The Battle

Yea, been a few weeks here of just fighting it out. No, that evil person isn't winning, it is, and always will be, Jesus! This battle of depression has gotten me down for a few days, but will not overcome the power of our Lord.

Back to James, this book is just awesome. The bible study I'm in wanted me to read straight through it, then go back for the studies. Well heck, I couldn't make it within 4 days. I kept on stopping and reflecting every couple of verses. Oh yea, it is powerful (or is it He is powerful).

This weekend is going to be great! Can you believe that this guy gave His blood for us?

I had a discussion last night with this girl who said, "Yea, I'm going to heaven because I've been good." When I explained to her how and why, she just was awed. She thanked me for bringing this to light and said, "Its time for me to get back with my friend." Oh YEA!

Have you hugged Jesus today?

It has been a couple weeks of NCAA basketball and everyone was yelling, clapping, raising there arms with great joy. Well, I was doing this, and our team kept on getting stronger. Every time we hit the floor, the opponent took off running for the door. Oh by the way, that photo is of Steele Croswhite, a real huge fan of the team.

Well its baseball time and last Sunday our Pastor, Dave, was just blessed with a real powerful hit. "Rock Bands and Rasin' Hands" just made everyone want to get up a yell for their favorite. This lady setting a couple of seats over, just reached over and grabbed and said, "Woooo, this is just awesome!" It was her first time at K2 and I'm sure she'll be back with others.

Well haven't gave out a tune for awhile so here it goes. It goes out to a real tough player in the Word. Mike, just came out of surgery yesterday from a ripped Achilles tendon. Yea, he's not the real singer here, but they really did a great job of putting this video together. YouTube's download leaves some to desire, because of the sync, but David Crowder thought it was good enough to put it up during one of their gigs on the big screen.



Huge Detroit Tiger Fan letting everyone know who the real coach is. (Dave, K2 pastor)

Believing In Me

The smile is back on even though things haven't changed, except for my deepened love for Jesus. Yea, I thank Him for believing in me.

Last Friday I had a real experience that I didn't share. I was walking to grab the train carrying my bible when 2 young men walked by and said something. On this day I was in a very frustrated mood and wasn't being to receptive of others, but I did turn and ask what they had said. They both turned and came back towards me while threatening me stating, "We're going to kick your A**, you bible beater.", among other things. When I had grab control of my temper, (I really wanted to just jump into their faces.) I told them that I wouldn't beat on my bible that was why I was carrying it, because I didn't want it to get scarred up in my pack. I also stated how I was living on the streets and explained how the Lord has helped renew my life and hope. They were in shock and really didn't know what to say. That is where I left them, while praying that maybe the seed I just planted will grow and not blow away.

Wow, how could I forget to tell someone about a incident such as that. The thought here is, even when I was at one of my lowest during my new life, God was still doing great work through me. He never gave up and didn't sit and dwell on my past, He took hold and let the words spill from me without no fear. Yea its cool and I do thank Him for believing in me.

I will be pounding away today on the housing issue with over a dozen calls to make today and a ton of prayers supporting me. Life hasn't gotten any easier, it just became more loving, with better choices.

So as I walk through this day I look back on Friday and all of the days since the change in my life and I'm going to "Shine", just as the song from NewsBoys. I want everyone to wonder why I can still smile and I'm prepared to let them know if they so ask.

A Homeless Merry Christmas

I had my meeting with Andy and all went well, in fact I now have a new bible with a leather cover and zipper that I can carry in a pack without tearing it apart. Andy also gave me a new book to read, "Wild At Heart" by John Eldredge. It was great just to be able to talk with Andy truthfully about my life and where I'm at. He'll be praying during the coming week on who will be the best fit to disciple me in the Lord's ways.

During my days of working at a mall I've witnessed many who I do not believe know what the true meaning of Christmas is. Most people I see running around and trying to find the right gift, the most expensive gift, the biggest gift, the best gift. I see people with short tempers, unhappy, and feeling totally pressured by their idea what Christmas is about. Well I feel they are missing out on the understanding and purpose of Christmas.

Would it really hurt just to slow down a little bit and actually remember what Christmas is about?

For me Christmas is to celebrate the birth of Christ, the one who done as his Father ask. The one who sacrificed his life for us all and its through Christ's blood that those of us who believe will have eternal life. It's about peace and joy, fellowship and purpose, and of course the biggest, love, trust and faith for someone who gave his all for you and I. It is a day to thank Jesus for all He has done for me and others around me.

Sometimes I would just love to stop everyone and ask what they feel the true meaning of Christmas is. Of course many wouldn't stop because they feel they have no time. I do pray that those who do not understand Christmas' purpose, become acquainted with the person who's birth we are celebrating.

If you are thinking of donating items for those who are homeless I have a few suggestions:

Socks: Everyone of us enjoys being able to put on new socks
Knit Hats: Nothing like being able to keep the old noggin warm
Warm Gloves: Many of us tend to loose or misplace gloves during are shuttles throughout the day
Razors: Here in Salt Lake they can become a highly sought commodity for us
P38: For those of you that don't know, it's a army can opener you can carry in your pocket
Underarm deodorant: the stick kind preferably
Thermals: A must and great for the cold weather states

If you want to give something special, throw in some instant coffee bags or a couple of candy bars. Whatever you do give, you can be assured that all of us who are homeless are grateful for you help.

I most likely will be unable to post anymore until after Christmas, so I would like to wish each and everyone of you a very Merry Christmas and I thank you for your prayers, trust, and faith in me. This may be another homeless Christmas for me, but it also is a special one, because I know in my heart what Christmas truly is all about.