Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayers. Show all posts

Monday, February 26, 2007

The Faith and Love

Well some good news earlier about our friend Micha. He has been extended his stay with us all, and a new liver is on its way for a transplant late last night. It really goes to show us all that through strong faith and prayer that miracles do happen.

I got a few photos recently of the Valentines dinner that was served for the homeless women here in Salt Lake City. It sure was great to see the smiles on the 30 plus women that night and for the prayers that were given. It was an awesome evening.

Monday, February 5, 2007

A Super Day

Yesterday was a super day, and I'm not talking about the Superbowl. I had a chance to discuss my housing with Pastor Andy and others at K2 The Church and fully have faith that God will present me with housing within just a couple of days. That wasn't the greatest thing that happened though.

At K2 The Church we were going to have a Superbowl party and watch it on the big screen, but God had another purpose in mind for the party. The NFL announced that they were going to come down on churches and other organization who showed the game on big screens and threatened with penalties. So, the food that was being catered in along with a huge support crew went to Pioneer Park and set up tents and presented the homeless and needy with a great catered meal. It was great to see many of my acquaintances and many came up to me wondering what was going on with me, because I was looking so bright and cheerful. So, I had many chances to share with them my new found love for Jesus and invited them to come and see for their self how great life can be.

It was just a super day to see the compassion that was being shared with everyone at the park. Clothes were given out, bibles handed out, caring conversation, unselfish love and care given, some even went to homes for the game, and there were many prayers said.

Many of those who came out to help were asking what do we do when the food runs out, I just stated, "He will provide". We ended up having food left over to give away for many to take with them. Now I pray that those who never witnessed this great type of mission that it touched their hearts and the needy will see more of them.

My work is going great, my health becoming more stable (mentally and physically), and my love for Jesus is just growing stronger my the minute.

This early morning I'm so grateful that on November 11th I said a prayer and told Him that I'm all His. Each day is so much better than before even my worst day doesn't compare to some of my best days before. This is not a life of partial giving, but just stomping on the gas to full throttle giving of my life to Jesus.

Today I'm rocking out with Jeremy Camp's "Take My Life".

Monday, January 8, 2007

Abandon The Ship?

I got back in town last night from my trip to Saint George, Utah and was really wore out. The business conference I attended was a real barn burner and has gotten my hopes up that a purpose in my life is now being developed. There was over 1500 people that attended and most were believers in Christ. The business deals with the largest online shopping site and how to become a part of it and most talked how God and is playing the major role in their new business development. On Sunday they even had a service before the leadership meeting where more than 25 people step forward and accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. This brought tears to my eyes as I watched these souls being renewed. I feel that this new opportunity will enable me to help others find God and to strengthen my trust and belief in Him while developing my purpose and character.

God is still really testing me, I haven't received my day planner and contents from whoever found it and still pray that they'll do the right thing. My greatest loss was a photo my grandparents had sent for Christmas, because it was the only one I've had for over 3 years and I enjoyed opening the day planner just to remember them. Oh yea, the money, well that can be replace along with my ID, social security card and other important papers.

Today I found myself trying to get into an apartment. I have found a dorm style room just accross the street from the university, that would really fit my current needs for 6-12 months. I have tried to contact Pastor Andy but still haven't heard back from him. I know he just returned from a vacation and I'm sure I'll hear something soon.

The rest of the day was one test after another. I tried to get into my PayPal account but I'm being rejected and after contacting the main office they were still unable to allow me access. I changed my password recently and its not working, then when I tried to use the ID verification form it rejected my info. Customer support now is requiring me to fax something that has my current address on it. Well, I can't get my mail without an ID at either of the places I use for an address. I went to get an ID and they also are requiring me to bring in something recently mailed to me. I've explained my homelessness to both PayPal and the Utah drivers license division but have been left out in the cold. I've also been contacted about new jobs, but again I'm unable to get a job without ID and a social security card. Oh and the final object to be turned upside down was my camp. Some person came in and went through all of my belongings leaving most of it lay out in the elements during our last snow storm to get soaked. I'm not sure if my new warm sleeping bag will dry out by tonight but I do have a light summer one (I took with me this weekend) that I'll try to get by with. I guess the old saying, "When it rains it pours", holds true for my current situation.

Does this mean I'm going to abandon the ship?

NO WAY!!!!!!!!

I still am praying and staying in God's word. I know this is all happening because He wants to test my faith and trust in Him. Yea, it can be real hard at times, especially today as my stomach has been tied in knots all day along with disorientation and confusion.

A little music from Steven Curtis Chapman, "God is God", reminds me that I'll never fully understand all that He does and why He does it, but if I just remain steadfast in trust and faith for Him, that my life will be okay.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

A Great Birthday Party

This past weekend was filled with love, joy, friendship, and miracles. My new found love for Jesus has given me a new birth in life filled with love and hope.

On Sunday I volunteered to serve at K2 The Church where I was able to meet many of the brothers and sisters who attend there regularly. K2 offered 4 services throughout the day and I was privileged to serve at all 4 services, greeting those that attended the services. The message for the day was "All I Want For Christmas Is... A Miracle", and each time I listened, I was able to gain more and more love for God. Having the opportunity for new life with God has opened many doors for me in the past month and all of them have been filled with love and care.

During 2 of the services I took a seat in the lounge area that contains a pool table, climbing wall, foose ball, and a coffee bar. I sat in one of the comfortable lounge chairs to watch the service on one of the many TV screens available. While watching the services 2 gentleman also took advantage of the relaxing chairs and the conversations began. I was blessed by the Lord with love and understanding from Norm and Bill along with some guidance on this new journey that I have begun. It was awesome how the Lord was working on that day and I was truly seeing miracles happen.

I had no plans for Christmas when, Andy, a pastor and spiritual leader for K2, ask me if I would like to join his family along with others who attend K2 for Christmas dinner, which I accepted. Andy picked me up on Christmas afternoon and off we went to the home of Brian and Mary where we joined their family and friends for a great celebration of Jesus' birthday. Yep, we even had a birthday party for Jesus, that included a cake inscribed with "Happy Birthday Jesus".

In my former years of Christmas, I always found myself being reserved and not partaking much with guests, but on this day I found myself feeling so loved and accepted that mingling and conversing was very easy, just as everyday is now since turning my life over to the Lord. You see, I don't need to lie or deceive others into being accepted and love, because I know that God and his family all love me. This is something that I really never experienced in the past, and man, it is just awesome.

Being reborn has brought many miracles during the past month and a half and this weekend was not to be without. The biggest miracle for me was LOVE.I had many people during the weekend just walk up and give me a hug and tell me that they loved me, and these were from people I've never met before. To me this was God showing me how much he loves and cares for each and everyone of his children. Another miracle that is still in the process is the offering of an apartment. Tomorrow I will start my search for a new warm place to rest my head which has been offered to me by some of my new family. I was so grateful for this offer that throughout the night I found myself waking and thanking our Lord for this opportunity.

I'm headed off to work now with one of the largest smiles and warmest feelings about my new journey which is all possible because of the birth of Jesus Christ, who's birthday party I attended yesterday.

Friday, December 22, 2006

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.