Adam Barnett

Deeper Meaning behind "Orphan"

Recently, Warner Bros released the horror movie, "Orphan."  This movie portrays that it must be hard to love an adopted child as much as you love your own.  Of course, Esther, the orphan, is a psychopathic killer that is out to make the life of her new family miserable.  While this could be entertaining for those who enjoy suspenseful movies, people are interpreting a deeper meaning from this movie.  

The release of this movie has caused millions to protest and try to protect the positive reputation of adoption.  There is even a website that is solely aiming at "defending the cause of the fatherless" (Isaiah 1:17).  You can click here to see startling statistics regarding the millions of orphans around the world and in your city that are waiting for someone to care! 

I've been motivated by my friend, Tom Davis, to join a conversation about this very topic. Tom is the founder of Children's Hope Chest and is a part of a relentless pursuit of providing spiritual direction and family care for every orphan in this world!  Praise the Lord! 

So, I'm not out to "protest" this movie with any violent words, but would like to say that my life is radically different because of the thousands of orphans I've interacted with and served.  I've actually had one young boy, probably two years old, become an orphan in my arms.  His mom brought him to us for a warm meal and in the midst of a large crowd and conversation, we quickly realized that she had disappeared.  There are thousands... millions of children that face this dilemma each day.  Their future, health, education, self-confidence and many other aspects of life are strongly influenced by being abandoned.  

So, in light of a simple movie with a strong title, stand up and defend the cause of the fatherless.  Pray and seek how you can get involved to eliminate forgotten children.  Maybe that means having a burden to pray.  Maybe it means adoption... financially supporting an adoption agency... foster-care... the list goes on and on, but at any rate - I encourage you... I urge you to get involved.  Set aside time this week to pray alone, with your spouse or with your entire family and hear the Lord. Odds are, he would be delighted to use you in some fashion to join this effort!

I would be more than delighted to hear your thoughts on this... (click comments)

 

The Author of Sunsets and... Me?

I walked outside recently and saw this.  Really... the Lord feels so close when I see images like this (especially in person and not just a picture!).  And when he says "Hi" through a sunset or mountains or... you name it... I just freeze.  I freeze and try to take it all in.  The Creator of this image below knows you and me intimately... loves us unconditionally... Unbelievable.

Me Fact #5: I'm Blessed

I was sitting down talking to my sweet wife a few days ago and we began sharing how amazed we are at what God has done in the last 5 years (our 5th anniversary is in August).  Every sentence we said started with, "Can you believe that...?!?"  For example: 

• We are redeemed and set free in Christ! 
• We are madly in love and are each other's best friend 
• We are anticipating the arrival of our first daughter, Ellie 
• We are loved by an incredible family (all of which love to laugh!) 
• We are surrounded by a phenomenal group of friends 
• We are fulfilled by different ministry roles that we get to fill 
• We are a part of a home church that loves it's community 
• We are continuously reminded of God's provision (home, food, etc.) 
• We are constantly playing (you name it, we do it!) 

This, of course, is not to brag.  It is simply my way of showing that no matter how much crud hits the fan from time to time, we still have multiple reasons to be joyful and grateful.  There is a song we sing at church that says, "In and out of season... no matter what happens, you are still God."  So true, and plenty of reason to enjoy every breath!!!  

Me Fact #4: I'm Selfish

If you think about it, most (if not all) situations in which we choose to sin, it is because of selfishness.  It is because we want to fulfill our flesh, reputation, thoughts, wallet, etc. instead of fulfilling the heart of the Lord.  We're all guilty of this.  

One of my greatest frustrations is this: if Christ is IN me, why do i routinely choose not to demonstrate him with a selfless attitude, but instead, think of myself instead of others?  Interesting... and frustrating. 

Lastly, marriage definitely revealed to me that I'm selfish.  From huge things (like spending money on a vacation, etc.) to small things (like picking up the other person's dirty dishes!), you have to make a consistent effort to put the other person first! Easier said than done. 

All that to say, this is something that I'll continuously work on and hopefully improve!

Me Fact #3: I'm Terrified of Sharks

If there is one thing that I hate (other than Satan), it would be sharks.  Even though I do swim in the ocean, if you're ever with me, I keep my eyes peeled for fins.  A few years ago we were swimming in the Indian Ocean and swam about 100 yards to a reef.  When we got there, I realized that my friend, Laurie, was bleeding profusely from her knee.  She cut it on the coral.  Immediately, I got back in the water and swam for shore.  There's no way I'd ever be swimming next to someone who is bleeding.  

I've also heard it said that if you go swimming in the ocean, all you need is a knife and a friend.  That way, when you see a shark, you stab your friend in the leg and swim away as fast as possible.  

I simply hate the fact that there's a fish that can chew me up and swallow me.

Me Fact #2: I'm (very) Forgetful

Let me clarify... I don't forget things like my anniversary (#5 coming up shortly, by the way!), my wife's birthday or other important things, like closing the garage door.  But, my wife and I joke about how forgetfulness is definitely one of my primary spiritual gifts.  I'm so good at forgetting stuff that it has to be a gift from above. 

Here are a few examples: 

• I found out my cousin was pregnant and never told my wife.  I forgot. 
• Every time I leave the house, I leave something behind and it makes me mad. 
• When I travel, I rarely remember to pack a toothbrush or deodorant.    
• If you tell me any piece of information, there's a 54% chance I'll forget it!   

So, this is definitely something that I'm forced to work on.  Be patient with me.  

Me Fact #1: I'm Claustrophobic

I have an idea... I'm going to post some random facts about me for the next week or so that few people know.  Some might think this is conceited to just talk about myself, but really, I'm just going to embarrass myself a little.  We'll see what I come up with, but I'll start with the fact that I'm claustrophobic.  (which has made many of my bus and train rides overseas very miserable!)  My friend, Michelle, has this crazy desire to go to Spain and participate in the Running of the Bulls.  She emailed me this picture - I could NEVER handle this.  I'm not talking about running with bulls - that sounds like a blast.  I'm talking about standing with thousands of people like sardines - no thank you.  So, if you like getting up in other people's business, go to Spain.  

Code of Conduct

We are studying the New Testament this summer and walking slowly through it (on purpose).  I've enjoyed taking my time - it prevents me from rushing through different chapters and missing good stuff to chew on.  

Last night, we discussed 2 Thessalonians 5, specifically verses 12-24.  My bible labels this as "Final Instructions" but one friend last night called it his "Code of Conduct." This short segment of scripture is packed with standards that we ought to live by and we were all challenged as we graded ourselves according to that scripture.  

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  (verses 16-18)  HOW DO YOU DO THIS?  The end of that sums it up for me - this is the Lord's will for my life to live in this way, so daily submitting myself to his will is a good start!  

Whatever you're up to today, join me in attempting to find joy in every minute, pray throughout the day and give thanks, regardless of your circumstances.  Easier said than done, but worth a try! 

Signs of a Good Weekend

Andrea and I hung out at Lake Texhoma with my family all weekend.  As I look back, here are a few signs of a good weekend:

• Unlimited food and stocked refrigerator
• Round of golf at a really beautiful course that looks over the lake 
• Swimming in the lake and floating on rafts 
• Fishing at 5:00am with dad, brother and nephew 
• Long nap on the couch 
• Home-made ice cream with brownies 
• Steaks that my dad creatively branded with a "B" (below) 
• Two deep bowls of skittles on the kitchen counter    
• Fireworks... non-stop... everywhere 

  

Get Motivated!

All day yesterday, Andrea and I attended the Get Motivated Conference.  This included a roster of incredible speakers, such as:

• Former First-Lady, Laura Bush
• Mayor of New York City, Rudolph Giuliani 
• Former Secretary of State, General Colin Powell 
• OU Football Coach, Bob Stoops 
• Motivational Speaker and Author, Zig Ziglar 
• Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback, Joe Montana    

These speakers spoke on a variety of topics, including leadership styles, motivating others around you, how to plan effectively and how to overcome adversity.  By the way, I've decided that if you look up the word "elegant" in the dictionary, you'll find a picture of Laura Bush.  What an incredible gal!  It was really intriguing to hear her share of her experiences with President Bush during some of the darkest hours of our nation's history.  

To find out more about this conference, you can click the link above.