Thanks- for the reminder.

'Childlike faith' are words that are thrown around a lot in the Christian circle but what do they mean? At first glance I feel like it's almost a bad thing to have 'Childlike faith'. Children often don't know what's best for them. They're easily persuaded and influenced. They seek after immediate gratification over long-term welfare. They need to be protected, defended, and taught.

It sounds like blind faith. However, {and I could be wrong} I don't think it is. You see children possess something remarkable-something I wish I had. It's strange, beautiful joy. Now, I am not saying that children don't go through pain and suffering or don't understand it.

The beautiful Thai girl in the above picture I met at an orphanage in Bangkok. Her name is Fern. I've written about her before. Her parents were HIV+ and died months before this pictures was taken. When I first saw her she was sitting alone refusing to join the other children playing in the hot, musty room. She was surrounded by laughter and wouldn't smile. She knew pain. However, as the day progressed I saw real joy in her big beautiful brown eyes. Something about her- I'll just never forget. That day in Bangkok {November, 2009} our team handed out bracelets to these amazing children. I took one, as well. I rarely take off that pink, purple, and white bracelet because it reminds me of Fern. I'm blessed.

I believe that 'joy' and "Childlike faith' have some things in common. As recent posts suggest I've been feeling a strange peace that I can't explain. I can only say that I'm crazy about Jesus {like a total freak} and that in return I'm experiencing peace and joy that I just don't even get. Yes, daily life still gets me but it's alright. Does that make sense? I hope so.

The picture to the right was taken in December of 2010 in Mexico on a missions trip to Foundation for His Ministry down the Baja. Aren't the bubbas beautiful?

Ya know- try to discovering 'Childlike faith' or 'joy' or 'peace' or whatever you're looking for... I think we just make it too hard. It's not that hard. Let him love you. In turn I've become excessively thankful. I've been reading Colossians lately and I've kept hitting this theme of 'thankfulness' and until this evening I wasn't really sure why. A friend of mine is in Haiti right now and wrote about 'thankfulness' on her blog. I read the post and even though she is sharing a heartbreaking story it was like getting a light bulb over my head. I smiled. God was reminding me- Hey, I love you. I've blessed you with so much- now bless others. Thanks- for the reminder.

The picture to the right was taken Dec. 25th, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa. That was the best Christmas I've ever had. I spent the day in 90 degree weather feeding 800+. I still love and think about those kids. I don't know a lot of their names and most of them I couldn't communicate with because they spoke Afrikaans. I love em.

It's so easy to make this all about me. me. me. Even this blog is about me. But when you make your moment, your day, your life about someone else or something else chances are you're gonna be a lot happier. I was taught this growing up. It's so cliche. It's so the 'right' answer. It's just the truth. It's what I've found to be the thing that makes the most sense I guess.

I'm almost done I promise. The picture to the right was taken that same November day in Thailand. Those kids in a couple hours rearranged my values. hmmm I hope to have that kind of impact some day. Maybe I won't but I'm so glad they did. Well- God used them anyways.

I miss them. I miss Thailand. I love Seattle but as I told my best friend last night- I ache to go back. I don't get it and kind of wish I could control it. I also do not know why all of the sudden my font is blue.

Bed time. I get to see Donnie in California soon {August 17th}! He told me tonight via skype that I may have to spend a day or two just by the pool because he has some work to get done. Man- such a bummer.

-Shanna