Sunday, February 1, 2009

Getting Ready to Celebrate With a Give Away

On February 13, 2008 I wrote my first blog post. This post I am writing now is my 96th entry. So within the next 12 days I will celebrate my "blogaversary" and my 100th post. There have been a lot of things going around in my brain about how to mark this occasion. Little did I know that 11 days after starting this blog, Don and I would separate. But God knew. He knew how much I would need all of you. What a gift you have been.

I have just finished reading "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. Amazing book. Life changing book if you'll let it be. He talks about loving God with abandon. Being obsessed with God. He talks about a question that he was once asked, "What are you doing right now that requires faith?" Wow! I have a hard time answering that question. In the next few posts I am sure I will be sharing more of what I have learned from this book but for now I want to share about a man that he talks about, a man with a passion for God and His people.

Nathan Barlow: A medical doctor who chose to utilize his skills in Ethiopia for more than sixty years. Nathan dedicated his life to helping people with mossy foot. Mossy foot is a debilitating condition primarily found in rural districts, on people who work in soil of volcanic origin. It causes swelling and ulcers in the feet and lower legs. The subsequent deformity, swelling, repeated ulcerations, and secondary infections make people with mossy foot social outcasts equivalent to lepers.

I (Francis Chan) met Nathan shortly before he died. His daughter, Sharon Daly, attends my church and brought him to her home from Ethiopia when his health started to fail. After only a few weeks, he couldn't handle being in the States. The people he loved were still in Ethiopia, so his daughter flew him back home so he could spend his last days there.

Once, Nathan got a toothache, the pain of which was so intense that he had to fly away from the mission field to get medical attention. Nathan told the dentist that he didn't ever want to leave the mission field for the sake of his teeth again, so he had the dentist pull out all of his teeth and give him false ones so he wouldn't slow God's work in Ethiopia.

This amazing man was the first to help these outcasts, and he spent his life doing it. Yet he died quietly, without a lot of attention; no one really knew about him. (pgs 150-151, Crazy Love)

So, what does all of this have to do with me and a give away. I've decided that I really want to "give away". Sorry that's it is not to you but I would like to give to the organization that continues to do the work of Nathan Barlow. mossyfoot.com

Here is where you come in. I would like you to comment with a question you want to ask. Any kind of question. Crazy. Deep. Nosey. Anything. I just love questions. (and, yes, I will answer them...I think) For every comment, I will donate a certain amount of money to this organization. God has already told me how much to give per comment and I am going to have that faith that He will provide the money. I have been given so much through this blogging community. It's time for me to give back. The best way is for us to reach out and love with abandon. Crazy Love.

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38 comments:

Jenn @ Casa de Castro said...

Great post, Sheryl! Here's my question: Other than the friends you've made in the blogosphere and their support during this past year, what surprising yet great thing has being a blogger brought into your life?

Happy blogoversary. Love you, girl.

Suzanne said...

Happy blogoversary!

I love it when God answers our prayers even before we know we need to ask them. He knew what was ahead and this blog would help you on your journey.

My question: Is there a song that really touched you this past year?

I think giving to mossyfoot.com is a wonderful giveaway!

Count it all joy,
Sz

His Girl said...

What a wonderful idea! I totally plan to steal it at some point :D

As far as a question, hmmmm: what makes you laugh? Like full belly, tears down your face, crossing your legs, laugh?

Unknown said...

My question is this: What is THE MOST important thing you've learned about being a Christian? In other words, what one thing once learned, turned your life around?

Amrita said...

This is a very unique way of responding to that book.I have just got to chapter 4 and its amazing. I justthank the blog friend who gave it to me.

My question is.
What made you surrender your life to Jesus? How did you hear His call?

Susan said...

Sadie,

You are so creative! Love it. My question...

What was your most embarrassing moment - - but here is the kicker - - but is now hilarious to talk about?

Love you, Lila

Anonymous said...

What do you think has been your biggest challenge this year ?

Just a little something from Judy said...

I would like to know, at this point of your life, what one thing would you attempt to do if you were guaranteed not to fail? I like the concept of what you are doing and the generosity of your heart.

UL Cards Fan said...

What brought the prodigal daughter "home to GOD"?

You have added so much to my journey. Thanks for the "couch time".

Love, LINDA

Kim in NC said...

What would a "perfect" day look like in the life of a completely healed Sheryl?

Laura said...

My question is this what has GOD taught you about yourself during this past year?

So glad to " know " you and look forward to all that GOD has in store.

Love you,
Laura

Jayme (Sirk) Cox said...

What moment or event would you change in your life if you could?

Pam said...

Well! That sounds like a book I need to get my hands on!

I need to check when my blogoversary is too! I think in March.

Question... what are you doing right now that requires faith? ;)

Alicia The Snowflake said...

What a great idea! I love the story. May we have total abandon for the work of our Heavenly Father. Thank you for the reminder.

I know this last year has been very stressful for you. But what was your favorite thing that happened during that time?

Thanks for doing this! I hope you have a great week!

Kiesha said...

I'm gonna have to go out and get that book! :)

I am fairly new to your blog and haven't had a chance to go back and read a lot, so I will try not to ask a question you probably have already answered.

Let's see...If you had one wish and only one wish, what would you wish for?

Sheryl said...

Here I am commenting on my own blog - weird!

I am loving the money being raised, I am loving your questions: which will be answered in the next few posts.

Just wanted to say that if anyone just wants to ask my favorite food or color, or some very random (non deep) question, I am FINE with that.

Thanks for sharing this "celebration" with me.

Gathering Hope said...

Hey Sheryl...great thinking here. I enjoyed reading all the questions:)
Thanks for paying it forward Sheryl...

How do you begin each day?

~Find Joy in this day~
Sherry

Amber Dupree said...

I'm thankful to have found you.

I sent you an email; I hope you get it.

Many Smiles,
Amber

WoolenSails said...

I think it is a wonderful thing that you are doing.
What is your favorite prayer that you say, to get you through the tough days?

Debbie

Paula V said...

This is wonderful. What an amazing man...to have all his teeth pulled so it wouldn't slow down God's work. Amazing.

You entered blog world just before me. Mine is April 9, 2008. Of course, my trials had already begun.

I've met some of the most amazing women, many of which I seriously consider "best" friends though I may do nothing more than to read their emails, see their pic, and maybe hear their voice...never to touch them or hug them. Amazing.

I love all these questions people have posed to you...like how you begin each day, what brought you back to the Lord.

In all honesty, the question that I have for you seems ridiculous. Maybe since it is the first question I thought while I was reading your blog, I will take that from the Lord and ask you personally via email. It is something that has been weighing on my heart lately and just haven't had the words or time to express it. You can decide to count it or not.

I've posted a non-study post, if you want to visit.
Love,
Paula

JMBMOMMY said...

Crazy Love is one of my favorite books! I read it this past summer.

My question:
Do you think learning dependence on God is possible without the struggles in life?

kayro said...

How often do you have to color your hair?

You know I love ya, Karen

-stephanie- said...

Thanks for popping in to my blog and celebrating with me on my 100th post.

This is a great idea for a giveaway.

My question is...are you going through menopause yet? Any symptoms? Hot flashes, night sweats, all that other fun stuff. C'mon, join us other 40 somethings and fess up.


I'm not really dying to know this, just thought I'd throw you for a loop. You're getting some deep questions.

Happy Blogaversary, and happy 100th post.

Sue said...

Hi Sheryl,
After reading this story it is kind of hard for me to come up with a question,but here goes...What makes you the happiest, what makes you the saddest.

This is one of the most touching stories that I have ever heard.
Blessings,
Sue

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Hi Sheryl,

This is my first time here, so I'll ask a random question.

What's your quiet time routine like, do you have a cup of coffee, or tea, or do you just snuggle down with your Bible and a blanket?

Nice to meet you,
Sonya

Myriam said...

Hi Sheryl

Love the idea of giving back. You are the second person to reference that and I plan to get it.

I love all the questions and can't wait to come back to read your answers. I will ask something easy: what is your favorite Bible study and the author?

That was easy.

Much love to you.

Myriam

Debbie said...

PER YOUR INSTRUCTIONS

Do you like shoes or purses better?

And do you still like me best?

Love and Blessings, Debbie in Tennessee

Beverly said...

Wonderful post, and what a nice "give-away!"

So...now a question...what is your favorite "relaxing" activity?

This is fun!

Anonymous said...

ok i am posting all iam saying i am so very blessed to know you&that your in my life God bless vicky

Kimberly said...

Love you Sherly and your sweet heart!

How old were you when you turned back to Jesus?

KB

Amber Dupree said...

I've thought about it and finally came up with the perfect question.

What would you doo-oo-oo for a klondike bar?

It was either that, or 'do you ever get that not-so-fresh feeling?' But I didn't want people to get the wrong idea about me. ;)

Ha! Much love,
Amber

Tea with Tiffany said...

I've watched all of Crazy Love's videos. Still want to read this book. Every video stirred my passion.

My question: if today was the last day you had on earth, what would you do and who would you be with?

Unknown said...

I don't have a question for you, but I want to leave a comment and have it count towards your "give away".

Suzanne said...

Wow, what an awesome way to celebrate!!! I just love you Sheryl! Do you know how wonderful you are??? Ah, yup, that was my question.

So blessed to be your blogfriend,

Suzanne :)

Paula V said...

I came back to read more of the questions. I love them and can't wait to get your answers. Don't make us wait through too MANY posts. We do want to know.
Love the corney klondike bar question. Then Debbie who asks about purses/shoes followed by "do you like me best?" That is precious.

You have some really funny followers.

Luanne said...

What are 10 random favorite things? (No people included--they are people, not things!!!)

C.C. and Double T said...

I may just have to steal your idea sometime soon! LOVE it!!!

What is your favorite childhood memory, and what is your favorite memory of your children's lives so far?

Anonymous said...

What would you rather questions...

1. Live, prime-time, televised concert. You were the honored guest. Had an on-stage seat, so no texting, only singing and toe-tapping. Who would you choose? Wait, you then have dinner with them, just a cozy, little affair. (Not really an affair, just...you know what I mean.) Barry Manilow or Liberace?

2. Front teeth that come down to your chin but the best personality ever - or - to be a cute, talented, little thing but always feel like you are about to fall? Wait, what am I thinking?

Chin teeth or the cutest girl in the county but an odor that makes everyone gag in your wake? (can't file your teeth and no perfume covers the odor.) What would you rather have?