Bless the Homeless

Wow! Is pretty much the word I have for this afternoon/evening.   Blessed! is another one. 

Today we went down to Laguna Beach to fellowship with the homeless with our "Sole 2 Soul Ministry" team. 

What we've learned over the past few months...that a pair of socks is worth a lot when you're living out of a backpack, and especially if you have no shoes on your feet.

There's also something to be said about handing out items that we take for granted.  Aside from the socks; small toiletry bags (soap/shampoo); a cap to block the sun and even mittens/gloves (yes, it still cools down quite a bit in the evenings here in So Cal). 

But one thing more (and it doesn't cost money) is giving of our time...to listen, care and pray with so many who are shunned by the public.  Left at the curb like trash.  People who are lost, who have had many burdens, who are broken.  Who need someone to care, to smile, to hug.  They are all God's children.

We met a young man who went to jail at the age of 19 and served 5 years.  Was just let out 48 hours ago.  Who lost both parents while in prison.  Who found Jesus in prison.  Who has set goals and because of the love of his grandmother has been pointed in the right direction.  We pray for him.

We met a young man who was raised in a Christian home, but like so many fell and fell hard (due to addiction).  We pray for him.

We met another man who gave us a hug and a toothless grin. Who seemed grateful when we remembered his name.  We pray for him.

A young woman searching for a room to rent.  But with a smile on her face wishing us a Happy Easter.  We pray for her.

A man with a funny laugh, who said he had just prayed for socks.  He made us laugh.  And we pray for him.

I could go on and on because there were/are so many. 

And we'll go back down (the 3rd Saturday of each month) to build a relationship with so many who feel less than perfect.  Children of God who should be shown the love of Christ.  To let them know their worth and that we care.  That they may enjoy 3 meals a day and a warm bed to lie upon.  We pray for all of them.

And as we drove towards HOME, headed for DINNER (knowing both of these our homeless friends don't have) our heads spinning and our hearts overflowing; we praised God for choosing us to do His work.

After we left dinner with our bellies full, driving out of the shopping center, we handed out a few more socks to a homeless man on the corner and gave him some water. 

Let me say it again...WE ARE BLESSED!!!

Spending my morning with God

I just discovered "YouVision" and wanted to share with you.

 

I don't know about you but I easily get caught up in the busyness of life and in the past found that slowing down and spending time in God's Word was teadeous. 

 

How very sad that is to admit.  He gave me this life I live and I couldn't or wouldn't find time to spend with Him?  Even 15 minutes a day?  It amazes me that He still loves me and has all the time in the world for me.

 

Well, I was thrilled to learn about this tool and didn't want to keep it to myself.   And here's the kicker..."It's easy!"

 

Why?  Because the guess work is taken out of "what shall I read today"?  The reading plans are "easy breezy" and in a matter of 5-10 minutes I've got my armor on for the day.

 

Right now I'm reading "Joy to the World! A countdown to Christmas".  A wonderful way to keep reminded of the true meaning of Christ(mas) during the craziness of it all.

 

Perfect example...I've been preparing for a Holiday Boutique (which is today).  I feel a little like I've been "cramming" for a "test", with last minute creations to sell.

 

Well, I know how important it is and how better my day goes (not necessarily without trials) knowing God is by my side.

 

Plainly stated...It's a great way to "start" (and sometimes "end") my day.

 

Let me end by sharing what I read this morning.  I pray it touches your heart and gives you what you need to "take on the day".

 

Mary, the very young, chosen mother of Jesus, utters one of the most courageous statements in all of Scripture. In response to the announcement of the angel that Mary’s world had just been interrupted with heaven’s plan, Mary clearly said, “Behold the bondslave of the Lord, may it be done to me according to your word.” - (Luke 1:38) A “bondslave” was someone who could have gone free but instead chose to stay and serve his or her master. Mary willingly chose to offer temporary housing to the Savior of the world because that was God’s desire. When her world collided with God’s ultimate desire, Mary died to self and submitted to God the Father. When was the last time that you quoted Luke 1:38? Has God asked something difficult of you lately? How have you responded? When God requires one of His children to lay down their will and their way for His best plan, often there is a struggle of the human will. Unfortunately, rather than respond with the maturity and wisdom of the young Mary, many of us whine and complain. Some of us even may have the audacity to question whether or not God even knows what He is doing. What has God asked of you? Has He asked you to love a difficult person? Perhaps He has asked you to raise a special needs child or serve an uncaring boss. God is looking for bondslaves: men and women who are willing to serve Him out of love. God is looking for those who willingly submit to His ways and plans simply because their heart completely belongs to Him. God desires men and women who will allow Him to interrupt their well-thought lives with His unbelievable plans! It’s called being a bondslave. Mary’s pure heart and true resolve are revealed through the final words of her statement, “ ... May it be done to me according to your word.” Is that the resolve of your heart as well? When your will comes into conflict with God’s Word, God’s Word must win at all cost. Like Mary, settle this issue of human will and the authority of God’s Word today. I declare, with Mary, that in my life, it will always be done according to His Word because I am His bondslave.

 

Where were you? Do you REMEMBER?

I had signed on to AOL to read my e-mail.  And the opening page had a picture of the first tower burning...I couldn't believe it...thought it was a very BAD joke by some sicko posting an altered photo of the tower. 

So I turned on the news, and in that moment watched another plane hit the second tower...and I crumbled...felt numb...just couldn't believe it...I sat there in shock.

As time slowly crawled by, I finally got dressed and left (late) for work in tears.

I didn't make it but a couple blocks down the street, and got a phone call that the first tower had fallen.  I ended up turning around because I felt like I couldn't breathe.  Drove the few blocks back home, sat in front of the tv and watched the second tower collapse.

And now... remembering it like it was yesterday...makes my heart ache for so many that have been forever changed by this event.  Actually, in typing this I can't imagine the whole world not feeling affected in some way by the chain of events that occured on September 11th.

Whether you believe in God who created you or something else, won't you please Stop and Pray....think about....REMEMBER.

Who are you trying to please?

When you work...are you working for the Lord?  Or are you working for people?



I came across this beautiful illustration of a bible verse I actually have posted at my workstation.


"WORK willingly at WHATEVER YOU DO as though you were working for the LORD rather than for PEOPLE"  Col 3:23

It's hard enough pleasing people all of the time, let alone most of the time.  So my goal is to have a heart to "WORK for the LORD" and please Him.  If other's are than pleased, that's a bonus.   It's definitely less stressful and will put your heart in the right place.

If you LOVE this illustration as much as I do, you can hop on over to "Homegrown Hospitality"  My NEW favorite Blog to follow...It just makes me Happy

Smart Spaces

There are Smart Phones and Smart Cars. 

So why not Smart Spaces.

I think it's great to be reminded of some of the simplest things in life.

Sure... some might be more obvious than others.

But don't you owe it to yourself to take care of what God gave you?

We might then realize how important it is to not sweat the small stuff.

And to just learn to love ourselves.

Now that's just smart.