Under Construction

After starting this blog, I stopped a few times…for different reasons. I have posted, deleted, and considered many options for it. After months of leaving it dormant, I am considering re-launching it. Until then, consider this a big giant ‘Under Construction’ sign.

Poverty & Change: Not just an adult conversation…

Often, the messages about global poverty are aimed at adults…which makes sense since adults are the ones who have the most influence and financial donation capabilities.

BUT….

What if we include our kids??? Instead of global development organizations struggling to spread the word of global poverty and how it can be ended, WHAT IF a whole new generation grows up already educated on what is happening, and know what they can do and already taken a role in change?? 

Parents, educators, churches, friends, family, neighbors….take note of what kids are around you… How can you draw them into the conversation and help them take action now…not ‘when they are older,’ or ‘another day,’ or ‘when they can understand more,’ but NOW. Now is the time to help them on their journey…..one towards a better future for all!

Here are a few ways my kids have been involved:

1. Child Sponsorship through Food for the Hungry: We sponsor 3 kids on 3 different continents. Not only do my kids have the coolest penpals, but they learn about other cultures, and how life is the same/different there. They know each month we donate $32 towards long term development and how that community is seeing change from not only from financial contributions, but from encouragement. I HIGHLY recommend this to everyone. Click HERE for the link to finding out more information….let me know if you sponsor a kid! 🙂
2. Game: Quest for Compassion: An online game for kids that lets them travel around the world experiencing culture, and what challenges might be faced. Its from another reliable organization and free. Click HERE
3. Watch for opportunities: You never know what opportunity will present itself (watch for my upcoming Holiday Idea List). Today, I was invited to a ONE letter writing party to show support for the (measly) 1% of the 2012 Federal budget that is going to oversees development/aid. Instead of just writing my letter and leaving, I let me own kid write a letter to Senator McCain as well, and read through the slide show and explained they poverty cycle to them.  (And by the way, he came up with his letter ALL on his own! I only wrote what he told me!)                             

Basically, it comes down to being intentional…and this issue of poverty is well worth the effort to bring today’s kids into the conversation. Get creative, get them involved, help change happen.

Emotions, 10 Lessons, & New War on Terror

I said I wouldn’t blog or even comment today….a day where people’s emotions are running high and there is a sense of pride in the air…the unwavering kind. But, like any stubborn, passionate person like myself, I just can not resist…so here you go….

Upon opening my computer, I was amazed at some of the messages being spread…nationalism, patriotism, militarism, pride….. And something inside me cringed, as it has every year for the past ten years on this date.

Now, let me say, I do find what happened on 9 11 a tragedy…it was a day of destruction and families being torn apart.

BUT….

How different was 9 11 from any other day? On any other given day, bombs go off in other countries killing innocent people, wars rage on leaving destruction in their path (some of which this country is guilty of), violent crimes occur…and maybe more important is the passive devastation of human life….for instance, the 26,000 people who will die of hunger today.

So why does this particular day of injustice stand out so much? Is it the day that people in this country realized that the US is not sacred holy ground immune to tragedy…that we finally gained an understanding of what others around the world deal with?

I mean none of this in disrespect to those families who lost loved ones that day, but simply want to challenge everyone to think differently…

Tragedy and destruction happen every.single.day. But, violent acts never justify more violence, countries ideals are not changed with force (what if our resources to help community development was equal to even a fraction of our military and defense??), and most importantly, Jesus calls us to the path of forgiveness and loving all our neighbors…

So what will you do with the emotion of the injustice of 9 11? I hope not leave it tied to this day or nationalism or defensiveness, but keep it with you and find a good use for it. Let that compassion for the families of 9 11 become compassion for others in the world….to start seeing all the tragedy, destruction, and pain and find a way to use that passion to help overcome pain and injustice in the world, everyday….and not forget.

 

Here are a couple blogs worth the read today:

http://homebrewedtheology.com/i-wasnt-going-to-do-a-911-post.php

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/thepangeablog/2011/09/08/the-new-war-on-terror-911-jesus/

Shake up in the Pierce house, and I’m….

…No, not pregnant! 😉
But, there are a lot of changes and so I thought I’d break my nine month silence with a glimpse into our world….

-Wednesday was my last day at my ‘side job.’

-Last night was Jake’s last day at Harrahs…he will be starting at Wild Horse Pass soon. (It will be great for our family to have him sleep at a regular hours, and it is a promotion.)

-Next Sunday I’m going back to LifeChurch East Valley as a part time pastor. (As many of you know, a little over a year and a half ago I resigned from LCEV, taking some much needed time to rest and reconnect. During that time, I ended up with a little church community called Restoration, raising my own support to be a part of it and contribute to the work there and in the community. This will continue, in both my involvement and support raising since neither church is in a position to pay me a salary. I will in addition, be at LCEV also as a pastor overseeing the family ministry, as well as being available in a pastoral role and working with Tom in the ‘overall’ part of the church. This was a path that was unexpected, but quickly discovered it became the right direction upon conversation with Tom. I, and my family, are excited to re-engage in the LCEV community!)

All pretty big changes to our world in terms of time, schedules, jobs, etc. We are taking the next two weeks to rest and focus on just our family before everything starts back in. The next month will be a time of trying to find a new routine and learning how this all works together. In addition to all this, we are still homeschooling our boys, which has been great for everyone although we are still trying to find our way there also….especially since Jake is going to grad school now for his MBA!

So, there you have it….a lot of big changes in our lives, all at once. The past couple years have led us down some interesting paths, but it’s fun and we are up to whatever new adventure lies ahead of us now!

PS-Hopefully this is the start of consistent blogging….I was very sporadic before my long silence. I’ve had a lot of time to think…maybe I’ll start sharing soon.

Year In Review (aka: Year 22, a follow up)

It’s the end of December. How did that happen?? This blog post is going out about two weeks later than planned, but I have had trouble articulating what it is I want to say!

If you have read Year 21, and any of the posts under “My Personal Journey” (sections to the right) since then, you will know that in the last 12 months (plus) my life has been taken and completely turned upside down. All my routines, boundaries, ideas, etc, were put on a shelf to make room for a new chapter in life.

Since Year 21 was written, I have resigned a position, taken a temp position to soon be laid off, put ALL the options back on the table, discovered I was to become a part of Restoration Community Church’s leadership team, learned to support raise, taken care of two family members on crutches (at the same time!!), started homeschooling my kids, taken on another part time job, and found new ways to re-engage in the community through volunteer work….while dealing with myself along the way….learning again who I am, what I was created to do, how I function without a ‘box,’ healing, find parts of me forgotten, being more comfortable in who I am, and realizing in a whole new way that being a child of God and who I am in that is more than enough.

This year has been probably the most challenging for me. I have been angry, depressed, confused, hurt, challenged, scared, misunderstood and yet loved, supported, encouraged, amused, enlightened, confident, and peaceful.

I could have never guessed where I would find myself this year….never dreamed the roads God would lead me down when I let go and trusted at a new level. It has been an amazing year when I reflect on the past 12 months and read back through some of my blogs.

To those who have supported me, listened to my ranting, or simply been a friend who placed no expectations and gave me company for the journey, I am grateful.

After still being blown away by this year, I don’t even know what to expect for the next. After 22 years into my decision to take up the ultimate commandment of love God, love others, I believe I will stop trying to figure it all out, and instead strive to live each day fully…always open and attentive to where I am to best give my time and attention.

Here’s to new adventures….

Tiffany’s Unofficial Holiday Shopping Guide 2010

 It’s that time of year….the air is cooling, cookies are baking, and the stores are crammed with Christmas stuff and promoting pre-black Friday sales!

BUT, did you know that on average, Americans spend 450 BILLON DOLLARS on Christmas??? That is ALOT of money!

Where does your part go? To toys that kids don’t play with, or an ugly sweater from aunt Bertha? What if you could change the way you do Christmas? What if the gifts you gave and received helped lift another out of poverty? What if even part of the 450 Billion was turned into 1,178,010,471 Children Sponsored for a year OR 112,500,000 Water Well Systems OR 9,000,000,000,000 Children Dewormed OR 692,307,692 Cows OR many necklaces, scarves or other items made by women rebuilding their lives after being rescued from human trafficking?  How could the world change from JUST America’s response to ONE HOLIDAY?

I encourage you this holiday season to give INTENTIONALLY and with PURPOSE! Give gifts that benefit others, not just the recipient. I know there are many worth while companies out there to shop from, but here are a few that either I highly recommend, or are of unique interest:

Food For the Hungry: Various

Sponsor children, livestock, plants, hygiene items in honor of someone http://www.fh.org/catalog

Send Holiday Cards with benefit http://fh.giving-matters.com

Trade As One: Various

Items bought support women’s businesses to stay out of poverty http://www.tradeasone.com

Azizi Life: Various, Handmade

Sale of items help create a profitable industry for women in Rwanda http://azizilife.com

Nightlight International: Jewelry

Creates business for people who have been impacted by trafficking http://www.nightlightinternational.com

 Toms: Shoes

For each sale of a pair of shoes, Toms donates a pair to someone without shoes http://toms.com

Sseko Designs: Shoes

Each pair of sandals goes to help employee and further educate women in Uganda http://www.ssekodesigns.com

Clothe Your Neighbor As Yourself: Shirts

For each shirt purchased, this organization helps clothe someone in the US http://clotheyourneighborasyourself.com 

Kiva: MicroFinance Loans

Browse profiles, loan small amounts to help aspiring business owners get started http://www.kiva.org

Streetlight PHX: Donate.

Help provide girls rescued from human traffickig in phoenix  http://www.streetlightphx.com

There are many organizations making a positive difference. Hopefully, this will help guide you and get you started in your journey to intentional shopping and gift giving.  And, if money is tight this year there are many other options to make a difference with your actions such as pooling money or have your kids collect coins to donate, serve at a local shelter, collect cans for a local food bank…..

Have fun with this and please feel free to comment with stories or other ideas.

Observations From Behind The Phones

Recently I started a part time side job at a national independent political research firm. While I am typically not into politics (remember the old saying about the two easiest ways to offend someone is with God and politics? Well, I already have the first covered so I figured I should stay out of the latter), I find this job interesting and want to share my two cents, tid bits I have learned, and some general observations….

-Please don’t be mean to people who call you from blocked numbers…they are probably someone working a second job to feed their kids (like me!).

 -No, being on the do not call list does not remove you from research surveys because those organizations are not selling you anything.

-In case you didn’t know, first impressions are everything…especially when you aren’t standing in face to face with someone.

-I am even more frustrated I am a typical American who only speaks one language.

 -Often, one of two things happens to a person when they get older…a person either becomes much more talkative, or much more cantankerous….I hope to just be the first 😉

-There are some very interesting names out there….some funny, some unique. Quite possibly my favorite name to date is Reginald S Fogg. I’m not sure why….just seems like a cool name to me…followed by Myrtle. I’m pretty sure I could amuse you all with a daily tweet of the best name I came across.

-Over ones lifespan, the voice naturally changes…and different regions of the US seem to change more than others.

-There really is no ‘one right way to vote’….I have seen republicans reject the tea party, and priests consider themselves liberals, and some who will vote both side of the aisles depending on who the person is. While there are many ____ = ____ position, that is not always the case.

-As if I didn’t already know, in different regions of the US, people are more outspoken in their ‘opinions’ OR are more willing to share more information on the phone…even if that means the person you are looking for are in the bathroom! Yikes!

So, there are a few of the insights I have compiled into the ‘other side of my life.’  While this is out of my usual arena of interests, I feel blessed to have this opportunity to earn some extra needed money, and if there is one thing I know how to do, it is talking to people….and from the padded chair of an air conditioned room. 🙂

Oh, and if I ever happen to call you for a political survey, please be nice and help me out! Thank you 🙂

PS-To keep in line with the idea of this blog……I strive to be polite and upbeat with every person I speak to….even if they are not to me. You never know when a kind word or pleasant word from a stranger can change a persons perspective or brighten thier day…

Yet Another New Chapter….

Today marks yet another new chapter in the life of the Pierce family and I add another ‘name to my credentials.’ You may now refer to me as Mrs. Tiffany Pierce B.S., wife, mother, pastor, volunteer, maid, taxi driver, homeschool mom. Got that?? (Just kidding…please don’t call me that!)

But in all seriousness, it seems a little surreal that my kids are old enough to be starting K and Pre-K today. It seems like we’ve talked for so long about homeschooling and when we would start, that its strange that the day is finally here.

As for the process, I have spent the last week preparing, trying to decide when and how to go about it, creating schedules and getting myself mentally ready. Who knows how long our system will work, but today it seemed to work well and I feel really good about the style of our curriculum and where we are headed.

The boys are excited, we are excited. And most importantly, I feel we made the right choice to homeschool. I realize it is not possible/right  for every family for a variety of reasons, but if this is something you have had on your heart to do but have never taken the leap, I would encourage you to. It’s really not that scary or overwhelming once you have the initial decisions made and you hit the first day.

If you click HERE you can see the faces of two happy little boys students eager to take on the world.

New East Valley Homeschool Program at Usery Mountain Park

The Arizona Science Center is bringing its programs to the East Valley! Usery Mountain Regional Park is partnering with the ASC to provide nature based home school workshops once a month giving the kids hands on experiences to help them learn about the world around them.

I am particularly excited about this program, not only because I’m a homeschooling parent, but also because they are being hosted at one of my favorite places to take my children (check out my previous post for more information).

Even without the ASC Member discount, this program is still affordable for a 3 hour workshop and considering the presenter and host, I am sure this program will live up to its expectation. The recommended age is 6-10, although it is left to ‘parental discretion’ and both of my children will be attending.

For more information, and to register, visit http://www.azscience.org/pdf/hc_usery_06_10.pdf

ASC also hosts home school and family programs at their regular facility and offers kits for families to use together at home.

Please pass this information around to any families you know.

Usery Mountain Regional Park

It has certainly been too long since I’ve written anything new here so as my grand return, here is my featured place/activity that I frequent most often and has something for everyone!!

Now, you all know my extreme love of the great outdoors, but regardless if you are very young or very old, if you haven’t been to Usery Mountain Park, you are missing out! The park offers not only miles of hiking of various levels, but there are many programs each month from toddler hikes and story time (in the A/C!), to desert edibles to special guest speakers each month. There also a variety of night programs such as the monthly full moon hike, scorpion hunts, and more.

The park has many ‘comforts’ too such as good restrooms in the park, as well as playgrounds and covered ramadas.

It is a great inexpensive, family friendly place where you can not only soak in the beautiful scenery, but learn a lot about all the interesting wildlife/plant life in our area from their friendly staff. Plus, hiking there is a great way to exercise and spend quality time together, or find the solitude that you need.

Usery Park gets my highest recommendation.

Feel free to ask me about our experiences there, or visit http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/usery/default.aspx for a calendar, maps, and info.

They also have started a facebook page you can connect and stay updated by…check out their photos…I’ve added a couple: one on the way to the windcave, and one from it. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Usery-Mountain-Regional-Park#!/pages/Usery-Mountain-Regional-Park/148702730212?v=wall&ref=ts

Art Rocks Studio

Today I found a new place I hope to take my kids…its called Art Rocks Studio. I’m excited about this discovery because I believe that everyone has creative abilities and should learn to use them. Plus, any kind of creative activity is actually been found to be very therapeutic.  

I have not been there yet but they have a variety of classes, and longer workshops, for as low as $7 per child. They also have a space for parties. Classes range in topics and level, and are offered for ages 2 years-adult.

I am looking forward to checking out this great, productive, air-conditioned place for my kids this summer! If you check it out, come back and leave a comment on what you thought.

http://artrocksstudio.net/www.artrocksstudio.net/Art_Classes_%26_Schedule.html

Summer Reading Program

Keeping kids entertained here in the heat in the summer can be a challenge. Here is one way to keep them entertained for a bit….

Maricopa country libraries have a summer reading program for Birth-18 years called Make A Splash. It is divided up into 3 different programs and criteria, depending on what is appropriate for you child. The program ends in July, and kids earn different prizes along the way, the final prize being a free book.

The nice thing is that in addition to the fun sticker sheet, they also provide an online tracking system. This website also gives, per age group, book reviews, and highlights all the summer library events for the county system (most of which are free).

Here is the website with all the information: http://libcat.mcldaz.org/summer/index.html

We are participating in the pre-reader program at the Gilbert branch. Maybe we’ll see you around!

Nothing Happens By Accident

Remember when you were a kid and time seemed to creep by? Like an eternity from one birthday to another? Now, as an adult, doesn’t time seem to fly by? Whole years slip away and its easy to wonder where they went.

Now that you and I know that time really does move by quickly, its crucial to make the most of it…especially when it comes to our kids. Its so easy to hit a routine and blow through our days…which turn into weeks….which turn into years…until our kids are grown. I say lets reject this madness. Break the mold. Blaze a new trail. Be intentional.

“Intentional” is one of my favorite words. If I don’t keep that at the forefront of my mind, things get out of control. I want to be intentional about what my kids learn. Intentional about what they experience. Intentional about the quality time we spend together.

Today, families seldom make time to spend together….child 1 is at soccer, while child 2 is at piano, while child 3 is at dance…and parents are madly rushing to make all commitments. Maybe mom/dad/whoever is actually at the events, but interaction is limited. No intentional time to get to know and understand one another…a lack of genuine relationships.  I truly believe this is the number one cause of family systems failure today.

Take a good look at your schedule. Carve out some time. Be intentional. Maybe you start with 5 minutes a day to spend only focused on each of your children. Find ways to intentionally spend quality time as a family.

Intentional.

Intentional.

Intentional.

Remember that word. Live it.

Focusing This Blog

For those who have followed this blog over the past several months probably have realized it has been a bit of a rambling stream of consciousness. At this point, I’ve decided it best to try to focus this blog a bit and make it more easy to navigate by adding “categories” (see links on the right toolbar) of the three topics I feel I should be blogging about:

-Into The World: I strongly believe that we are all called to love and serve one another….to care about our neighbors both locally, and all around the world. This section will be devoted to discussion on practical ways to live that out.

-Intentional Family: For parents, life seems to fly by and our kids get older way too fast. Too often I’m seeing families drift apart and I believe the underlying reason for this is the lack of quality time spent together that families build their relationships on. This section will be devoted to practical ways that families can spend meaningful time together….whether that is a week, day, or 5 minutes. Check this section often as some ideas I blog about will be time sensitive if they are involving a local event.

-My Personal Journey: This section started out as a way for me to keep my family and friends in the loop of what we are up to, but I will continue this section as my personal journey in life, and in growing in Christ…not that I think I’m really interesting, but in hopes that somewhere along the way I can encourage others who may be going through similar situations and to know they are not alone, because we can all learn from each others journeys.

Update: Next Step for the Pierce Family

“What are you going to do next?” has to be the number one question I’ve been asked this year. After many changes, taking several months ‘off’ to re-evaluate where I felt God was leading our family, and as a time of rest (see blogs below if this doesn’t make sense to  you), I am pleased to announce that I have some answers for you all….

Earlier in the year, thanks to a mutual acquaintance, I began to help out with the kids ministry of a church plant due to kick off ‘officially’ this fall. I believed my helping was only a temporary arrangement and I convinced myself to not get too ‘attached’ because I had other things on the horizon. However, over time, I felt God asking me to take down my walls and consider what could be for me there. Why would I need to leave this group of people who have been very welcoming to my whole family and value many of the same things I do? Being the over analyzer that I am, I thought a lot about the option….for too long possibly.

More recently, the pastor (Doug) and I started talking about what it could look for me to stay with the church. After spending the following weekend with the church planting association that the church is seeking to be a part of, Jake and I felt it right for me to join the pastoral team and for us to make Restoration Community Church our home.

There are still a few ‘unknowns’ right now, such as what exactly my role is, and where the financial support will come from (I will need to raise my own support since this is a new church plant. If you are interested in finding out more information supporting us and this ministry either financially or in prayer, please email me).  These two ideas might not yet be clear, but our mission to love God and love others certainly is. I am at peace knowing that God is the ultimate provider and will continue to lead us in the right direction.  

Many of you reading this know how much I have been seeking God’s direction and really waiting for the ‘best’ thing for me to do to be revealed. I am extremely excited to see what God will accomplish through our group of people and the ripple effect out into the world.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart  and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.