A Grateful Day

Not much to really write about today, I'm just grateful for another day and it brings a song to mind from Paul Cardall. The singer in this song is a friend from Salt Lake City a place I certainly miss at this time.

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".

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.

My Best Friend

It was a warmed filled weekend, blessed with friendship, fellowship, and love. All of this, I believe, has been possible through my faith and love for Jesus.

On Saturday I went and had breakfast at St. Vinny's has we call it and on the way I notice a group setting up tables and food at the park, just a block away. While I was at Vinny's, I mentioned this to several others and some went over there.

At the park we found a cub scout group who had setup soups cookies and other great goodies, along with a warm welcome. It was just great to see the boys interact with those who showed up. The response from the homeless was slow and one gentleman suggested moving everything down near the shelter where most of the homeless hangout during the day to keep warm. I'm sure all of the scout's soups and goodies were gone in no time and that everyone who had a chance to eat was thankful for them. I also feel that many of those fed had an opportunity to meet Glen, who had a warm greeting and a concern about how and why many of us are homeless, along with giving out encouragement.

After all of the food I had an opportunity to partake in, I walked to work just a couple of blocks away. A family, who reads this blog, had emailed a couple of days before and we arranged to meet at 4pm Saturday, where I was given a new warm sleeping bag, sweets along with encouragement and a start for my new roof. I wasn't able to talk long, but after we departed and I had gotten off of work, the flood gates opened and my true love and thankfulness rolled out for my savior Jesus.

It is just so neat to see how many new brothers and sisters I now have and without my Father this all wouldn't be possible.

On Saturday night the winter storm rolled in with high winds and snow, but me I was laying in a new warm bag shedding clothes throughout the night. You see, I was use to sleeping with my winter clothes on, but within 2 hours I was down to just shorts. Yep, temps below freezing, wind blowing 20+mph, and snowing and I was enjoying it. No more shivering mornings, I'm able to put my clothes and shoes in the bag 30 minutes before crawling out and they're warm and toasty along with me. I had prayed for a warm night and I received it.

Sunday was God's day and I spent it, after sleeping in, going to K2 and listening to the message, Dave our pastor had prepared "A White Christmas". This was good for me as it just brought me even closer to the Lord. I knew that He is a forgiving Lord, but hearing that he actually cleanses us "whiter than snow", while that just even brighten my life and my love with God. You see, I still have some things to talk about and ask forgiveness for with Dave or Andy at K2, but now, knowing that we can be "whiter than snow", well that just makes my heart beat even stronger for Jesus.

Oh yea, the parking job is going great and you know God sure has granted me patience's with the holiday shoppers. I had 2 guys who actually tried to drive over me but I was able to hold my cool, look at them smile (sort of) and just let it pass. A few months ago I would have pounced on them and their cars. And you know it felt really good to just forgive them and just ask the Lord to give them some of what I was feeling.

Sunday night I went to the dollar movies and watched a couple of shows, the best being "Facing the Giants", which was suggested to me by a friend from K2. No big names on the billboard here, but my billboard was flashing "G-O-D". He sure has a way of leading us and delivering the messages at the right time. I suggest seeing this movie if you haven't.

The weekend would not have been so warm or great if it wasn't for love. Love from friends, strangers, church and most importantly love for God.

Oh my post title, well it something I'm sure I'll hang on to for eternity. My best friend of course is Jesus and I ask others who theirs are and it gives me an opportunity to introduce mine. The responses I've gotten, well, they have been great. Most people will come up with earthly names, but when I tell them mine, most will really smile. I just leave them at that point with a smile and say, "Next time when you really need a friend, try Jesus."

Shivering Sweet

Welcome to Utah and just hang around because the weather will change in just a few minutes.

Yep, its a proven fact. Yesterday saw temps reaching close to 60 degrees during the day, but by 5pm all had changed and temps dropped with snow falling. I noticed today a weather alert had been issued for a heavy snow warning from today until the morning tomorrow. This morning was the coldest I've been since the winter has started, I just can't seem to warm up and stop shivering, even though the temps aren't that bad.

Yesterday when I went to work at 4pm and the temps had started to drop, I felt that I wasn't dressed or prepared for it. Well, I was real fortunate last night during my job of parking cars and directing traffic the supervisor put me in the "Summer Garage". As the old Jackie Gleason would of said, "How SWEEEET it is!". Yea, the Lord was looking out for me. Nope, there are no beaches or palm trees here, but it was a heated parking garage. The good news is that the job will last through the holidays and I should be able to obtain at least 40 hours next week. Putting faith in Jesus Christ is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

Today I'll attend a breakfast buffet served out at St. Vincent DePaul Center, run by Catholic Community Services. This is a great meal normally consisting of eggs, biscuits and gravy, sometimes some fruit and of course some type of sweet roll. The great thing here is that you can keep going back for more. The thing I don't understand the most is that many people choose not to go. I'll try to get some pics here.

Yesterday's photos, well that a different story and real short. They just didn't come out good or I forgot to save them. Oh well, I'm still learning everday, and actually I'm still what I will call, "Wet behind the ears" when it comes to being a child of God also.

I got back into The Purpose Drive Life reading and yesterday was Day 15, "Formed for God's Family". My understanding here is that God wants all to become part of His family because He loves us all. I can't remember what verse it is but I'm thinking of one that says something like, "If you do not know love, you do not know God, because God is love." God loves us all and he wants to have a relationship with us all and through our faith in Jesus, God becomes our Father. Being a child of God is such an honor, we are blessed with other great brothers and sisters, along with other great treasures, the most important being eternal life. I really liked this chapter and it has brought me to understand that treating each other as brother and sister is important. One thing that came to mind here is that some of our family is lost so it is our job to go out and give them a map or plant a seed to help them out.

You know here I am without many worldly possessions, but yet I'm able to walk down the street and hold my head up and smile, sometimes that smile is huge and giggly like and sometimes can be barely seen, but its there just as long as I'm thinking about the Lord.

I'm posting this from the downtown City Library so I won't be able to share any music today. The UofU went on its break yesterday so hours are limited there during the weekends (Sat. only and for 3.5 hours) and shortened on weekdays. This will go until Jan 8th, when the spring semester starts.

Hope you all have a great weekend and I'll be back sometime Monday, the good Lord willing.

Don't Worry About A Thing

I'm sure everyone is familiar with a Bob Marley tune called Three Little Birds and the words to this described my day perfectly.Every step I took today was for a good reason and just when I would think what could happen next, God would provide me with what I needed.

Tonight I went to another food pantry, who's hours are from 5pm-7pm on Thursday nights. Man, that is great for those who may be working and not able to stop in during the day. Well, once again I was met with a closed sign, stating an emergency had come up. So, I snap a quick photo and started to head back up to the U, when it struck me that the Catholic church hands out sack lunches. Alright, here I come.

I walked up to the Cathedral who serves up a mean bologna sandwich or two. When I arrived another gentleman was getting his lunch, so I ask if I could get a photo of him accepting his meal. He stated I would appreciate if you wouldn't, and of course I obliged. You see many who are on the street despise people taking photos of them, some for legal reasons, others because they don't want their friends or family see them, or they just may not want to ever be reminded of their current situation. I did get a photo of those who were volunteering, handing out my hot cocoa, or so I thought. Man, I forgot to save it. Oh well there will be others.

After accepting my bag with extra sandwich,(you've got to ask or you don't receive, a year ago they gave you two sandwiches but many of them were tossed to the birds.) along with a heart shaped cookie, (which I felt was a little early for Valentines or way late) and my hot cocoa I took a seat on the bus bench to enjoy. There are so many who are going hungry tonight but yet I was blessed with this meal. Oh, and that cookie, it was just sweet delight, most likely just made today, even my granny would've been impressed.

While setting on the bench I called another temporary labor service to see if they had work for tomorrow and the quick answer was yes. I've got a job for 2 days parking cars at the downtown walking mall, which was built over the homeless peoples old stomping grounds, and I start tomorrow night at 4pm. That clothing voucher I picked up earlier today will come in handy, because I need dress slacks (go figure) for my uniform.

Man, I'm so grateful God doesn't judge us by what we wear. You know Job had it right, you came in with nothing and you leave with nothing. So what is the big hassle with all of these flashy material things? Oh what the heck, I'll have the slacks for a later time, I believe God has a purpose for them.

I'm setting down after I finish this posting, to start back where I left off on the reading of Rick Warren's, The Purpose Driven Life. I was going to try to catch up on the days I missed while sick, but you know, I don't feel I'll be punished for taking my time and getting it right.

So, as that Marley dude sang, "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright", I'll be whistling and humming it throughout this night, while I smile thanking the Lord for this day and all he has provided. If you're not familiar with the song I've talked about, well here is the video with Spanish closed caption.

Rejoicing In The Morning

I just purchased a used digital camera last night from Steve, who camped out near me, until today. I met up with him last night while walking to camp when he was carrying all of his worldly possessions in a huge suitcase rigged as a backpack. We set down on theOlympic Legacy Bridge near the UofU to have a talk. I ask him where he was off to and he stated he was going to try and buy a bus ticket to Portland Oregon, where he once lived. He needed some help adjusting the pack so he unloaded part of it and pulled out the camera. Steve ask if I knew anyone looking to buy a camera or a place to pawn it so he would have enough for the bus ticket. I told him I knew no one but most likely because of it being an old camera, pawn shops may not want it or wouldn't give him much. He said, "Man I'm 18 bucks short of getting my ticket." Well, I said you know I'll give you 20 bucks for the camera and if you come back you can have it back. Well, low and behold I now have a digital camera to carry around and Steve is on his way to Portland.

Did I need the camera? Nah. I could be using the money for many other needs than this, but I was glad to help out a fellow homeless person. This may be the start that Steve needs to put his life in order.

Meanwhile, Steve was really feeling down and said he was grateful that I was a friend. (Ah, the opportunity to tell him who my best friend is.) I explained to Steve about God and how He's become my closest friend and Savior. He said, "Wow, I never thought about that", and thanked me. I then gave him an 'In Touch' ( intouch.org ) pamphlet to read on the bus today and we parted ways.

Today I'm rejoicing the opportunity to share the Lord.

The top photo is from this morning at the UofU Marriott Library, where I'm able to update this blog and do other research and projects. I guess the camera works great for internet photos. I'll be using the camera today to journal my trek to a food bank and a stop at a local resource center to get a clothing voucher, it will be neat to be able to share my day through photos now.

I found an interesting and fresh look at 'God In A Box'
that I really liked so check it out. I also found an interesting article about bed bugs, a problem that exists at the shelter here in Salt Lake. They even closed it early this year to spray, but several of my friends complain of being bitten regularly, some even resulting in large swellings and welts, not to mention the agony of itching.

My music for the morning is from Jars of Clay singing "God Be Merciful To Me".

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.

Walking The Right Path

Well, I made it through the day with God lifting me up every time I was in need and that wasn't many. I nearly accomplished everything I set out to do today along with something I didn't plan on accomplishing, that is loosing my flash drive. Yep, I left it earlier today in the USB plug here at the University of Utah library and unfortunately no one has turned it in. I had my name taped to the outside, if they open the files one includes a job resume which has my phone number, address and email. I just pray that the person will do the right thing. Wow, just imagine if that was a student's finals project with weeks of work, that would be a real bummer.

During my thrift shopping I picked up a used, in great condition, gore-tex REI jacket for $10 and a new polar fleece vest for $6, all to be used for work. This will leave me with a good jacket and vest for around town. You just can't beat thrift store shopping. I'll be trying out a new sleeping bag during tonight's expected single digit temperatures, it will be used as a liner for my existing bag. With these items and a new duffel bag for laundry duty, my evening times can be spent reading the Bible, posting here, research and promoting the New Path project and just enjoying time with God.

While running around today it came to me how my life had become so much more simplified since I started to follow Jesus. Truthfulness has left my mind at ease and not racing to figure out what I've said or need to say. Laying the self centered and self seeking life to rest and taking up the cross has just taken a huge load off my shoulders. I'm so thankful for my new life with God at the helm.

In The Purpose Driven Life, Day 11 and 12 both are about friendship with God. Day 11 "Becoming Best Friends With God", explains that He wants to be your best friend. By including God throughout the day in your work, hobbies, or menial tasks via prayer, is showing God how much you really love him and that He's your best friend.

I currently have no problem praying throughout the day and reminding Him how much I love Him and that He is my best friend. Today when I just need an ear, I turned to God, I go to the top of my friendship list for comfort. My past experience with prayer was only for my purpose or benefit and as long as I obtained what I wanted it was great, if not I was totally mad at God for not producing. I was just using God. Man, that is horrible. If some people would only pray or have a conversation with God as many times as they email, text, use chat rooms, or use the cell phone to talk with their friends, they would be building the strongest and best friendship anyone can have. This is where Day 12 comes in with "Developing Your Friendship with God".

If yesterday you were asked the question, "Who is your best friend", what would have been your answer? Until I mentioned above who your best friend should be, most would have come up with another earthly humans name and not God. This would have been my answer also up until about 2 weeks ago. You see all of my friends before then are in the bars hammering away and no having a care about or for anything else. Since I've turned my life over to God, I haven't had one phone call, email, or contact with them. This tells me how many friends I had before. Today I truly have only one best friend besides my grandparents and those who visit here and pray for me, of course it's God.

Even though God is our best friend, He can also put us to the test and give us wake up calls when we begin to wander off the path. These wake up calls are for our benefit. Remember having a great friendship with God is you choice and you'll only be as close to Him as you choose to be.

A verse which will be my verse to memorize next week, is Jeremiah 29:13 "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart", really fits in with Day 11 & 12 readings and everyday in my life.

I'll leave you tonight with another song. Man, I just love listening these songs, it's so refreshing from my old music tastes of AC/DC, Rob Zombie and others that now I need to pray for. The cool thing is that many of the Christian rock bands have former hard rock'n, party type musicians, who also have turned their life over to God. Long live Rock-n-Roll, Christian rock that is.

Tree63's song "King" gives you the answer who your best friend should be.



Since I've been writing this another prayer has been answered, my flash drive is now in my hands. Yes, God is great and I'm so grateful to have Him in my life. How about you?

No Sleep But Still Going

After a night of no sleep due to the weather conditions (snow and wind), I attempted to get out for work through the day labor agency, but with no success. With a day that was to be filled with snow again, many construction sites closed or cut back their workforce for the day. This was day 2 without work, but all was not lost. I talked with the main job dispatcher and she stated that it was good to see me back and not to worry, a work assignment will be awaiting for me in the morning.

Most work through this agency is in Park City, which is a ski resort area and now buried beneath 2-3 feet of snow, so you can guess what I'll be doing. I didn't have the right clothes for being outside in the elements for scooping snow, so off I went on another panhandling adventure. This time people were much more accepting of my situation. After about 4 hours I had received a great winter jacket, plenty of warm smiles and greetings, prayers, Taco Bell burritos and tacos (stood near Taco Bell),a warm blanket to use with my cold sleeping bag (will be put to use tonight) and a wonderful donation from a 10-13 year old boy.

The young boy's gift just floored me, and once again the water started to roll from my eyes. When he handed me the money, I thanked and wished him happy holidays, while also acknowledging the two adults with him. One of the adults stated, "The gift is from my boy and it is he's money and idea". Wow, I have such admiration for this child and I'm sure the Lord had a smile from ear to ear.

The day was a success in preparing for tomorrow's work, and I owe it all to God for delivering everything that was needed. This was a real lesson once again in trusting in the Lord for exactly what the situation required.

I stated before that I wouldn't be likely to panhandle again, but the need was there and I felt more comfortable about it today. God had put me to this test to see how I would react. Again I handed nearly every person who helped a slip of paper thanking them and inviting them to this blog. I didn't count how many I printed up, but when I handed the last slip out everything I needed was at my side, when I realize what just had happened a tingle ran throughout my body.

I want to thank everyone who trusted me and helped me out today, you were my love from God.

I say, " Praise you Lord, because this day just strengthened by love and faith in you 10 fold."

Today is Day 10 in The Purpose Driven Life, and the topic was "The Heart of Worship". The opening sentence is "The heart of worship is surrender". The first words that came to mind were; losing, unsuccessful, and defeat. I thought, "Man, surrendering is just giving up and watching your opponent take all of the glory and the trophy." then it came to me, "Hey, now wait a minute, that last thought did have part of what God was expecting me to do".

God wants us to surrender our self seeking and satisfying ways to become our true selves and allowing Him all of the Glory. We can do this by being obedient to God and doing what is ask of ourselves.

Well, this is one thing I thought I'd never be able to do, but yet, today it is exactly what I'm doing. I may be homeless but my life is beginning to have some meaning to it.

I always had the belief of being at the center of attention and needing to stay there, but lately by putting God there it has taken a huge load off of me and actually relaxed me.

Today I say, "Go ahead God take all of me because I'm yours. I no longer want control of this vessel, it's all up to you. I tried it my way and it didn't work!"

I need to grab some zzzzzzzzzzzzzz's before I hit the keyboard with my head.

My Song of The Day

Mercyme puts it just like it is with me, "So Long Self".

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.

Hmmm, I'm Not An Accident

The second day in The Purpose Driven Life, You Are Not An Accident, is an eyeopener for me. Many times throughout the years I had contemplated that I was never met to be here. After my mother had left me and took my brother with her when I was 4, and when asking questions why, I received the shrug. Struggling with addictions, depression and emotional confusion, I had believed I actually was not suppose to be here on earth.

In the past couple of years friends have been trying to explain that God has a purpose for me, but it had been hard to comprehend. The toughest part was Love, and loving myself and God. I truly didn't know what love was. After many years of never being told or even hearing the word love, the word had no meaning. I read 1 John 4:8 "Who ever does not love does not know God, because God is love." and it confirms the main reason why I couldn't love anyone or myself.

During the last few years of my life, I have been wandering with no purpose. I had thought that I had to make everyone happy and to like me, which caused me to be untruthful many times. I felt that I needed to accomplish every goal I had set, and that if I didn't I was a failure. Man, I was just setting myself up for failure. Now, I'm trying each day to live for what God wants me to do, and not for what I think everyone expects me to do. It's a tough change and will take some time, but each day I use this concept, it becomes easier.

Sweep It Under The Rug

Well today I attended K2 The Church 12:30 service with the main intention to speak with Andy Marshall, the director of spiritual growth. Today's message "Sweep It Under The Rug" was the 3rd in the 4 part series "Wrecking Your Relationships In 4 Easy Steps". I had already listened to the first part yesterday, and I'll be listening to the 2nd part tonight, however I wasn't prepared for what Andy spoke about today. It really hit hard and tied right into what I had planned to talk to a him about.

TRUTH!!!

Yea, being truthful with each other, spouses, friends, or in my case, God and myself. At the end of the service I waited while Andy talked with a few members, and as I watched it gave me a chance to reflect on what I was about to do. Last night I had decided that it was time to set up a time to set down with a pastor (I had Andy in mind.) and start working on doing what God has intended me to do. Well after 2+ years of having said I was going to do it, I actually took the first step today and told Andy that I was ready to go to work, and that I needed to get truthful with God and myself. YES!!! I said it. I didn't back out while waiting to talk with Andy, and say to myself, "Oh well, I'll speak to him next week, or next time." Who knows there may never be a next time.

I have so many things that I have swept under the rug during my 47 years on this globe. So I hope Andy will have a few hours (days, months, years???) to set down and discuss what I need to do and how I can go about doing it. I also need to repent for the many things I've done in the past (This would be a huge load off of my back.). I'll be setting up an time to meet with Andy and only can pray that it will be soon.

Ah yea, I got a NIV bible today, so now I can put it to use with A Purpose Driven Life and just for reading when I once read autobiographies of successful business people. Hey why not be studying how to become a successful servant of God, right?

Okay, my music files are not loading (sorry) and I'll be looking for a new FREE file sharing site that has more than 30mb of storage. During this time try CNET for free christian music MP3 downloads.

I'm going to work on setting up a new website on a free server today. The site will be for DSL rate quotes and I hope to have it up by late tonight. So off I go.

Lost Music in a Lost Day

Yep, the file hosting site I was using for my music files cut me off. I used to much bandwidth, now they want the green backs. Oh well, just went to another until I can get my own hosting. I've had to change all of the links here for music, so if there is a problem downloading a MP3 please let me know. In the mean time I look at todays accomplishments and find it was pretty much a loss, except for my reading in A Purpose Driven Life.

I will be attending service tomorrow at K2 The Church. This is a fast growing church that was first established in Michigan (Go Tigers and Lions) and has had a rapid growth here is Salt Lake City. Luther Elliss, who was a great defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, was instrumental in bringing this church here. I have attended a few services in the past, but not with my new outlook and faith in God. I hope to obtain a NIV bible there tomorrow.


I'll end tonight with a country song for Snog Dot and Thomas from Jerry Corelli called The Rock. Yea, I do listen to country (sometimes). This guy is a hero in my book. Back in 1992 Jerry brought a 5 year old girl back to life after he had found her being strangled by a stranger. You can read the account of this here.

Chugging Away

Another great sleep after staying up late. I received an reply from the outdoor gear company I had emailed yesterday about used gear. They don't donate on individual cases but do work with local organization, which is cool. Keep up the great work Black Diamond.

To snog dot, Thanks for the comment an email is on its way.

I'm working on a couple of resumes today along with an email to a local company for a customer service job. My goal is to find steady employment by the end of the month. If you could include this in your prayers, I would be very grateful.

Back to working on the resumes.

Keeping the smile on that God gives us, it feels so good.