What now? Post-election thoughts....

~~~First of all, Happy Veteran's Day.  This is one of my favorite holidays.  I get emotional when I think of every one who has fought for my family and me.  Those people are the bravest moms, dads, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers, friends, and many of them sacrificed their lives for me!  For all of us!  They are truly to be honored. ~~~

There are some people rejoicing that Obama is back in office for a short 4 year stint, and there are others who are in mourning and grieving that Obama was re-elected for a LONG, painful, scary 4 year process.

I was 100% sure of who I was voting for, and my guy lost.  I was saddened, sure.  I was thinking, oh my, think of everyone who will be affected.  What will this mean for our country and for our future and for our people.

After I realized that I absolutely could do nothing to change it, I was reminded that NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE can take away my freedom.  I could read prophecy about the end times, I could listen over and over to the conservative media analyze what happened and what was going to happen, but except for having a feeling of likemindedness, NOTHING WAS GOING TO CHANGE.  Barack Obama was the United States of America's president for the next 4 years. 

I realized that I am free.  My place of freedom can't be seen.  My place of freedom will never perish.  My place of freedom has people fighting every day on this earth to make people realize that THEY ARE FREE!!!  They're in God's army, and the good news is GOD WINS!!!

In my life, not even the meanest, scariest, darkest person or leader can change me.  I am willing to die for Jesus.  And if I die for Him, I will go to a place where freedom reigns eternally. 

People, take heart in that.  Yes, our nation will surely have trials and tribulations.  It's biblical.  IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.  But are you ready?  Are you ready to enlist in God's army?  Are we not in a state of emergency?  Let's call GEMA (God's Emergency Man Agency). 

Have you heard this song?.....

In Christ Alone by Getty & Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones He came to save
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died
The wrath of God was satisfied
For every sin on Him was laid
Here in the death of Christ I live
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand


Go listen to it.  There are many artists who perform this.....Avalon, Newsboys, etc.  Just You Tube it.  I get emotional every time I hear it!!!!  It's right up there with Amazing Grace!

I'm speechless...

I'd love to say I'm speechless because my 10 year old son told us yesterday that he "felt different while he was singing at church, like God was really there".  He said that he knew God was always there. "But Mom and Dad, this felt different, do you know what I mean?, he explained.  From there, he shared that he asked Jesus to come into his heart and that he was "confused, but a good confused".  He truly was feeling the Spirit moving and didn't know what to do with that.  I remember that feeling.  It was new, exciting, scary (but a good scary), etc.

Of course, we feel so good knowing that Will is feeling the Holy Spirit and realizing what it means to be a Christian by accepting Christ, but that's not why I'm speechless...

I was in a Christian bookstore today buying myself a brand spanking new Bible!!!  (Mine needed to be put in a special place and didn't need to be used on a daily basis as the spine was wearing out/falling apart and it is VERY sentimental.)  

Back to the story:  There were two men arguing - loudly!!!  They were employees of the bookstore (the manager and an empoyee).  I don't want to be overly dramatic by saying it was a shouting match, but let's just say it got the entire store's attention!  The employee ended up quitting on the spot.  I was uncomfortable to say the least.

As I was waiting in line, I observed the manager as he waited on the customer in front of me.  He was clearly flustered.  The customer had purchased a few things off the "sale" table.  She was arguing with the manager over one particular item.  In my mind I'm thinking, please let me get out of this store and quick, but unfortunately the customer was preventing anyone from moving anywhere quickly.  I noticed what she was arguing about........The manager had given her 40% off the item in question, but she stated that the item was not 40% off, but 50% off.  The manager explained that he was so sorry, but the item was placed on the wrong table, it was really 40% off.  He stated that because the item was on the wrong table he would go ahead and give her the 50% off.  He asked her to show him where she got the item, so he could move the others if there were any.  She showed him, and promptly said, "I'm sorry".  WAS SHE????  She still let him give her the 50% off.  What's 10%?  It was an accident.  She wasn't going to say, "never mind I would not like to buy it at this time".  NO, she expected him to give her the extra 10% off!!!!!  I love how she said she was sorry......really???  Oh, I forgot the craziest part - THE ITEM'S ORIGINAL COST WAS $1.75 (that's ONE DOLLAR AND SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS!!!).  She was arguing over the $1.75 item being 50% off versus 40% off!!!

Ok, I'm sure many of you were thinking that maybe she was in extreme poverty or something.  Well, you might be right.  I thought about that.  It was hard to not be frustrated because the item in question was a KEYCHAIN....... But let's go a bit furthur, maybe she was in extreme poverty AND was planning to share the gospel with someone through this keychain????  The keychain was a little light that said, "Jesus is the light of my life".  Maybe it was the key (no pun intended) to changing someone's life, and I was merely being judgmental.

What are your thoughts???  I seriously thought - WHAT IS THIS WORLD COMING TO when you are in a Christian bookstore (I know, I know they're human and sinners too) and there is a heated, loud, unprofessional argument between two men.  I guess it makes me feel upset because both of these men have waited on me a number of times.  They recognize me when I come into the store.  These men have asked me to sponsor a child through WorldVision.  These men have guided customors on what Bible to buy.  I've heard them share snip-its of why a particular book spoke to them....

Then when the customer in front of me was buying Christian items and causing such a scene....WOW!!!  I'm speechless.

Leftovers...

As I post a thought at 10:22 pm, I realize I have given God my leftovers of the day.  Don't get me wrong, I talked to Him throughout the day today, but I didn't really make time for Him (time for my usual daily study, prayer)

I tried to blame it on the fact that I didn't sleep well last night, and that I had to get up at the crack of dawn to be at work this morning.  I also used the excuse that I would get what I needed to get done around the house so I can truly "focus" on Him later.

Well, it's time to hit the hay, my kids have been sleeping soundly after having some quality time playing UNO with the parents, my house is clean, supper was home cooked, I even cleaned out the basement today.  Here I sit, exhausted and telling God that I am sorry for leaving Him the leftovers of the day.

What's funny is that He is such a God of understanding.  HE IS ALWAYS HERE.  He was here with me all day while I accomplished my earthly tasks.

A perfect example of God always being "here" is an experience I had this past Sunday....  I love hawks and eagles.  In Alabama it's not super common to see lots of hawks (you see them, but it's not all the time), but seeing an eagle is rare (I think).  Both birds are so breathtakingly beautiful.  Seeing a hawk reminds me that God is my protector, that I must fly on His wings, and when I see one soaring in the sky I always think of Him and smile. 

Ironically, I see A LOT of hawks.  I mean, my friends and husband find it strange.  I even have a picture of one perched on a fence merely 10 feet from me.  After staring at each other for a good 5 minutes, the beautiful bird took flight and soared right over me.  That's just one example, but it's really funny.  I'll even simply text the word "hawk" to my friends because it's just so crazy how they are so "there" for me. 

On Sunday, I was feeling "not in the church mood".  I was excited to go to church, but I didn't have that "feeling".  Do you know what I mean?  I wanted to be "feeling it".  Anyway, as we turned into the church, I prayed, "Lord, I know you are always here, but I want to feel you.  I know it's me and not you, but please show me your presence".

Maybe 3 seconds later, a huge hawk flew directly over our car.  It was maybe 5 feet over our car.  My son was going crazy because it was so beautiful.  No one knew that I had just prayed that prayer, but it was so reassuring to hear His voice, "I'm right here, Dani".  I still get emotional thinking about it.  I happened to see 3 hawks that day - I would like to think it was a reminder.

Father, thank you for always be here.  Even when I have given you my leftovers.  You are so forgiving and loving.  You never give me your leftovers, but always the best of You.  You made sure I had everything done today, you put me first.  I put you last, and I am sorry.  Thank you for loving me.  Thank you for your love being truly unconditional......~dani 

Stuck.....need help!!!

Some of you know the reason this blog is called The Atticus Project.  It is based on a project/program that is underway.  This project will provide teenage girls who "age out" or emancipate out of foster care with transitional housing, life skills, Christian values, and confidence to succeed in life. 

This is a non-profit organization.  The journey has gone so smoothly, that it must have been ordained by God. 

WE NEED OUR FIRST HOUSE!!!  There is a program called the CDFI fund.  It is a federal fund where they actually will sometimes gives homes to non-profit organizations.  We are going to apply for this, but we need for all of you to put your "feelers" out there for foreclosed homes preferably in the Gardendale/Mt. Olive area at first.  We plan to spread county-wide, outside the county, state-wide, nationally, and internationally, but we need to begin somehwere.

If you know of ANYTHING, even if it doesn't seem helpful, please let us know.

You may email me at nesmith4kids@gmail.com or post a comment to this blog entry. 

Thanks for everything!!!

where do i begin........? [long post]

[sigh]....back to the States from a short mission trip to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and I'm feeling..........sort of empty.  I mean, don't get me wrong, I am so HAPPY to see my children and my husband.  It's just that I hate leaving the people.  Even when I was younger (like teenage years), I have been intrigued by the Central American culture and population.  I sort of feel like I am one of them.  Don't I look just like them??? I mean, blonde hair, blue eyes, freckles, tall....round (at least I have that part right). 

My kids were so sad that I left them here in the States - they wanted to go too.  We decided that since they went to Guatemala in December, it was too expensive right now to take them back on a trip.  I promised that next year we would go back to Honduras.

I have to say that out of the trips I have taken to the Central American countries, this by far took my heart.  I met some really awesome friends.  I already miss them terribly. 

I met Blanca, who is one of the nurses I worked with.  Her 8 year old daughter, Mary, was my "Honduras" daughter!  I told her that she reminded me of my girls.  She latched on to me instantly. 

Yanina (pronounced "Janina") and I clicked immediately.  If I lived in Honduras, I'm pretty sure we'd be the best of friends.  She is actually from Argentina.  She and her husband along with her 2 teenage boys moved from Argentina 3 years ago to become full time missionaries in Honduras.

Nubia and Dania were 2 of the doctors I worked with.  I truly believe that we, too, would be very good friends!!!  They have devoted their lives to providing medical care to the poverty stricken people in the villages.

Tegucigalpa (Teg) is a huge city and is the capital of Honduras.  In Teg people are either wealthy or poverty stricken.  There is really no middle class.  Teg is a very hilly/mountainous city, and in the center or valley is the metropolitan area.  The villages are usually located up the mountains.  Opposite of where I've been in Monterrey, Mexico, Honduras is beautifully green and not dry like a desert. 

The people in the villages live in severe poverty.  They do not have access to the jobs of the metropolitan area of the city.  They do not have clean water.  A water truck comes to fill up their pilas which is like a giant outdoor bathtub with clean water ONCE A MONTH!  That clean water will become cooking water, drinking water, bath water, laundry water, etc.  Indoor plumbing??? No way!!!

The team I served with came from Memphis, TN.  Keith's good friend, Keny, is the marketing director for POI Ministries (Point of Impact).  I instantly bonded with the entire team, and I miss seeing them every day!  We had amazing chemistry.  I feel this trip is the best one I've been on.

An overview of the trip (this is just simply an overview!):

Friday:  Arrived mid-afternoon to the Humuya Inn.  The hotel was one of the nicest I've ever stayed in.  I couldn't help but think, "Um, this isn't a mission trip.  Aren't I supposed to like only shower 1 time the entire week like I have in the past?  Isn't my bed supposed to be a bunk bed with questionable bed linens?  This is a 5 star hotel!  I feel like I'm in North America!".  Boy was I wrong...

We headed off to Villa Nueva to "do the water trucks".  I wasn't sure what that was, but I learned quickly.  We rented this water truck for ONLY 55 American dollars.  It had a big long hose and a pump that we used to pump the water into their pilas.  The look on the people's faces were indescribable.  They couldn't believe that they were getting water before the scheduled monthly truck.  ALL of their pilas were completely dry!!!  Women were coming out with buckets and tiny little margerine tubs for us to fill up with water.  It was like little, tiny ants racing to a sticky sucker that got dropped on the ground by a child. 

We crashed in bed so we could be rested for an early rise in the morning.  I think we left the hotel at 7 a.m.

Saturday:  We went to the village of San Juan to set up a medical brigaide, pharmacy, and evangelistic station. 

**A side note about these villages is that gangs are a huge part of the life of the village people.  Because there is really no way to have an income, the men feel as though they need "a brotherhood" to help take care of themselves and their families.  These gangs are not like the gangs in Alabama.  These are actually very friendly people, they are just doing the best they can.  Gang violence is very big in Honduras, but you don't see Honduran people killing strangers just to kill - it's mostly gang on gang violence.  Because of this issue, we actually had bodyguards.  These men had a great rapport with the different gangs.  We rode in white vans with a POI sign on them.  The windows were very tinted so you could not see in.  Once inside the villages, we could not have our windows open.  Our drivers (and bodyguards) rode with their windows down so the gangs would know who we were and that we were coming to help their families. 

Back to Saturday:  We used the village church to house all of our stations.  The people in San Juan got handed a number, they then came to the "pre-clinic" area where we took their blood pressure and weight.  The kids would have a weight and temperature taken.  The people went from there to the doctors.  The doctors would write prescriptions, then the people would take the prescriptions to the "pharmacy".  While they were waiting on their prescriptions to be filled, they would take their kids to the lice station where we would check their kids for lice.  Each child with lice (which was most) would receive a smiley face on their hand.  The would get a lice treatment and hear the Word of God (kind of like VBS).  Their parents would also hear a few words. After the lice treatment along with shampooing, hair braiding, sucker giving, hair clip giving time, they would go get their prescriptions and head home. 

The rest of the week looked much like this except we went to different villages.  On Saturday evening and Sunday morning we went to church.  One of the ways I feel the closest to God is to close my eyes and hear people sing/worship the same song with all their being in Spanish AND English.  It is the MOST beautiful sound!!!

THE DUMP:  Close your eyes.  Imagine riding in a bumpy van along ill-paved roads.  Having no idea what to expect, imagine stopping at a gas station and being told to get out.  Imagine the leader of the group telling everyone to come together in a circle.  Imagine the leader giving intense, specific instructions that when we arrive at the dump we MUST NOT leave each other, being told that the vans will make a protective semi-circle around us, that we are to form a human barricade standing shoulder to shoulder, that we are to give only one water and one food plate to each person.  Imagine praying a serious faithful prayer for safety and for provision.  Imagine silently getting back into the vans not knowing what to expect.  Imagine turning left into an eerily quiet gravel road.  There are 5,000 buzzards overhead, there are a couple of people at the foot of the hill staring at us.  Imagine the van climbing the mountain and the indescribable smell of sewage and trash creeping into the van.  Imagine seeing a couple of skinny, zombie-like cows climbing the mountain.  Are the cows real???  The stench is now so strong that people are starting to feel as though they are going to be sick.  Imagine cresting the top of the mountain, anxious for what awaits.................OPEN YOUR EYES to find at least 700 PEOPLE running to the vans, climbing on the vans.  I look to my right and a new dump truck full of garbage has just arrived.  As the dump truck is dumping the garbage 50 people are fighting their way to the top of the mound to get leftover food or plastic to sell.  Imagine getting out of the van.  People are pushing their way to you, forming lines upon lines.  As I glance around the area, I notice the cows, buzzards, dogs, and humans FIGHTING over food.  As I begin to pass out the bags of water, they grab them with such desperation, tear a hole in the side of the bag with their teeth, and suck down the water in mere seconds.  Alfredo, our leader, is standing on the bed of a truck giving the Good News.  We run out of food in about 6 minutes.  We give 500 meals and estimate that we only fed half of the people.  We load back into the van and our people are sobbing because their hearts are so broken.  The smell will be forever remembered.

The dump people LIVE at the dump.  Babies are born at the dump.  There is NO shelter, what food is there is someone else's garbage.  There is NO water. 

Many people sniff glue which is a very big problem in Honduras.  I read an article about glue sniffing specific to Honduras, and a 15 year old said he started sniffing glue when he was 8 years old.  "It makes you forget that you are hungry.  It makes you forget that you are lonely.  It kills your brain, but at least you don't hurt anymore.  My friend died when he was 17 because he forgot to eat.  He died of starvation and didn't realize he was starving because the glue had numbed him so much".

WHEN I OPENED MY EYES UPON MY ARRIVAL AT THE DUMP.....I SAW BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE!!!  The dump people are God's children, the village people are God's children, homeless people in Alabama are God's children.....I am God's child.

God spoke to me through scripture during a private Bible study one morning as my family was sleeping peacefully in their beds on 804 Avery Lane Mount Olive, AL.

"...From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked."  -Luke 12:48

Many people think they have to be miserable while they are sacrificing for God's people.  On the contrary,  there is more joy than can be imagined!!!  My heart is broken for these people.  My heart wants everyone to have a chance to know God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. 

Sure, if you think about the fact that there are 147 million orphans in the world - you instantly become overwhelmed and want to shut down.  You think, "there will ALWAYS be orphans.  It's because we live in a broken world.  I can't even almost impact this statistic or other statistics for dirty/no drinking water, etc."  WRONG - if you touch 1 - ONE - 1 - ONE single human (God's child) - you are doing the work of the Kingdom.  You must "die unto yourself" (look it up in the Bible).

Amazing grace and joy follows........

Blog entry coming....

I've had people begging me to post a new entry.  I love it!!!  Makes me feel so good.  I 've been super busy being out of town and, well, life in general. 

I keep saying...."I'll blog tonight, ok I'll wake up early tomorrow morning, shoot, I'll do it tonight FOR SURE...." and so on. 

I just have SO MANY thoughts running through my head.  It's hard to put it all down.

BEWARE:  entries my be long......GET READY!!!

Love to all, and remember, ALWAYS LOVE!