Monday, October 24, 2011

Under the Bridge - take 2

We went back to the park yesterday with more food and more teenagers. We were suprised to find the park not as packed as the week before, so we had to spread out to three different areas which worked out well.
Rachel got to lead two precious people to the Lord - Praise God! Sommer got to talk to a pastor's kid who is living at the Rescue Mission because of bad choices. I got to talk to a man who is new to the area and is in need of finding a church - maybe we were sent to remind him to get in a good church where he can be blessed by God. I also got to talk to two teen guys who told me about all the troubles they have been in lately. It was so sad because these teens had aching hearts. They need someone to love them and guide them. One of them said he didnt care about God until 4 months ago... What a privaledge to be a little light to him and his friend. I hope I see them again. They were very hungry and we were honored to share spiritual and physical food with these precious boys.
Rachel was talking to this scary looking guy so I walked up to support her. This guy was a teddy bear! As he shared his story my heart broke for him. The terrible things that happened to him along the way... The thought I walked away with is - these homeless people are not as scary as I give them credit for. They are lost,sad,scared individuals. They need help. They need help from me. They need help from you. They need Jesus. Will you come and tell them with me?

Friday, October 21, 2011

weekend notes

The other day I said to Conor, 'I don't feel well'. He said, 'you don't FEEL well??'. I said, 'yes'... He said, 'well stop concentrating on your feelings!'... he made me laugh because this boy is me all over! :)

The other day we were playing out in the front yard. Conor saw the neighbor boys and decided he was going to go over and tell them about Jesus. We came into the house and got them some candy and a halloween joke/Bible tract. I am blessed by his desire to share about God. I am thankful that he knows about God at his young age. May it continue...

In pre school this week, Mr Hollins came in and told the children about being a firefighter. He must have used the phrase ' back in the old days' because conor has been using that phrase since! :) He said 'you don't remember telling me that because you told me that back in the old days... He told me ' back in the old days horses would carry the water to the fire and the dalmation dogs were there to calm the horses.

Hey - something to think about... what have you done today that only a Christain would do? What have you done today that could only be done through the power of the Holy Spirit? Something God has been saying to me lately.

'Let the blessings you've poured out on me, not be spent on me in vain. Let this life be used for change!'

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Under the Bridge - take 1

Some of the people in our church feel led to bring food to the homeless people in downtown Roanoke each Sunday afternnon. We want to listen to their life stories and share our God story with them. This past Sunday was our first experience. We have seen a lot of homeless people 'under the bridge' before. But this past week, there were alot (over 50 people) hanging out in the park. God led us to them. It was awesome to bring them food and see them come and take that gift. It was neat to talk to them and hear their prayer requests and bring them before the Holy God who loves them deeply.

You know what's sad? Seeing homeless children napping on a park bench. You know what else is sad? Meeting a 20 year old girl who left her family in Florida and is living on the streets. But she has a job! She sells vacuums door to door. How depressing! When I talked to this young girl, I asked her if her momma's heart was breaking? She looked sad and said "yes". But she knew she could never return home. Whatever had happened? maybe this young girl had pushed her momma too far and her momma had to let her go. My heart breaks for her. She looked so lost sitting on that park bench. She looked like life was hopeless. God, I pray that I will see her again and that she would come to know you as the Father to the fatherless and that she will commit her ways to you and allow you to bless her.

I saw another young girl that i have seen many times at the Mission. She was hanging out in the park with her newborn baby. It was a blessing to see her there. We planned to get together this week but she cancelled. This isnt the first time that has happened. My heart breaks for her because she doesnt seem to realize the great plan God has for her and how much He can bless her. We are to meet up tomorrow - be praying she comes and that God speaks to her through His Word. She is a girl that God keeps bringing accross my path,mind and heart. I pray that her life is turned upside down and that she experiences the grace, love of God.

I met a lady who was high on drugs. God brought us there to pray over her.

I am honored to be apart of this group.
Next sunday we are bringing some guitars and hope to bless them through song. As the weather gets colder, we will collect donated blankets to distribute. In a few weeks, we will start making soup, coffee and hot chocolate. I am excited to see more and more of my friends join us to love on these precious people. Will you come? Will you come and see what God will do through you? Through your donations?

Yes. Sunday was a good day. A sad day but it was/is a good kind of sad - a sad that gets your bum in gear! A sad that gets your eyes off yourself and on to someone else. We have so much and we are blessed to be a blessing.
come - be a blessing...
Sunday (1:15 infront of SBC worship center) Bring a loaf of bread and some sandwhich meat.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Courageous

James and I went to the movies and watched Courageous - the movie was so good!! Daddys- lead your families!! I am blessed to be married to such a wonderful daddy who takes his job seriousally.
The father is to lead the family. I am praying for all the teens/children in our church to be lead by their daddys. God's Word gives you all the information/power you need to train up your children in the way they should go.
Invest into the life of your children and your children's children.
Mom's - if your husband is not leading your children in the ways of the Lord, pray for your husband to have the courage to lead. Pray for him to step up and be what God wants him to be.
There are families where dad is gone - those are the familes that need the church to be their families. They need the church to reach out and be the dad that they do not have. We are called to love the widows and orphans. Yes - we are called to love everyone.. but I hope you get my drift. If you come from a home where dad is involved - thank God and count your many blessings! If you have a friend whose dad is gone - ask God if they are to be apart of your family. Follow God and His Word... and dads? Be Courageous!