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.
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christian. Show all posts
Friday, December 22, 2006
Thursday, December 7, 2006
It's A Struggle
The past couple of days has left me with no work, I shoveled myself right out of a job. I'm looking at trying to get a job in the customer service area and have started my search today. I've earned enough to survive for a week or two of waiting for a check from a new job. The weather has been good to me and looks to not be to bad for the next couple of weeks. Man, God sure has looked out for me in the weather conditions.
Today has been a tough day for me, the old depression seems to be hovering around me and it has been a struggle just to hold the head up, but I know I have the comfort and strength of God and that thought in it's self has pushed me on.
I'll post my last readings of The Purpose Driven Life tonight after I get back from more job searching.
As I walk through this day I'll be thinking of the band Building 429's song "Fearless" as I struggle to hold my head up and feel good about life in general. The video is lead out by a verse from Psalm 112:8 "They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly" which will also be in my mind.
Today has been a tough day for me, the old depression seems to be hovering around me and it has been a struggle just to hold the head up, but I know I have the comfort and strength of God and that thought in it's self has pushed me on.
I'll post my last readings of The Purpose Driven Life tonight after I get back from more job searching.
As I walk through this day I'll be thinking of the band Building 429's song "Fearless" as I struggle to hold my head up and feel good about life in general. The video is lead out by a verse from Psalm 112:8 "They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly" which will also be in my mind.
Sunday, December 3, 2006
A Homeless Reunion
Today I went to K2 The Church for the late service (easiest to attend), when walking through the parking lot I noticed a person walking towards me. At first I thought I recognized this person, but he was still in St. George, Utah, or at least that was the last place I had heard from him. Well as a miracle was in the making and another was continuing, it was Joe. The last I had seen him we were both on the streets, he, drinking and just really ready to give up life in general, me, ready to stomp on with my self seeking ways. This was all over a year ago.
We shook hands and greeted each other, both looking at each other like, "Now what is the purpose of this miracle meeting"? I led off asking Joe if he was here to attend the service. He replied, "Yea, and I know someone who is attending here and was hoping to see them". I then told him about my recent surrendering of my life to God, and how it has lifted the weight off of my shoulders along with making my life so much more bearable. Joe responded with, "I just had to let some one else take over, because I was just ruining my life, and since then the miracles have been rolling in."
Wow (#1), here was a guy who was totally bummed out on life when I last saw him. It was great to see him smiling and all enthused about having a great job, drivers license back, and a vehicle to get him around, all because he had invited the Lord to take over his life.
I ask Joe who he knew at K2, and he mentioned some girl who served meals on Sundays in the park. I knew exactly who he was talking about, and asked if it was Suzy. "Yep" he said, "She said she goes here so I wanted to check it out and may be get to see her". Wow again (#2), I had met Suzy while also helping feed at the park. I too had been keeping my eye out to see if she may still be attending K2, but hadn't seen her.
Joe and I both went inside for a cup of mud, when in comes Suzy and a friend. Wow number 3. It was great to see the work of the Lord bringing together those that had shared a small past together.
You know God sure times these moments well. I was in the need of a boost today and this was just the ticket.
At the end of the message, Joe and I, were both invited out to eat with Suzy and two of her friends. Man, this was just awesome. I was able to set down and have a conversation about how God was changing my life, all of these with a feeling of joy, trust, love and honesty. This is just a glimpse of what God has in store for me and it is just awesome, out of sight, cool, well just a down right indescribable feeling.
Thank you Lord for this day.
Day 13 in The Purpose Driven Life, "Worship That Pleases God" went together with today's message at K2 about how God would like us to pray and worship Him. Many people use the same prayers over and over, not actually having true sincerity. God expects us to pray our own way, using our personality and background that He gave us. With me this means using the words, Wow, cool, awesome, hip, and another that some say isn't proper, "dude". Yea, I've always called some of my best friends dude and God is now at the top of that list, so I might say, "Dude" in the middle of thanking Him and telling Him that, "He is an awesome dude." This is just my personality, and I believe it is genuine in showing my love for Him. The most important thing in this reading was the statement that, God wants all of our love not just part of it as it states in Mark 12:30.
Each day I work at giving all of my love to God and trust in Him leading me through each day, all of this through my prayers and worship. This gives me such a great feeling and opportunities to view His work like the reunion I had today.
It was a, WOW! WOW! WOW! day thanks to our King and, "Yes He is one awesome dude."
The recent addition to my camp is, Ahhhh warmth, the extra sleeping bag kept me nice and toasty throughout the night when temperatures dropped to 10 degrees, but please keep on praying that someday soon I'll have a place to call home with a kitchen and bed.
My music for tonight needs no explanation, and the David Crowder Band just kicks it out. I heard this for my first time at K2 The Church and it just grab me. So here it is.
We shook hands and greeted each other, both looking at each other like, "Now what is the purpose of this miracle meeting"? I led off asking Joe if he was here to attend the service. He replied, "Yea, and I know someone who is attending here and was hoping to see them". I then told him about my recent surrendering of my life to God, and how it has lifted the weight off of my shoulders along with making my life so much more bearable. Joe responded with, "I just had to let some one else take over, because I was just ruining my life, and since then the miracles have been rolling in."
Wow (#1), here was a guy who was totally bummed out on life when I last saw him. It was great to see him smiling and all enthused about having a great job, drivers license back, and a vehicle to get him around, all because he had invited the Lord to take over his life.
I ask Joe who he knew at K2, and he mentioned some girl who served meals on Sundays in the park. I knew exactly who he was talking about, and asked if it was Suzy. "Yep" he said, "She said she goes here so I wanted to check it out and may be get to see her". Wow again (#2), I had met Suzy while also helping feed at the park. I too had been keeping my eye out to see if she may still be attending K2, but hadn't seen her.
Joe and I both went inside for a cup of mud, when in comes Suzy and a friend. Wow number 3. It was great to see the work of the Lord bringing together those that had shared a small past together.
You know God sure times these moments well. I was in the need of a boost today and this was just the ticket.
At the end of the message, Joe and I, were both invited out to eat with Suzy and two of her friends. Man, this was just awesome. I was able to set down and have a conversation about how God was changing my life, all of these with a feeling of joy, trust, love and honesty. This is just a glimpse of what God has in store for me and it is just awesome, out of sight, cool, well just a down right indescribable feeling.
Thank you Lord for this day.
Day 13 in The Purpose Driven Life, "Worship That Pleases God" went together with today's message at K2 about how God would like us to pray and worship Him. Many people use the same prayers over and over, not actually having true sincerity. God expects us to pray our own way, using our personality and background that He gave us. With me this means using the words, Wow, cool, awesome, hip, and another that some say isn't proper, "dude". Yea, I've always called some of my best friends dude and God is now at the top of that list, so I might say, "Dude" in the middle of thanking Him and telling Him that, "He is an awesome dude." This is just my personality, and I believe it is genuine in showing my love for Him. The most important thing in this reading was the statement that, God wants all of our love not just part of it as it states in Mark 12:30.
Each day I work at giving all of my love to God and trust in Him leading me through each day, all of this through my prayers and worship. This gives me such a great feeling and opportunities to view His work like the reunion I had today.
It was a, WOW! WOW! WOW! day thanks to our King and, "Yes He is one awesome dude."
The recent addition to my camp is, Ahhhh warmth, the extra sleeping bag kept me nice and toasty throughout the night when temperatures dropped to 10 degrees, but please keep on praying that someday soon I'll have a place to call home with a kitchen and bed.
My music for tonight needs no explanation, and the David Crowder Band just kicks it out. I heard this for my first time at K2 The Church and it just grab me. So here it is.
Retailers Who Celebrate Christmas
I guess I've been in the dark ages about retailers who have eliminated Christmas from their marketing materials. Two days ago I noticed a blog stating that some retailers are avoiding the use of the word Christmas and use Happy Holiday this year, as a suggestion by the ACLU. The thought of this just got me jumping mad. I became upset that retailers were eliminating Christmas, when actually they should be adding niche marketing efforts for the celebrations of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa along with other non-christian celebrations.
I was ready to grab up the sword and go into battle with the ACLU!
After a quick search about the ACLU and the use of Christmas, the only article I could find written by the ACLU was, "How the ACLU Didn't Steal Christmas", which was written back during the 2005 Christmas season. It states at that time the ACLU had no lawsuits or other litigation concerning the use of Christmas. I did, however, find many articles and lawsuits against the use of Nativity scenes and other Christmas oriented forms of recognizing Christmas.
I kept my searching up on this subject and found a site Stop The ACLU, which is suggesting that the ACLU wants Christmas out of the retailers marketing plans. I found the "Committee to save Merry Christmas", which contacts retailers suggesting bringing back Christmas to their stores. They also had a list of retailers who celebrate Christmas and those who were not. After more searching I located an article stating that a couple of retailers listed by savemerrychristmas.org, as not celebrating Christmas had actually brought it back to their marketing programs these included Wal-Mart and Target.
I never found any strong evidence that the ACLU suggested retailers not to celebrate Christmas. Darn, there goes my battle.
For myself, Christmas is a time to show my love for our Savior by acknowledging His birth. I was into the gift thing when I was a kid but now see to much commercialism with Christmas, which has turned me off. This doesn't mean that I don't celebrate Christmas, because I will this year by thanking Jesus for His sacrifice for our sins and just spending time with God throughout the day of Christmas. My gift to others, is sharing our glorious God with them.
I was ready to grab up the sword and go into battle with the ACLU!
After a quick search about the ACLU and the use of Christmas, the only article I could find written by the ACLU was, "How the ACLU Didn't Steal Christmas", which was written back during the 2005 Christmas season. It states at that time the ACLU had no lawsuits or other litigation concerning the use of Christmas. I did, however, find many articles and lawsuits against the use of Nativity scenes and other Christmas oriented forms of recognizing Christmas.
I kept my searching up on this subject and found a site Stop The ACLU, which is suggesting that the ACLU wants Christmas out of the retailers marketing plans. I found the "Committee to save Merry Christmas", which contacts retailers suggesting bringing back Christmas to their stores. They also had a list of retailers who celebrate Christmas and those who were not. After more searching I located an article stating that a couple of retailers listed by savemerrychristmas.org, as not celebrating Christmas had actually brought it back to their marketing programs these included Wal-Mart and Target.
I never found any strong evidence that the ACLU suggested retailers not to celebrate Christmas. Darn, there goes my battle.
For myself, Christmas is a time to show my love for our Savior by acknowledging His birth. I was into the gift thing when I was a kid but now see to much commercialism with Christmas, which has turned me off. This doesn't mean that I don't celebrate Christmas, because I will this year by thanking Jesus for His sacrifice for our sins and just spending time with God throughout the day of Christmas. My gift to others, is sharing our glorious God with them.
Friday, November 24, 2006
The Homeless Life With Purpose
Yea, its neat to have my glasses, I've hiked around just enjoying views of God's creations. My reading in The Purpose Driven life has take me to Day 6. The last 3 chapters has been about:
Day 4: "Made to Last Forever" This is a point in my life that I never really looked at. I was always just living today as it may be my last and I had to make everyone like me and my accomplishments. Well, this chapter along with the next two is having me re-establish my outlook on life in the fact that this is just a brief moment of my life. God has intended for my life here on earth to only be brief, and for it to be a test for the upcoming greatness of eternal life. I always was thinking that when I die its over and I'll just go maybe to heaven or most likely hell. Now, each chance I get, I reflect on this chapter that I'm going to live forever and only briefly here.
Day 5: "Seeing Life From God's View" I really need to grasp a hold of this chapter as He is actually testing me during my stay here on this world. I need to work on being trusted with the resources and opportunities that God provides me. I also need to realize that every material possession is just loaned to us from God and He is trusting us with them.
Well, with my past of spending money quick and losing my possessions I guess He'll not be trusting me with much for some time to come. This is exactly what I really need to work on, TRUST.
Day 6: "Life is A Temporary Assignment" Throughout all my life I knew life was short, but I didn't realize that God intended for me to only be here for a short time before going to my real home. So, my life in the "Big House" is all dependant upon how I choose to take care of what God has loaned to me here and now. It's time for me to be faithful to God and not to focus on temporary crowns. I need to look at the bigger picture that if I'm faithful during this test, I'll be going to where all things are glorious and the moments of happiness are GRAND.
Music of The Day
My music of the day comes from Tree63, a young moving new christian rock band. I may be homeless but this song and what I've been learning is putting a smile on my face today as I walk through this wonderful journey to a purpose in life.
Day 4: "Made to Last Forever" This is a point in my life that I never really looked at. I was always just living today as it may be my last and I had to make everyone like me and my accomplishments. Well, this chapter along with the next two is having me re-establish my outlook on life in the fact that this is just a brief moment of my life. God has intended for my life here on earth to only be brief, and for it to be a test for the upcoming greatness of eternal life. I always was thinking that when I die its over and I'll just go maybe to heaven or most likely hell. Now, each chance I get, I reflect on this chapter that I'm going to live forever and only briefly here.
Day 5: "Seeing Life From God's View" I really need to grasp a hold of this chapter as He is actually testing me during my stay here on this world. I need to work on being trusted with the resources and opportunities that God provides me. I also need to realize that every material possession is just loaned to us from God and He is trusting us with them.
Well, with my past of spending money quick and losing my possessions I guess He'll not be trusting me with much for some time to come. This is exactly what I really need to work on, TRUST.
Day 6: "Life is A Temporary Assignment" Throughout all my life I knew life was short, but I didn't realize that God intended for me to only be here for a short time before going to my real home. So, my life in the "Big House" is all dependant upon how I choose to take care of what God has loaned to me here and now. It's time for me to be faithful to God and not to focus on temporary crowns. I need to look at the bigger picture that if I'm faithful during this test, I'll be going to where all things are glorious and the moments of happiness are GRAND.
Music of The Day
My music of the day comes from Tree63, a young moving new christian rock band. I may be homeless but this song and what I've been learning is putting a smile on my face today as I walk through this wonderful journey to a purpose in life.
Website Tree63
Buy Tree63 Music
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Vision Is On Its Way
I received great news today that I'll be receiving new eyeglasses from the Salt Lake City Lions Club. I've set up an appointment for an exam later today and God willing I may have my vision back. It will be so great to be able to focus on my surroundings and enjoy one of God's greatest creation, the world which we live in.
Day four of The Purpose Driven Life is "Made to Last Forever" and I'm just starting to read it. When I finish I'll come back and discuss my experience with this chapter.
Today I've chosen a very popular song with all christians and it remains on the top of Billboard's christian music charts. This video is of Chris Tomlin singing"Made to Worship", is from the Passion 2006 concert, and just goes to show why Time magazine printed an article "Hip Hymns Are Him", everyone loves to sing his songs. I'm sure he'll be at the top of the christian pop charts for a long time.
Website Chris Tomlin
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Homeless But Not Lost
Today is one of my down and depressed days, feeling lonely and unloved. The one who is showing me love and guiding me through this day, God, is giving me the strength to pick up my head and continue on this journey. I really don't know where this path is leading me, but as long as I have the Lord, I will not get lost.
Today will be Day 3 in The Purpose Driven Life and I hope to post about it later. Last night I spent 2 hours reading John and soaking up what I had read before and never took to heart. This time I could actually visualize some of the passages and was able to connect with them. It actually put a smile on my face to know that He is showing me the way and I'm willing to accept it this time around.
I have been watching the weather each day, so I can prepare for any rain or snow. The last few days they've predicted no precip for atleast 10 days. Well today low and behold, the forecast for Turkey Day is rain and then turning colder with snow expected early next week. It looks like I'll need to find some kind of protection besides the leaky tarp I now have. I spotted a dumpster yesterday with loads of plastic sheets in it, I hope that when I find it today that the plastic is still there.
Digging around for new music today I came accross a video from John William Schlitt. This guy had played with (I'm dating myself.) a band in the 70's called Head East. (The Head East era was well known to me because one of the back-up vocals, Dale Krantz-Rossington, went to school just down the road from me in Indiana.) He then went onto a well known christian band in 1986 called Petra. It's so awesome to see the old rockers that changed their ways. John's song "Show Me The Way" is really fitting for may day. I hope you enjoy it.
This You Tube thing rocks.
Today will be Day 3 in The Purpose Driven Life and I hope to post about it later. Last night I spent 2 hours reading John and soaking up what I had read before and never took to heart. This time I could actually visualize some of the passages and was able to connect with them. It actually put a smile on my face to know that He is showing me the way and I'm willing to accept it this time around.
I have been watching the weather each day, so I can prepare for any rain or snow. The last few days they've predicted no precip for atleast 10 days. Well today low and behold, the forecast for Turkey Day is rain and then turning colder with snow expected early next week. It looks like I'll need to find some kind of protection besides the leaky tarp I now have. I spotted a dumpster yesterday with loads of plastic sheets in it, I hope that when I find it today that the plastic is still there.
Digging around for new music today I came accross a video from John William Schlitt. This guy had played with (I'm dating myself.) a band in the 70's called Head East. (The Head East era was well known to me because one of the back-up vocals, Dale Krantz-Rossington, went to school just down the road from me in Indiana.) He then went onto a well known christian band in 1986 called Petra. It's so awesome to see the old rockers that changed their ways. John's song "Show Me The Way" is really fitting for may day. I hope you enjoy it.
This You Tube thing rocks.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
All In A Day With Him
Ahhhh, what a refreshing day! A day of accomplishments and some peace of mind. A new social security card on the way, a recommendation for new eyeglasses from the local Lions Club, a job interview tomorrow, and a relaxed mind. Yes. Yes! YESSS!! All of this is happening because I've put it in His hands not mine.
"The Lord Thunders" is what Steele Croswhite sings in his song Thunders. I'm not sure what verse it comes from but I beleive its in Psalms somewhere. This song is awesome and pumps me up!
Hey Thomas, it may not be Garth but it sure gets me going.
I'll be on a mission tomorrow to find a NIV bible, so I may start to meditate on it throughout the day and night as it states in Joshua 1:8. The job interview is in the afternoon and even if I don't get it atleast its a step in the right direction.
My only fear is fear itself and failure to accomplish what the Lord has in store for me. I pray that these feelings that I'm experiencing don't ever go away, its great to be able to smile, walk and talk with others without believing I'm such a failure.
I've been a Detroit Tiger fan since I can remember, and never gave up on them even 3 years ago when they lost 119 games, this is the same faith that God has in me. He never gave up on me, and has always been supportive of me even when I was the lowest of the low. Now its time for me to put the faith back into Him and do as he wishes. Getting my life back together is not going to happen overnight, but as Will Smith stated in Readers Digest this month: "I do not have to build a perfect wall today. I just have to lay a perfect brick. Just lay one brick, dude."
"The Lord Thunders" is what Steele Croswhite sings in his song Thunders. I'm not sure what verse it comes from but I beleive its in Psalms somewhere. This song is awesome and pumps me up!
Hey Thomas, it may not be Garth but it sure gets me going.
I'll be on a mission tomorrow to find a NIV bible, so I may start to meditate on it throughout the day and night as it states in Joshua 1:8. The job interview is in the afternoon and even if I don't get it atleast its a step in the right direction.
My only fear is fear itself and failure to accomplish what the Lord has in store for me. I pray that these feelings that I'm experiencing don't ever go away, its great to be able to smile, walk and talk with others without believing I'm such a failure.
I've been a Detroit Tiger fan since I can remember, and never gave up on them even 3 years ago when they lost 119 games, this is the same faith that God has in me. He never gave up on me, and has always been supportive of me even when I was the lowest of the low. Now its time for me to put the faith back into Him and do as he wishes. Getting my life back together is not going to happen overnight, but as Will Smith stated in Readers Digest this month: "I do not have to build a perfect wall today. I just have to lay a perfect brick. Just lay one brick, dude."
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Seattle Rehab Programs
I've already made a couple of attempts to gain access to rehabilitation programs in Seattle by emailing the City Team Ministries and The Compass Center . Both of these organization have christian based programs which I found through a Seattle.gov search. I'm not sure what kind of response I'll receive since I'm not living on the streets in Seattle, but I believe this may be a step int the right direction. (Currently living on the streets of Salt Lake City.)
I also found another program that may be of interest called Fare Start, who educates those of us who are unfortunate and recovering from the past of drugs and alcohol. I think this would be great in providing me or others the opportunity to learn a trade. (I haven't had a steady job last longer than 1 year in the last 30 years.)
I looked at the weather report today and found that I shouldn't wake up to snow for the rest of the week. I do have a couple of problems tonight and that is trying to get into my camp without others spotting my trail and hoping that my bag didn't soak itself through while being in the stuff sack. I do have some dry clothes in a locker at the University and will dress warm just to be prepared for a possible soggy sleeping bag.
Man, this writing and learning how to change the Blogger template has actually helped me gain some self esteem today. I may even trundle into the city tomorrow to check my mail and find out if there are any day labor jobs.
The hardest part for the last few days has been trying to think positive and get myself out of this depressed state of mind.
I also found another program that may be of interest called Fare Start, who educates those of us who are unfortunate and recovering from the past of drugs and alcohol. I think this would be great in providing me or others the opportunity to learn a trade. (I haven't had a steady job last longer than 1 year in the last 30 years.)
I looked at the weather report today and found that I shouldn't wake up to snow for the rest of the week. I do have a couple of problems tonight and that is trying to get into my camp without others spotting my trail and hoping that my bag didn't soak itself through while being in the stuff sack. I do have some dry clothes in a locker at the University and will dress warm just to be prepared for a possible soggy sleeping bag.
Man, this writing and learning how to change the Blogger template has actually helped me gain some self esteem today. I may even trundle into the city tomorrow to check my mail and find out if there are any day labor jobs.
The hardest part for the last few days has been trying to think positive and get myself out of this depressed state of mind.
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