Wednesday, January 29, 2014
A Hope for the Homeless: Speak Life
A Hope for the Homeless: Speak Life: Have you ever noticed how the words you speak can change the attitude of someone? How if you tell a girlfriend you like her outfit or that ...
Speak Life
Have you ever noticed how the words you speak can change the attitude of someone? How if you tell a girlfriend you like her outfit or that she's having a good hair day, it kinda puts a pep in her step. Her head sits a little higher on her shoulders and she smiles. This in return warms your heart. You've just been an encourager. Someone who speaks to the heart, who brightens the day, someone who speaks life. That is exactly what God wants. He wants us to speak life. He wants us to be an encourager. If we are not speaking life than we are more than likely speaking death. Not purposefully of course, but when we speak harshly to our husband or snap at our children we take from them. We can crush their spirit. We can rob them of something they need, self -worth. We want our loved ones to know the truth about who they are and not believe the lies right? Well then, how come to often I find myself planting seeds of lies? When I yell, scream, nag, or criticize I am telling them that they don't meet the standard; that they aren't good enough. Children especially over time start to believe this. They turn it inside and start to believe it must be true, they think that since my own mother is never happy or pleased with me, I must be a failure.
We are defiantly not doing any favors for our marriages when we nag and complain constantly. We desire for our husband to want to come home to us. To look at us in love and to be pleased with us. How can this be if we are telling him over and over again how unhappy we are with him? God created us to be one with our spouse. We wouldn't ever think of talking to ourselves the way we talk to our spouse...or would we? Maybe that's the root of the problem. Maybe we so consistently speak death to ourselves that there's no possible way we can speak life to anyone else.
Maybe we don't know who we are in Christ. Maybe we don't know we are a child of the one true King. A conquers conquer, the apple of our fathers eye, the righteousness of God in Christ. Maybe we don't know how loved we really are. Maybe our self talk is all messed up because we believe the lies too. The ones that say were not good enough or that we ourselves don't measure up. These are all seeds that the devil plants. Lies he tells us and we fall for them over and over. Yes, we are a messed up people and we have all sinned and made some very bad choices but the truth is our mistakes are never to big for God. We have never out sinned His grace. God is in the business of taking our broken mess and turning it in to something beautiful. Beauty from ashes. The next time we start to tell ourselves we don't measure up remember just who we are. We are HIS. Made in His image. We are loved by Him. We are forgiven and we have His grace. If we can receive His grace and love then we should be able to give it and speak it. Give it freely. What if the words we spoke to a stranger. a single mom, a broken person, a non believer, a drug addict, or a homeless man could change their lives? What if encouragement and love is just what they needed? Speak life, especially to our loved ones. Our kids and spouses deserve to know that they are worthy and that they are loved.
If you don't know the love of Christ, I personally invite you to find out who He is, and through this you will find out who you really are. LOVED!
My beloved, you are loved!
Edie
Monday, November 18, 2013
In every situation...
There is a season for everything. Currently outside our season is
changing. We can see and feel many things happening. It’s getting colder; we
can feel the wind brisk upon our skin. The air even smells different. We see
the leaves turning brilliant colors; bright orange, red, yellow and purple.
Bushes so bold they look like they are on fire. The amazing thing is, though
they look so beautiful they are actually dying, but just for a season.
Our lives are very similar to this. God
allows us to have seasons. He allows things to come and go. He allows change to
happen. He allows things to die off. Through this process for the most part we
learn to love and trust Him more. But what about the time when the change doesn’t
make sense. When the change or dying off period actually hurts. God gives us
strength. He comforts our hearts and heals our hurts. We have to have faith and
trust in Him. We may not always feel that we trust our faith but we have to be
very careful. We are not called to have faith in our faith. We are called to
have faith in God and never doubt Him.
See we have a very real enemy. Someone who
would love nothing more than to destroy us. He likes to ruin families, break
down marriages, poor lies into the lives of the believer and bring about doubt.
We have to be very careful to discern the lies and the attack of Satan. We have
to know the truth of God so we know how to fight our enemy. God has given us a
great tool in His word for doing just this. Ephesians 6:16 says, "In every
situation take the shield of faith, and with it you will be able to extinguish
the flaming arrows of the evil one".
There are a few terms I love. Warrior chic
is one. I love this term because to me it speaks of being in battle. I feel
that as men and women of God we are always in battle. God has given us that shield
so that when Satan’s flaming arrows come we are there to extinguish them. Were
always fighting the good fight. No matter what season we are in, what
unexpected event has occurred, or what Satan tries to through at us, we are
ready for battle. See, we are called to live on mission. On mission for the
gospel, ready and willing to go, ready to fight.
Even though at times we may not understand
what Gods plan is for our lives. We need to trust that it’s for our better. So,
if He calls us to move, downsize, make financial adjustments, take a new job,
forgive, love through the hurt, speak kindness when everything you receive is
harsh, let go, move on, grow up, or go beyond, we need to realize He is in
control. This to is only for a season.
Weather its trusting God or fighting the
doubt that the devil throws at us. God has given us the privilege of standing
in the victorious space He desires for us. Right beside Him. I've heard the
saying that mans demotion is God's promotion. I believe this to be true. A
pastor recently told a story of a man who worked for a hardware store for many
years. He helped build this company, poured many years of his life into it. He
helped to grow this company to be very large. One day the company decided they
needed to downsize and they had to let him go. He was very upset by this. All
of the time he spent, the years, and the hard work, all felt for nothing. But
that man decided not to be the victim but instead to get right back up and keep
moving. He and his friends got together and opened up their own little hardware
store. You may have heard of it before. It's called The Home Depot. See mans
demotion is God's promotion.
Remember although we are at war with
Satan, we are at peace with God. Fight on; choose to be the victor not the
victim. Trust God; allow Him to do a great work in your life, even in this
season. May we continue to learn while we live, and fight while we have the
strength.
With His Love,
Edie
Some of my all time favorite warrior chics
Sunday, July 28, 2013
How to be the best
So, I know what all of you are thinking. How does she do it? How in the world is she so good at so many things? How does she have time to do what she does and always with a smile. She makes it look so easy. Always put together and never with a hair out of place.
Stop, no really, you're so flattering.
Ok whatever, so I thought I would blog and let you know how to be awesome at everything you do and to show you exactly how I do it all. Be sure to get out your paper and pen. Take notes. So, here it is. Here we go. Are you ready for this?
How to have the best blog ever.
Let "them" whoever they are to say what they will about blogging several times a week to increase traffic and views. I like to mix it up. Blog everyday for awhile, then once a week, then once a month, and for the big cliff hanger. I like for them to hear crickets for a couple of months. Just enough time to where they almost forget about me and the mission. Then BAM!!! I'm back at it. Oh yeah back in business baby. Keep them guessing. What else do you have to do than waste time pulling up the blog just to find out that the last post you see is reminding you what Easter is all about? Good times right? No, not so much? Well, glad to know that I'm successful at the purpose of blogging all together.
Okay, moving on.
How to be the best at homeschooling
Just when May turns to June and the weather gets warm and the days become longer and your eleven year old son doesn't feel he can go solve one more problem in algebra, go ahead and break the news that he actually has two weeks of school left. Try and cheer him up by telling him that while he's sitting in the school room learning how Alexander the Great, even though a very evil man, was extremely instrumental in translating the Bible into Greek, he can always look out the window, point to all of his little friends and laugh because they are wasting their days playing basketball when there is no way in the world that their future 5ft 3inch self is ever going to the NBA.
Then after those two weeks pass go ahead and realize that you are missing a reading assignment. Be sure to throw your heard back and laugh in hysterics when he tells you he cant find the book. So spend an extra week wasting time looking for the book that is no. where. to. be. found. Go ahead humble yourself, swallow your pride, watch your homeschool teacher of the year dreams fly right out the window and call and have them email the assigned reading over to you in a matter of literally three seconds. So fifth grade made have lasted almost a month longer than it should have and your child may have the shortest summer break ever, but hey you have to give him something to talk to his therapist about later in life.
Moving right along.
How to have a garden that people envy
The first thing you have to do to have the best garden, is beg your husband for 3 plus years to plant one. When he tells you NO, and yes that's with a capital N.O. Because he says he knows exactly what will happen. It will quickly turn to a weed garden and it will take over our entire acre of yard. So he thinks. The next step is to start juicing. That way you have to buy an extreme amount of fresh produce on a daily basis and he will get tired of the constant trips to the store, the amount of money spent of fresh fruits and veggies, and the fact that he has to move all of the green stuff out of the way to get to the salsa gets old real quick. (not to mention that juicing is amazingly healthy for your body. Its just an added bonus)
Anyways, so after all of this and after your gracious husband agrees to finally plant you a garden. You need to be sure to employ as many family members as you can. Be sure to not just include the members of your household but also your father and your elderly grandmother in law with COPD as well. Make sure you have five people telling you what to do at a time (husband included). Also don't forget to pay very close attention to everyone else's garden planting tips, stories, and shenanigans. Oh the stories! Be sure to start planting very late in the evening so that you will have to play the fun game of beat the clock. Right when you see the last bit of light fade away quickly grab the last of the seeds and shove them in the ground and yell finished. Say a quick prayer and sweetly look over at your husband, give him a cute smile to say see this wont be that bad.
Wait a few weeks and then take in all that is yours. All of your hard work and the past three years of begging has finally paid off. Beautiful kale and cute little baby cucumbers. Ok, so our green beans and spinach didn't do so well but you could use it to toss a small salad. Brag to everyone on how your garden grows. Thank your husband for all of his hard work and tell him how we should have done this three years ago.
Here's the part that gets good. Go crazy and stretch yourself as thin as possible. Make as many plans as you can, as a matter of fact go ahead and double book some. Be sure to attend every child's birthday party known to man, so that you have absolutely no time to pay any attention to your garden. Every morning when you go out to the garden to grab your kale and cucs for your juice, go ahead and remind yourself to add weed the garden to your todays-to-do-list. So after feeling like everyday is Groundhog Day when you look out the window at the garden, succumb to the fact that your husband was right all along and the weeds are to much for you to handle. Be honest with yourself, they are taking over everything! That's okay though because you can still get to your kale and cucs, and the juice taste just as good.
A cute little picture of our bounty. Our sons smile seems to fit my excitement a little more and our nieces smile seems to fit my husbands. Aren't they too stinking cute?
Stop, no really, you're so flattering.
Ok whatever, so I thought I would blog and let you know how to be awesome at everything you do and to show you exactly how I do it all. Be sure to get out your paper and pen. Take notes. So, here it is. Here we go. Are you ready for this?
How to have the best blog ever.
Let "them" whoever they are to say what they will about blogging several times a week to increase traffic and views. I like to mix it up. Blog everyday for awhile, then once a week, then once a month, and for the big cliff hanger. I like for them to hear crickets for a couple of months. Just enough time to where they almost forget about me and the mission. Then BAM!!! I'm back at it. Oh yeah back in business baby. Keep them guessing. What else do you have to do than waste time pulling up the blog just to find out that the last post you see is reminding you what Easter is all about? Good times right? No, not so much? Well, glad to know that I'm successful at the purpose of blogging all together.
Okay, moving on.
How to be the best at homeschooling
Just when May turns to June and the weather gets warm and the days become longer and your eleven year old son doesn't feel he can go solve one more problem in algebra, go ahead and break the news that he actually has two weeks of school left. Try and cheer him up by telling him that while he's sitting in the school room learning how Alexander the Great, even though a very evil man, was extremely instrumental in translating the Bible into Greek, he can always look out the window, point to all of his little friends and laugh because they are wasting their days playing basketball when there is no way in the world that their future 5ft 3inch self is ever going to the NBA.
Then after those two weeks pass go ahead and realize that you are missing a reading assignment. Be sure to throw your heard back and laugh in hysterics when he tells you he cant find the book. So spend an extra week wasting time looking for the book that is no. where. to. be. found. Go ahead humble yourself, swallow your pride, watch your homeschool teacher of the year dreams fly right out the window and call and have them email the assigned reading over to you in a matter of literally three seconds. So fifth grade made have lasted almost a month longer than it should have and your child may have the shortest summer break ever, but hey you have to give him something to talk to his therapist about later in life.
Moving right along.
How to have a garden that people envy
The first thing you have to do to have the best garden, is beg your husband for 3 plus years to plant one. When he tells you NO, and yes that's with a capital N.O. Because he says he knows exactly what will happen. It will quickly turn to a weed garden and it will take over our entire acre of yard. So he thinks. The next step is to start juicing. That way you have to buy an extreme amount of fresh produce on a daily basis and he will get tired of the constant trips to the store, the amount of money spent of fresh fruits and veggies, and the fact that he has to move all of the green stuff out of the way to get to the salsa gets old real quick. (not to mention that juicing is amazingly healthy for your body. Its just an added bonus)
Anyways, so after all of this and after your gracious husband agrees to finally plant you a garden. You need to be sure to employ as many family members as you can. Be sure to not just include the members of your household but also your father and your elderly grandmother in law with COPD as well. Make sure you have five people telling you what to do at a time (husband included). Also don't forget to pay very close attention to everyone else's garden planting tips, stories, and shenanigans. Oh the stories! Be sure to start planting very late in the evening so that you will have to play the fun game of beat the clock. Right when you see the last bit of light fade away quickly grab the last of the seeds and shove them in the ground and yell finished. Say a quick prayer and sweetly look over at your husband, give him a cute smile to say see this wont be that bad.
Wait a few weeks and then take in all that is yours. All of your hard work and the past three years of begging has finally paid off. Beautiful kale and cute little baby cucumbers. Ok, so our green beans and spinach didn't do so well but you could use it to toss a small salad. Brag to everyone on how your garden grows. Thank your husband for all of his hard work and tell him how we should have done this three years ago.
Here's the part that gets good. Go crazy and stretch yourself as thin as possible. Make as many plans as you can, as a matter of fact go ahead and double book some. Be sure to attend every child's birthday party known to man, so that you have absolutely no time to pay any attention to your garden. Every morning when you go out to the garden to grab your kale and cucs for your juice, go ahead and remind yourself to add weed the garden to your todays-to-do-list. So after feeling like everyday is Groundhog Day when you look out the window at the garden, succumb to the fact that your husband was right all along and the weeds are to much for you to handle. Be honest with yourself, they are taking over everything! That's okay though because you can still get to your kale and cucs, and the juice taste just as good.
A cute little picture of our bounty. Our sons smile seems to fit my excitement a little more and our nieces smile seems to fit my husbands. Aren't they too stinking cute?
Kale/Weeds/Dirt
So there you have it. Just a few quick ways to be the best at all you do. Okay so the jig is up. I'm not the best at everything or even close to it. I fail a blogging, homeschooling sometimes and even gardening. There are many other things I fail at, but I'm trying. The best news of all is that even though I am not a perfect person, I serve a perfect God. One who loves me unconditionally. It still blows my mind that Jesus, who knows all of my flops, faults, and fears still loves me. Loves me enough to die for me. To have thought of me while hanging on the cross at Calvary. The God and creator of the whole earth still, still wants my heart. He owns the skies and still desires me. And you. Next time you are feeling as great about yourself as I do sometimes, remember you are loved. You are never alone. God is with you always. He will never forsake you. You are not forgotten. Your struggle and strife is not for nothing. God will work good for all who love and are called according to His purpose. No matter if you are punching keys on the computer at the office, working road construction in the heat of the summer, running a small nation, caring for a dying family member or rocking crying babies in the dead of night, God hears you call. He knows your heart and he knows how hard you are trying. He sees your struggle. Call on His name. The name above all other names. The name of Jesus.
Have a blessed week and be sure to check back often. :) he he
Edie
Monday, April 1, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
What fills your void?
Why is it that we struggle so? Why do we hold on so tightly to things that we know are no good for us? Why would we be willing to go down in ruins knowing that we could stop it all from happening? Why can't we give up the control we think we have, when in reality what we are struggling with or addicted to, is really controlling us? I'm not just speaking of drugs or alcohol, but also money, things like possessions, work, eating, exercising, not eating, fame, glory, attention, security, shopping, fear, or even people. Why is it that we keep trying to fill a void that only He can fill? Why do we keep piling in all of this when we know it will never do the trick.
It starts out innocently enough but eventually it takes over. It grows and manifest and becomes the thing we think we cant live without. The tolerance grows higher and higher and we are left needing more. It becomes our secret sin that we think no one knows, but in reality everyone knows. It makes a fool out of us. It turns us in to something we never wanted to be. It can take us from the on top of the world to living on the streets homeless in no time flat. It can rob us of our relationships, spouses, kids, homes, jobs, it just wont stop until we stop it. When is enough enough?
The struggle isn't really the addiction, its what we fill the void with that we all have. We can search and seek and pour in and consume all we find, but if its not Jesus it will leave us empty. I have been there. I still struggle. We all do. The important thing is we have a God who has not left us alone to fight our battles but is there fighting for us. I may not know what it is like to struggle with a serious drug addiction but I know what it is like to struggle with your thoughts. I may not know what it is like to struggle with alcohol but I do know what it is like tostruggle with be held captive to fear.
Beloved I have been down in that pit and without Jesus it wouldn't be long before I was right back there. He is the only thing that can fill that void. He created us with the void so that He can be the one you put in its place. I just want to encourage you today know matter what struggles or hardships you are enduring. Relationships in trouble, addictions, bandages, brokenness, or even illness beloved just cry out to Him. He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted and aren't we the brokenhearted? My love, He is healer!
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.
It starts out innocently enough but eventually it takes over. It grows and manifest and becomes the thing we think we cant live without. The tolerance grows higher and higher and we are left needing more. It becomes our secret sin that we think no one knows, but in reality everyone knows. It makes a fool out of us. It turns us in to something we never wanted to be. It can take us from the on top of the world to living on the streets homeless in no time flat. It can rob us of our relationships, spouses, kids, homes, jobs, it just wont stop until we stop it. When is enough enough?
The struggle isn't really the addiction, its what we fill the void with that we all have. We can search and seek and pour in and consume all we find, but if its not Jesus it will leave us empty. I have been there. I still struggle. We all do. The important thing is we have a God who has not left us alone to fight our battles but is there fighting for us. I may not know what it is like to struggle with a serious drug addiction but I know what it is like to struggle with your thoughts. I may not know what it is like to struggle with alcohol but I do know what it is like to
Beloved I have been down in that pit and without Jesus it wouldn't be long before I was right back there. He is the only thing that can fill that void. He created us with the void so that He can be the one you put in its place. I just want to encourage you today know matter what struggles or hardships you are enduring. Relationships in trouble, addictions, bandages, brokenness, or even illness beloved just cry out to Him. He was sent to bind up the brokenhearted and aren't we the brokenhearted? My love, He is healer!
Isaiah 61:1
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
Because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the afflicted;
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
To proclaim liberty to captives and freedom to prisoners.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Fat Albert
Nothing like getting on the treadmill at the gym, looking up, and seeing Fat Albert on the television. Now that's some inspiration. No seriously that was some inspiration!
So, last night I decided to get my self up and head to the gym. I hadn't worked out since Monday and honestly I didn't feel like walking through the doors of the gym let alone walking on a treadmill. I've been in a funk lately; been struggling through some things. Fighting battles that are really the Lords to fight. I've been wrestling with things that I am no longer held captive to. Not really sure what was going on I just kept trying to figure out why I was struggling. I know God has a plan, I believe Him, trust Him, love Him, but I just had no peace.
When I saw Fat Albert on the TV, as funny as it was it gave me some insight. You know its kind of like putting that picture of yourself on the fridge when you need to lose some weight. So every time you went to the fridge you would be so disgusted you would just turn and walk away without even a morsel. You know the picture, the one you would just me mortified over if someone actually saw it. The one where you look at it in disbelief that its really even you. The one you can't stand to look at but at the same time you just can't look away. Like a train wreck. Well that's what I realized I needed to do. I need to put a spiritual picture of myself up.
I need to daily, sometimes hourly remind myself of the bondage I was once in, the battles I fought, the insecurities I had, and the fear that took over parts of my life. I need to see that so I can be reminded that Jesus redeemed me from that. He has healed me, released me, set the captive free. I no longer have to live as a wounded person because I am free. I am free in Christ. Those insecurities that creep in, do I measure up, do I matter, can I do this. I need to put them in their rightful place and that is not here in my mind. The Bible says Jesus is the Prince of Peace and peace is exactly what I needed. Peace of mind. I needed to go before the Lord to receive peace. He is peace so He can give it and He does. The Lord is doing a work in me and as hard as it may be on me at times I am ever so grateful. He loves me, oh how He loves me, and He loves you! I want to encourage you sweet friends that if you are struggling as I have been. Take it to the Lord, He is faithful. He hears your cries, knows your heart, He is just to forgive, He desires fellowship with you. He can heal your brokenness and I am living proof that He does. This is one captive He has set free! Hallelujah!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Fight hard and be Thankful
Fighting for peace of mind today. I hate that devil! He likes to try to come in and fill me with doubt, insecurity, and fear. He thinks I'm gonna fall for it again, not this time. I'm not the easy target I used to be.
Our family received some hard news today. At some point recently my Mom has had a stroke. She is doing fine, it was minor. If there is such a thing. It has affected her memory mostly. She fights to remember things that might come easy to you and I. She will be having some more test ran soon that will hopefully tell her more. The crazy thing is yes, she has shed a few tears, but she has an undeniable peace about her. She says that even though she is still in shock, God has given her comfort.
 |
| Mom and I 2009 |
Her and I are in the middle of a Bible study right now that is pretty intense and has us searching the scriptures back and forth with great passion. The Lord is amazing the way he works. I'm not sure that she would be this calm if she hadn't been walking so intimately with the Lord right now. I am so grateful for God's timing. Its almost to much for my little heart to bare.
I love my Mom dearly, shes one amazing woman. She has given me so much and has given up so much for me. I am blessed to have her. My prayer is for God to heal her this side of heaven. Everything in my being cries out for that, but if He chooses not to, I am more than grateful for this time in my life. This time where Mother and Daughter can sit next to each other and cry tears sorrow and joy because of the love of our one and only Jesus.
Thankful to be a shoulder she can cry on. Thankful to be daughter who loves her. Thankful to be a friend to encourage her. Thankful to have a Lord who hears me when I stand on her behalf and cry out in the name of Jesus. Thankful to have a God who heals. Thankful to have a God who fights for her when then enemy attacks. Thankful to have a God who loves her. Thankful to have a God who has redeemed her. Thankful I have God. I LOVE YOU LORD JESUS!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Miracle of the Moment
Good Morning my loves,
It is all very still in the house this morning. Kiddos are still sleeping and very soon it will all start to rev up. I wanted to take some time to ask you how you are. How is 2013 starting off for you? Are you feeling refreshed with a new hope for the next year? Are you excited for the change of a new season? Or are you still holding on to 2012 with all you have? Are you going into 2013 kicking and screaming? Are you like me and change is hard, or to be honest even the thought of change is hard? I'm usually a no person by nature or maybe it’s more by fear. My first response is usually no. I don’t like change, it’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and sometimes doesn’t work out. I want the guarantee, the for sure. I sometimes worry a lot about what the future holds and miss out on the right now. But knowing the Lord like I do, I knew He wasn’t going to allow me to stay that way for long.
2012 was a good year but a tough year. A lot of change! I mean A LOT of change! Through that though the Lord has dealt with me with much mercy and grace. He has allowed me to dig my heals in and throw my fits but also He has loving picked me back up and renewed His promises in me. He's shown me how flexible I can be and how when trusting in Him the pain is eased. He's given me new hope and shown me that He has a plan for my life and its all for His glory. He has opened my eyes to the miracle of the moment. I miss out on so much when all I do is focus on the past or on the future. I miss out on the right now. My days are filled with two amazing sons and one cute little niece that I have the privilege of spending a couple of hours with each day, home school, sports (my little competitive soccer player is becoming a man right in front of my eyes ), being able to see the world through my 3 year olds eyes which let me tell you is a blast, a husband whose heart is devoted to God and our family, a lot of extended family and after living away for 10 years its more than a joy to be able to spend time with them, amazing friends, and a mission that the Lord put upon my heart.
So if I am so focused on what’s next or what I left behind, I miss out on the joys of right now. Living my life for now may seem like a simple thing to do, but for someone like me that has trouble with letting go of yesterdays and is fearful of the unknowns of tomorrow, right now is a hard thing to focus on at times. I pray that as we all go into this New Year we will learn to have our eyes wide open for today. Let the past be the past and let tomorrow come as it may.
I want you to read some of the words of a song written by Steven Curtis Chapman. Let these words resonate in your soul toward all you face.
"Miracle of the Moment"
‘Cause we are who and where
And what we are for now
And this is the only moment
We can do anything about
So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There’s a wonder in the here and now
It’s right there in front of you
I don’t want you to miss the miracle of the moment
There’s only one who knows
What’s really out there waiting
In all the moments yet to be
And all we need to know
Is He’s out there waiting
To Him the future’s history
And He has given us
A treasure called right now
And this is the only moment
We can do anything about
So breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There’s a wonder in the here and now
It’s right there in front of you
I don’t want you to miss the miracle of the moment
And if it brings you tears
Then taste them as they fall
And let them soften your heart
And if it brings you laughter
Then throw your head back
And let it go, let it go, yeah You gotta let it go
And listen to your heartbeat, yeah
Breathe it in and breathe it out
And listen to your heartbeat
There’s a wonder in the here and now
It’s right there in front of you
I don’t want you to miss the miracle of the moment
Available on Steven Curtis Chapman's This Moment CD, or on iTunes.com
Enjoy your day and every moment of it!
Love you so,
Edie
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Onething 2012
Happy New Year Beloved!
As I looked out over everyone with their hands raised in worship it brought tears to my eyes because my heart felt like this is what heaven will be like. People of all ages, race, size, and shape worshiping the one true God. I am so thankful for what the Lord has done in my life. He has pulled me out of the pit and set my feet on solid ground. I am thankful for His love, grace, and mercy for without it I would be living one miserable life without any hope.
As I look back on 2012 and ahead to 2013, I see a lot of things I want to do differently and some that I want to stay the same. Most importantly though I want to further my relationship with the Lord. I want to know Him more intimately and love Him more deeply. I want to be so close to Him that I can not tell where I end and He begins. He has done so much for me in my life, for my loved ones as well. I am excited to see how He will use me to further His kingdom in 2013. I am thankful for the ways He has used me in 2012. I owe Him my life. Praise Jesus Christ alone, the One True God!
So what about you, any blessing in 2012, any changes you want to make in 2013?
Just a heads up the Exodus Cry Abolition Summit (Combat Human Trafficking) is Jan. 2nd-4th 2013 go to exoduscry.com/abolition-summit for more information.
Cant wait to see how God touches my heart at the summit. Hope to see you there.
Let's EMBRACE 2013 and all God has for it!
Lovin you all deeply,
Edie
Monday, December 24, 2012
Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you,
Don't you just loved those words? To be called favored one, to know that the Lord is with you? It speaks deep into my heart. I don't always feel that the Lord is with me though. Sometimes I feel alone in this world, fearful of almost anything. That is when I need to not rely on my feelings but rely on the truth. The truth that the Lord is with me always. That He loves me more than I could ever love anyone else. More than I could ever understand.
In hard times I have to remind myself of that a lot. Jesus has not left me. He is right here with me, in fact He lives inside me. The Holy Spirit dwells within me, and Oh How Thankful I Am. When I feel scared, hurt, alone, confused, unloved, unwanted, robbed of joy, stressed out, sick, tired, emotionally empty, or broken, I am thankful to know that I have a Father, Friend, Savior, and Lover of my Soul to pick up the pieces, put my feet on solid ground and put my heart and life back together again. It is a very natural response to feel these things. Mary the Mother of Jesus felt scared as recorded in Luke 1 when the Angel of the Lord came to her.
28“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Even Mary was unsure, perplexed, and afraid. Aren't we glad though that Mary believed and trusted God? Scripture records in Luke 1:46-55 some of the most beautiful words ever written. Its called The Magnificat, also known as Mary's Song.
46 And Mary said:
We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Thank you for supporting us, loving us, and giving us grace. This is still all so new to us and so exciting to see what God is doing. We are truly blessed. With out you, your support and encouragement we would not be. May the Lord bless you and be with you favored one.
My second favorite picture. What a good lookin man I married. Look at his silhouette. Isn't he cute? He's so awesome! Sorry off topic. :)
Love ya'll! Merry Christmas!
In hard times I have to remind myself of that a lot. Jesus has not left me. He is right here with me, in fact He lives inside me. The Holy Spirit dwells within me, and Oh How Thankful I Am. When I feel scared, hurt, alone, confused, unloved, unwanted, robbed of joy, stressed out, sick, tired, emotionally empty, or broken, I am thankful to know that I have a Father, Friend, Savior, and Lover of my Soul to pick up the pieces, put my feet on solid ground and put my heart and life back together again. It is a very natural response to feel these things. Mary the Mother of Jesus felt scared as recorded in Luke 1 when the Angel of the Lord came to her.
28“Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was very perplexed at this statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was. 30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
Even Mary was unsure, perplexed, and afraid. Aren't we glad though that Mary believed and trusted God? Scripture records in Luke 1:46-55 some of the most beautiful words ever written. Its called The Magnificat, also known as Mary's Song.
46 And Mary said:
“My soul ]exalts the Lord,
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
48 “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
49 “For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
50 “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.
51 “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
52 “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
53 “He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
54 “He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
55 As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Beautiful words by the Lord's favored. I want my heart to continuously be in a humble state just as Mary's was. I want my thoughts and actions to be of those of thanksgiving. I want my words to express my love and appreciation for the Lord. He has done so much for me. He has saved my life.
As I read these words verse 53 stuck out to me. He has filled the hungry with good things;.
This past week A Hope was blessed by several people in their giving. We received goodies wrapped in pretty Christmas packages, someone even gave us their Christmas bonus, and others gave us new clothes to be given out. This past weekend we did just that and we were blessed.
With the money given to us we purchased socks, hand warmers, razors, soaps, deodorants, toothbrushes/toothpaste, and other toiletries. People were almost in tears as they told us that this was probably the only Christmas gift they would receive. God is good and faithful. This weekend he used us and those who gave so unselfishly to fill the hungry with good things. What we want our homeless friends to see is not that we are giving to them or doing something for them but that God is. That even in hard times the Lord is with them.
We want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas! Thank you for supporting us, loving us, and giving us grace. This is still all so new to us and so exciting to see what God is doing. We are truly blessed. With out you, your support and encouragement we would not be. May the Lord bless you and be with you favored one.
My favorite picture of all. My little man extending out his sweet little hand to give.
Love ya'll! Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Keep on Keepin on
Oh how my heart rejoices for you. Love you so!
Monday, December 17, 2012
The Light from the Darkness
We as a nation had a very hard week and some people had a week that changed their lives forever. There was unimaginable loss. Ill people did horrific things. Things that we do not understand. As we move on with our lives let us not forget those whose lives seem to be standing still. As we saw this past
week, life sometimes doesn't make sense. Life is hard and there is a lot of darkness all around us. We need to be the light. We need to separate ourselves from the darkness so that we can shine and give hope. We need to love without fear, encourage when we are disappointed, forgive when we are wronged, and keep moving forward when all we want to do is stand still. We need to hug longer, speak kinder, and show people what the love of Jesus is. This is not an easy task. Being the light sometimes doesn't feel natural, Its against what our flesh wants to do. I fail at this over and over again. I say sharp words and I hurry along with my day not thinking of others.
The Bible says in the beginning, the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said "Let there be light" and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
In a very dark world with so much evil and illness we need to keep sight of the Hope. The Hope we have in Jesus. That is where our light comes from. God not only separated the light from the darkness but he saw that the light was good. Even though our brains cannot imagine why a sick ill man would want to take the lives of so many innocent children and adults, or why someone would want to go into a mall and kill people who are Christmas shopping for their loved ones. But we can move past the hurt and share love with others. We can pray for these families. We need to. We can love them from a distance. We need to. We can cherish our own families. We need to. We can be the light. We need to.
NY Giants football player Victor Cruz is doing just that as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
On Sunday afternoon, Giants receiver Victor Cruz paid tribute to Jack Pinto, one of the students killed in Friday's Sandy Hook tragedy, by writing Jack's name on his shoes. He did so because Jack Pinto loved him above all other players, loved him so much that he may well be buried in a Cruz jersey.
After the game, Cruz stood and spoke before a semicircle of cameras and microphones four and five deep, and tried to make sense of the fact that he was one of the most important people in the life of someone who died decades too soon ... so much so that Pinto would watch Giants games wearing his Victor Cruz jersey.
"It's humbling," he said. "I was honored to know I was his favorite player. It's just unreal what happened."
Like the rest of the country, Cruz watched and read with horror as the events of Sandy Hook unfolded on Friday. And by Saturday, he realized that he had a personal connection.
"My Twitter feed started filling up with 'Jack Pinto, Jack Pinto,'" he said. "I'm reading this, and I'm in my hotel room fighting back tears." He asked his girlfriend Elaina to try to track down Jack's family, and within 20 minutes, she'd located them and patched him in on a three-way call.
This first time, Cruz and Jack's family didn't talk for very long, just a few minutes of shared sadness. But Cruz pledged to honor Jack's memory in Sunday's game, and more importantly, pledged that he'd be there for the family for a long time to come.
He'll head to Newtown later this week to present Jack's family with the cleats and the gloves. He was sketchy about the exact date, perhaps because he didn't know, perhaps because he'd rather not turn a visit with the Pinto family into a media opportunity. "The last thing I want to do is add stress on the family in this tough time," he said.
Going forward, he wants to do all that he can for the family. "We may do a fundraiser, something like that," he told Yahoo! Sports. "For now all we want to do is comfort the family. We'll think about other things we can do to help in the long term."
Let us as a nation and more importantly a people of God be the light in a very dark world. Mental illness is a very real disease that people need treatment for. If you or someone you know suffers from any form of mental illness please seek help, or be supportive of your loved one and help them to get the help they need. It could save lives.
There is no excuse for the actions taken by these killers. It was wrong and evil. They have stolen from people the most precious gift, life. We may not be able to physically reach out to the families hurting but we can love them from afar and pray for them.
I'm praying for you this week. Love you all very much!
In honor of all of those who lost there lives in the Newport Beach Mall shooting, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, their families, and the communities affected. You are loved and prayed for.
week, life sometimes doesn't make sense. Life is hard and there is a lot of darkness all around us. We need to be the light. We need to separate ourselves from the darkness so that we can shine and give hope. We need to love without fear, encourage when we are disappointed, forgive when we are wronged, and keep moving forward when all we want to do is stand still. We need to hug longer, speak kinder, and show people what the love of Jesus is. This is not an easy task. Being the light sometimes doesn't feel natural, Its against what our flesh wants to do. I fail at this over and over again. I say sharp words and I hurry along with my day not thinking of others.
The Bible says in the beginning, the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. Then God said "Let there be light" and there was light. God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness.
In a very dark world with so much evil and illness we need to keep sight of the Hope. The Hope we have in Jesus. That is where our light comes from. God not only separated the light from the darkness but he saw that the light was good. Even though our brains cannot imagine why a sick ill man would want to take the lives of so many innocent children and adults, or why someone would want to go into a mall and kill people who are Christmas shopping for their loved ones. But we can move past the hurt and share love with others. We can pray for these families. We need to. We can love them from a distance. We need to. We can cherish our own families. We need to. We can be the light. We need to.
NY Giants football player Victor Cruz is doing just that as reported by Yahoo! Sports.
On Sunday afternoon, Giants receiver Victor Cruz paid tribute to Jack Pinto, one of the students killed in Friday's Sandy Hook tragedy, by writing Jack's name on his shoes. He did so because Jack Pinto loved him above all other players, loved him so much that he may well be buried in a Cruz jersey.
After the game, Cruz stood and spoke before a semicircle of cameras and microphones four and five deep, and tried to make sense of the fact that he was one of the most important people in the life of someone who died decades too soon ... so much so that Pinto would watch Giants games wearing his Victor Cruz jersey.
"It's humbling," he said. "I was honored to know I was his favorite player. It's just unreal what happened."
Like the rest of the country, Cruz watched and read with horror as the events of Sandy Hook unfolded on Friday. And by Saturday, he realized that he had a personal connection.
"My Twitter feed started filling up with 'Jack Pinto, Jack Pinto,'" he said. "I'm reading this, and I'm in my hotel room fighting back tears." He asked his girlfriend Elaina to try to track down Jack's family, and within 20 minutes, she'd located them and patched him in on a three-way call.
This first time, Cruz and Jack's family didn't talk for very long, just a few minutes of shared sadness. But Cruz pledged to honor Jack's memory in Sunday's game, and more importantly, pledged that he'd be there for the family for a long time to come.
He'll head to Newtown later this week to present Jack's family with the cleats and the gloves. He was sketchy about the exact date, perhaps because he didn't know, perhaps because he'd rather not turn a visit with the Pinto family into a media opportunity. "The last thing I want to do is add stress on the family in this tough time," he said.
Going forward, he wants to do all that he can for the family. "We may do a fundraiser, something like that," he told Yahoo! Sports. "For now all we want to do is comfort the family. We'll think about other things we can do to help in the long term."
Let us as a nation and more importantly a people of God be the light in a very dark world. Mental illness is a very real disease that people need treatment for. If you or someone you know suffers from any form of mental illness please seek help, or be supportive of your loved one and help them to get the help they need. It could save lives.
There is no excuse for the actions taken by these killers. It was wrong and evil. They have stolen from people the most precious gift, life. We may not be able to physically reach out to the families hurting but we can love them from afar and pray for them.
I'm praying for you this week. Love you all very much!
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness please seek help.
Suicide prevention lifeline 1-800-273-8255
24/7 Treatment Referral Line 1-800-662-4357
Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990
or text TalkWithUs to 66746
In honor of all of those who lost there lives in the Newport Beach Mall shooting, the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, their families, and the communities affected. You are loved and prayed for.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
T.E.A.M.
T.E.A.M.
Together Everyone Achieves More!
Remember back a few years ago, there was a skit on SNL where a so called organization (Homelessville) and a look alike Salvation Army Santa were competing for donations to help the needy? So super funny. In the end they decided they could do more good if they both used the strengths
This Christmas season I want to encourage you to think outside the big shinny box with the pretty bow on top. There are so many great organizations out there that are doing great things in the name of Jesus to help others. Below is a list of a few of them. I just want you to look at giving a little different this year. It’s good to give to our families, it shows love and appreciation, but just think of what could happen if we also gave to someone who doesn’t feel loved? A widow who longs for the love she once had from her husband. An orphaned child who has never felt the love and care from a Mom or Dad. An inner city teen whose life could not only changed, but the lives of their families and generations to come as well if they only knew the love of Jesus. Remember how our lives were changed when we first received that gift?
Together we can give and be blessed because were a TEAM and Together Everyone Achieves More.
A few great organizations to give to this Christmas season and all year long and in no particular order. Check out their sites!
http://www.kcrm.org/newkcrm/Identity
Kids Across
http://www.kidsacrossamerica.org/
A21
http://www.thea21campaign.org/
Amazima Ministries (Kisses from Katie)
http://amazima.org/
Compassion International
http://www.compassion.com/
I Sanctuary
http://www.isanctuary.org/
City Union
http://www.cityunionmission.org/
Hope Faith Ministries
http://www.hopefaithministries.org/
A Hope for the Homeless (of course)
http://ahopeforthehomeless.blogspot.com/
12 Days until Christmas!!! Are you ready?
Love y'all
*Note: I am not receiving any compensation from any of the above organizations. These are just my opinions alone.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Thanks to You!
Special Thanks
I wanted to say a special thanks to Community
for giving so generously and allowing us to meet a need through you. You're the best!
I also wanted to thank Vickkie for all you are doing to serve and for getting the word out, and to Melissa for helping to plant the seed and spread the word. Two of the best girl friends a gal could ask for.
You are two amazing women!
Thank you to the volunteers and my beloved family! They are pretty much one in the same :). For all they have donated and all of the time spent driving around. You are making a difference!
To my wonderful, amazing, hard working, hunk of a husband and my two beautiful boys. You are what keeps A Hope going. You support this ministry in so many ways. You are out there on the streets serving, praying, and loving. I am extremely blessed to have you. You are not just touching hearts out there but you are touching hearts right here at home. Mine! I love you!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Family Need
Hello there family.
I can call you family right? Were all in this fight together and isn’t that what families do, fight together? Good or bad, thick or thin, families stick together. Love one another, share with one another, take care of one another, and fight for one another. Right?
I know that’s not how all people feel about family. I know that some of us have had hurts and cuts so deep to our hearts that it has left scars. I know that some of us may feel like loved ones have abandoned us or given up on us for one reason or another. Or maybe we have given up on them. Pain is hard, hurt is real, and forgiveness sometimes feels almost impossible.
No one can hurt us more than the ones we love and the crazy thing is that we can't hurt anyone more than the ones who love us. Aren't you glad that when Jesus said "It is finished" He meant it? Aren’t you glad that we have such a Savior as Christ who came to take not only our sins but our hurts and heartbreaks as well? Aren’t you glad He never gives up on us? I pray sweet friends that you don't give up on Him. I pray you share your load with Jesus. I pray you cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. I pray you find the healing for the brokenness you may have. I pray that you don't give up but instead just give! Help me to show someone living on the streets what the joy of family feels like.
Below is a list of items that are needed this time of year for the men and women living on the streets. If you are able to give please post a comment below, facebook me, text, or email and I will contact you for pick up.
Coats
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Warm Winter Clothing
Tents
Socks
Boots
Hats
Scarf
Gloves
Long Johns
*Tooth Brush
*Tooth Paste
*Deodorant
*Soap
*Shaving kits
*Hand Sanitizer
*Bottled Water
Bus Passes
* Denotes items that need to be purchased new.
Let’s be the family of God and give until our precious little hearts can't take anymore.
Loving you like family,
(and I don't mean like that crazy uncle everyone has, oh you know the one)
Edie :)
We are family, I got all my sisters with me, We are family, Get up ev'rybody and sing...Anyone else humming some Sister Sledge?
I can call you family right? Were all in this fight together and isn’t that what families do, fight together? Good or bad, thick or thin, families stick together. Love one another, share with one another, take care of one another, and fight for one another. Right?
I know that’s not how all people feel about family. I know that some of us have had hurts and cuts so deep to our hearts that it has left scars. I know that some of us may feel like loved ones have abandoned us or given up on us for one reason or another. Or maybe we have given up on them. Pain is hard, hurt is real, and forgiveness sometimes feels almost impossible.
No one can hurt us more than the ones we love and the crazy thing is that we can't hurt anyone more than the ones who love us. Aren't you glad that when Jesus said "It is finished" He meant it? Aren’t you glad that we have such a Savior as Christ who came to take not only our sins but our hurts and heartbreaks as well? Aren’t you glad He never gives up on us? I pray sweet friends that you don't give up on Him. I pray you share your load with Jesus. I pray you cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. I pray you find the healing for the brokenness you may have. I pray that you don't give up but instead just give! Help me to show someone living on the streets what the joy of family feels like.
Below is a list of items that are needed this time of year for the men and women living on the streets. If you are able to give please post a comment below, facebook me, text, or email and I will contact you for pick up.
Coats
Blankets
Sleeping Bags
Warm Winter Clothing
Tents
Socks
Boots
Hats
Scarf
Gloves
Long Johns
*Tooth Brush
*Tooth Paste
*Deodorant
*Soap
*Shaving kits
*Hand Sanitizer
*Bottled Water
Bus Passes
* Denotes items that need to be purchased new.
Let’s be the family of God and give until our precious little hearts can't take anymore.
Loving you like family,
(and I don't mean like that crazy uncle everyone has, oh you know the one)
Edie :)
We are family, I got all my sisters with me, We are family, Get up ev'rybody and sing...Anyone else humming some Sister Sledge?
Monday, December 3, 2012
Don't believe the lie!
Eventually, we started to see a couple people here and there. What we came to find was since the weather was so nice they were doing other things. They walking farther than normal, they were sleeping in the park on a bench or in the grass under the blanket of the warm sun; they were traveling to the food pantry for lunch. I remember thinking what are we going to do with this food? We have been out for over two hours. Two hours was starting to feel like a very long time. I felt as if we were driving in circles. That is when I got convicted by the Lord. Why was it that I had turned serving the homeless into something all about me? Wasn't I glad that we weren't seeing anyone? Shouldn't I be happy that maybe the reason they weren't around was because they were getting a need met somewhere else. My patience was wearing thin because it was taking so long, I was getting tired of driving around, there were a few other things I had planned to do that day and I was wondering if I would have time. Why had it been about me?
I realized that I was only giving what I could spare. I could spare an hour or so in the middle of the day but not much longer. Instead of thinking about what I could spare I should have been thinking about what it was going to take? What is it going to take to meet a need, what is it going to take help someone, what is it going to take to change a life, what is it going to take the serve the Lord? I know I can't single-handedly alleviate homelessness but I don't want to believe the lie that since I can't do everything, I'm not going to do anything.
We did however see a few familiar faces. Our friend Tim told us that another man we had met before, Whiskey was his name, had been taken toKansas
What about you? Are you believing the lie? Are you not doing anything because you feel the need is too
great or are you like me and you are only giving what you can spare instead of what it's going to take? I encourage you to step out and give. Give of your time, trust me the time lost will be restored in so many ways.
Loving you all like crazy!
Edie
 |
Last Friday, we made a few lunches for our friends on the streets and went to pass them out. The weather was so beautiful outside. It was warm and the sun was bright. Just a kind of day that makes you feel good. As we packed up the lunches and loaded them in the car we were full of excitement on who we were going to see today. We have built some relationships with some of the people on the streets and were hoping to see some of them today. Hoping to see is a weird thing to say. Your really not hoping to see them, what you are hoping for is that they are off the streets and getting the help they need. But if that has not happened then you are hoping that you can find them and catch up a little. You want to see how they are doing and try to meet a need.
As we drove around it was the strangest thing. We saw no one. We hit up all of the normal spots. We were thinking we would only be gone an hour but after an hour we had only seen a few people. My Mom actually came with us to help and I remember telling her to be ready at a certain time because we needed to get the meals out at lunch time. Any other time we had ever been out the need was usually greater than the resources we had. It was the strangest feeling. Where is everyone I thought? Where have they all gone?
Eventually, we started to see a couple people here and there. What we came to find was since the weather was so nice they were doing other things. They walking farther than normal, they were sleeping in the park on a bench or in the grass under the blanket of the warm sun; they were traveling to the food pantry for lunch. I remember thinking what are we going to do with this food? We have been out for over two hours. Two hours was starting to feel like a very long time. I felt as if we were driving in circles. That is when I got convicted by the Lord. Why was it that I had turned serving the homeless into something all about me? Wasn't I glad that we weren't seeing anyone? Shouldn't I be happy that maybe the reason they weren't around was because they were getting a need met somewhere else. My patience was wearing thin because it was taking so long, I was getting tired of driving around, there were a few other things I had planned to do that day and I was wondering if I would have time. Why had it been about me? I realized that I was only giving what I could spare. I could spare an hour or so in the middle of the day but not much longer. Instead of thinking about what I could spare I should have been thinking about what it was going to take? What is it going to take to meet a need, what is it going to take help someone, what is it going to take to change a life, what is it going to take the serve the Lord? I know I can't single-handedly alleviate homelessness but I don't want to believe the lie that since I can't do everything, I'm not going to do anything.
We did however see a few familiar faces. Our friend Tim told us that another man we had met before, Whiskey was his name, had been taken to
What about you? Are you believing the lie? Are you not doing anything because you feel the need is too
great or are you like me and you are only giving what you can spare instead of what it's going to take? I encourage you to step out and give. Give of your time, trust me the time lost will be restored in so many ways.
Loving you all like crazy!
Edie
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