From Erwin Raphael McManus…if you don’t know this guy – I highly recommend you read some of his stuff.
Givers are unexplainably FULL.Generosity increases our capacity to bless others. When generosity is unleashed, it flows to every area of our lives.Generous people give more than their things; they genuinely give themselves. In the most marvelous of ways, those who give most freely live most freely.
LIFE IS MOST ENJOYED WHEN WE GIVE OURSELVES AWAY!!
Special Thanks to:
Gaye and Sam - Homemade Oatmeal CookiesMystery Angel - juice boxesMenu: Sacked Lunches - Cookies - Juice
Crew: Me - Rick - Jerry
The Cove
Almost the whole gang was there...only Vinny was missing. Jack-Susie-Rabbit-Teresa-Taz-Hopper-Manson-Donny
Have you ever just dropped by to say “hi” to a friend? Nothing really going on…nothing much to say…just dropping by. That’s how it was on this day. The weather was nice and everyone was just taking it in. Nothing special going on. Everyone took a lunch and munched. They are such a blessing.
The Edge
We saw Lefty on the corner and he was hollering at us as we approached. He was in a great mood - was very happy to see us. He had two new folks with him...Justin and Kevin. Rick and Jerry visited with Lefty and Kevin and I chatted with Justin. He says he is just on a "walk about"...from Baton Rouge! What an interesting perspective. He is another one that just doesn't seem to fit on the streets. He knows the Bible and loves the Lord. There is a good heart there – as he spoke there was a sadness in his expression that has come from his past. I have a feeling that he will be moving on soon. It was a blessing to have the time to visit with him.
--Vicki----------
It was a nice day weather wise which always seems like an answered prayer knowing that we have folks living in tents..
Everyone was there and in good spirits. This week we have 2 birthdays, Manson's on the 7th and Jack's on the 10th. They are excited as anyone about birthdays and even small gifts hold tremendous value to them just because of the fact you remembered.
I had noticed Manson wore some old cut off gloves like my riding gloves. Mine had 30,000 miles on them and were worn out smooth out. I got a new pair for the coming season but didn't have the heart to throw out my old friends. I figured Manson would at least appreciate where they had been because he has ridden and his Dad still rides. I gave him the old ones and bought him a new pair feeling like giving him an old junk pair of gloves wasn't much of a gift. Was I wrong! His eyes lit up as soon as he saw the old gloves. I told him they had 30,000 miles on them as he quickly pulled them on. He was so excited! He took the new gloves and handed them straight to Jack and said he got the GOOD ones. I was so happy to see my favorites going to someone who really appreciated them. Manson called his Dad from my phone and left a message. I got a hold of him later and told him Manson was doing better than he was a couple of months ago and that if he needed anything I would try and help.
It was a quite day. You can still see the Holy Spirit moving in Jack. He has quit drinking and I feel like he is frustrated with the others as he wants to help them now but like us, he has a hard time finding the way. Only Jesus changes people. He has changed Jack and he wants so badly for it to change the others too. Winter is wearing on these folks. Little internal squabbles are flaring up. We didn't see any of this when it was warm. I hate to see them having issues and will be glad when cold is no longer a major factor in their lives. It causes them to do desperate things and get selfish.
At the Edge Lefty was very happy to see us. He told me he had just done 90 days in jail for criminal trespass. He slept some where he shouldn't have and got busted. He did say he got a great tent out of the deal when they released him from jail. Did God just keep him warm through the toughest part of winter then get him a tent? Only Lefty and God know.. Lefty is always smiling, out going and talkative. He was working the corner hard and isn't bashful about talking to anyone in cars. He had a hand full of change and tried to give it to me when I told him we still didn't have the bus finished.. Money doesn't have the same value to these folks as it does to us. They know God will meet all of their basic needs and the cash is for extras..
Always Smiling...Lefty
--Rick----------
Psalm 119:11
"I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you."
We are called to study His word and to hide it in our hearts so that it may be ready to use when the time is here. I asked a friend of mine how his time in the Word was going. He replied like so many of us would. "He's been pretty busy, not having much time to dig into it”. I completely understand his statement. I struggle each and every day with "making time for God". It is very difficult to become obedient to our God and get in touch with His word on a daily basis, because frankly we fid something else to do. However through the power of prayer we can take that struggle to the Lord and ask for his help in becoming an obedient disciple, through His word. Making a time each and every day for daily devotions to our Lord is a great way for Him to reveal Himself to us.
I pray that each and every one of us, that are seeking to know Jesus more and more each day, creates a time in each of our days for a devotion to Him. The God of the universe came down, became poor, and hung Himself on a cross for us so that we may have eternal life through Christ Jesus. I find that making time for Him will help me learn His word and see the love He truley has for us.
--Jerry----------
