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".

A Few Moments of Panhandling

With the upcoming storm here in Salt Lake City, I was in need of some winter gear so that I would be able to work outside and to be somewhat comfortable staying outside. After the 12:30 message at K2 The Church, I went to the shopping plaza near Sugar House Park, where I put together a sign and stood near an entrance to the parking lot. On the sign it stated:

Homeless
Any Help
Appreciated
Need
Socks
Winter Boots
Sleeping Bag
Thank You

This was a real experience for me and an eye-opener. Before I even started to hold the sign I prayed that I would receive the items that I needed and during my stand I thought to myself, "If God wants me to have it, then it will happen". Well, I was blessed! After 4 hours, I received enough to buy a pair of good thermal winter boots and thermal socks. I didn't get the sleeping bag, but felt God had a reason for this. One gentleman came by with a box full of thermal underwear and enough socks for a couple of weeks, along with other warm clothing. After this person left me with the box, I had to stop and take a long breath and wipe the water from my eyes, I just couldn't believe what was happening.

The day wasn't full of blessings, it also had it's moments of disgusted looks, people saying; "Yea, right, he isn't homeless", along with other quotes I'll refrain from listing here.

I watched as those with the big expensive objects drove by with disgusted looks on their face and pretend that I wasn't even there. Some people would smile and that was great to me, because, yes they recognized me which made me feel like I was human.

To each person (except one, when I lost the paper) that gave, I handed a paper thanking them and inviting them to this blog, if you are one of those who received this I say, "Thank you very much for giving, trusting and believing. I invite each one of you into my life on this journey I've started, and you all will be in my prayers tonight".

Will I ever hold a sign like this again? I truly believe that this is the one and only time that I will ever need to do this. And I pray that I'll never be in this situation again where as last resort it is needed.

Today was also Day 8 in my reading of "The Purpose Driven Life". This chapter, "Planned For God's Pleasure", really fit me to a tee today, and was one that I'll always remember.

Bringing pleasure to God is called "Worship", and it doesn't just pertain to singing and music. Worship is anything that you do to please and give glory to God. This could be helping at your church's service, working at your daily job, sharing a smile with a homeless person, or helping your neighbor. Anything that you do to bring pleasure to God is an act of worship.

Well today I felt I brought pleasure to God by trusting in Him to deliver the items I needed for work and staying warm. I didn't look back at those who gave me those unpleasing gestures or stares with the same or worse gesture or stare. I didn't come out with any words of disregard to those who openly suggested where to go. Today, so far I feel I've pleasured God by being truthful, open, warm and, well, just what He expected me to be.

My Music of The Day

A real quick quote from "The Purpose Driven Life" reading today; pg.65

"God loves all kinds of music because he invented it all-fast and slow, loud and soft, old and new. You probably don't like it all, but God does! If it is offered to God in spirit and truth, it is an act of worship."

This song from Waking Ashland goes right along with where my thinking has been for the last two weeks. "All Hands On Deck" will remain close to me for along time to come.

Buy Waking Ashland Music