Love Having My Passion Restored...
Well, turns out a few people read this thing! Who knew? I don't really know how to run a blog, which I'm sure is apparent, but I did stumble on some thing that shows page views...and yes, I set it so it DIDN'T include mine, lol. ... "Oh wow! Fifty views...oh wait, that was just me..." Yeah. So, I'm going to attempt to keep this up as an online journal of sorts. That way, I don't bother people by over-talking about this stuff in person..they can just chose to stop reading and I'll never know! If anyone ever has any thoughts to add...please add them! I enjoy hearing people's opinions and what/how they think about things.
Well enough of that...on to glorious today! The very beginning was not so glorious. I had scheduled an "Easter party" at the end of the day in my room. Now, I realize I teach in public school, and no, I was not going to preach the Bible at our party (wish as I may! :)) It was set up to be very "worldly" Easter...with bunnies, eggs, etc. Found out the district only recognized Christmas and Valentine's Day, and that I'm not really supposed to have an Easter party, but more of a Spring celebration. Frustrating as this can be, and naive to the rule as I was, I know that I need to follow the authority and honor it in my workplace, so that was that. It made me feel yucky in my tummy for a bit, but then I let it go, and on went the day.
As the day progressed, I anticipated the evening and weekend more and more. A. It was Good Friday, and it is great to read and see friends thoughts and minds fixed on Christ and His sacrifice. B. I was going to Victory Mission in the evening, which is always a treat. C. I knew tomorrow I was getting to do an Easter party for foster kids and abused women and children in hiding. And D. Sunday is going to be beautiful and it is EASTER. I mean, what a great weekend, right? Right!
Tonight at VM, I sat down and chatted with a woman and two men. Her and I talked most of the time and she told me about her 3 year-old daughter that had been taken away from her by the state and is now living with her mom. It is interesting to talk to them, because sometimes as a teacher and when I used to work with abused and neglected children and teens at Boys and Girls Town, you are the one who is helping the state build the case against the parent to get a child taken away. It is a mess. Anyways, I just sat and listened and hoped she knew I cared. I think they are "regulars" so I hope to see her again. There is something sweet about spending time with people that most think are "not worth their time." I think if Jesus was still walking the earth, He would spend a lot of time on Commercial Street letting others know He loves and cares. I like that. :)
Then I started chatting with a couple who was also there serving. After talking with them over a half-hour, I realized they had passions very similar to mine and knew right off the bat they understood my heart and the people I am passionate to love and impact for Christ. They have a special ministry they are part of. It is like a church service, but it is full of addicts, drug dealers, people on parole...etc. The people society frowns at; that God has given me such a love for...
They eat and then have service. These are people who may never ever set foot in a traditional church, but they are PEOPLE who deserve God's grace and salvation same as me. They will come here, and God is moving! This couple told me story after story...and let me tell you, having been doing prison ministry for the last two years, it does my heart a world of good to hear these powerful redemption stories. One of the coolest things is the guy who preaches all the time...he walked that road. Heavy with drugs and addiction. God moved in his life in a powerful way, and is now using his life to draw people to Him! I was almost in tears because I was so excited and my heart was pumping so fast...I want to be involved. I want to go, to see, to pray with, to worship alongside...to love. I want to go be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am SOOOO excited to have connected with these people. It was totally by "random" that I happened to talk to this lady...there were probably 20 plus people there volunteering and I only talked with one person-her. I know in my heart it was not random, but God. I know he put me there at that time. I almost didn't go tonight for several reasons, but had that building in my heart all day and thought I had better go! God knew just what He was up to, and I cannot wait to get to this service in two weeks! :)
I finished up the evening at art walk, looking through Randy Bacon's studio and also at the Healthcare Ministries showing of medical mission's trip photography. My heart was flooded with passions placed deep in me once again: to bring medical help to people in need; whether here in the states, or abroad. As I work at this EMT class, I remember that the Lord is equipping me to do His work and there is purpose and plan behind all the training I do. I know He is writing a beautiful story for me as far as my life goes-one I don't even deserve to be part of, let alone be the lead in! But the true star is Christ, and the story He writes in our lives is one that mimics His amazing love and capacity to mold and change us in a way nothing else can. My heart is so full tonight with the things of the Lord; things He has written on my heart. It is so so good...I know I'm about to have one of the sweetest, most peaceful nights of sleep that I have had in a long time. Why? Not because life is perfect, not because everything went my way, but solely because Christ is every bit of who He claims to be in His Word, and it is nothing short of astounding.
Well enough of that...on to glorious today! The very beginning was not so glorious. I had scheduled an "Easter party" at the end of the day in my room. Now, I realize I teach in public school, and no, I was not going to preach the Bible at our party (wish as I may! :)) It was set up to be very "worldly" Easter...with bunnies, eggs, etc. Found out the district only recognized Christmas and Valentine's Day, and that I'm not really supposed to have an Easter party, but more of a Spring celebration. Frustrating as this can be, and naive to the rule as I was, I know that I need to follow the authority and honor it in my workplace, so that was that. It made me feel yucky in my tummy for a bit, but then I let it go, and on went the day.
As the day progressed, I anticipated the evening and weekend more and more. A. It was Good Friday, and it is great to read and see friends thoughts and minds fixed on Christ and His sacrifice. B. I was going to Victory Mission in the evening, which is always a treat. C. I knew tomorrow I was getting to do an Easter party for foster kids and abused women and children in hiding. And D. Sunday is going to be beautiful and it is EASTER. I mean, what a great weekend, right? Right!
Tonight at VM, I sat down and chatted with a woman and two men. Her and I talked most of the time and she told me about her 3 year-old daughter that had been taken away from her by the state and is now living with her mom. It is interesting to talk to them, because sometimes as a teacher and when I used to work with abused and neglected children and teens at Boys and Girls Town, you are the one who is helping the state build the case against the parent to get a child taken away. It is a mess. Anyways, I just sat and listened and hoped she knew I cared. I think they are "regulars" so I hope to see her again. There is something sweet about spending time with people that most think are "not worth their time." I think if Jesus was still walking the earth, He would spend a lot of time on Commercial Street letting others know He loves and cares. I like that. :)
Then I started chatting with a couple who was also there serving. After talking with them over a half-hour, I realized they had passions very similar to mine and knew right off the bat they understood my heart and the people I am passionate to love and impact for Christ. They have a special ministry they are part of. It is like a church service, but it is full of addicts, drug dealers, people on parole...etc. The people society frowns at; that God has given me such a love for...
They eat and then have service. These are people who may never ever set foot in a traditional church, but they are PEOPLE who deserve God's grace and salvation same as me. They will come here, and God is moving! This couple told me story after story...and let me tell you, having been doing prison ministry for the last two years, it does my heart a world of good to hear these powerful redemption stories. One of the coolest things is the guy who preaches all the time...he walked that road. Heavy with drugs and addiction. God moved in his life in a powerful way, and is now using his life to draw people to Him! I was almost in tears because I was so excited and my heart was pumping so fast...I want to be involved. I want to go, to see, to pray with, to worship alongside...to love. I want to go be the hands and feet of Jesus. I am SOOOO excited to have connected with these people. It was totally by "random" that I happened to talk to this lady...there were probably 20 plus people there volunteering and I only talked with one person-her. I know in my heart it was not random, but God. I know he put me there at that time. I almost didn't go tonight for several reasons, but had that building in my heart all day and thought I had better go! God knew just what He was up to, and I cannot wait to get to this service in two weeks! :)
I finished up the evening at art walk, looking through Randy Bacon's studio and also at the Healthcare Ministries showing of medical mission's trip photography. My heart was flooded with passions placed deep in me once again: to bring medical help to people in need; whether here in the states, or abroad. As I work at this EMT class, I remember that the Lord is equipping me to do His work and there is purpose and plan behind all the training I do. I know He is writing a beautiful story for me as far as my life goes-one I don't even deserve to be part of, let alone be the lead in! But the true star is Christ, and the story He writes in our lives is one that mimics His amazing love and capacity to mold and change us in a way nothing else can. My heart is so full tonight with the things of the Lord; things He has written on my heart. It is so so good...I know I'm about to have one of the sweetest, most peaceful nights of sleep that I have had in a long time. Why? Not because life is perfect, not because everything went my way, but solely because Christ is every bit of who He claims to be in His Word, and it is nothing short of astounding.
Hmm...is this all you do for a comment? Trying out comments on my own blog. How blondie of me.
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