Drive to work

This morning driving into work, same route I always take: I got off the freeway, in the same place I always do, though something was different today. As I exited there were several police cars and flares scattered on the road blocking 2 of the 3 lanes. As I slowly turned down the street I noticed right away what all the commotion was. There was a car precariously balanced on the center divider! Yes, somehow this car managed to work its way up onto the grassy divider, facing the wrong way, with the front tires almost touching the pavement, back tires on the divider. What was more interesting to me was, as I drove slowly by, there was a woman seated in the car on the driver’s side looking at me. As we made eye contact, the look wasn’t amusement or annoyance at what had happened, it wasn’t fear or shock, it was I have no idea what to do next, won’t you help me? You know that look. We all see it in people’s faces every day; in the grocery store, at restaurants, work places, even stopped at a light. The question in my mind was, is she asking me for help? How can I help? There are police, I’m sure a fire truck was on its way, possibly paramedics, and lots of people standing around. I had to get to work, if I stopped I couldn’t possibly be any more help than what she was already surrounded by. So as I pulled into my parking lot, the vision of her still in my mind I realized the one thing I could do of course, pray. While she did not appear to be injured or in any danger, there was a reason our eyes met. God had a reason to bring me to that place at that time. So even though I did not know what her specific needs were, other than the obvious, I felt she was crying out for more. I sat in my car and prayed for her. I prayed that even though I don’t know what she needs, her Heavenly Father does. How much more should I be praying for those whom I am close to and love dearly and know their hurts and cries? My mornings are full of requests on behalf of others now. I fill my drive to work with prayer. So many of my friends & family are in need of prayer, please know that I am praying…

Liz

That's why!

One of my responsibilities at work is to work with the people in our neighborhood who need assistance. That could mean food, rent, utilities or just listening to them talk.

I'm not able to give everyone what the ask for. Sometimes I can only listen.

About a year ago a woman came to the office in tears. Her boyfriend left her and her son. (Junior High age) He took all the money and she didn't know what she was going to do. Her son was an angry young man, not doing well at school. She asked for help with rent. I wasn't able to give her any money. I sat with her for almost an hour. Listening. I wanted to help her but there wasn't anything I could do.

During our conversation she mentioned her need for "medical marijuana". After a couple seconds I realised there wasn't a medical reason for her smoking. I asked her if she was really surprised her son was so angry when he saw the things going on in the house, drug abuse and fighting with her boyfriend. She only cried.

Before she left I prayed with and for her. I prayed God would comfort her and draw her to Him. I prayed God would help her.

Over the the last year I talked with her son when he came by to pick up a bus pass. I always asked how he and his mom were doing. Sometimes he would say "good" and other times he would just shrug his shoulders. Usually he would shrug his shoulders.

Last Sunday at Church she came up to me and asked if I remembered her. I said I did (expecting her to ask for help). She said she wanted to thank me for the time I spent with her that day. She said that it meant everything to her that I would spend the time to listen and pray for her.

Her son is getting straight A's. She has a job and has stopped smoking. They are getting ready to move to a better apartment. Things are looking up.

Some have asked me why do I want to do what I do.


I can honestly say...That's why.








Robert

Happy New Year!

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Someone make it stop...

They say life is a roller coaster, not good…I don’t particularly enjoy roller coasters! In fact, I do not enjoy the feeling of not being in control. Yes, I have control issues, I know but mine tend to be over the edge strong issues. I don’t like skiing, the feeling of going super fast down a mountain and not knowing for sure I can stop before I break something. I don’t like river rafting, knowing any moment the boat can tip over and I am helpless in the water, and there is nothing I can do to control it. I don’t care for roller coasters, especially the ones that go almost straight down, the feeling of not being in control…
That feeling translates to our life right now. I look back 2 years ago and we knew “the plan.” We would get Kathryn through high school, and into college. We would sell our house with enough equity to pay off all of our debt, house, cars and credit cards with extra for a down payment on a cute little place in Globe. We had even gone so far to make an offer on a place there, so sure of “the plan.” We told everyone our “plan” and thanked God for what was to come.
Our 2 year turbulent, E ticket ride does not seem to be coming to an end anytime soon. As you know the economy has taken its toll on our families lives, jobs, and our home. Some say it is coming back, some say we have not seen the worst of it. Our bills have gone the opposite direction than what we had hoped, and there seems to be no end in sight. Our home has also gone so low that we cannot sell it now for even what we owe on it. The pay cut suffered through this whole process, placed a burden on us that has been heavier than imagined. So why am I being a Debbie Downer? Why am I recapping 2 years worth of pain and suffering? Am I concerned there are 38 more years to come wandering around in this desert? You BET I am!!
I can’t help but be human and admit that to God. I hurt and I feel pain and I am not perfect and I have made some huge mistakes and continue to do so. I am still seeking God’s direction, His purpose for us. I just want to follow; it is exhausting to be in the lead. This morning I read an e-mail from a church that friends of ours planted. Pastor Patrick Norris is speaking on Proverbs 16:9 “in his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” He suggests there are choices to be made: try harder, pushing against closed doors, get discouraged, feel sorry for ourselves or blame others for our misfortune. All things I have done. Wish I were in NC to hear in person but I think I will watch online. (The next best thing)
I have a friend who is battling cancer and his wife said to me she felt so awful because the other night she was crying and so distraught she could not pray and it bothered her. I got the verse out Romans 8:26-27 “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” I love that when I have bad days and cry and groan and can’t form the thoughts or words I want to say, He hears me. He knows my thoughts, feelings, hurts, pains; He knows my heart. So what I am remembering today is “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18.

Praising God!

*Kathryn is working at Kohl's and doing very well. She is dating a wonderful, Godly young man.

*Wayne just got a second job at Knott's Berry Farm working on the ferris wheel in Camp Snoopy, he loves kids and still dating Jamie who we all adore.

*Shelby is a sophmore and loving being in Choir and her life group at church.

We all are so sure of where we desire to be, in Arizona...
Your prayers for our family over the past 2 years have sustained us; Thank you will never be enough. Please continue with us in prayer on this journey. Let us know how we can be praying for you.

Liz

Birthdays, Birthdays...

Our 2 October babies just celebrated their birthdays this week! Wayne 21 and Shelby 15. (I was a child bride :), OK no I wasn't but I now feel very old. I remember when Wayne was a baby, holding him in my arms and rocking him to sleep. Shelby grew up so fast before my eyes I wanted to stop those baby years and hold onto them forever. Then they begin to grow into the loving, caring adults they are meant to be. I watched Robert baptize Wayne, and I baptized Shelby. They love the Lord and are such a blessing to us. God has truly blessed us with some amazing kids and a family I could never imagine! Happy Birthday Wayne and Shelby! Love Mom and Dad

I love this quote, it says it all...

"To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there."
~Barbara Bush