Although I’m not always a cynical contrarian, it is often my default viewpoint, and this can be a stumbling block for a social media marketer — cynical contrarians don’t tend to mesh well with marketing objectives. Maybe this is a good thing for you.

In my opinion, most marketing is about numbers. Getting more of something. And by that narrow, cynical definition the One Act video is pure marketing.

But, in my opinion the One Act video transcends the castor oil taste manipulative marketing often leaves me with. And I think that’s because the “one act” this video refers to happened to change my life. I am not a sponsored child, never was, but the act of sponsoring a child took me down a path I never would’ve imagined.

Five years ago I went to a free concert at a local church. At that time I was four months into my new life as a Christian sponge in the tub of Living Water. That night, the Holy Spirit dropped a baby into the tub with me.

In the middle of the concert, the musician stopped to share a story from a Compassion trip to Haiti. He talked about a woman who came up to him on the street and tried to give him her baby, to give her baby a better life. She was willing to give her baby to a stranger so the baby could escape the hopelessness of extreme poverty.

It was a moving and powerful story — much more so than these clipped sentences of mine suggest — and I wanted to quit my job and go work in Haiti. I wanted to immerse myself in doing Christ’s work, in serving others. I was anxious to learn if there was an opportunity for me to act on. And then the artist asked me to sponsor a child. Boring.

I was disappointed. I didn’t want to sponsor a child. I already sponsored a child with another organization and that was enough. I wanted to change the world. I wanted to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Sending more money wasn’t good enough for me.

For the rest of the show I dwelled on the missed opportunity to serve Christ in Haiti, but afterward, after the crush at the Compassion table dwindled, I asked someone if there was anyway I could go to Haiti because I didn’t want to “just” sponsor a child.

The person told me that Compassion organizes tours for sponsors to visit their children, which is something that the organization I was already sponsoring a child with, did not do. For whatever reason, the idea of visiting my sponsored child was enough to get me to act. I sponsored Lerionga.

And because of that one act, I went to Kenya 18 months later and met Lerionga.

Because of that one act, I heard about a job opening at Compassion while I was in Kenya. I got that job.

Because of that one act, I met my wife. She’s also a Compassion employee.

Because of that one act, I’m going to be a father. We’re expecting in September.

Because of that one act, I have hope that the darkness of my strain of emotional poverty ends with me.

Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that is releasing Chris, a child of Christ, from his spiritual and emotional poverty, enabling him to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adult.

When the darkness of emotional and spiritual poverty has swallowed you up, the devil has taken control. But in the middle of this desperation, a child can intervene. Act now, and sponsor a child. See what God does with you.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Like I said, I really, really like this time of year.

But, for all of its constants and familiarities, this time of year also brings about change. I’m getting better at accepting it . . . but I still don’t like it. 

Change means that things that you have always known to be, things that are comfortable because of their consistency, suddenly become different. As in, they are no longer the same. Big and small, professional or personal, things evolve. 

For example, my job.

As of December 1, 2008 (*insert Jaws theme music*) I am under the directional supervision of Curtis Fletcher. This means a number of different things. 

For starters, I will no longer be “on the web team.” Tragic. I will be a part of the “donor services team” helping with tactical assignments as needed (I don’t really even know what that means, but it’s what I have been told). 

More importantly, I will be working more closely with Curtis as we start to shape “the program” for its launch. Most of my time and energy will be placed here as details get clarified and we are able to move forward. 

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “What is this program about? And when is it launching?” 

I’m sorry to tell you, but I’m still not at liberty to say. The web team, though, during a highly critical and important meeting, code named it “The Twinkie Project.” 

I can’t tell you why we named it that. No really. I have no idea. It has zero relevance.      

What I can tell you though is this: Curtis has written a job description specifically detailing my role, responsibilities and the minimum amount of time that I will continue to be needed as a temporary employee for this position. 

I have six months, at least. I’m going to be here (securely) for the next six months. 

*big-wide-eyed-stare*

Allow me to clarify why this is such a BIG deal. As you may recall, while I was on the web team, my contract was renewed, based on current necessity, at the end of every month. That is to say, I had no guarantee of employment beyond the 30 days I was given at a time. But God, in His infinite sovereignty and providence, continued to reopen the door every month. 

As I was recovering from my intense relief and celebration after receiving the six-month-security-news, it dawned on me: Perhaps the Lord finally got tired of the same ‘ol prayer and decided that if He gave me a six-month stint, I’d shut up. 

It worked. Sort of.

Currently, instead of praying for a job, I’m praying for other things; things that perhaps have a heavier eternal weight, things like my heart. 

During Thanksgiving (which I spent at home in hot and humid Texas), I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with one of my many precious cousins. Her name is Katrina, and she is a teacher in Austin. I met her long before she ever became a part of the family (by marriage) and she has long been a hero of mine.

She is beautiful. I mean really, really good-looking. But more captivating than her emerald green eyes is her passion and fervency for the Lord. I don’t use those words lightly. I have met few people who, in spending a measly five minutes with them, share just how much they are learning, being challenged, and are asking the Lord to continue to refine and change them.

I don’t know what your experience is with “refinement.” Mine is that, despite the fact that it is necessary and always better on the back-end, you have to be either really stupid or really holy to go asking for it. 

But that’s Katrina. Really holy.

As she shared with me the ways in which the Lord has been shaping her and showing her who He is and who He wants her to be, I became convicted. And I really hate that. 

“I want to go there in my walk,” I thought to myself. “I want to be stretched to new limits and shown new truths about who I am in Christ.” 

The only thing is . . . it could get messy. It will probably be hard. It will undoubtedly be uncomfortable. I will most likely have to confess and accept things about myself that I don’t like, that I don’t want to deal with. I will assuredly have to unpack baggage that I have been toting with me, partially out of habit, partially out of a need for security. And by security, I actually mean insecurity. Just to clarify.

As I wrestled with myself on the flight back to Denver, I decided that, difficult or not, it would be worth it. I’m ready to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before . . .” me (Hebrews 12:1b, ESV). 

Run with me this Christmas. As we welcome the New Year, welcome the change that the Lord has in store.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Since we met last, progression on the program has been both productive and sluggish.

Productive in that meetings are set, conversations have been had, and a “plan of action” has been made so that strategic and tactical steps can be taken. 

In the same way, it seems as though little has been accomplished because those all important meetings are not scheduled until later this month to the availability of personnel who have extensive traveling schedules. Unfortunately, patience is not a virtue I possess. 

The conversations, though, have provided the encouragement and affirmation I have needed. Let’s start with the most exciting one.

Compassion Experience Director Scott Barnes has hopped on board with Curtis Fletcher and myself and has been a great help in making contact with field countries. I have met with him on a number of occasions to discuss potential countries that would be open to the idea of our program.

About a week ago, he e-mailed a director in a country of interest to ask them to prayerfully consider coming on board with us and accepting the invitation to be the pilot country for the program. Scott said we would hear from them in a couple of weeks.

A few days later, we received a phone call from the country director saying that he loved the idea and wanted to be a part of it. He’s all in. I don’t know how else to say it, but this is kind of a big deal. 

Then there is the other conversation . . . the one about me.

Curtis, Chris and I had a meeting in my office (and by office I mean cube) to discuss where I belong and to whom I belong. Because Chris has his plate full with “web stuff,” and the web component of this program is only a small fraction of the program’s overall reach, there is only so much guidance and assistance that he can continue to give with regards to this program. 

This means that that the program is more technically a “project,” which now places the program — as well as myself – under Curtis’s supervision. This is good news. Let me explain why.

In terms of finding a potential, more permanent home here at Compassion, there isn’t an open position within the web team. While I love this team dearly, continuing in it would not be conducive to running the program.

However, coming under the supervision and department of Curtis would allow me to continue working on the project as well as a few other items that my skills may be better suited for. 

In addition, Curtis is looking to hire about four new positions over the course of the next several months. Optimistically, should the program be successful after the test and is made a yearly event, a full-time position would be needed to maintain it. 

Enter your’s truly.

None of this is a guarantee. I’m well aware of that. But what makes it such a blessing is that I am wanted here. Chris, Curtis, and others want to see me stay here; they want the project to be successful, and they are advocating for me to be a part of it. That is a priceless feeling. 

Working closely with Curtis has been a tremendous honor. He is brilliant without being arrogant and has taken ownership and control of the project without being domineering. There are still elements that are intimidating to me, his rank being one of them. 

But he has been more than a superior. He has been a wonderful teacher. He has taken time out of his schedule, which is normally booked, to get to know me, challenge me, and encourage me. He is a great listener, and a kind counselor. Best of all is his sense of humor, which has impeccable timing.    

Knowing him has been an honor in and of itself. Working with him is a privilege. I’m looking forward to the months to come.

I’ll keep you posted. 

On a side note, I have recently created my own personal blog and would love for you to visit! I would like to get to know you and would enjoy the opportunity to read your blogs as well.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Do I have fun on occasion? You bet. Is most of it work? Always, and did I mention that saving kids from poverty is my commitment? No? Well, there you go.

Recently I was sent by Compassion to the Forrester’s Consumer Forum which is a think-tank of an organization in the marketing industry.

Forrester speaks precisely about ways companies can target trends and future ideas for getting a product or organization into the eyes of the public through social media.

Some serious marketing research takes place. Seriously.

I was there to learn from the experts about social networking techniques for the internet.

Now I see those wheels turning. Compassion’s trying to be trendy? Compassion looks at the future of the marketing industry? Compassion sees a child as a product?

Well, sort of.

What I discovered in the forum is that huge corporations are dishing out millions if not billions to give their products a pleasing experience that you can relate to.

A pleasing experience with toothpaste? A pleasing experience with credit cards?

How about the experience of sponsoring a child?

I am proud to say that Compassion is doing exactly what it should, from a social media perspective, to help children in poverty.

We are giving the world a true experience of a child sponsorship.

Through churches, through word of mouth, through the internet, through this blog and through our social networks such as Facebook, Myspace and Twitter,

Compassion is changing lives.

Yes, the world is changing and we at Compassion are changing with it, and that’s a good move, right? That’s a healthy choice you can agree with, right?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Curtis Fletcher informed me before I left on Thursday that he would be attending the entire cabinet meeting as a representative for Rick Davis and would be presenting the proposal on my behalf. Curtis also said he wouldn’t be able to let me know how the presentation went until the meeting was completely over. Needless to say, I was a bit restless from noon to three when he finally called.

“Hello?”

“So, do you want the good news or the bad news?”

“Bad news first.”

“Everyone was there except for a woman that we need for a unanimous decision.”

I stared at myself blankly in the mirror, and cocked my head to one side. Not bad, I thought. I had prepared myself for the worst.

“And the good news?” I asked with eyes closed.

“They love it and want to do it. Now. They fully approve and are ready to put the proposal into motion.”

I couldn’t bring myself to respond right away. I was shocked, overjoyed, and overwhelmed at the news.

“Oh my word… Thank you… I… huh, oh my goodness… Really? This is amazing. I mean, it’s unbelievable.” I continued to hem and haw, stammer, and fumble over what to say.

“We’ll have some meetings when you get back to start putting together a plan of action for Phase I. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.”

I hung up my phone and, with the help of a close friend, did what any girl would do in my case… jumped up and down and squealed at decibels only dogs can hear.

The rest of the weekend was a beautiful blur of wedding bliss, reunited friends reminiscing about years past, and coffee in the kitchen at sunrise with my grandparents.

In all honesty, I know of no other way to describe it than to say it was romantic. I felt completely swept off my feet; I saw my home in an entirely new light; an ever-present safe haven, a constant refuge and always open door.

While there, I had my Bible with me, in my purse, but I never actually read it.

I wonder how many others, like myself, read it out of habit or obligation because we feel and think that if we don’t, if we miss one day, the presence, blessing, and power of Christ lifts from above us and we suddenly become exposed to the elements.

I say that to say this: in the unintentional event of not reading my Bible, I felt the Lord come closer. I felt His breath on my skin in the gentle breeze in the early morning. I heard His voice in the laughter of my closest friends; I saw His love in the exchanging of vows at the altar.I saw His beauty and majesty in the colors of the Hill Country sunsets. And I was overtaken; completely and utterly intoxicated with His glory and goodness.

This is what I believe He showed me through all of these simple, subtle blessings.

To read His Word is power and life, yes. But to sit with Him in the stillness; to quietly rest on the peace and security of home; to release the burden and bondage of rules and regulations that come with “Christian instruction manual” not found in the back of the Bible, to let God be God …there is life and power in that too. My effort no longer dilutes His work; my agenda no longer disrupts His plan. And I am freed.

And so, over 700 miles away from work, completely powerless to affect the presentation one way of the other, I waited in the precious presence of my friend and we talked about her.

I am by no means a veteran of the selfless heart, but the moments in which the Lord has allowed me to experience the sweet freedom from self have been some of the most peaceful times in my heart and mind.

I thank you, dear reader, for companionship on this journey; for your prayers, encouragement, love and support. The page is turning now, but the story is only beginning. And I want you to be a part of it. Walk with me please; the road is long and narrow and I’ll need a hand.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

After a number of revisions, I presented the business case to Rick Davis, the head of the marketing department. Remember him? His approval and support is crucial . . . and we have it.

The meeting went well; questions had answers, investment costs were justified, and the next steps head forward. Forward to another conference room in front of the child sponsorship program cabinet.

This process may seem as though it’s being drawn out, but in fact, I’m encouraged. I’m at the final step — a presentation to the decision makers from throughout the company who determine how resources are allocated in regards to our country staff and the child sponsorship program.

There’s a glitch though.

The presentation is October 10 at noon. And on October 10 at noon I will be back in Texas helping my friend stay calm and sane before she walks the aisle of matrimony the next morning.

Ironic? Possibly. But probably not. The Lord apparently has something else in mind.

Believe it or not, I’m not upset that I can’t present — I don’t have the right to be that selfish. The creation of the campaign and the progress I have made thus far have all been outside of my own ability or direction anyway. No reason to claim it now. If anything, getting to see it unfold, to witness God move how He wants, when He wants, is more fun.

Knowing that its success is wholly dependent on the Lord’s will and allowance assures me that I can rest confidently in the project’s achievement. No matter when that may be.

In other news, I heard back from HR about the position that I applied for. They gave it to another girl they felt was better qualified. It is an awesome answer to prayers. Let me tell you why.

Thursday, the day before, I was talking with Curtis Fletcher, and I told him that I had applied for the job. He looked at me and asked, “Do you really want that job?”

“Yes.” I replied. “I think I could do it, and I think it would be a good learning experience.”

Apparently I am not very convincing because he looked at me and repeated his question and sure enough I had a different answer. “Sure . . . maybe. I don’t know.”

Friday morning, as I sat in my car in the parking lot, I prayed that the Lord would make it apparent what He would have me to do. I asked Him to speak loud and clear, and to tell me in some form or fashion if I were to accept the position if it was offered.

I know myself pretty well, and I knew that if I were offered the position, even if it wasn’t what I wanted, I would accept out of fear of security and longevity here at Compassion.

I got out of my car, made my way to my office, and answered a phone call about an hour later. “We have given the position to someone else.”

Pretty clear, wouldn’t you say? I’m grateful I didn’t have to come to that conclusion on my own, either. I’m terribly indecisive.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

Last week was quite the whirlwind. But oh the productivity! Let me just tell you, we’re moving forward! As you may remember, after delivering the business proposal at the end of my internship, I was asked to write up a business case. For all intents and purposes, the business case is simply a shorter, more-to-the-point version of the proposal that will be delivered to the higher-ups for approval and funding.

I can hardly believe it, but I think it’s going to happen. My idea may be funded. Thanks to your prayers. Special thanks and recognition go out to a gentleman by the name of Curtis Fletcher. I met him last week when Chris set up a 90 minute meeting with him to get his insight and opinion on the business case.

When I walked into the conference room he was already there, nearly ten minutes early, reading/highlighting/taking notes on the draft of the case that I had e-mailed him.

He is every bit of 6 feet, 4 inches, probably taller. He has the build of professional football player: broad, thick, and intimidating. When I walked in, he peered over his glasses with big blue eyes and said “Hello.”

Shockingly, his voice was soft and kind, and a smile broke the concentrated look on his face. Suddenly I felt a little less small.

The meeting went very well. He works closely with those to whom I am writing, and his vantage point helped to enlighten my approach. Finally, I had some clarity on what to say and how to say it.

The biggest answer to prayer came when, at the end of the meeting, Mr. Fletcher offered to help redraft it. “My door is open. Whatever you need, I’ll help you.”

I wish you could have been there because I have a feeling my face said it all. I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve. I don’t remember what I said, but I remember what I felt. Sweet relief.

With a clarified direction, and the assistance of someone who knows what he is doing, I had a surge of excitement and inspiration. Back to the drawing board I went the next morning and into his office shortly thereafter.

Sure enough, his door was open and his welcome was warm. After some impromptu meetings and even more e-mails, the draft is complete and will be on its way to . . . I-don’t-know-who, tomorrow.

Needless to say, last week was the encouragement that I needed. Call me crazy, but sometimes my faith dwindles when there seems to be a stagnant or presumably idle period of time when, despite work, there is no progress. Can anyone relate? Anyone? Bueller?

Praise report: My “on-call” status has been renewed until the end of October! I am so grateful for the opportunity to stay on board here and to continue working on the campaign. Thank you for your prayers, as I know many of you have kept me in mind. It means the world to me, and I am truly thankful.

Prayer request: I recently had two interviews (for the same position) within the marketing department. I interviewed for the “Advocates Network Assistant” position. I’m excited about the potential and think that it is a position that I would both enjoy and be good at. I was the first of five interviewees. I should know by the end of this week if I get it.

No matter what, I know God is in control and that His plan, whether I see it or not, is good and perfect. He is sovereign, He is faithful, and He is the perfect provider. I am learning to rest in Him, trust in Him, and above all else, abide in Him.

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

I was reading through chapter three this morning and came across something that gave me a hope and excitement about the future that I have really been praying for. Starting in verse nine, he is recalling that during the time of Moses, the law, which was death, was considered glorious because it was from God. But now, the law has been abolished, and grace, which is life, has replaced it.

In verse ten he says,

“…What once had glory has come to have no glory because of the glory that surpasses it (emphasis mine). For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, how much more will what is permanent have glory.” (ESV)

As you know, my internship at Compassion has ended and I am still here (praise the Lord) working as a temp in hopes of being hired on full time. The internship was to me, very glorious. It was a six week period of my life filled with the realization of God’s goodness, provision, and sovereignty in ways that I had not seen or known.

While I still work here and am grateful to do so, there is a strange sense of reality and life that has suddenly set in. I have recently moved into my first apartment, am paying my own bills, and this feeling of independence that I have longed for and strived to attain is now creating in me a greater desire to be dependent again.

I think that’s the point. Not to say that everything you thought you wanted in life will disappoint, but those things that we counted as glorious will, in fact, pale in comparison to what the Lord has prepared for those who love Him. As He progressively sanctifies us and makes us more like Himself, the greatness of the former glories will dim and the places that He will take us in the future will be even more glorious.

The thing about “glories” is that they come in between waves of seeming stillness. For example, I recently applied for a waitressing position at PF Chang’s. I am one of only two people I know that loves to serve at restaurants. Since I’m new to the area, I thought it would be a great way to stay busy, meet people, and earn a little extra money. I have quite a bit of experience and felt confident that when I walked in a few weeks ago, I would be training by the end of the week.

Two weeks and four interviews later, Corporate has put the restaurant on a “hiring freeze” because September is their slowest month. Bad timing. Stillness.

I have also continued applying at Compassion for any and every position for which I qualify. The response … *crickets chirping* Silence. Stillness. And so I continue to wait.

As I am waiting, I am working on a number of different assignments. For starters, I was asked to sift through hundreds of pictures and video clips dealing with the Global Food Crisis and to come up with a creative way in which to use them to communicate the depth of the problem.

Due to some unexpected technical difficulties and unfortunate time delays, I am now about a week and half behind. More stillness.

After a great “next steps” meeting with the head of marketing, I have been asked to write a more formal and “buttoned-up” business case for the my campaign idea to quantify the benefits and cost. This is what the decision-makers will use to say “go” or “no go.” Potential stillness.

It only makes sense that there must be times of stillness, even silence, perhaps in order for there to be times of proper praise, worship, and gratitude. If we have nothing to compare our former glories to, we would begin to think of our God as small and limited. In His wisdom, He reveals to us glimpses into His splendor, satisfying us only so much as to feed the yearning and desire of our heart to want more.

So, while I work and wait, and wait and work, I feel the Spirit building up within me a hope for a future glory. My hope and prayer for you, no matter where you are or what you are doing, is that you would also come to know and feel that God is preparing to show you another measure of His glory so that you would be refreshed and satisfied. But only for a little while.

The God of the universe loves us too much to let us settle for what we can see and understand. What a greater love though, that would continue, daily, to romance us and to lead us to a secret place, filled with greater glory than we can begin to comprehend. This is our God: the romancer of our spirits and the lover of our souls. Be swept away, won’t you?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates

On August 14 I gave a presentation for “the proposal” I worked on during my internship. By the grace of God, it was received very well. Various department heads were there, including the marketing director himself, and they all liked the idea. A lot. In fact, they liked it so much, the first question was “What are our next steps?”

I was speechless.

My supervisor, Chris Giovagnoni, filled in my silence. “Uhhh …”

Good call Chris. Way to cover.

Shortly after the presentation, I debriefed with Chris. What he then told me only led to yet another level of amazement and surprise.

How would you feel about working with us for another six weeks? You’d be doing different stuff since you completed your internship project, but you’d still be involved with the ‘next step’ discussions. And we’d buy you some time, free of the ‘what do I do now’ question, as Human Resources considers all the candidates for the positions you’ve applied for.”

“Uhhh, yes.”

Let me paint a picture for you.

The night before, I was lying on my back on the floor of my room in tears as I spoke with my mom about my doubt and fears for the future.

“What if I am not supposed to be in Colorado or with Compassion at all?” I sobbed.

“What if my time here is done? Where will I go now? How am I supposed to know what to do?”

God was in control and His timing was perfect … yet again. He made it clear where He wanted me and what He wanted me to be doing the next day, the day of the internship graduation.

Would I have been better off knowing I would be staying days or even weeks before? Not necessarily.

The only thing that would have changed would have been my desperate dependence on Him. I would have begun to take over control of the next steps and, if memory serves me right, I typically screw things up.

So what seemed to be hard and uncomfortable test of faith was actually the Lord’s way of saving me from myself in the long run. It has painted for me a more real and tangible picture of His grace.

So here I sit; in my same cube at my same desk, happy as a lark.

*Furrowed brow*

What is a lark and why is it happy?

My Account l Sponsor a Child l Help Babies and Moms l Crisis Updates