Every Friday night, Reed and I, unless we are sick or out of town, head downtown to one of Dallas' homeless shelters, the Bridge. We've come to love and cherish the time that we spend at the Bridge. When I talk to people about this, sometimes it makes them feel uncomfortable or like they could never be around homeless people, but it's really not too hard. Homeless people are people too. They all have different stories and reasons for why they are homeless, but in the end, they are broken humans, just like the rest of us. I'll admit, I was super uncomfortable when we first decided that this was something we were going to be obedient in because Jesus calls us to love and serve the poor. I kept thinking that I would have nothing to relate, nothing to say to encourage, nothing to share.
God showed me just how wrong I was. He's also shown me how His plan for His people in Dallas is far bigger than me. If Reed and I didn't go to the Bridge, God would still be doing amazing things to bring the broken back to Himself for His glory...we are just blessed to be a part of that.
On Friday nights we help teach a life skills class. Usually this is over a certain life topic that Wayne, the Director of OurCalling, picks. The really neat thing is that we teach biblically based life skills classes. There is nothing subtle about how we tie the class into what God says in the bible about that particular subject. Just being able to talk about God's Word is evidence of His sovereignty every week because the Bridge is a city run shelter and we're not technically supposed to have anything religiously affiliated. Yet ever week, we go inside the shelter and teach a class painted with the gospel. God truly is good.
This past Friday was one of those nights that God just took the reigns and captivated everyone. Wayne chose to talk about our purpose this week. What is our purpose on this earth. What will our purpose be this year? What about this summer? What about this week? What about today? We talked about seeking God's purpose for our lives because God loves each and everyone in the room and has a specific purpose for them. I remember as Wayne was emphasizing that point over and over (that God loves us exactly how He created us and that He created us for a purpose), that my eyes went around the room to all the people sitting around me.
I saw one man who had earlier confessed to me that he had taken 11 of his psych meds to give him a nice high. His hands were shaking and he was proud of the high he was feeling. God may not love his choices and actions, BUT GOD LOVES THIS MAN.
Another man was sitting next to me, shaking his leg uncontrollably (could be a health issue, could be drugs, I'm not sure), and he smelled like he had been walking in the Texas heat (it has been over 100 most days in Dallas) for 2 weeks straight without washing himself or his clothes. This man who's story I do not know, GOD LOVES EVERY PART OF HIM.
One of the woman in the room is a lady that God has intertwined in my heart. By all means, she is nasty, rude, racist, manipulative and throws a fit if you don't give her money. But my heart has always ached to see the impossible come true with her because GOD LOVES AND CREATED HER TO BE EXACTLY THE WAY SHE IS. I know she wasn't created to carry the certain evils in her heart and that God does not love the, but there are moments when I see her sweet spirit come out and I praise Jesus for the hope of His salvation.
As we all sat there thinking of our purpose as God's children, whom He loves EXACTLY the way we are, poor or not, the whole room was silent. This may not seem that amazing, but on Friday nights we also hand out coffee and Gatorade during the class. We know that many people come solely for the coffee which usually brings LOT of side conversation. Some nights it is more of a distraction than others, but without fail there is usually some side conversation going.
Not this Friday. Every single person in the room was captivated by the message that Wayne was sharing. To know that God had a specific purpose for them captivated them. Each person in the room, including myself, was challenged to choose the purpose God has in store for us, instead of our own purposes.
I'm not sure how everyone else was affected by the message, but I was so convicted. We talked about how we were to find our purpose in Christ and that it may look different for each person as far as individual actions go but our purpose would be found when we continually run the race set before us, seeking diligently after our prize, Christ Jesus.
I cannot tell you how much that does not reflect my life. Ever since I began working last September, I have chased after nothing but my selfish desires. Work is so hectic that I feel sorry for myself and therefore I feel like I deserve my own free time all the time.
I know, not a good year.
I think the word that might define this last year for me is "purposeless". I just was kind of existing. Trying to get by with the crazy life of a public accountant and wife. Jesus wasn't my reason. He was always there and there were moments when I connected with Him, but He wasn't EVERYTHING.
I don't want to have my purpose this week to be to just get through the work week and then serve at the Bridge during the weekends. I want every second of my life to have a purpose in Jesus. To be pointed towards Christ. I don't want to waste my days just getting by and choosing my own selfish ambitions.
This past Friday night, while I was supposed to be serving coffee, I stayed seated with the homeless and I started praying for the woman I feel so intertwined with, for the man who admitted he was using his medication for the high and for the man who was kind of stinky next to me. In all earnestness, I prayed that they would be impacted with God's Word about their purpose and that they would gaze upon Jesus and know that He alone is sufficient. I prayed for a revolution at the Bridge, that the hatred and cut throat nature that is accepted there would dissolve and that Christ's love and peace would inundate this place. That Jesus would be magnified in this shelter. I prayed that the impossible can be done in the lives of the addicted, faithless, and lonely. I prayed that the homeless would rise up with more faith and resiliency in Christ than this city ever imagined.
The Holy Spirit is moving in the Bridge and although we may not see the fruits of God's work there just yet, I believe He is the Redeemer of all...not just the clean people at my church, but the dirty, smelly, broken people in the shelters, under the bridges and in the woods. He loves them just the way they are. And He has a plan and a purpose for each one of them.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
I have so much to tell you...
I have around 3 blog entries that are drafts (not for real drafts, but drafts in my head). I really want to share what God has been doing in my life over this past week. The problem is that I will think about what I want to share during my drive to and from work.
If I'm going home, we cook dinner, get stuff ready and then I take time in the Word and prayer getting to know Jesus better (this is not normal for me, sadly, I've let myself get consumed with the business of life...I'll share more when I publish my drafts). By that time, it's almost 10PM and all I want to do is read Prince Caspian and figure out how the Old Narnians are going to ever defeat Miraz!
If I'm going to work, well I can't really write a well thought out entry (I can only write little ones like this one) because, well, I have to work.
All of this to say, I have things to write and I'm hoping I can write at least one post tonight.
For now, I will leave you with this verse that has been on my heart:
Colossians 1:13-22
13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
18He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
19For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made (peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,
22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--
“What I believe about God is the most important thing about me.” - A.W. Tozer
Our pastor shared a quote with us this weekend and this, along with the verse above, has opened my eyes to the realization that what I believe about Jesus truly is the most important thing in my life and will shape my future actions...
If I'm going home, we cook dinner, get stuff ready and then I take time in the Word and prayer getting to know Jesus better (this is not normal for me, sadly, I've let myself get consumed with the business of life...I'll share more when I publish my drafts). By that time, it's almost 10PM and all I want to do is read Prince Caspian and figure out how the Old Narnians are going to ever defeat Miraz!
If I'm going to work, well I can't really write a well thought out entry (I can only write little ones like this one) because, well, I have to work.
All of this to say, I have things to write and I'm hoping I can write at least one post tonight.
For now, I will leave you with this verse that has been on my heart:
Colossians 1:13-22
13For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son,
14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
15He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
16For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created through Him and for Him.
17He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
18He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.
19For it was the Father's good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him,
20and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made (peace through the blood of His cross; through Him, I say, whether things on earth or things in heaven.
21And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds,
22yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach--
“What I believe about God is the most important thing about me.” - A.W. Tozer
Our pastor shared a quote with us this weekend and this, along with the verse above, has opened my eyes to the realization that what I believe about Jesus truly is the most important thing in my life and will shape my future actions...
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Marlene
I was perusing on facebook this morning (as I'm waiting for a meeting with a client) and I saw an article posted from OurCalling saying that my friend Marlene has moved into Cliff Manor!! I think a couple of posts ago I had asked you to pray for the situation and God has provided!
Go here to read the article on the Dallas Morning News website.
This is such a blessing for these men and woman, BUT it's only the beginning of their journey. There is so much more prayer and guidance that these guys are going to need. It's hard for them to just go pick up and function. They are still going to need support in budgeting their money, in how to spend their time wisely (and stay out of trouble), in finding a church and especially in their walk with God (just like we all need community and shouldn't be left on our own without support). Not to mention the fact that their community, their "family" is at the Bridge. They are going to be separated from the people they feel comfortable around and they may feel lonely at their new place if they can't travel back to the Bridge. I know this is a HUGE step forward, BUT I am hoping to continue our fellowship and ministry to these ladies so that they don't feel forgotten because they now have an apartment. I still love Marlene just as much as I did before and I want my actions and pursuit of her to reflect that. She is my sister in Christ and I'm excited that she is beginning this new journey :)
Thanks for all the prayers!
Go here to read the article on the Dallas Morning News website.
This is such a blessing for these men and woman, BUT it's only the beginning of their journey. There is so much more prayer and guidance that these guys are going to need. It's hard for them to just go pick up and function. They are still going to need support in budgeting their money, in how to spend their time wisely (and stay out of trouble), in finding a church and especially in their walk with God (just like we all need community and shouldn't be left on our own without support). Not to mention the fact that their community, their "family" is at the Bridge. They are going to be separated from the people they feel comfortable around and they may feel lonely at their new place if they can't travel back to the Bridge. I know this is a HUGE step forward, BUT I am hoping to continue our fellowship and ministry to these ladies so that they don't feel forgotten because they now have an apartment. I still love Marlene just as much as I did before and I want my actions and pursuit of her to reflect that. She is my sister in Christ and I'm excited that she is beginning this new journey :)
Thanks for all the prayers!
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Children's Museum
The only pictures my sister and I could gather from our vacation in Boerne were those from our adventure to the Children's Museum the morning before Reed and I left to come back to Dallas. Enjoy...
Grace and I enjoying a little shopping in the "HEB" center. They had all of these fake fruits and empty HEB brand boxed items. It was so cute cause Grace strictly stuck to fruits and vegetables because she wanted to be healthy :)
We had to drag the kids (and adults) away from this play station...
That's all I have for now...Hope everyone is having a great day!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
June and July
I realize it has been quite a while since I’ve written about what’s going on in our lives so I’m going to give a little bit of an update. I apologize in advance if this post is really lengthy, but if you’re curious, this is what we’ve been up to…
June
In June we celebrated our 1 year anniversary! I probably already wrote about this, but it was a wonderful time for us to celebrate 1 year of being husband and wife. It was a restful and relaxing weekend. We celebrated mostly on Saturday, because we had bible study with the men and woman down at the Bridge on Sunday and we didn’t necessarily do anything super spectacular, but we did sit with each other and cherish the past year. We looked at pictures from our wedding and went to Hobby Lobby to put our wedding picture book together. We also just got to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. It was perfect J I can’t really explain how amazing of a husband I have. He’s the best husband God could have ever created for me. I can’t imagine anyone else who could be as patient, loving and sensitive as Reed. It all just shows that God orchestrates beautiful things J One of my favorite things about our first year of marriage is finding a church and a place to serve (OurCalling) with Reed. It’s amazing to see how the Lord is shaping Reed through his involvement in OurCalling. By serving together, I feel as if our hearts have become more and more entwined. In serving others, God has also drawn us closer to each other. It’s amazing how much more united you feel when you have a God-given passion inside of you. And it is so amazing to share that with your spouse J
The first week of June was also the week that I started a new client at work. It has been a challenge but overall pretty good. I’ll be out at this client for another 3 weeks and then I get to start on a different one J I’m semi-nervous about this new client. It will be a lot of responsibility and a good opportunity to step up and be a leader. But I would be lying if that didn’t also bring me a bit of nervousness. I’ll be doing things that I have never done before and I want to be really good at them from the get-go. All of this reminds me of my need to feel good about myself through the work and accomplishments I have. This past Sunday at church, the guest speaker talked about the “badges” we wear to make ourselves feel as though we matter in life. We then talked about how to REALLY matter in life, because the world does not have the answer. Paul explained that he would boast in his weaknesses because he knew that we are NOTHING without Jesus and that in our weaknesses God’s power is perfected. The same is true of me. I am absolutely nothing apart from God. No matter how much money I make. No matter how well I do at work. No matter how many friends I have. We’re nothing without the power of Christ. I think in my heart I still cling to my badges. That I’m intelligent. That I’m a hard worker. That I’m “spiritual”. I think work and life has humbled me…but for the better, so that I may not exalt myself, but exalt Him who creates and gives life to all things. Also, it has helped me let go of the worldly things that I seek daily…it’s a slow process and my life is still littered with this sin, but God is patient to refine me. Because in the end there is nothing that I have that has not been given to me from above. It’s humbling, it’s hard, but it’s good because it keeps my attention focused on the one who deserves all honor and glory.
July
I guess that was kind of a mixture of June and July, but one thing we did in July that was super fun was spend the week with my family in Boerne! It was a whirlwind and went by way too fast, but it was soooo good to see family that we haven’t seen in a while. We started the week with my brother and his wife and three kids came through Dallas to stay the night before heading down to Boerne. We had a ton of fun and left the next morning to make the 5 hours trek to Boerne (with kids I think it ended up being 7 haha)! During our time in Boerne we had a fourth of July party, we went shopping with my grandma Josie, we swam with kids (a ton!) and we just played around a lot. It was all around wonderful to be with family. I’m hoping to post pictures soon so that you can get a little bit of visual too!
Since we’ve been home, Reed and I have been trying to get back into the swing of things and back into our routine. We missed a couple of Friday night Life Skills classes at the Bridge so it was really great to go back and see all of our friends. It’s amazing how much these people have touched our hearts J Okay, so enough blabbering about myself, I want to leave you guys with some updates on a few of the ladies/men that we know at the Bridge. Please feel free to pray for these men and woman…they are some amazing people and we love them dearly:
Kathryn and Marlene – These two ladies have been waiting for housing for a while and when their expected move in date of July 7th got moved back, Kathryn began to lose hope and give up even caring about getting an apartment. The biggest issue has been the people who already live in this area…they are afraid that the people moving in will bring drugs and violence to the area. I cannot vouch for all of the men/woman moving into these apartments, but I know that Kathryn and Marlene are as sweet as can be and do NOT fit into the drug/violent stereotype that these people have labeled them with. Pray for patience for them and for trust that God’s will is good. Also, specifically pray for Marlene…she was mugged on Thursday night and her body is sore and her eyes were completely black all around on Sunday when I saw her last (she’s been wearing sunglasses to hide the bruises). From what I understand, the people who mugged her stole 11 cents and her cell phone. Marlene is our fire cracker and its hard seeing her down and out. I love her enthusiasm and joy at our bible studies. Also, please pray for Kathryn and her two sons. Both have been in jail recently. One was released and the other just got moved to a state prison. She has really been down about it lately (along with feeling overwhelmed with the apartment drama and feeling like she has no stuff to fill an apartment with) so just pray that she would find joy in the Lord. Kathryn really enjoys and asks such good questions at bible study. I pray that the rest of the woman at our study have the hunger to understand and discuss God’s Word like she does. She is such a beautiful woman inside and out.
Anderson – This is one of our really good friends who recently got housing! We were actually able to help him move into his apartment (and give him an extra vacuum cleaner and tv that we had around the house) about a month ago. The sad thing about apartment moves is that we don’t usually get to see the men or woman as much anymore, so it is always encouraging and exciting when they give us a call. Recently, Anderson called Reed about some apartment “starter kits” that OurCalling recently had donated to them. It’s basically just the cleaning products and other “basics” that you would need for an apartment. We’re hoping that soon we can go visit him and deliver his kit. Also, he promised us some “soul” food…soooo I’m a little excited about that too ;)
There are many more people to update you about, but for now, I’ll leave you with these 3!
Have a wonderful day and I promise to blog more frequently for anyone who wants to hear more about what’s going on with us.
Monday, July 12, 2010
William Booth
Sorry I've been MIA for a while...in all honestly, I haven't really wanted to write lately. BUT, I did want to share this sermon from William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army. It was played at a church in Boerne while we were on vacation.
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself. The salvation business is a friend of happiness. Making heaven on earth is our business. Serve the Lord with gladness is one of our favorite mottos. So I am pleased that you are pleased! But amidst all your joys don't forget the sons and daughters of misery. Do you ever visit them? Come away and let us make a call or two. Here is a home, six in family, they eat and drink and sleep and sick and die in the same chamber. Here is a drunkard hovel, void of furniture, wife a skeleton, children in rags; father now sleeping, the victims of his neglect. Here are the unemployed, wandering about, seeking work and finding none. Yonder are the wretched criminals cradled in crime passing in and out of the prisons all the time. There are the Daughter of shame deceived and wronged and ruined. Traveling down the dark and blind to an early grave. There are the children, fighting in the gutter, going hungry to school. Growing up to fill their parents places. Brought it all on themselves, you say? Perhaps so. But that does not excuse our assisting them.
You don't demand a certificate of virtue before you drag some drowning creature out of the water. Nor the assurance in a man of faded grace before you deliver him from the burning building. But what shall we do? Content ourselves by singing a hymn? Offering a prayer? Or giving a little good advice? NO! Ten thousand times no!
We will forgive them. Feed them! Reclaim them. Employ them! Perhaps we shall fail with many. Quite likely. But our business is to help them all the same. And that in the most practical, economical and Christlike manner...But you must help with the means. And there is nothing like the present. Who in this company will lend a hand by taking up the gauntlet?"
Listening to him preach this sermon is so moving...These words ring so true in my heart and encouraged and challenged me to love those the world sees as unworthy.
P.S. If any friends are here and have been trying to call me, my phone is dead...again. I got a replacement from Sprint that worked for about 2 days before it too was dead. Apparently, they sent me a faulty replacement haha. Anyways, sorry if I haven't replied. I'm not sure how to check my voicemail from a phone other than mine.
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself. The salvation business is a friend of happiness. Making heaven on earth is our business. Serve the Lord with gladness is one of our favorite mottos. So I am pleased that you are pleased! But amidst all your joys don't forget the sons and daughters of misery. Do you ever visit them? Come away and let us make a call or two. Here is a home, six in family, they eat and drink and sleep and sick and die in the same chamber. Here is a drunkard hovel, void of furniture, wife a skeleton, children in rags; father now sleeping, the victims of his neglect. Here are the unemployed, wandering about, seeking work and finding none. Yonder are the wretched criminals cradled in crime passing in and out of the prisons all the time. There are the Daughter of shame deceived and wronged and ruined. Traveling down the dark and blind to an early grave. There are the children, fighting in the gutter, going hungry to school. Growing up to fill their parents places. Brought it all on themselves, you say? Perhaps so. But that does not excuse our assisting them.
You don't demand a certificate of virtue before you drag some drowning creature out of the water. Nor the assurance in a man of faded grace before you deliver him from the burning building. But what shall we do? Content ourselves by singing a hymn? Offering a prayer? Or giving a little good advice? NO! Ten thousand times no!
We will forgive them. Feed them! Reclaim them. Employ them! Perhaps we shall fail with many. Quite likely. But our business is to help them all the same. And that in the most practical, economical and Christlike manner...But you must help with the means. And there is nothing like the present. Who in this company will lend a hand by taking up the gauntlet?"
Listening to him preach this sermon is so moving...These words ring so true in my heart and encouraged and challenged me to love those the world sees as unworthy.
P.S. If any friends are here and have been trying to call me, my phone is dead...again. I got a replacement from Sprint that worked for about 2 days before it too was dead. Apparently, they sent me a faulty replacement haha. Anyways, sorry if I haven't replied. I'm not sure how to check my voicemail from a phone other than mine.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Summer Time
I don't care what people say about "almost summer". It's summer when it starts consistently hitting 90+ degrees every day.
With that, I have a couple of prayer requests:
- I haven't been feeling very well lately and, as is typical for any illness I have, it takes a long time for me to get over. I'm getting better about not getting defeated, but I know that I could be better about letting go of how my body feels. Currently, the lymph nodes in my throat are swollen and they often ache throughout the day (making me really tired)...so pray for healing and patience...and that I would stop feeling sorry for myself.
- I've been asked to lead a woman's bible study at church. Pray for this decision and mostly pray that I would get the will power to dedicate some serious prayer to it...I need to stop being lazy and heed the advice in the quote below:
"But the things that we feel most deeply we ought to learn to be silent about, at least until we have talked them over thoroughly with God." - Elisabeth Elliot
- I also need prayer that I would let go of the need to feel "okay" and under control with my relationship with God. I want to embrace His grace and truely have it be enough...and to still know that I am loved, even when I wrap myself up in myself...Also just pray that I would choose to give myself fully to the Lord, not because it makes me feel under control, but because He loved me first.
- One of the ladies at the OurCalling bible study relapsed into drugs and prostitution and is back on the streets. I know that God is bigger than this. I know He can heal her. I know He loves her so much. I'm clinging to that truth despite the situation. She's one of the faithful ones that comes every Sunday and is engaged in our study...Please pray for her and that God's will would be done in her life.
Love you all.
With that, I have a couple of prayer requests:
- I haven't been feeling very well lately and, as is typical for any illness I have, it takes a long time for me to get over. I'm getting better about not getting defeated, but I know that I could be better about letting go of how my body feels. Currently, the lymph nodes in my throat are swollen and they often ache throughout the day (making me really tired)...so pray for healing and patience...and that I would stop feeling sorry for myself.
- I've been asked to lead a woman's bible study at church. Pray for this decision and mostly pray that I would get the will power to dedicate some serious prayer to it...I need to stop being lazy and heed the advice in the quote below:
"But the things that we feel most deeply we ought to learn to be silent about, at least until we have talked them over thoroughly with God." - Elisabeth Elliot
- I also need prayer that I would let go of the need to feel "okay" and under control with my relationship with God. I want to embrace His grace and truely have it be enough...and to still know that I am loved, even when I wrap myself up in myself...Also just pray that I would choose to give myself fully to the Lord, not because it makes me feel under control, but because He loved me first.
- One of the ladies at the OurCalling bible study relapsed into drugs and prostitution and is back on the streets. I know that God is bigger than this. I know He can heal her. I know He loves her so much. I'm clinging to that truth despite the situation. She's one of the faithful ones that comes every Sunday and is engaged in our study...Please pray for her and that God's will would be done in her life.
Love you all.
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