Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Saturday, January 10, 2009
A true emotion from God and for God!
Every time I listen to Graham Cooke preach, my heart feels like it is going to pound out of my chest, literally.
Do you ever love on God so much that your heart hurts? It is a feeling of wanting to get soo much closer to Him. If only I could touch a piece of His garment for a split second....
I encourage you to listen to Graham's divine words with your eyes closed. Then listen to it again with your eyes open to see the pictures. Lose yourself in Him.
I would love to hear your comments after listening to his video.
click here
Do you ever love on God so much that your heart hurts? It is a feeling of wanting to get soo much closer to Him. If only I could touch a piece of His garment for a split second....
I encourage you to listen to Graham's divine words with your eyes closed. Then listen to it again with your eyes open to see the pictures. Lose yourself in Him.
I would love to hear your comments after listening to his video.
click here
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Don't mess with MY people!
Yesterday there was a story on the news about homeless people in Savannah. The police are making all the people who live in tents, evacuate their "camps." The officer went on to say that the homeless need to take advantage of all the different programs to help them get off the streets. He also said that they need to use the shelters as a place to stay. The story came across as there are a plethora of options for the homeless.
I was livid after watching the video a few times. First of all, there are not enough programs offered. Secondly, there is not enough shelter space now, for those who want off the street. One shelter has a 5 days in, 5 days out rule. So you get to stay in for 5 days, then you have to be on the streets for 5 days before you can come back.
Other shelters charge $10.00 a night to stay. The Salvation Army charges you 30% of your income to stay there. So if you are homeless, that means you have no money, and they want to charge you to lay your head?
The more I brewed about the story the madder I became. So, I called the T.V. station and spoke to the reporter. He graciously listened to me and told me that MAYBE he would call me for a follow up story. Imagine my surprise when he called me this morning and asked me to meet him today! I quoted Jesus in Gal 6:2 Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. I also referenced what we do each week in the park is being Jesus to the hurting. Unfortunately, all my God references were cut out.
Here is the interview.
http://www.wtoc.com/global/category.asp?c=153752&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=15094&topVideoCatNoB=153746&topVideoCatNoC=133146&topVideoCatNoD=135069&topVideoCatNoE=153742&clipId=3225256&topVideoCatNo=15094&autoStart=true&clipId=3314483&topVideoCatNo=15094&autoStart=true
(you will have to copy and paste because I am not a savvy at this as some people, KRISTIN!)
I would love to for the person who came up with the "evacuation" idea to come to the park this Sunday and look into the eyes of people we feed and hear their stories. Tears flow freely when grown men talk about their prize procession of a shower curtain and a sheet to shield them from the elements of night.
I was livid after watching the video a few times. First of all, there are not enough programs offered. Secondly, there is not enough shelter space now, for those who want off the street. One shelter has a 5 days in, 5 days out rule. So you get to stay in for 5 days, then you have to be on the streets for 5 days before you can come back.
Other shelters charge $10.00 a night to stay. The Salvation Army charges you 30% of your income to stay there. So if you are homeless, that means you have no money, and they want to charge you to lay your head?
The more I brewed about the story the madder I became. So, I called the T.V. station and spoke to the reporter. He graciously listened to me and told me that MAYBE he would call me for a follow up story. Imagine my surprise when he called me this morning and asked me to meet him today! I quoted Jesus in Gal 6:2 Carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. I also referenced what we do each week in the park is being Jesus to the hurting. Unfortunately, all my God references were cut out.
Here is the interview.
http://www.wtoc.com/global/category.asp?c=153752&clipId=&topVideoCatNo=15094&topVideoCatNoB=153746&topVideoCatNoC=133146&topVideoCatNoD=135069&topVideoCatNoE=153742&clipId=3225256&topVideoCatNo=15094&autoStart=true&clipId=3314483&topVideoCatNo=15094&autoStart=true
(you will have to copy and paste because I am not a savvy at this as some people, KRISTIN!)
I would love to for the person who came up with the "evacuation" idea to come to the park this Sunday and look into the eyes of people we feed and hear their stories. Tears flow freely when grown men talk about their prize procession of a shower curtain and a sheet to shield them from the elements of night.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
A mother's heart broken
Cynthia did leave the hospital without Christopher today. It was incredibly sad. The same time she was being wheeled out, two other mother's were leaving, with their babies.
My heart broke and still is.
The last few minuted in her room, I explained how God has his hands on our life and that He makes decisions on our behalf, for our good. I tried to explain it in a way that she could wrap her broken heart around. She told me that she knew a lot of people are praying for her. However she did not understand if a lot of prayers are being said for her, then why is she leaving her baby behind. I did my best to explain trust and faith. We need to always trust that God is in control of ALL situations and He knows what is best for us.
I found out tonight that DFACS has made their decision that there will never be a time Cynthia can have unsupervised custody of baby Christopher. Her family is going to try and talk her into giving them temporary custody. That way, she will be able to visit him and he will not go into foster care.
Her court date is this Thursday, so I humbly ask you to offer up prayers to our, all knowing, ever loving, constant rock.
I cannot imagine going through life without my faith and trust in Jesus. Cynthia is facing all of this without a relationship with Jesus. Please pray this will bring her to Him.
My heart broke and still is.
The last few minuted in her room, I explained how God has his hands on our life and that He makes decisions on our behalf, for our good. I tried to explain it in a way that she could wrap her broken heart around. She told me that she knew a lot of people are praying for her. However she did not understand if a lot of prayers are being said for her, then why is she leaving her baby behind. I did my best to explain trust and faith. We need to always trust that God is in control of ALL situations and He knows what is best for us.
I found out tonight that DFACS has made their decision that there will never be a time Cynthia can have unsupervised custody of baby Christopher. Her family is going to try and talk her into giving them temporary custody. That way, she will be able to visit him and he will not go into foster care.
Her court date is this Thursday, so I humbly ask you to offer up prayers to our, all knowing, ever loving, constant rock.
I cannot imagine going through life without my faith and trust in Jesus. Cynthia is facing all of this without a relationship with Jesus. Please pray this will bring her to Him.
Catch up..and not the kind you put on a burger!
So, it has been quite some time since I have sat down in front of the keyboard to blog.
This is probably going to be a very random writing since there is so much to catch up on.
Christmas was good. After much prayer, I invited a couple of people from the park to our home for the day. I was nervous about it at first, not knowing how it would all play out. Everyone in the family (except Brian), could not understand why I would want to invite homeless people to our house for "their" Christmas. I think they were all just anxious about the unknown. Luckily, it went great! Everyone showed up sober and we shared a lot of laughs! I had a whole new captive audience to show my Haiti videos to! Hey, who does not like home videos, right! Ha Ha!
Megan, Heidi, Brian, Steve...my friends from the park
New Years was pretty much uneventful. We went to a party a couple from church was having. Whew, drank way too much diet coke! P A R T Y! We were home in time to watch the ball drop (why would anyone want to be part of that crowd, I do not know)!
New Years day, Brian cooked amazing hamburgers! Byron and Sherrie spent the day with us, so that is always a good day in my life! After dinner we played Cranium, and I laughed so hard I could not speak! It was a fantastic way to start 2009!
I have been excited about the new year. Excited because I cannot wait to see what The Lord has in store! He gave me John 3:30 as my verse:
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 NIV
This is the ASSIGNED moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. JOHN 3:30 The Message
God has been growing the park ministry like crazy! Last week I got a phone call from a lady saying that her mother was turning 50, and all she wanted for her birthday was to help the needy! Whooo Hooo, come on down! They brought all the food, and tons of it!
Talking to them after everyone was fed, they asked a lot of questions about why we do what we do each week. It was an amazing time of evangelism because none of them go to church. We got to share why we love on God's children. We explained that we don't just show up and hand out food, but that we are in relationships with those we feed. I know seeds were planted.
Speaking of relationships, we have been feeding a pregnant lady named Cynthia each week since March. This past Sunday we were going to do our inaugural baby shower in the park! We had it all planned, cake, decorations and lots of gifts. Well, I got a call on Friday saying she was in the hospital and in labor! She was not dilated enough and she told me the baby would not come until Saturday. I went to see her around 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, and she was still was not dilated very much. When the doctor came in, he discovered the baby was breech. Off to surgery Cynthia went. Now mind you, all of her family lives local, but not one of them was there for her. It was very, very sad. Before she went to surgery, she asked me if I could please stay until she came out of surgery. Sure, no problem. Baby Christoper was born at 5:54 p.m., weighing in at 6lbs 8oz! When she got back into her room, she found out that she could not have Christopher in her room with her all night unless someone stayed the night with her. She started to cry. I looked around the room, and I was it...no one else. How could I not stay? I wanted to go home and sleep in my bed. Quickly, God reminded me about the scripture He gave me a few days before. This was not about me, it was about Him and his hurting child. It was time for me to put "me" on the sidelines. So I did. I got home Sunday morning at 8:00, with no sleep.
Without breaking any confidential trust, I ask you to PLEASE pray for Cynthia and baby Christopher. Their futures are very fragile right now. I am giving her a ride home from the hospital tomorrow and I am not sure baby Christopher will be going home with her. Why God thinks I am capable of handling these situations, I do not know, but He keeps putting me in them. If God can use me, He can use you.
I know it is kind of late for a New Years greeting, but I wish each of you a year of falling deeper in love with the One who paid an incredible price for each of our sins.
You are each precious to me! I love you xoxoxo
This is probably going to be a very random writing since there is so much to catch up on.
Christmas was good. After much prayer, I invited a couple of people from the park to our home for the day. I was nervous about it at first, not knowing how it would all play out. Everyone in the family (except Brian), could not understand why I would want to invite homeless people to our house for "their" Christmas. I think they were all just anxious about the unknown. Luckily, it went great! Everyone showed up sober and we shared a lot of laughs! I had a whole new captive audience to show my Haiti videos to! Hey, who does not like home videos, right! Ha Ha!
Megan, Heidi, Brian, Steve...my friends from the park
New Years was pretty much uneventful. We went to a party a couple from church was having. Whew, drank way too much diet coke! P A R T Y! We were home in time to watch the ball drop (why would anyone want to be part of that crowd, I do not know)!
New Years day, Brian cooked amazing hamburgers! Byron and Sherrie spent the day with us, so that is always a good day in my life! After dinner we played Cranium, and I laughed so hard I could not speak! It was a fantastic way to start 2009!
I have been excited about the new year. Excited because I cannot wait to see what The Lord has in store! He gave me John 3:30 as my verse:
He must become greater; I must become less. John 3:30 NIV
This is the ASSIGNED moment for Him to move into the center, while I slip off to the sidelines. JOHN 3:30 The Message
God has been growing the park ministry like crazy! Last week I got a phone call from a lady saying that her mother was turning 50, and all she wanted for her birthday was to help the needy! Whooo Hooo, come on down! They brought all the food, and tons of it!
Talking to them after everyone was fed, they asked a lot of questions about why we do what we do each week. It was an amazing time of evangelism because none of them go to church. We got to share why we love on God's children. We explained that we don't just show up and hand out food, but that we are in relationships with those we feed. I know seeds were planted.
Speaking of relationships, we have been feeding a pregnant lady named Cynthia each week since March. This past Sunday we were going to do our inaugural baby shower in the park! We had it all planned, cake, decorations and lots of gifts. Well, I got a call on Friday saying she was in the hospital and in labor! She was not dilated enough and she told me the baby would not come until Saturday. I went to see her around 2:00 in the afternoon on Saturday, and she was still was not dilated very much. When the doctor came in, he discovered the baby was breech. Off to surgery Cynthia went. Now mind you, all of her family lives local, but not one of them was there for her. It was very, very sad. Before she went to surgery, she asked me if I could please stay until she came out of surgery. Sure, no problem. Baby Christoper was born at 5:54 p.m., weighing in at 6lbs 8oz! When she got back into her room, she found out that she could not have Christopher in her room with her all night unless someone stayed the night with her. She started to cry. I looked around the room, and I was it...no one else. How could I not stay? I wanted to go home and sleep in my bed. Quickly, God reminded me about the scripture He gave me a few days before. This was not about me, it was about Him and his hurting child. It was time for me to put "me" on the sidelines. So I did. I got home Sunday morning at 8:00, with no sleep.
Without breaking any confidential trust, I ask you to PLEASE pray for Cynthia and baby Christopher. Their futures are very fragile right now. I am giving her a ride home from the hospital tomorrow and I am not sure baby Christopher will be going home with her. Why God thinks I am capable of handling these situations, I do not know, but He keeps putting me in them. If God can use me, He can use you.
I know it is kind of late for a New Years greeting, but I wish each of you a year of falling deeper in love with the One who paid an incredible price for each of our sins.
You are each precious to me! I love you xoxoxo
Sunday, December 21, 2008
I love my December Birthday!
If by somehow I missed telling you, this week was my birthday! I am one of those very obnoxious people to be around during my birth WEEK! I don't just want to celebrate my birth on the actual day, but the whole week!
On Tuesday, 10 of my girlfriends took me to dinner and then to see Newsong in concert! I was blessed by 45, yes 45, phone calls on Thursday, the actual date! I love my friends¡¡
Growing up, I always wanted a June birthday. Being born 7 days before Christmas, I always felt robbed of "my" day! Being so close to Christmas, people are busy and money is tight. I got a lot of Birthday and Christmas presents combined. Robbed, I am telling you, I was robbed!
This year, Jesus showed me why I was a December baby! I asked people to give me gloves, hats, scarfs and underwear instead of gifts so we could give each person in the park a Christmas present! Boy did Jesus shine through all of my friends! Every person in the park got a wrapped present, a bag of candy, a hot meal and lots of hugs today! I bought elf hats for everyone to wear today. It was awesome!
After we were done feeding, a handful of us went to the local coffee shot and hung out. It was fun to fellowship with those who serve and those who we serve! Ultimately, we all serve the Almighty One who came to earth to set each of us free. It is because of that little baby we have freedom! Thanks you Jesus!
Donnette reading God's word.
Leon and me..please pray for peace in his heart
Megan and Steve-they are both doing great!
Rhonda the Reindeer and Ms. Henrietta!
Santa?? I tried all my charm to get him to wear an elf hat! No go!
All caffeined up..and no place to go!
CB and David....standing around looking pretty!
David with his new glasses Jesus gave him via Walmart!
God gave us three amazing Christmas gifts:
The forgiveness for everything we've ever done
A promise and power to live today and
The security of knowing our home in heaven is there for us when we die.
I wish each of you a beautiful day celebrating the birth of the One who made our salvation possible. And that is the ONLY gift we need. Peace.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Walmart-my new favorite place to shop!
Wednesday, my friend David from the park (I blogged previously about him), called me to tell me he broke his glasses the night before. He was quite upset because he cannot see without them, and wanted to know if I had any suggestions as to what he should do. The only answer I could come up with is to call the Lion's Club. No luck with them.
David's work is about to run out and he is very unsure if he is going to end up back on the streets. Needless to say, he was very down.
Later that afternoon, I went to Wally World to return some Christmas ornaments. As I walked by the Optical Department, something told me to go in and just ask if they could help David with his dilemma. Hmmm, wonder where the thought came from?! So I walked up to the counter, introduced myself and told them about David's situation. The girl told me she would talk to her manager and then call me. The next day I got a call from Ben, the manager, and he asked me a bunch of questions about what we do in the park each week and about David. Then get this...he said to have David come in and he would take care of !00% of the cost for a new pair of glasses! What? I was just hoping they could give him a good discount!
Why should I be surprised that Jesus would take care of 100% of David's needs? I was only hoping for a piece, when I should have been expecting the whole?
I JUST LOVE TO WATCH GOD GO!!!
David's work is about to run out and he is very unsure if he is going to end up back on the streets. Needless to say, he was very down.
Later that afternoon, I went to Wally World to return some Christmas ornaments. As I walked by the Optical Department, something told me to go in and just ask if they could help David with his dilemma. Hmmm, wonder where the thought came from?! So I walked up to the counter, introduced myself and told them about David's situation. The girl told me she would talk to her manager and then call me. The next day I got a call from Ben, the manager, and he asked me a bunch of questions about what we do in the park each week and about David. Then get this...he said to have David come in and he would take care of !00% of the cost for a new pair of glasses! What? I was just hoping they could give him a good discount!
Why should I be surprised that Jesus would take care of 100% of David's needs? I was only hoping for a piece, when I should have been expecting the whole?
I JUST LOVE TO WATCH GOD GO!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)