Last things first...
Receiving a million views or hits on your blog is a bit staggering to me - incomprehensible is more like it. I just looked at my viewer profile counter - 1,033 hits in about 15 months - probably well above average for the Joe Blogger out there. I post comments on several big time blogs - and people bump over and check me out - no biggie. But, I think my total comment count might be in double digits now - just barely.
But...as I type, Mike Cope's blog counter is spinning like a turnstile at a U2 concert - and will pass one million visits today at some point. Staggering. Just for grins -- I did a page "refresh" after stepping away from my computer while on Mike's blog. The count increased like 47 hits in 10 minutes - wow!
I consider Mike the godfather of bloggers for those in my denomination - the churches of Christ. Even though he wasn't the first, he is clearly the biggest. His site is here:
http://www.preachermike.com/
Mike gave a link one day to Bren Hughes blog - Piercing the Membrane. I read Bren's post - and immediately liked his style and felt a connection there. Bren oozes coolness. He's a theology grad student, member of an alternative rock band, and has a limited concern for making a buck tomorrow - all coolness to me. Bren takes a ministry position in Florida in a few weeks after getting a bit of a cold shoulder from the upper-crust seminary PHD programs. No biggie to Bren, he'll take the gig and try back later. I felt honored that me mentioned me by name as a "reader" of his - which I am. Bren's blog is here:
http://www.brenhughes.blogspot.com/
Lastly, my friend Bryan Tarpley is also a younger guy I think like. He actually thinks quite a bit more than I - so maybe I enjoy reading what he thinks about. Bryan and I go to church together behind the pine curtain of deep east Texas. I stumbled across his post on gregkendallball's blog. Greg is a unique, loose-cannon-ish kind of guy that gets lots of chatter going. I linked to Bryan's name - yep, it was my friend Bryan. He's teaching a class at our church now and Bryan and his family will likely end up being missionaries in Latin America soon. Here's his site:
http://www.teamarequipa.net/blog/bryan/
A million hits - hard to comprehend. I''ll bet it's close - I'll go take a peek.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 4
I picked up Mike Thursday evening and we drove the short distance to Jesus' home. We met the kids - who are just really warm and friendly. Mike, Jesus and I chatted for about 30 minutes - and ended with a short prayer. After numerous conversations with Jesus, I learned for the first time with Mike that Jesus had been injured somewhat in Hurricane Rita - and was having some lingering vision problems. We left in somewhat of a fog wondering what to do next. I'd like to get Jesus into a opthamologist long-term, but this dilemma really just kind of added to the overwhelming-ness of it all. I still felt employment was job No. 1.
One thing I've learned through the process of helping Jeffrey and Jesus is -- you become unbelievably sensitive ways in which you can help people in despair - and you in a way are a lightning rod of resources to these people. It's really unbelievably impressive - not that you, yourself are doing something - but that God is working through you for their situation.
We got a huge break Wednesday in Jesus' employment situation. I was working on a project with Jack - a man I've known several years. Jack manufactures synthetic marble in a warehouse here. He told me yesterday he was looking for help. Again, the lightning rod of sensitivity bolted me upright.
I immediately started asking several questions and realized quickly Jesus was the man for this job. Jack was more than eager to meet Jesus with his shop foreman. So, this morning I picked up Jesus at 7:00 and drove him over to Jack's shop - a really nice facility. I introduced them and we spoke briefly. Jesus went into a bit of a rambling mode and I kind of helped direct the conversation back to the issue at hand. I knew this was not my purpose here - so I bowed out and left it up to them.
Say a short prayer with me that we get Jesus this job today.
One thing I've learned through the process of helping Jeffrey and Jesus is -- you become unbelievably sensitive ways in which you can help people in despair - and you in a way are a lightning rod of resources to these people. It's really unbelievably impressive - not that you, yourself are doing something - but that God is working through you for their situation.
We got a huge break Wednesday in Jesus' employment situation. I was working on a project with Jack - a man I've known several years. Jack manufactures synthetic marble in a warehouse here. He told me yesterday he was looking for help. Again, the lightning rod of sensitivity bolted me upright.
I immediately started asking several questions and realized quickly Jesus was the man for this job. Jack was more than eager to meet Jesus with his shop foreman. So, this morning I picked up Jesus at 7:00 and drove him over to Jack's shop - a really nice facility. I introduced them and we spoke briefly. Jesus went into a bit of a rambling mode and I kind of helped direct the conversation back to the issue at hand. I knew this was not my purpose here - so I bowed out and left it up to them.
Say a short prayer with me that we get Jesus this job today.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Jeffrey - Part 4
Hard to believe it's been two months since I posted about Jeffrey. The last time Jeffrey came around, which was early May, I told him he really needed to not loiter around our building - I was beginning to sense this was not a good thing. It would eventually catch up with him. This was an early-May Saturday we were last speaking and I told him to come around the following Wednesday. I picked Wednesday solely because it was at least several days out - it had gotten to the point where I had really done all or most of what I could for a person that just couldn't really get moving forward - particularly in the desire category.
Well, Monday morning comes rolling around and Jeffrey comes back. I suppose he decided he would visit me - but I was out doing work in the field - so he just kind of hung around awhile. The office I rent is comprised of 4 suites which all have exterior entrances and a covered area. Jeffrey was hanging out in the covered area when another tenant called the police. The police came by pretty quickly and questioned Jeffrey. He stated he had an appointment with me. One policeman came in my office to confirm this. My assistant reported there was no appointment but that I had been helping Jeffrey some. Not surprisingly, the policeman instructed us not to help anymore - it only encouraged people like this. They gave Jeffrey a citation for loitering and told him if he came back around he would be put in jail.
I later found out Jeffrey had been hanging around the office all day Sunday as well, and I really am still not sure why. The easy answer is Jeffrey was on cruise control and had no interest in work - and there is significant truth in that. Another part I'm sure is that Jeffrey liked me. I didn't judge him and tried sincerely to help - and he liked that. But, what good I was doing Jeffrey was beyond me. In hindsight I guess I'm glad I just tried to be his friend.
Part of me also understood fully that this was a talented, but direction-less man that had been turned away countless times by all sorts of people - and he just sank into a self-pitying lifestyle that was compounded by the racism prevalent in this world. Throw in the fact that he relocated here from Houston five years ago and never developed a local contact base - and you have a perfectly healthy, bright individual essentially living on the street.
Late one evening a few nights later I saw Jeffrey walking down the street with his gear as I was heading home after another long day of work. I kept driving....I really didn't know what else to do - and that saddened me.
I haven't seen Jeffrey in over a month.
Well, Monday morning comes rolling around and Jeffrey comes back. I suppose he decided he would visit me - but I was out doing work in the field - so he just kind of hung around awhile. The office I rent is comprised of 4 suites which all have exterior entrances and a covered area. Jeffrey was hanging out in the covered area when another tenant called the police. The police came by pretty quickly and questioned Jeffrey. He stated he had an appointment with me. One policeman came in my office to confirm this. My assistant reported there was no appointment but that I had been helping Jeffrey some. Not surprisingly, the policeman instructed us not to help anymore - it only encouraged people like this. They gave Jeffrey a citation for loitering and told him if he came back around he would be put in jail.
I later found out Jeffrey had been hanging around the office all day Sunday as well, and I really am still not sure why. The easy answer is Jeffrey was on cruise control and had no interest in work - and there is significant truth in that. Another part I'm sure is that Jeffrey liked me. I didn't judge him and tried sincerely to help - and he liked that. But, what good I was doing Jeffrey was beyond me. In hindsight I guess I'm glad I just tried to be his friend.
Part of me also understood fully that this was a talented, but direction-less man that had been turned away countless times by all sorts of people - and he just sank into a self-pitying lifestyle that was compounded by the racism prevalent in this world. Throw in the fact that he relocated here from Houston five years ago and never developed a local contact base - and you have a perfectly healthy, bright individual essentially living on the street.
Late one evening a few nights later I saw Jeffrey walking down the street with his gear as I was heading home after another long day of work. I kept driving....I really didn't know what else to do - and that saddened me.
I haven't seen Jeffrey in over a month.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 3
Jesus (pronounced Hay-zeus) called me yesterday - out of the blue. We hadn't talked since our encounter at the eye doctor. I was surprised, but welcomed his call. He was having a tough time.
You may recall Jesus is a single dad with three teenagers at home. They moved here from Beaumont after having been displaced by Hurricane Rita. They were living on the edge to begin with - Jesus has moved around some and had just gotten settled in Beaumont when Rita took his only car and his job for several months. They decided to make a go of it here after fleeing the hurricae - and it has been tough. He finally found a part-time maintenance job, but lost it when the company cut back staffing again. It is brutally tough finding a job without transportation.
Jesus is trying to re-establish his family in a better home with subsidized rent - and that's why he called. I picked him up at the Salvation Army and went to look at the home with him he was trying to rent. He was worried because the government home inspector was coming Monday morning and there were several things the home needed. Jesus is very resourceful and he had already done things like get all bedroom windows operational as most had been painted shut over the years. I think my tour with him helped calm his fears somewhat - then we went to grab lunch. After a hearty lunch I took him home and met his three kids again -- Josh, Jackie and Jo-el - all very friendly and attractive teens. My heart aches for these kids - they are just at the absolute bottom right now. They love school - but they have nothing else to speak of. I chatted with Jackie a bit and told her she would love high school next year as she'll start her freshman year in a few weeks. Jesus and I worked up a bit of a game plan and I left to get back to work.
Even though this project stripped out about three hours of my day - I took opportunity to call a couple of employers to get some feedback from them on getting Jesus employed full-time - that is priority number 1. I'm a bit puzzled why this has taken him so long to get a job since he's a very a smart, resourceful man and a hard worker. But, you factor in 1) no transportation; 2) no local contacts; 3) and, parenting three teens full-time - and your day gets shot in a hurry.
Later that evening I took Mike - a good friend and elder in my church - to visit the DeLeon's to get his perspective. More on that later.
You may recall Jesus is a single dad with three teenagers at home. They moved here from Beaumont after having been displaced by Hurricane Rita. They were living on the edge to begin with - Jesus has moved around some and had just gotten settled in Beaumont when Rita took his only car and his job for several months. They decided to make a go of it here after fleeing the hurricae - and it has been tough. He finally found a part-time maintenance job, but lost it when the company cut back staffing again. It is brutally tough finding a job without transportation.
Jesus is trying to re-establish his family in a better home with subsidized rent - and that's why he called. I picked him up at the Salvation Army and went to look at the home with him he was trying to rent. He was worried because the government home inspector was coming Monday morning and there were several things the home needed. Jesus is very resourceful and he had already done things like get all bedroom windows operational as most had been painted shut over the years. I think my tour with him helped calm his fears somewhat - then we went to grab lunch. After a hearty lunch I took him home and met his three kids again -- Josh, Jackie and Jo-el - all very friendly and attractive teens. My heart aches for these kids - they are just at the absolute bottom right now. They love school - but they have nothing else to speak of. I chatted with Jackie a bit and told her she would love high school next year as she'll start her freshman year in a few weeks. Jesus and I worked up a bit of a game plan and I left to get back to work.
Even though this project stripped out about three hours of my day - I took opportunity to call a couple of employers to get some feedback from them on getting Jesus employed full-time - that is priority number 1. I'm a bit puzzled why this has taken him so long to get a job since he's a very a smart, resourceful man and a hard worker. But, you factor in 1) no transportation; 2) no local contacts; 3) and, parenting three teens full-time - and your day gets shot in a hurry.
Later that evening I took Mike - a good friend and elder in my church - to visit the DeLeon's to get his perspective. More on that later.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
The Lord is Near
Philippians 4:6 is one of the more quoted New Testament verses. "Don't be anxious." Yet, these are anxious times to me it would seem. Gas prices are up. "Up" is too kind a word to describe college tuition prices these days.
So, why wouldn't we be very, very anxious - nervous if you will. Don't forget the verse before Philippians 4:6 - verse 5 states very plainly - "the Lord is near". He is here...calming nerves, providing guidance and counseling, ready to hear us. But, we can't forget He's right here - and not way, way out there somewhere.
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
So, why wouldn't we be very, very anxious - nervous if you will. Don't forget the verse before Philippians 4:6 - verse 5 states very plainly - "the Lord is near". He is here...calming nerves, providing guidance and counseling, ready to hear us. But, we can't forget He's right here - and not way, way out there somewhere.
5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Tribute to Megan
It's hard to believe, I mean really hard to believe...it was just yesterday I was walking you to kindergarden class. Now, you're heading on to college. To graduate salutatorian takes much more than just smarts, genes or test-taking skills. Above all I've come to realize it takes an incredible mental attitude - and I applaud you for keeping that through the ups and downs you've experienced. It also takes a mom that is so in tune with what classes and teachers to take - it truly becomes a collaborative effort. So, say thanks to Mom one more time. This English/Biblical text major has me nervous, but pre-med had me nervous too - I'll learn to deal with it. I will miss you Megan, but I love you and am very, very proud of you for being you.
Here's her story.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Here's her story.
http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Thursday, May 11, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) Part 2
You may remember Jesus DeLeon from my April 24th post. Well, I'm in the eye doctor's office this morning, and lo' and behold but who walks in and sits right beside me? It's Jesus!
I immediately said "hey, Jesus, how ya' doin'?!" I think I startled him a bit at 7:45 in the morning - but remembered me pretty quickly and we began to chat. Jesus needed glasses and fortunately the Workforce Center was picking up the tab. I asked him how he got here and he said a friend brought him and pointed outside. He did say he had secured a part-time job as a maintenance man at a local apartment complex which was great news, really good to hear and not surprising. He gets there by City bus and the Workforce center provides him a daily bus ticket.
I told him I had dropped by a time or two and ran into his son. He seemed kind of embarrassed by that for some reason so I scaled back my conversation. I was really hoping he'd be around when I came back out but he was gone. I need to go visit Jesus in the evening when I might catch him there. Made my day to hear he's hanging in there and working now.
Bizarre coincidence or God continuing to move in my life?
I immediately said "hey, Jesus, how ya' doin'?!" I think I startled him a bit at 7:45 in the morning - but remembered me pretty quickly and we began to chat. Jesus needed glasses and fortunately the Workforce Center was picking up the tab. I asked him how he got here and he said a friend brought him and pointed outside. He did say he had secured a part-time job as a maintenance man at a local apartment complex which was great news, really good to hear and not surprising. He gets there by City bus and the Workforce center provides him a daily bus ticket.
I told him I had dropped by a time or two and ran into his son. He seemed kind of embarrassed by that for some reason so I scaled back my conversation. I was really hoping he'd be around when I came back out but he was gone. I need to go visit Jesus in the evening when I might catch him there. Made my day to hear he's hanging in there and working now.
Bizarre coincidence or God continuing to move in my life?
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Oswald Chambers
Oswald Chambers, a preacher from the late 20th century, must have been one of the deeper thinkers of his day. His book My Utmost for His Highest has some profound thoughts and ideas in it. I found this daily devotional site, which takes one excerpt per day from his book and presents it, along with tags to other similar subjects of Oswald, if one desires more study. I've been reading it almost daily for about 5 months now - and have enjoyed every reading. Here's the link
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
http://www.rbc.org/utmost/index.php
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Jeffrey Part 3
Jeffrey and I left the Workforce center, aka the Unemployment office, around 11 am. I talked him into letting me take him to the Salvation Army. I introduced him to the captains - Mario and Lola - told him to eat lunch with them and hang out and I'd be back. About mid-afternoon I picked Jeffrey up and took him to Godtel. He mumbled to me earlier in the day he had tried Godtel and didn't like their "rules". Godtel is our only homeless shelter in Lufkin, which is pretty sobering really. We have a shelter for abused women and a few other little operations, but they are tough to get into - and that means trouble for homeless people.
Yes, Godtel does have fairly strict rules. Mandatory Bible study at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; required job searching all day long; and, inside and ready for bed by 9 p.m. After 17 years, Martin the Director, knows what does and doesn't work at Godtel, so I certainly respect his rules and understand full well as he does that many simply can't abide by any rules. I talked Jeffrey (and Martin) into giving it another try.
During the day I talked with an African American friend James, a successful local businessman that has lots of social worker skills. Wednesday morning Jeffrey came calling again, so I loaded him up and took him to see James. Jeffrey warmed to this setting in James' office moreso than I had seen before. James began a probing conversation that was really nothing short of amazing - trying to determine what was really going on in Jeffrey's life.
Well, to cull a two hour conversation down into a few words - James finally got a phone number out of Jeffrey and called it. The person on the other end was Jeffrey's father. James found a caring man who preceded to unlock alot of hidden-ness Jeffrey was unwilling to talk about. Jeffrey has a mother and father living here locally who work hard at their business and have exhausted all possibilites trying to discover "what's wrong with Jeffrey". They finally asked him to leave the house, and he's been here, there and everywhere for a few years now. It was sobering knowing he's not only a mystery to me, but also to his own father. One fact we learned that didn't surprise me one bit -- Jeffrey is only a few hours shy of a college degree.
I learned alot through this process I'll write more on later. James and I bonded through it and I've joined a local task force on racism. More thoughts later.... and, another update on Jeffrey.
Yes, Godtel does have fairly strict rules. Mandatory Bible study at 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; required job searching all day long; and, inside and ready for bed by 9 p.m. After 17 years, Martin the Director, knows what does and doesn't work at Godtel, so I certainly respect his rules and understand full well as he does that many simply can't abide by any rules. I talked Jeffrey (and Martin) into giving it another try.
During the day I talked with an African American friend James, a successful local businessman that has lots of social worker skills. Wednesday morning Jeffrey came calling again, so I loaded him up and took him to see James. Jeffrey warmed to this setting in James' office moreso than I had seen before. James began a probing conversation that was really nothing short of amazing - trying to determine what was really going on in Jeffrey's life.
Well, to cull a two hour conversation down into a few words - James finally got a phone number out of Jeffrey and called it. The person on the other end was Jeffrey's father. James found a caring man who preceded to unlock alot of hidden-ness Jeffrey was unwilling to talk about. Jeffrey has a mother and father living here locally who work hard at their business and have exhausted all possibilites trying to discover "what's wrong with Jeffrey". They finally asked him to leave the house, and he's been here, there and everywhere for a few years now. It was sobering knowing he's not only a mystery to me, but also to his own father. One fact we learned that didn't surprise me one bit -- Jeffrey is only a few hours shy of a college degree.
I learned alot through this process I'll write more on later. James and I bonded through it and I've joined a local task force on racism. More thoughts later.... and, another update on Jeffrey.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Media Hound
One of the highlights of living in a city of 40,000, versus, say, living in Dallas (our previous hometown) is the local news. Sorry, but I'll take a lead story where Frank, the local town eccentric, passed away any day of the week over another drive-by shooting incident -- any day.
So, while it's a little less than glamorous, your's truly was caught on film at the first two lead stories from our local news station yesterday. I am a local Donald Trump.
The lead story was taken at Lufkin High, where my oldest was recognized as one of four senior commended scholars. She was highlighted, and I was one of several proud parents looking on. Clip time - at least 10 seconds. The second story was our local Lion's Club, of which I am an esteemed Board member, is hosting our annual rodeo this week. Read with gripping interest here: http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Well, you could barely see me in a corner shot for like 2 seconds - but, no matter, there I was in both lead stories. Wow, you like me - you really, really like me. Maybe I should run for the local daylilly club presidency.
So, while it's a little less than glamorous, your's truly was caught on film at the first two lead stories from our local news station yesterday. I am a local Donald Trump.
The lead story was taken at Lufkin High, where my oldest was recognized as one of four senior commended scholars. She was highlighted, and I was one of several proud parents looking on. Clip time - at least 10 seconds. The second story was our local Lion's Club, of which I am an esteemed Board member, is hosting our annual rodeo this week. Read with gripping interest here: http://www.lufkindailynews.com/
Well, you could barely see me in a corner shot for like 2 seconds - but, no matter, there I was in both lead stories. Wow, you like me - you really, really like me. Maybe I should run for the local daylilly club presidency.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Jesus (Hay-zeus) DeLeon
As I noted in my last post, Jesus and I struck up a conversation as I was waiting on Jeffrey to fill out some paperwork at the unemployment office. Jesus was a warm man, very open for direct and heart-felt conversation. He had walked about 40 minutes to the unemployment center and had done so numerous times over the past few months. Fortunately, Jesus (a single parent) and his three children had housing. They had been living in Beaumont for a few years - Jesus was working with several of his brothers in a family painting business.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Jesus (Hay-zeus) DeLeon
As I noted in my last post, Jesus and I struck up a conversation as I was waiting on Jeffrey to fill out some paperwork at the unemployment office. Jesus was a warm man, very open for direct and heart-felt conversation. He had walked about 40 minutes to the unemployment center and had done so numerous times over the past few months. Fortunately, Jesus (a single parent) and his three children had housing. They had been living in Beaumont for a few years - Jesus was working with several of his brothers in a family painting business.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Then came Hurricane Rita. The storm spared Jesus, his family and their home, but not his only vehicle - it was gone and insurance wasn't covering it. The DeLeon's had made it to a Lufkin shelter barely ahead of Rita, and Jesus was skilled enough to secure FEMA-paid housing for his family. But, he hasn't found work. No, he feels he can't go back to Beaumont and his family business. He will start anew. He is a fine painter and drywall repair-person, but everyone with a job requires you get to the job site on your own - and Jesus has no car....
Our conversation was interrupted by a case worker. She informed Jesus he had come on the wrong day - his meeting was not until the next day. "No problem" Jesus stated, "I'll come back tomorrow". I quickly asked him "what now"? He shrugged and suggested he would simply walk home and then walk around this afternoon in a ongoing quest for work.
I went and informed Jeffrey I'd be back. He wasn't thrilled as his life's belongings were in the back of my truck. I told him not to worry - I'd be back - I don't know if he believed me or not. I took Jesus home and told him I'd be back tomorrow at the same time to give him a ride back to the unemployment office. He said he really wasn't looking for a lot of help - just a job. I said I wanted to help my find a job.
I came back the next day and Jesus was gone. I drove all the way to the unemployment office looking for him walking - but no Jesus. A few days later and I've gotten too busy to go visit Jesus. I need to find him and help him - it's really making me uneasy knowing Jesus wants so desperately to provide for his family. I wished I had a car to loan him or give him.
I'm working on it, and God is working on me.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Jeffrey Part 2
Monday morning rolled in and there was Jeffrey at a few minutes before 8 knocking on my office door. I met him outside - we chatted uncomfortably for a few minutes....the area was beginning to bustle as Monday mornings do - people looking oddly at me talking to a poorly dressed man with his gear surrounding us. I told Jeffrey to let me make a few calls and come back to see me in two hours.
What to do...who to call....I called my state representative's office - who happens to be a good friend and co-deacon at my church thankfully, but he was in special session. I called the Workforce Center/Unemployment Office; called our local shelter - Godtel; called a local Christian service organization that does great work - Love Inc.; and, made a few other attempts at what to do - the question of the morning. To say this morning rocked my typical Monday morning schedule was an understatement of huge proportions.
A co-worker came in and said there was a homeless man behind our building brushing his teeth. Good Lord, I thought, I need to act now. I went out back, and told Jeffrey to come with me.
As we headed toward the Workforce center I began the first of numerous conversations with Jeffrey. He was very quiet, mumbled most of his responses and generally acted in a peculiar way that obviously played a part in him being on the street, and having spent a good deal of time there over the past 3 to 4 years.
We arrived at the Workforce center and I began helping Jeffrey get into "the system". He seemed somewhat interested in the process. An hour later, he headed back to meet with a counselor and I sat down - absolutely exhausted for a Monday morning at 9:00.
Jesus (Hay-zues) was seated next to me and he immediately struck up a conversation. In a thick, but clear and understandable Spanish accent - "hey, what about those tornadoes, man?" Jesus and I quickly were in a warm conversation. Our conversation would likewise take a turn toward the weird. Wow - so much excitement for a Monday morning - I can't handle it. Stay tuned for Jesus......
What to do...who to call....I called my state representative's office - who happens to be a good friend and co-deacon at my church thankfully, but he was in special session. I called the Workforce Center/Unemployment Office; called our local shelter - Godtel; called a local Christian service organization that does great work - Love Inc.; and, made a few other attempts at what to do - the question of the morning. To say this morning rocked my typical Monday morning schedule was an understatement of huge proportions.
A co-worker came in and said there was a homeless man behind our building brushing his teeth. Good Lord, I thought, I need to act now. I went out back, and told Jeffrey to come with me.
As we headed toward the Workforce center I began the first of numerous conversations with Jeffrey. He was very quiet, mumbled most of his responses and generally acted in a peculiar way that obviously played a part in him being on the street, and having spent a good deal of time there over the past 3 to 4 years.
We arrived at the Workforce center and I began helping Jeffrey get into "the system". He seemed somewhat interested in the process. An hour later, he headed back to meet with a counselor and I sat down - absolutely exhausted for a Monday morning at 9:00.
Jesus (Hay-zues) was seated next to me and he immediately struck up a conversation. In a thick, but clear and understandable Spanish accent - "hey, what about those tornadoes, man?" Jesus and I quickly were in a warm conversation. Our conversation would likewise take a turn toward the weird. Wow - so much excitement for a Monday morning - I can't handle it. Stay tuned for Jesus......
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Jeffrey Part 1
Jeffrey was hanging out behind my office this past Saturday. It was immediately obvious to me Jeffrey was living on the street. I went in to work, locked the door behind me (as I always do on Saturdays) and quickly forgot about it. As I was leaving work around noon I saw Jeffrey again walking down the street with some type of drink in his hand. Good, I thought, he got something cold to drink for this record-setting hot day.
Late Easter Sunday afternoon I came to the office to pick up a couple of things and vacuum the floors. Jeffrey was again behind my office sleeping on the sidewalk - gear in tow - and looking horrid. It was record-setting hot here in Texas on Sunday - it got even hotter through the week - and I was concerned. Understand my office is in an o.k. part of town, but it backs up to a creek and heavy woods. It's not too uncommon to see strangers resting behind my office or to see someone wonder in from the woods area - not often, but it does happen. This part of town was essentially deserted on Easter Sunday, but... I gathered some confidence, said a prayer and went around back to meet Jeffrey. He was only partially coherent, tired and obviously very hot. I offered him a bottle of water - he refused; offered him a few dollars - he refused. I told him to meet me Monday morning and I'd try to help him. He nodded and I left. A few minutes later Jeffrey knocked on my door, which I had since re-locked. I opened it up - he said he would like to meet me Monday morning - maybe I would have work for him - he was looking for work. I said come back and we'd talk. I assumed he wouldn't.
I left the office shaken by the incident. I'm not sure why, but I was. Un-nerved, guilty, insecure about what to do - all those things flowing through my mind. A weird Easter Sunday - it would get weirder.
Late Easter Sunday afternoon I came to the office to pick up a couple of things and vacuum the floors. Jeffrey was again behind my office sleeping on the sidewalk - gear in tow - and looking horrid. It was record-setting hot here in Texas on Sunday - it got even hotter through the week - and I was concerned. Understand my office is in an o.k. part of town, but it backs up to a creek and heavy woods. It's not too uncommon to see strangers resting behind my office or to see someone wonder in from the woods area - not often, but it does happen. This part of town was essentially deserted on Easter Sunday, but... I gathered some confidence, said a prayer and went around back to meet Jeffrey. He was only partially coherent, tired and obviously very hot. I offered him a bottle of water - he refused; offered him a few dollars - he refused. I told him to meet me Monday morning and I'd try to help him. He nodded and I left. A few minutes later Jeffrey knocked on my door, which I had since re-locked. I opened it up - he said he would like to meet me Monday morning - maybe I would have work for him - he was looking for work. I said come back and we'd talk. I assumed he wouldn't.
I left the office shaken by the incident. I'm not sure why, but I was. Un-nerved, guilty, insecure about what to do - all those things flowing through my mind. A weird Easter Sunday - it would get weirder.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Hail & Frogs!??! - Tennessee Tornado Alley
I just left my blogging friend Bren Hughes' blog. Bren and his family live and work in Gallatin, Tennessee, which has been part of the new tornado alley over the past couple of weeks. Scary -but they are all o.k.
Bren has a funny post about hail as large as "ceramic frogs". Check it out.
http://www.brenhughes.blogspot.com/
Bren has a funny post about hail as large as "ceramic frogs". Check it out.
http://www.brenhughes.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Mike Cope, Max Lucado, Rick Atchley, Chris Seidman, Tim Spivey, Donald Miller - All at One Event!
Ok, sorry to disappoint right off the bat, but that's a stretch. Or, it's hype, or it's me seeing if I can actually register some type of double digit blogger count for once in my life. Pathetic? Yes. Lame? Guilty. I'm truly not aware of an event on the immediate horizon where these men might all be speaking.
However, with the exception of Don Miller and Max Lucado, I do listen to each of these preachers on a regular basis in the comfort of my home or office. Never would I have dreamed just a few years ago you could go online and listen to powerful, inspiring lessons regularly - and for free! Each of these speakers have unique, God-given abilities to teach from the Bible and it is truly a blessing to be able to dial them up as often as possible and have some really constructive ideas coming out of my computer speakers.
While I won't give specific instructions for each website, the varous links/sites are very easy to follow to find the respective speaker's sermons online. Most are under Resources or Listen. You'll likely need a few audio players such as Real Player, Windows Media, etc. to play the sermons. Here are the links:
Mike Cope is the senior minister at Highland church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Highland is fairly new to the podcasting world, but they are coming around and getting pretty reliable in delivery. Mike is certainly one of my fav's, but, when he's not in town, Dr. Jerry Taylor, professor at Abilene Christian, delivers some incredibly powerful lessons.
http://www.highlandchurch.org
Rick Atchley is senior minister at Richland Hills church of Christ in Richland Hills, Texas (Fort Worth area), one of the largest churches in the nation. Rick could be considered the online sermon granddaddy I suppose - his lessons have been online at least two years, maybe longer, and they are now videocast - cool! In addition to Rick - a great speaker - guest speakers on archived files include Max Lucado, Bob Russell (senior minister at the largest Christian church in the US) and Dr. Ken Green.
http://www.rhchurch.org
Chris Seidman is one of the more sought after Lectureship speakers and is senior minister at Farmers Branch church of Christ, one of the fastest growing churches in the southwest.
http://www.thebranch.org
Tim Spivey is the young, senior preacher at Highland Oaks church of Christ in Dallas. I've only heard a couple of Tim's lessons, but both were awesome.
http://www.hocc.org
And, last, for a different twist and direction from these speakers, how about "Pastor Rick" from the Imago Dei church in Portland. Imago Dei is the home church of Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors (Blue like Jazz, Searching for God Knows What). Pastor Rick is a bit different to say the least. Be prepared to "be stoked", and hear from a different, but passionate voice.
http://www.imagodeicommunity.com
Hopefully all of those links work (if not, let me know), and I'll correct the issue. You'll be blessed, and maybe so will your co-workers or family members. And, please, direct some links back my way - I don't think you could have too many.
Not to end on a negative note, but I do wish Max Lucado at Oak Hills church in San Antonio and Rick Warren at Saddleback church in California, had their lessons available online. Here's hoping that changes in the future.
However, with the exception of Don Miller and Max Lucado, I do listen to each of these preachers on a regular basis in the comfort of my home or office. Never would I have dreamed just a few years ago you could go online and listen to powerful, inspiring lessons regularly - and for free! Each of these speakers have unique, God-given abilities to teach from the Bible and it is truly a blessing to be able to dial them up as often as possible and have some really constructive ideas coming out of my computer speakers.
While I won't give specific instructions for each website, the varous links/sites are very easy to follow to find the respective speaker's sermons online. Most are under Resources or Listen. You'll likely need a few audio players such as Real Player, Windows Media, etc. to play the sermons. Here are the links:
Mike Cope is the senior minister at Highland church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. Highland is fairly new to the podcasting world, but they are coming around and getting pretty reliable in delivery. Mike is certainly one of my fav's, but, when he's not in town, Dr. Jerry Taylor, professor at Abilene Christian, delivers some incredibly powerful lessons.
http://www.highlandchurch.org
Rick Atchley is senior minister at Richland Hills church of Christ in Richland Hills, Texas (Fort Worth area), one of the largest churches in the nation. Rick could be considered the online sermon granddaddy I suppose - his lessons have been online at least two years, maybe longer, and they are now videocast - cool! In addition to Rick - a great speaker - guest speakers on archived files include Max Lucado, Bob Russell (senior minister at the largest Christian church in the US) and Dr. Ken Green.
http://www.rhchurch.org
Chris Seidman is one of the more sought after Lectureship speakers and is senior minister at Farmers Branch church of Christ, one of the fastest growing churches in the southwest.
http://www.thebranch.org
Tim Spivey is the young, senior preacher at Highland Oaks church of Christ in Dallas. I've only heard a couple of Tim's lessons, but both were awesome.
http://www.hocc.org
And, last, for a different twist and direction from these speakers, how about "Pastor Rick" from the Imago Dei church in Portland. Imago Dei is the home church of Donald Miller, one of my favorite authors (Blue like Jazz, Searching for God Knows What). Pastor Rick is a bit different to say the least. Be prepared to "be stoked", and hear from a different, but passionate voice.
http://www.imagodeicommunity.com
Hopefully all of those links work (if not, let me know), and I'll correct the issue. You'll be blessed, and maybe so will your co-workers or family members. And, please, direct some links back my way - I don't think you could have too many.
Not to end on a negative note, but I do wish Max Lucado at Oak Hills church in San Antonio and Rick Warren at Saddleback church in California, had their lessons available online. Here's hoping that changes in the future.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
God Knows your Why
Motives are varied. Ask a church-goer on Sunday morning what their motivation was to get up, get dressed (often dressed up) and come to church and the truthful answers would be as varied as the Sunday weather changes in March. God knows - that's all that matters, and it matters greatly to Him.
I Chronicles 28:9,10
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
I Chronicles 28:9,10
9 "And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 10 Consider now, for the LORD has chosen you to build a temple as a sanctuary. Be strong and do the work."
Friday, March 24, 2006
In the Moment
A couple of weeks ago pro golfer Greg Owen blew it - a total choke job. Greg had a two stroke lead in the Honda Classic and was standing over a 4 foot putt on the next to last hole he needed to make the final hole a formality. Unfortunately Greg's putt missed slightly and slid a foot past the hole. He quickly went around to the other side of the hole to tap in the 1 footer - and he missed that putt too! Youch! He went on to lose the tournament on the next hole - he was obviously beyond shaken up by the complete mental meltdown. He admitted later he would likely be remembered as "the guy who choked".
This week I was reading my Sports Illustrated cover to cover - a weekley ritual I picked up from my father. A golf instructor/writer commented on Greg's meltdown with this statement - "Greg was in the tournament when he blew the putt - but he wasn't in the moment." That statement immediately made me do a double take. Being in the ______ event (fill in the blank - worship, job assignment, etc.) but not in the precise moment of that given activity. Aren't we all guilty of that. Or, worse, thinking beyond the moment - which takes the joy out of that moment. Why don't we live in the moment?
I think true Christian joy is in the moment, not the event.
This week I was reading my Sports Illustrated cover to cover - a weekley ritual I picked up from my father. A golf instructor/writer commented on Greg's meltdown with this statement - "Greg was in the tournament when he blew the putt - but he wasn't in the moment." That statement immediately made me do a double take. Being in the ______ event (fill in the blank - worship, job assignment, etc.) but not in the precise moment of that given activity. Aren't we all guilty of that. Or, worse, thinking beyond the moment - which takes the joy out of that moment. Why don't we live in the moment?
I think true Christian joy is in the moment, not the event.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Longing for Home
Nothing quite feels like home regardless of where home is. Come home from a journey, short or long, and you're eventually glad to be back on comfortable soil. The writer of Psalm 84 talks about longing for the final home, the ultimate home. I need to find that same longing. I need to feel less comfortable here, I need fewer desires here and more longing for there.
Psalm 84
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. [a]
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Psalm 84
For the director of music. According to gittith. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. [a]
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty!
2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
3 Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.
4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you. Selah
5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
6 As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. [b]
7 They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.
8 Hear my prayer, O LORD God Almighty; listen to me, O God of Jacob. Selah
9 Look upon our shield, [c] O God; look with favor on your anointed one.
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.
12 O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
A Salt Ministry?
I was laughing quite wildly when my blogger friend Joe Hays commented on this article about the Liberty (aka Jerry Falwell U) University debate team.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11078887/site/newsweek/
As noted at the end of the article - it seems Mr. Falwell stated he wanted his debate students to have "a salt ministry", but the quote came out in Newsweek as an "assault ministry".
The question of the day is:
Is there a difference in these two ministries styles to a hard-line debate student from Liberty University?
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11078887/site/newsweek/
As noted at the end of the article - it seems Mr. Falwell stated he wanted his debate students to have "a salt ministry", but the quote came out in Newsweek as an "assault ministry".
The question of the day is:
Is there a difference in these two ministries styles to a hard-line debate student from Liberty University?
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