in the prison cafeteria and we got to get an inside look to some of the prison functions.
We heard a good quote in a movie one time that said, "You only have to forgive once, but to regret you have to do it over and over again every day". So many of these guys just live regretting what they did or full of vengeance at someone for what they did. To forgive is the only way to move on and begin to build a future, even behind walls.
In between performances they gave us a nice chicken meal, cooked by inmates, in the prison cafeteria and we got to get an inside look to some of the prison functions.
In one of the prisons we were working, we were not scheduled to perform till the evening, so we took a day trip to visit Grand Rapids, the city where my dad grew up. We got to visit his house, grade school and high school, all the places he used to go, the park and also his mothers grave. I never had the privilege of meeting Rose, my dads mom, she died of cancer when my dad was 20, but I wish I could have and I am grateful to her for giving me my dad :) She had wanted my dad to be a priest, but when she met my mom, and understood that my dad was dedicating his life to the service of others, she was happy. It was special to see so many places that my dad had told us stories about over the years.
On these same steps, we have a picture of my dad posing with his whole football team when he was 14 years old in front of his school!
We had organized, a certain prison in Pennsylvania months in advanced and the organizer printed out a flyer and posted it around the prison so all the man were anticipating our arrival and excited for our visit. They set up a big backdrop stage in the gym, with bleachers for all the men to sit on and the organizers and staff were amazing and did a fantastic job making sure everything went smooth.
The prisoners with life sentences who had been given privileges because of good conduct, had video cameras and film gear. They filmed our performance so that the whole prison could see our show and hear our message, it was really cool.
The prisoners with life sentences who had been given privileges because of good conduct, had video cameras and film gear. They filmed our performance so that the whole prison could see our show and hear our message, it was really cool.
We performed in the late evening and didn't get back to the motel till late that night. So many stories of mistake, tragedy and broken lives. To give these men seeds of hope, forgiveness, and share the love of the Gospel is such a gift. We do not bring them doctrines, laws or moral reform but rather the gift of a living, loving Father and His Son Jesus.
It took a lot of time and work but we were finally able to confirm events in a jail in New York City. It was a very cold morning and the wind off the water made it freezing. It took a while to get all of our clearances before we could cross the bridge onto the island. This prison in considered one of the worst in the nation and high security. The prisons are hard core guys, most of them apart of gangs.
One of the men, when he came in was annoyed and had no idea what was going on. By the time we had finished our performance and the men were leaving, that same man was in tears, knew all of our names and said we had really changed him. The lady who organized the event, told us that for most events they do, because the men are not obligated to stay, they usually loose interest and leave. She was surprised that not one person had left. We thank Jesus for his grace and wisdom to handle this opportunity.
Down town New York, near Grand Central Station, my brother and I met the lady who is in the photo below. It was actually her birthday and she felt completely invisible and unnoticed. We had some of the coats left that we had picked up after the Chicago marathon, and we gave her a really nice one, along with lunch and some money. She broke down in tears so grateful.
I met this other guy living on the streets who had a strong accent. Who I asked him where he was from, he told me he had no idea. He was brought over to the US, and then ended up in foster care then on the streets. He started crying realizing he had no idea who he was or where he belonged. Another women must have been at least 75 years old, clean, kind, but sitting on a sheet on the sidewalk in the freezing cold.
I know its easy to kind of classify homeless people as "homeless people" if you know what I mean. It's easy to kind of group them into a category and overlook them, but they are people, each with their own story of loss and tragedy. When their mother held them in her arms, she never saw this future for them. All of us are a mistake, tragedy or misunderstanding away from being where they are. We have to think like this so that we learn compassion. Of course many use drugs and alcohol and many have made bad choices, but sometimes circumstance brought them there and sometimes they just need a hand on the shoulder that reminds them they are a person. Each one is an individual and we all need love and attention.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone (even though they don't have turkey here;) kkk :)! Don't ever give up! Be thankful for what you have and you will forget about the things you don't have. Give, and you will forget about getting. Don't let the world bring you down. Be humble before the Father and He will lift you up. Fix your eyes on Jesus. Keep our head high and your heart higher!
- Ruth
One of the men, when he came in was annoyed and had no idea what was going on. By the time we had finished our performance and the men were leaving, that same man was in tears, knew all of our names and said we had really changed him. The lady who organized the event, told us that for most events they do, because the men are not obligated to stay, they usually loose interest and leave. She was surprised that not one person had left. We thank Jesus for his grace and wisdom to handle this opportunity.
Down town New York, near Grand Central Station, my brother and I met the lady who is in the photo below. It was actually her birthday and she felt completely invisible and unnoticed. We had some of the coats left that we had picked up after the Chicago marathon, and we gave her a really nice one, along with lunch and some money. She broke down in tears so grateful.
I met this other guy living on the streets who had a strong accent. Who I asked him where he was from, he told me he had no idea. He was brought over to the US, and then ended up in foster care then on the streets. He started crying realizing he had no idea who he was or where he belonged. Another women must have been at least 75 years old, clean, kind, but sitting on a sheet on the sidewalk in the freezing cold.
I know its easy to kind of classify homeless people as "homeless people" if you know what I mean. It's easy to kind of group them into a category and overlook them, but they are people, each with their own story of loss and tragedy. When their mother held them in her arms, she never saw this future for them. All of us are a mistake, tragedy or misunderstanding away from being where they are. We have to think like this so that we learn compassion. Of course many use drugs and alcohol and many have made bad choices, but sometimes circumstance brought them there and sometimes they just need a hand on the shoulder that reminds them they are a person. Each one is an individual and we all need love and attention.
As we spent time down town New York City, our back packs started out so heavy, full of lunch kits, bibles and coats, and by the end of a long day, they were completely empty. We touched so many beautiful lives, but not as much as they touched ours. When you see those in need, even if you don't have anything to give, give a little of yourself, and you will give them a lot. Ask their name or give them a word of encouragement and you just might keep them from giving up. Just think, maybe on thanksgiving, someone you don't even know you know, could be thanking God for you.
I am thankful for so many things this Thanksgiving, most of all for the things I shared at the beginning of this blog. I am grateful that God doesn't expect us to be good to get up to Him, but that He became a servant and came down to us. I am thankful for His love that carries me every day and gives me the strength to take up my cross and serve others. And I am so grateful for my family and a million other things I don't have time to write :)!
I am extremely grateful to the companies and very kind, selfless individuals who donated different things to us and chose to help us in our work. I cannot thank you enough and otherwise could never have afforded to have things to give others. You have touched the hearts of many children, prisoners and people that are suffering and facing hard times. Thank you.
And to all those of you who read this and met me at some point, whether we shared a short or long encounter, I thank you for what you gave to me and taught me. Maybe we just exchanged words, maybe a handshake or hug, maybe more. Maybe we never met in person except by email, but know that you matter, and you can make a difference in other peoples lives as you did mine.
- Ruth
"He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; And to him who orders his way aright shall I show the salvation of God" (Ps.50:23)
Go Irish! Undefeated all the way :)!!