I feel like I should apologize for the long, overdue update I have yet to post until now, but I'm constantly trying to apologize less, so I'm not going to :-). HERE'S AN UPDATE!
A lots of wonderful and hard things have been happening since my last post.
#1: Church
C3 has been moving along at exactly His pace, which is so exciting to watch. We have a new couple who has felt led by the Lord to become a major part of C3! SO EXCITING! I love them so much already and am so excited to work with them. David and Margaret are from San Diego and Margaret actually used to be Shad's preschool teacher (hence the connection to the Salazars). They came out here for our Easter weekend to help and visit and felt stirred to come out here and help regularly. Since that weekend, they have at least twice a month to pray, serve, and seek God's direction. Long story short, they feel God is urging them to move out here!! He has given them favor with their landlord to break their lease, has provided a job interview for Margaret, and has been working mightily on their hearts. We as a staff are, and I am personally, so thrilled and blessed by the Lord's provision in them. It will be so exciting to see how God uses their gifts to bless the Body and further His kingdom out here.
Also, the Lord has provided a temporary (maybe?) worship leader for our services! HUGE relief for Mark, let me tell you. Justin has been playing worship at various churches in the desert for sometime now and is very interested in pursuing worship leading. He is planning on applying to worship leading school (I didn't even know that existed!) and in the mean time, helping lead at C3! We are so excited to see God grow Justin and grow C3 as we worship together.
#2: Community
Not that C3 isn't my community, but I'm more specifically talking about the community God has tremendously blessed me with alongside C3. I really am blown away by the faithfulness of the Lord. As I've mentioned before, He has led into this intentional circle of women, and men, who are seeking Him wholeheartedly and chasing after Truth. Everyday I feel more and more blessed and honored to be a part of this group, seeking Him together and following Him. One couple in our group is currently pursuing fostering and then adopting...AND THEY JUST MET THEIR KIDS THIS WEEK!! So unbelievably exciting. I'm not sure how much I should disclose, but they will act as their foster parents for several months before the kids become legally available for adoption. There are 3 kids: 4 year old girl, 3 year old boy and 2 year old boy. Nicole and Steve, aforementioned couple, have never had kids, so needless to say, prayer during this transition is needed and greatly appreciated. Also, they found out this week that the sibling have an older half-brother in a different foster family that may be up for adoption very soon that Nicole and Steve are praying about adopting as well. Please pray for the Lord's guidance and direction. It is so amazing to see how the Lord has prepared their hearts for these children.
God is constantly moving and changing in our community. A few different families are going to or have recently moved, a new baby has been born, a couple is getting married next month; it would seem as if God is stirring something, some change in all of us...preparing us for something...though what that is, I have no idea. God has been speaking during our time of prayer powerfully and is gradually unveiling all of our gifts; showing how they fit and work together for His good. I really don't know if I've ever been a part of such an intentional, honest community. I am beyond thrilled :-).
#3: Job
Sigh....I mean, literal sigh...out loud. My job has been a great challenge lately. Not a constant challenge, but a great one none the less. My honeymoon period with my kids is definitely over. They are testing me, pushing me, pushing each other and honestly, I'm not so fond of it. I know I need to have patience; things will get better with time. But that doesn't make it any easier. I'm consistently saddened by the way the kids speak to each other, speak to me, speak of themselves. There is some sort of physical altercation usually every week that I have to get in the middle of. Not anything serious yet, but it is draining. I would SO appreciate prayer and guidance with how to deal with the confrontation I'm facing everyday. I feel very limited in how I can tackle this situation, since I can't share my faith with them, but I know God is good and is using me in this position.
I also have to commute more than I thought for my job. We have almost biweekly meetings out of town, and by out of town I mean 3 hours away Irvine out of town. I find blessing in the time in my car by myself, but it is taking a great deal of time away from my kids and it's a strain on my car.
So in general, I would really love prayer for my job as a whole. He provided this position and I'm trusting Him with it. Even so, I can feel the ugly monster of aggravation and irritation pushing it's way into my mind and heart and I don't like it.
So! Lot's going on! And I still don't have a camera to post pictures :-(. But I so appreciate all of you praying for me and following what God is doing here in the desert with me. He is mighty and good. Powerful and strong. Gracious and kind. Ever present. Ever moving. And Indio is a testament to that.
In Him,
Lindsay
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, May 13, 2011
About a year ago...
Apparently the last time I posted (yesterday) my post got deleted due to some website problems. So to attempt to re-post...
To give you a quick update, church is going well. God is bringing specific families and individuals to our church each week that need to hear from Him and it has been so encouraging to see His hand working! My job is tiring, but going well. If you all could pray for strength and patience with the kids I work with, that would be so appreciated. Some days are wonderful with them and some days are very trying. Also if you could pray for continued guidance with C3; that we would continue to seek Him in all we do. It seems He is raising up multiple people who are seriously praying about moving out here, or who are already here, that feel called to help us with C3. Please pray God would continue to stir up and piece together what He will and that His will would be done.
I just found this on my computer the other day and felt called to share it with you all. I think I shared part of it with a group of friends at APU. I wrote it a couple months before I graduated; for no particular reason other, it just flowed out of me and my struggles. Though I am in quite a different place now then I was a year ago when I wrote this, I am still struggling with thoughts of the future and desires to know where the Lord is leading me day by day. May this encourage you and may God speak to you today.
I'm sorry it's so long. love you all.
3-2-2010
There are some days, where I just feel tired. Tired of my race horse of a mind never ceasing to sprint. Tired of the world around me consistently revealing new depths to its brokenness. Tired of my persistent confusion in trying to figure everything out and make sense of the mess that is our society. Tired of feeling forced to plan a future I can in no way predict. So tired, I have no room in the rest of me to feel anything else. Today is one of those days.
So much pressure is put on privileged, American twentysomethings about to graduate from college and move on to a new direction in their lives. Hell, so much pressure is put on three-year-olds to learn to read so they can achieve the Ivy league someday. Both of those statements could be combated with many other more legitimate burdens that are felt around our nation and the world, no doubt in much higher degrees of severity. I’m not trying to invalidate those burdens in the least; I am merely trying to validate another. There is something uniquely suffocating about the pressure facing a twentysomething about to face college graduation, particularly twentysomethings who are wrestling with God and His Truth and how His calling of His followers aligns, or doesn’t align, with the life after graduation we are told to plan.
On the one hand, we want to please those we hold respect for around us: professors, relatives, parents, friends, hopefully just people. We want to prove to these people that our life that has been so richly blessed by the generosity and pouring out of others around us is not leading to a dead end. A plan is expected of us, thus we feel obligated to provide one. To prevent worry. To prevent more questions. To give an acceptable answer to the questions. This need to please results in this rush to plan out our next steps and next moves two months from now, even when we can’t see past the next thirty seconds.
On the other hand, we want to follow the passions inside of us. The ones telling us to live and love and laugh. The ones that call us to travel and explore; go on adventures and fly. The ones that maybe we suppressed for so long that we can barely hear their pulse, but yet they beat and that beat is undeniable.
On some proverbial third hand, we are scared out of our stylish and unnecessary shoes that if we don’t have security or at least some path to follow, the world outside of this collegiate bubble will eat us alive; scarf us down in one bite and swallow us whole. We are taught it is shameful, unacceptable and ultimately a disgrace to not chase security and safety, as our society defines it, and we are fools to do so. Passions are pressed further down and even more so Truth is compromised for this very chase.
On top of all of this, perhaps on our shoulders or more appropriately on our hearts, we are trying to follow God. A God, the God, who doesn’t fit into the arguments and pressures put on us. God who calls to serve, love and spread Truth. God who doesn’t fit into a growth plan or job search or grad school application. God who is so much greater than petty decisions we sometimes must or are pressured into thinking we have to make. God whose only Son lived with the dirtiest scum of the earth, calling them the most worthy of blessing and love. God who calls us to walk in His Son’s footsteps. God who calls us to spread the knowledge of His glory throughout the earth. God who calls us to seek Him. Period.
With all of this, on our minds and hearts…everyday…every hour…every second, no one could deny the fact that we are tired. Tired and stressed and overcaffeinated and trying desperately not to give up. But in some moments, we must just sit back and embrace the fact that we are tired. Let the exhaustion sweep over and consume us; rest in the dilapidated souls that we are and bask in the warmth of that acceptance.
The most beautiful, incredible, and utterly ridiculous part of this state of tiredness is that we can get up and move on with unshakable, untouchable hope and perseverance in Christ Jesus. It all comes down to this: we are tired from trying to make something of our lives. In actuality, we, as humans, cannot make anything out of our lives. Not one thing good comes in the control freak character of humanity, other than the space for great conviction. In our tiredness, we realize our inadequacy and inability to handle anything on our own. Thus enters grace in the form of the Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus who heals the weak and carries the burdens of the sinful. Jesus who rejuvenates the exhausted and gives hope to the lost. Jesus who opens the way for us to the life-giving Father whom can bring us to vibrancy. Jesus.
So yes, today I am tired. So tired, I can’t feel anything else. But in this tiredness, I am so grateful because I remember that I fail and fall and stumble over and over and over again. Yet God. Yet God, can pick me up and help me walk when I feel I can’t go on; gives me peace and breath when I feel overwhelmed by the state of this broken world we live in; can make the pressures burdening me into vitality that spurs me towards Him and Truth. And when my mind wants to quit whirring and my heart wants to quit breaking and my soul cries for the Lord to return this very moment, I am reminded of God’s unfailing mercy for restless beings like myself and my fellow soon-to-be graduates. His Spirit fills us over and over again and in Him we have no condemnation; no expectations to meet; no case to defend. His love is unending and His grace more than sufficient. All we need to do is stop and drink in, especially when we are tired.
Praise be to the Lord, God Almighty.
To give you a quick update, church is going well. God is bringing specific families and individuals to our church each week that need to hear from Him and it has been so encouraging to see His hand working! My job is tiring, but going well. If you all could pray for strength and patience with the kids I work with, that would be so appreciated. Some days are wonderful with them and some days are very trying. Also if you could pray for continued guidance with C3; that we would continue to seek Him in all we do. It seems He is raising up multiple people who are seriously praying about moving out here, or who are already here, that feel called to help us with C3. Please pray God would continue to stir up and piece together what He will and that His will would be done.
I just found this on my computer the other day and felt called to share it with you all. I think I shared part of it with a group of friends at APU. I wrote it a couple months before I graduated; for no particular reason other, it just flowed out of me and my struggles. Though I am in quite a different place now then I was a year ago when I wrote this, I am still struggling with thoughts of the future and desires to know where the Lord is leading me day by day. May this encourage you and may God speak to you today.
I'm sorry it's so long. love you all.
3-2-2010
There are some days, where I just feel tired. Tired of my race horse of a mind never ceasing to sprint. Tired of the world around me consistently revealing new depths to its brokenness. Tired of my persistent confusion in trying to figure everything out and make sense of the mess that is our society. Tired of feeling forced to plan a future I can in no way predict. So tired, I have no room in the rest of me to feel anything else. Today is one of those days.
So much pressure is put on privileged, American twentysomethings about to graduate from college and move on to a new direction in their lives. Hell, so much pressure is put on three-year-olds to learn to read so they can achieve the Ivy league someday. Both of those statements could be combated with many other more legitimate burdens that are felt around our nation and the world, no doubt in much higher degrees of severity. I’m not trying to invalidate those burdens in the least; I am merely trying to validate another. There is something uniquely suffocating about the pressure facing a twentysomething about to face college graduation, particularly twentysomethings who are wrestling with God and His Truth and how His calling of His followers aligns, or doesn’t align, with the life after graduation we are told to plan.
On the one hand, we want to please those we hold respect for around us: professors, relatives, parents, friends, hopefully just people. We want to prove to these people that our life that has been so richly blessed by the generosity and pouring out of others around us is not leading to a dead end. A plan is expected of us, thus we feel obligated to provide one. To prevent worry. To prevent more questions. To give an acceptable answer to the questions. This need to please results in this rush to plan out our next steps and next moves two months from now, even when we can’t see past the next thirty seconds.
On the other hand, we want to follow the passions inside of us. The ones telling us to live and love and laugh. The ones that call us to travel and explore; go on adventures and fly. The ones that maybe we suppressed for so long that we can barely hear their pulse, but yet they beat and that beat is undeniable.
On some proverbial third hand, we are scared out of our stylish and unnecessary shoes that if we don’t have security or at least some path to follow, the world outside of this collegiate bubble will eat us alive; scarf us down in one bite and swallow us whole. We are taught it is shameful, unacceptable and ultimately a disgrace to not chase security and safety, as our society defines it, and we are fools to do so. Passions are pressed further down and even more so Truth is compromised for this very chase.
On top of all of this, perhaps on our shoulders or more appropriately on our hearts, we are trying to follow God. A God, the God, who doesn’t fit into the arguments and pressures put on us. God who calls to serve, love and spread Truth. God who doesn’t fit into a growth plan or job search or grad school application. God who is so much greater than petty decisions we sometimes must or are pressured into thinking we have to make. God whose only Son lived with the dirtiest scum of the earth, calling them the most worthy of blessing and love. God who calls us to walk in His Son’s footsteps. God who calls us to spread the knowledge of His glory throughout the earth. God who calls us to seek Him. Period.
With all of this, on our minds and hearts…everyday…every hour…every second, no one could deny the fact that we are tired. Tired and stressed and overcaffeinated and trying desperately not to give up. But in some moments, we must just sit back and embrace the fact that we are tired. Let the exhaustion sweep over and consume us; rest in the dilapidated souls that we are and bask in the warmth of that acceptance.
The most beautiful, incredible, and utterly ridiculous part of this state of tiredness is that we can get up and move on with unshakable, untouchable hope and perseverance in Christ Jesus. It all comes down to this: we are tired from trying to make something of our lives. In actuality, we, as humans, cannot make anything out of our lives. Not one thing good comes in the control freak character of humanity, other than the space for great conviction. In our tiredness, we realize our inadequacy and inability to handle anything on our own. Thus enters grace in the form of the Blessed Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus who heals the weak and carries the burdens of the sinful. Jesus who rejuvenates the exhausted and gives hope to the lost. Jesus who opens the way for us to the life-giving Father whom can bring us to vibrancy. Jesus.
So yes, today I am tired. So tired, I can’t feel anything else. But in this tiredness, I am so grateful because I remember that I fail and fall and stumble over and over and over again. Yet God. Yet God, can pick me up and help me walk when I feel I can’t go on; gives me peace and breath when I feel overwhelmed by the state of this broken world we live in; can make the pressures burdening me into vitality that spurs me towards Him and Truth. And when my mind wants to quit whirring and my heart wants to quit breaking and my soul cries for the Lord to return this very moment, I am reminded of God’s unfailing mercy for restless beings like myself and my fellow soon-to-be graduates. His Spirit fills us over and over again and in Him we have no condemnation; no expectations to meet; no case to defend. His love is unending and His grace more than sufficient. All we need to do is stop and drink in, especially when we are tired.
Praise be to the Lord, God Almighty.
Monday, April 25, 2011
And the chaos settles.
How appropriate that last week was the windiest week we've had since I've been here in Indio. Seriously. Wind that was an effort to walk against. By appropriate, I do mean that last week, a storm hit both literally and figuratively.
Why God has things hit all at once, I don't know if I will ever understand. I can only assume to build character and trust in Him. Anywho, last week, a monstrous set of waves smashed into my shore. It was my second week of work. Can I just say I love my job? Because I really do. The people I work with are wonderful. The kids I work with are hilarious. The flow of the day is really relaxed. I'm just a big fan. :-) The last two weeks, however, we've been cleaning and redoing the community center for the apartment complex. Complete overhaul. It looks amazing now, but it was tiring to get it to that point. BOOM. One wave.
Last week I also housesat/dogsat for a family from our church. Let me just say, I think I now know, I am NOT a dog person. Yes, it's sad to say, and maybe the truth is I'm not a high-maintenance dog person, but really these two dogs were a try on my patience all. week. long. I don't know if it's normal for dogs to wake their owners up every two hours at night because they want attention. I don't think it is? But if I ever have a dog someday (or bunny, Pauline Ma) I'm going to train that thing to SLEEP! Especially if I have a hectic schedule. I mean, really. The last thing I want to do at night is be licked on, peed on, and whined at allllll niiiiiiight loooooong. Sleep deprivation. BOOM. Two waves.
Finally, this past week we spent preparing for our church's community Easter egg hunt and first church service. I don't think anyone realized how much work we truly had left to do. Praise Him, we had two mission teams come out to help us. One youth group from the Fresno area for a couple days (a jam-packed couple of days for them, let me tell you) and a group of older adults who came all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee. Oh these Tennesseans. Talk about sweet. There were 10 of them that came out together. They are all in the same small group at their church back in Knoxville. And they are just about some of the finest people I have ever met. Their humble attitudes, encouraging hearts and willingness to serve continued to touch my heart all week. Needless to say, their help and fellowship was indispensable. This weekend could not have happened without them.
My job was to organize both of these teams' tasks and communicate with them throughout the week. And of course also to help with whatever needed to get done in general, which was a lot. However, even though days were overwhelming and exhausting, God saw us through. The egg hunt went very well! We had close to 200 people come, which was the perfect amount once again for how many volunteers we had. Multiple families thanked us on their way out for the event, and I think everyone had a really great time.
Church yesterday also went as smoothly as I think it could have gone. We had close to 40 or 50 people including kids. Not many from the egg hunt came, which was disappointing but not surprising. To be honest, yesterday was very surreal for me and I think I'm still processing it. It's strange to be part of a church that has just started. Something hypothetical that has been talked about for so long is now an actuality, and it's kinda freaking me out. I know God has me here for a purpose; He has made that abundantly clear. Yet, that doesn't make any of this less weird and unexpected. Everyday, I still find myself in a place, geographically and occupationally, I never imagined myself in and I think I have not gotten over that shock. Yesterday was like experiencing that shock for the first time all over again. BOOM. Three and four waves.
With all the craziness of last week, Easter came upon me and took me by surprise. Really. It came out of nowhere. But yesterday, God did not fail to encounter me with His unfailing love. Right now, in the Bible study I'm doing with Kristi, we are going through the book of Hosea. If you ever want to see the heartbreaking, desperate love of the Father, read Hosea. God so longs for reconciliation with His beloved. He stops at NOTHING to draw us to Himself. He won't relent. Nothing is more evident of this than the cross. He gave up His Son. Flesh of His flesh for His beloved creation who spat on Him, turned their backs on Him, threw His love back in His face for the lust of others. YET HE CONTINUES TO LOVE. It brings me to tears. He is perfect. We are so flawed. And He loves us.
Be swallowed by Him today. He loves you so much, more than you've ever experienced or ever will. Give Him glory for He is the epitome of deserving. Even when the waves of life hit over and over again, He reigns. He is in control. He loves.
Why God has things hit all at once, I don't know if I will ever understand. I can only assume to build character and trust in Him. Anywho, last week, a monstrous set of waves smashed into my shore. It was my second week of work. Can I just say I love my job? Because I really do. The people I work with are wonderful. The kids I work with are hilarious. The flow of the day is really relaxed. I'm just a big fan. :-) The last two weeks, however, we've been cleaning and redoing the community center for the apartment complex. Complete overhaul. It looks amazing now, but it was tiring to get it to that point. BOOM. One wave.
Last week I also housesat/dogsat for a family from our church. Let me just say, I think I now know, I am NOT a dog person. Yes, it's sad to say, and maybe the truth is I'm not a high-maintenance dog person, but really these two dogs were a try on my patience all. week. long. I don't know if it's normal for dogs to wake their owners up every two hours at night because they want attention. I don't think it is? But if I ever have a dog someday (or bunny, Pauline Ma) I'm going to train that thing to SLEEP! Especially if I have a hectic schedule. I mean, really. The last thing I want to do at night is be licked on, peed on, and whined at allllll niiiiiiight loooooong. Sleep deprivation. BOOM. Two waves.
Finally, this past week we spent preparing for our church's community Easter egg hunt and first church service. I don't think anyone realized how much work we truly had left to do. Praise Him, we had two mission teams come out to help us. One youth group from the Fresno area for a couple days (a jam-packed couple of days for them, let me tell you) and a group of older adults who came all the way from Knoxville, Tennessee. Oh these Tennesseans. Talk about sweet. There were 10 of them that came out together. They are all in the same small group at their church back in Knoxville. And they are just about some of the finest people I have ever met. Their humble attitudes, encouraging hearts and willingness to serve continued to touch my heart all week. Needless to say, their help and fellowship was indispensable. This weekend could not have happened without them.
My job was to organize both of these teams' tasks and communicate with them throughout the week. And of course also to help with whatever needed to get done in general, which was a lot. However, even though days were overwhelming and exhausting, God saw us through. The egg hunt went very well! We had close to 200 people come, which was the perfect amount once again for how many volunteers we had. Multiple families thanked us on their way out for the event, and I think everyone had a really great time.
Church yesterday also went as smoothly as I think it could have gone. We had close to 40 or 50 people including kids. Not many from the egg hunt came, which was disappointing but not surprising. To be honest, yesterday was very surreal for me and I think I'm still processing it. It's strange to be part of a church that has just started. Something hypothetical that has been talked about for so long is now an actuality, and it's kinda freaking me out. I know God has me here for a purpose; He has made that abundantly clear. Yet, that doesn't make any of this less weird and unexpected. Everyday, I still find myself in a place, geographically and occupationally, I never imagined myself in and I think I have not gotten over that shock. Yesterday was like experiencing that shock for the first time all over again. BOOM. Three and four waves.
With all the craziness of last week, Easter came upon me and took me by surprise. Really. It came out of nowhere. But yesterday, God did not fail to encounter me with His unfailing love. Right now, in the Bible study I'm doing with Kristi, we are going through the book of Hosea. If you ever want to see the heartbreaking, desperate love of the Father, read Hosea. God so longs for reconciliation with His beloved. He stops at NOTHING to draw us to Himself. He won't relent. Nothing is more evident of this than the cross. He gave up His Son. Flesh of His flesh for His beloved creation who spat on Him, turned their backs on Him, threw His love back in His face for the lust of others. YET HE CONTINUES TO LOVE. It brings me to tears. He is perfect. We are so flawed. And He loves us.
Be swallowed by Him today. He loves you so much, more than you've ever experienced or ever will. Give Him glory for He is the epitome of deserving. Even when the waves of life hit over and over again, He reigns. He is in control. He loves.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Trust is a Hard thing, Easy to come by.
So let's start this post by praising the Lord God above. He is perfect, awesome, holy, magnificent and utterly breathtaking. AND He provides. Always. Example....
I HAVE A JOB!
Seriously, this position could not have been mine if God had not arranged everything.
Tuesday: I see on facebook my friend Bethany has announced her employer is hiring in the Palm Springs area. "Is anyone looking for a job?" she asks. "Me me me!" I reply. She gives me her boss' contact info. I research the organization. Love it. Send an email with resume to her boss around 7pm.
Wednesday: Around 2pm I receive a call from the organization's HR, wanting to interview me over the phone. After the 20 minute phone interview, they call me back in 5 minutes and want to schedule an in-person interview for the following day at 3pm. I agree. Enthusiastically, I might add.
Thursday: 3pm. I have my interview. It goes fantastically. I love my soon-to-be boss, I love the organizaiton, I love my position. And apparently they loved me because they called me right when I got home around 4:15, offering me the job!
Soooooooo.....HOW AMAZING IS THE LORD?! I find out about this position Tuesday and by Thursday I have the job. This truly is a testament to God working everything out according to His flawless timing. If He wants something to happen right away, He will make it happen!
The organization I'm working with is called Housing with HEART and they are a sector of a larger nonprofit organization called Jamboree Housing. Jamboree's main goal is to provide safe, adequate, affordable housing to those who otherwise wouldn't have it. Housing with HEART was created to attend to the social, physical and emotional needs of the residents of Jamboree housing; connecting them to or providing them with whatever services they might need. My position, Resident Services Coordinator, is to research and inform residents on services available to them, and then to provide after-school services for all the children in the apartment complex I will work at. Though Jamboree builds many homes, they often find existing apartment complexes that are struggling and help bring them up to code. This is the case for where I will be working. It is an apartment complex in Palm Springs (about 30 minutes from Indio) and is in the middle of being refreshed by Jamboree and Housing with HEART
I can not TELL you how excited I am about this position. Community development is something I have a great passion for and feel unbelievably privileged to be a part o this community's revival. I would've never dreamed that the job God would provide me with out here would be something that He has completely trained and prepared me for all through college. That sounds ridiculous to say out loud (or typed out rather) but it didn't occur to me. I thought I would find a job solely for the purpose of paying off debt, but clearly God had/has something greater in mind. Hello Lindsay.
I start April 11th and I work weekdays from 2-6pm. These hours are absolutely perfect because I can help with any church tasks in the morning, I can still go to my Bible study on Tuesday mornings, my prayer group on Thursday nights and I can still help with the park ministry on Wednesday nights! I'm really just constantly floored by His faithfulness.
I want to encourage all of you who are struggling to trust in God to take great hope. Though it is so difficult (SO difficult) to trust Him when logic, outside voices and society are telling you to doubt, don't. He knows what He is doing, especially when no one else does. He is faithful and will provide for your every need. "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11 God says we need not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worry for itself. Trust Him and His word. He is perfect and worthy of praise, worthy of TRUST. Put all you have in Him for only He is holy. He will take great care of you. He's certainly taking great care of me!
I HAVE A JOB!
Seriously, this position could not have been mine if God had not arranged everything.
Tuesday: I see on facebook my friend Bethany has announced her employer is hiring in the Palm Springs area. "Is anyone looking for a job?" she asks. "Me me me!" I reply. She gives me her boss' contact info. I research the organization. Love it. Send an email with resume to her boss around 7pm.
Wednesday: Around 2pm I receive a call from the organization's HR, wanting to interview me over the phone. After the 20 minute phone interview, they call me back in 5 minutes and want to schedule an in-person interview for the following day at 3pm. I agree. Enthusiastically, I might add.
Thursday: 3pm. I have my interview. It goes fantastically. I love my soon-to-be boss, I love the organizaiton, I love my position. And apparently they loved me because they called me right when I got home around 4:15, offering me the job!
Soooooooo.....HOW AMAZING IS THE LORD?! I find out about this position Tuesday and by Thursday I have the job. This truly is a testament to God working everything out according to His flawless timing. If He wants something to happen right away, He will make it happen!
The organization I'm working with is called Housing with HEART and they are a sector of a larger nonprofit organization called Jamboree Housing. Jamboree's main goal is to provide safe, adequate, affordable housing to those who otherwise wouldn't have it. Housing with HEART was created to attend to the social, physical and emotional needs of the residents of Jamboree housing; connecting them to or providing them with whatever services they might need. My position, Resident Services Coordinator, is to research and inform residents on services available to them, and then to provide after-school services for all the children in the apartment complex I will work at. Though Jamboree builds many homes, they often find existing apartment complexes that are struggling and help bring them up to code. This is the case for where I will be working. It is an apartment complex in Palm Springs (about 30 minutes from Indio) and is in the middle of being refreshed by Jamboree and Housing with HEART
I can not TELL you how excited I am about this position. Community development is something I have a great passion for and feel unbelievably privileged to be a part o this community's revival. I would've never dreamed that the job God would provide me with out here would be something that He has completely trained and prepared me for all through college. That sounds ridiculous to say out loud (or typed out rather) but it didn't occur to me. I thought I would find a job solely for the purpose of paying off debt, but clearly God had/has something greater in mind. Hello Lindsay.
I start April 11th and I work weekdays from 2-6pm. These hours are absolutely perfect because I can help with any church tasks in the morning, I can still go to my Bible study on Tuesday mornings, my prayer group on Thursday nights and I can still help with the park ministry on Wednesday nights! I'm really just constantly floored by His faithfulness.
I want to encourage all of you who are struggling to trust in God to take great hope. Though it is so difficult (SO difficult) to trust Him when logic, outside voices and society are telling you to doubt, don't. He knows what He is doing, especially when no one else does. He is faithful and will provide for your every need. "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth; it will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it." Isaiah 55:10-11 God says we need not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough worry for itself. Trust Him and His word. He is perfect and worthy of praise, worthy of TRUST. Put all you have in Him for only He is holy. He will take great care of you. He's certainly taking great care of me!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
The Time is Now!
I am so so sorry for the long gap in blog posts. Busyness has sunk in yet again and blogging has taken a backseat. We got back from a week-long conference in Highland, CA at our main sponsor church, Immanuel Baptist Church. It was such an encouraging week, fellowshipping with other missionaries from all over the world. It was a time when God definitely confirmed and reaffirmed His calling in my life to eventually go into international ministry. Though that time may not be now, I'm so excited for whenever it comes :-D. There is one God! Over all the earth! Praise His name.
God has been speaking to me a lot the last few days, which I am so grateful for. In my last year of school, God gave me the picture of the church in Revelation as the bride of Christ, beautifying herself for when He comes back (Revelation 19:7-8). I'm so excited to be participating in that here in Indio! I think I've written about it before, but there is so much disunity here in the desert; particularly in the body of Christ. Please pray that God would use Cross Community Church to bring some sort of unity and clarity to this area. Particularly, please pray Mark and Kristi and I would embody that unity as a staff. Pray for sameness of mind and spirit as we continue to work in His vineyard.
We also had our first outreach event last Friday! And...IT WENT GREAT! We held a free family night at a place called Pump it Up: basically a warehouse full of inflatable bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses (in other words, a kid's fantasyland). 80 people showed up (53 kids)! We were a little anxious that over 100 kids were going to show up, but luckily God knew how much we could handle and gave us about 50: the perfect number! Not too much chaos, we made connections with families, and the whole crowd listened to Mark talk about our King. Couldn't ask for much more.
Please pray for:
- Our physical health! It is sick season and it has hit the Salazar kids. Please pray for physical healing for Shadrach and Moriah (especially Shad who has ear infections). Please pray for continued good health for Mark, Kristi, and I.
- Our first church service!!! Easter is fast approaching and we were so encouraged at Pump it Up to hear many families there were interested in coming! Please pray God would use us to be His hands and feet that weekend (April 23rd and 24th). May only His will be done! Pray for the missions teams that are coming out to help us and ultimately that the people of Indio would hear the Good News and understand.
- My job situation. I had a job interview this past week!! It's a position through the Riverside County Office of Education in Indio. I'm really interested in the job. Thursday and will keep you posted!
I'm so appreciative of all of you! Thank you for your prayers, presence, and support. May you experience how washed you are in His love today. He loves us so much, let Him love!
God has been speaking to me a lot the last few days, which I am so grateful for. In my last year of school, God gave me the picture of the church in Revelation as the bride of Christ, beautifying herself for when He comes back (Revelation 19:7-8). I'm so excited to be participating in that here in Indio! I think I've written about it before, but there is so much disunity here in the desert; particularly in the body of Christ. Please pray that God would use Cross Community Church to bring some sort of unity and clarity to this area. Particularly, please pray Mark and Kristi and I would embody that unity as a staff. Pray for sameness of mind and spirit as we continue to work in His vineyard.
We also had our first outreach event last Friday! And...IT WENT GREAT! We held a free family night at a place called Pump it Up: basically a warehouse full of inflatable bounce houses, slides, and obstacle courses (in other words, a kid's fantasyland). 80 people showed up (53 kids)! We were a little anxious that over 100 kids were going to show up, but luckily God knew how much we could handle and gave us about 50: the perfect number! Not too much chaos, we made connections with families, and the whole crowd listened to Mark talk about our King. Couldn't ask for much more.
Please pray for:
- Our physical health! It is sick season and it has hit the Salazar kids. Please pray for physical healing for Shadrach and Moriah (especially Shad who has ear infections). Please pray for continued good health for Mark, Kristi, and I.
- Our first church service!!! Easter is fast approaching and we were so encouraged at Pump it Up to hear many families there were interested in coming! Please pray God would use us to be His hands and feet that weekend (April 23rd and 24th). May only His will be done! Pray for the missions teams that are coming out to help us and ultimately that the people of Indio would hear the Good News and understand.
- My job situation. I had a job interview this past week!! It's a position through the Riverside County Office of Education in Indio. I'm really interested in the job. Thursday and will keep you posted!
I'm so appreciative of all of you! Thank you for your prayers, presence, and support. May you experience how washed you are in His love today. He loves us so much, let Him love!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
A Wind that Shakes the House.
Have I mentioned God is good? Because I really don't think I can say it enough. Yesterday, Mark and Kristi had a big important meeting with a lot of influential people regarding (wait for it) FUNDING! My favorite subject :-). But praise Him, it was SUCH an encouraging gathering! Mark and Kristi both came back full of hope, humility, and joy. They were overwhelmed, as I think anyone would be, by the amount of support they were shown, emotionally and financially. It's quite a remarkable thing when a room full of people asks you, "What do you need?" you say, "x,y, and if I'm being honest, z." And they respond, "Okay, who can give x? Great! How about y? And z? Alright, you're taken care of." The Salazars came back utterly humbled and amazed at God's favor. God is really preparing C3 Indio for something huge and I feel so blessed to be a part of it.
Also, more of God's goodness, I spent last Thursday night completely encouraged and overwhelmed by the presence of God. I was invited to a prayer group with a group of women who are from all over the desert. We spent the evening in worship and prayer and sharing of how the Lord is working in our lives. It was such a blessing and really SO needed. My soul has been longing for Spirit-filled community; Thursday night was like a long drink of cool water. I'm so grateful for a new group of sisters in Christ!
I don't think I've written about the winds here in the desert, but they are so incredible. Haunting and powerful, frightening and awesome, frigid and surprising; they come out of no where. Stirring up soil, evaporating the mountains with dust. Rattling windows and howling through valleys. To me, it's a reminder of the spiritual battle raging here. A reminder to go out and fight for the Kingdom of God. Suit up, warriors of Christ. Ephesians 6:10-20
Also, more of God's goodness, I spent last Thursday night completely encouraged and overwhelmed by the presence of God. I was invited to a prayer group with a group of women who are from all over the desert. We spent the evening in worship and prayer and sharing of how the Lord is working in our lives. It was such a blessing and really SO needed. My soul has been longing for Spirit-filled community; Thursday night was like a long drink of cool water. I'm so grateful for a new group of sisters in Christ!
I don't think I've written about the winds here in the desert, but they are so incredible. Haunting and powerful, frightening and awesome, frigid and surprising; they come out of no where. Stirring up soil, evaporating the mountains with dust. Rattling windows and howling through valleys. To me, it's a reminder of the spiritual battle raging here. A reminder to go out and fight for the Kingdom of God. Suit up, warriors of Christ. Ephesians 6:10-20
Monday, February 7, 2011
God.
I felt called to write this entry just about our Father. Praises for, reflections on, and thoughts of. So, off we go...
I have to be honest in saying, the last few months have been rough.
De-collegeifying has been draining, and I took it out on You.
I've been numb, chosen to be so sometimes because it was lazier.
I've been distant. Again, because it was lazier.
I've been overwhelmed, and for the first time in a long time, not by You.
Not good.
I am ashamed.
I am so very sorry.
And through all of this, You continue to adore me.
Not just love, but REJOICE? over me?
For lack of a better word, You are amazing.
I'm trying to come up with a synonym, but all I taste is stuttering in my mouth.
You take my breath away, You are so good.
You love this Creation that we've destroyed.
You love us; the destroyers and Creatures.
You love me; numb and dumb, distant me. So overly analytical that I back myself into corners, fold my arms and cry; just waiting for Someone to move my perfectly capable feet.
You really are incredible.
I mean...truly.
I'm trying to think of praises to type out and all fall short of You! You are just too awesome for words! Sometimes, I wish I could speak in the language of the angels rejoicing in Heaven, just so I could come up with something worthy to say about You.
You are good.
You are kind.
You are patient.
You are love and loving.
You are peace.
You love justice.
You are wisdom.
You are power.
You are wind, movement; never stagnant.
You are still. You still what is restless.
You reconcile. You heal.
You break down to rebuild.
You give. Over and over again.
You are faithful.
You are faithful.
Father, You are amazing. And I love You. And I'm Yours, forever.
May this jumbled post reflect my jumbled, praising heart that is devoted to You.
He is good. Praise Him today.
I have to be honest in saying, the last few months have been rough.
De-collegeifying has been draining, and I took it out on You.
I've been numb, chosen to be so sometimes because it was lazier.
I've been distant. Again, because it was lazier.
I've been overwhelmed, and for the first time in a long time, not by You.
Not good.
I am ashamed.
I am so very sorry.
And through all of this, You continue to adore me.
Not just love, but REJOICE? over me?
For lack of a better word, You are amazing.
I'm trying to come up with a synonym, but all I taste is stuttering in my mouth.
You take my breath away, You are so good.
You love this Creation that we've destroyed.
You love us; the destroyers and Creatures.
You love me; numb and dumb, distant me. So overly analytical that I back myself into corners, fold my arms and cry; just waiting for Someone to move my perfectly capable feet.
You really are incredible.
I mean...truly.
I'm trying to think of praises to type out and all fall short of You! You are just too awesome for words! Sometimes, I wish I could speak in the language of the angels rejoicing in Heaven, just so I could come up with something worthy to say about You.
You are good.
You are kind.
You are patient.
You are love and loving.
You are peace.
You love justice.
You are wisdom.
You are power.
You are wind, movement; never stagnant.
You are still. You still what is restless.
You reconcile. You heal.
You break down to rebuild.
You give. Over and over again.
You are faithful.
You are faithful.
Father, You are amazing. And I love You. And I'm Yours, forever.
May this jumbled post reflect my jumbled, praising heart that is devoted to You.
He is good. Praise Him today.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Busyness is Sanity
I don't think I ever realized until after I graduated how I thrive off of being busy. I knew there was a deeper meaning behind me overcommitting my self 3 years in a row at school; now I know. For me, to be sane, I need to be busy. The last few months before coming to Indio, I was as far from busy as I've ever been and, honestly, it drove me crazy. I felt I had no purpose; like I was wasting time God had given me. Indio has been a gift from God in so many ways, but one big way is it's definitely kept me busy. YAY! :-) Life is back to normal.
Yesterday, I went to an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting. I know, me being at an athletes meeting doesn't really add up, but FCA really is more a Young Life type organization that ministers to different high school and middle school campuses all over the desert (and the country, if you all are interested in looking them up). I went to the meeting at Shadow Hills High School in Indio. They meet twice a month at lunch, eat, and fellowship. It's awesome. These kids are so great, especially the student leaders there: Justin and Phil. They have such gentlemanly attitudes, which is SO rare for 15 year-old males today. Refreshing to say the least :-). I also got to meet Pastor Larry from Journey Baptist Church who was speaking at the meeting about the importance of the kids getting connected to a church. He and hi wife Julie have almost EXACTLY the story of Mark and Kristi planting their church, except they are about a year in the future. It was so encouraging to talk to them! God has been so faithful to them; so important to hear of and remember God's faithfulness.
Last night, I also went to Church Without Walls again. I found out the official name for the service is the Refuge, but everyone at the park calls it the former, so I think I'll stick with that since it's stuck in my head. It was SO GREAT!! Mark spoke and through him, God really convicted many individuals there. Four people gave their lives to Christ! Praise Him, Praise Him. I also spent most of the evening talking to a guy named Brett. What a sweet soul. I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that God is preparing Him to climb completely out of rock botttom. There are some that feel guilty and turn towards God out of shame, and there are others that are touched by the love of God and allow Him to turn them. This is Brett. He is motivated to change by the love of Christ. It's so amazing to see God heal and renew!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray God would send people to help us. We really need to build a team to go out into this community. We cannot do what God is calling us to alone. Please pray for more willing, Christ-centered individuals who God is calling to the desert.
- Brett and Michelle, the woman I met with last week. Both have taken healthy steps to grow closer to God. Pray that they would be protected from the enemy and that they would continue to run after Him.
- Protection for the Salazars and continued unity in their family.
- This may sound petty and selfish, but I've struggled a lot in the past with self-deprication. Lately, I've been getting a negative comments from strangers. I know it's the enemy trying to get to me. Please pray for protection over me and that Jesus would break off this attack.
- I'm taking the CBEST test this Saturday to hopefully get a substitute teaching job here in Indio. Please pray I would pass!
I am so loving this study through James. This passage particularly has my heart. I hope God uses it in your life this week:
"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:1-12
Yesterday, I went to an FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) meeting. I know, me being at an athletes meeting doesn't really add up, but FCA really is more a Young Life type organization that ministers to different high school and middle school campuses all over the desert (and the country, if you all are interested in looking them up). I went to the meeting at Shadow Hills High School in Indio. They meet twice a month at lunch, eat, and fellowship. It's awesome. These kids are so great, especially the student leaders there: Justin and Phil. They have such gentlemanly attitudes, which is SO rare for 15 year-old males today. Refreshing to say the least :-). I also got to meet Pastor Larry from Journey Baptist Church who was speaking at the meeting about the importance of the kids getting connected to a church. He and hi wife Julie have almost EXACTLY the story of Mark and Kristi planting their church, except they are about a year in the future. It was so encouraging to talk to them! God has been so faithful to them; so important to hear of and remember God's faithfulness.
Last night, I also went to Church Without Walls again. I found out the official name for the service is the Refuge, but everyone at the park calls it the former, so I think I'll stick with that since it's stuck in my head. It was SO GREAT!! Mark spoke and through him, God really convicted many individuals there. Four people gave their lives to Christ! Praise Him, Praise Him. I also spent most of the evening talking to a guy named Brett. What a sweet soul. I could see in his eyes and hear in his voice that God is preparing Him to climb completely out of rock botttom. There are some that feel guilty and turn towards God out of shame, and there are others that are touched by the love of God and allow Him to turn them. This is Brett. He is motivated to change by the love of Christ. It's so amazing to see God heal and renew!
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- Please pray God would send people to help us. We really need to build a team to go out into this community. We cannot do what God is calling us to alone. Please pray for more willing, Christ-centered individuals who God is calling to the desert.
- Brett and Michelle, the woman I met with last week. Both have taken healthy steps to grow closer to God. Pray that they would be protected from the enemy and that they would continue to run after Him.
- Protection for the Salazars and continued unity in their family.
- This may sound petty and selfish, but I've struggled a lot in the past with self-deprication. Lately, I've been getting a negative comments from strangers. I know it's the enemy trying to get to me. Please pray for protection over me and that Jesus would break off this attack.
- I'm taking the CBEST test this Saturday to hopefully get a substitute teaching job here in Indio. Please pray I would pass!
I am so loving this study through James. This passage particularly has my heart. I hope God uses it in your life this week:
"My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:1-12
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Classic Jing Yan...
It's my cousin's birthday today!! She's 5!! And she's indubitably awesome. I love her so much and can't wait to see her in t-minus 16 DAYS!! Happy Birthday Lauren! I hope your birthday is...classic.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Smacked in the Face with Favor.
Back! We actually got back from the conference on Wednesday night, but so much has been going on since, I'm just now getting a chance to debrief and reflect. Okay.
Conference: Wonderful. We learned a lot of information, and honestly, a lot of it was very overwhelming. It was focused on the business/budget side of planting a healthy church. Hmm budgeting? Not my favorite topic. Nevertheless, the sessions were filled with great advice and wise counsel. The amazing part of the conference? God's provision. We went into the conference severely lacking in finances and praying that God would give us some good connections soon. Little did we know that He had planned to provide abundantly over our expectations. Four difference churches, including the large church running the conference, promised to support us! This was SO unexpected, especially after the speakers listed the standards each church plant should meet before seeking a partnership. It was completely humbling for them to recognize that we met those standards and then some. God. is. good.
Wednesday we got back from the conference around 6pm, and at 7pm we went to a homeless outreach event. Can I just say God knows what He's doing? He knows what He's doing. There's an organization in Indio called The Narrow Door, which acts as a food bank for the Coachella Valley. Every Wednesday night they put on a "Church without Walls" at a park in the heart of South Indio. This park is a consistent hangout spot for homeless individuals, prostitutes, and recovering addicts. The Narrow Door decided to take advantage of this spot and use the location as an opportunity for ministry. At the Church without Walls, there is a short sermon, hot dinner, clothing for those who need it, and fellowship every Wednesday night. Its beautiful, to say the least. Mark has preached there a few times over the last several weeks and thought I would like it. I DID. Though I was exhausted from the weekend, I was stoked for God working here! After a few days of information overload, a night of diving into service was...well, perfect. I really can't believe God's favor.
Thursday: um. interesting. So! On Wednesday night, I met a homeless woman Mark has been talking to for the last few weeks. Mark had mentioned that she was a Christian and may be interested in discipleship, so I started talking to her. We agreed to meet the next morning at 7:30am for coffee. Now prior to this arrangement, I mentioned to her I had a meeting to go to at 8am the next morning.
"What kind of meeting?"
"A monthly, city council type meeting discussing what's going on with the Youth of Indio."
"Oh, well then maybe I'll just come with you."
I initially responded, "Sure!" seeing as I thought it was a public meeting, I didn't see why she had any less right to go than I. So we agreed to meet at 7:30 to get coffee and then head over together.
Here's where the drama began.
After saying yes to her, I immediately started having second thoughts. I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for my relationship with her to go to this meeting together. I hadn't confirmed that anyone could go to this meeting without being asked. I thought I had made a mistake. So I talked to Mark about it, and agreeing he said we should check out the meeting, make sure you don't need an invitation, before she comes to the next one. Since it was pretty late at this point, I decided I would just tell her tomorrow morning when we met.
The following morning, she showed up 15 min late for our coffee date. I told her I only had 10 min before I had to head to the youth meeting, and after thinking about it, I didn't think it was a great idea if she came with us to this meeting and suggested she comes with us next month.
She starts panicking.
"Well now I don't have anywhere to go! I thought I was gonna be with you and I don't have a safe place to be for the next couple hours, I don't have a place to put my stuff. Now what do I do?"
In my head I'm thinking, your guess is as good as mine, girl. But I apologize and say
"I really just don't know for sure that you can come. I should have checked beforehand if it was invite only."
"Well, what if I just wait outside for you?"
I call Mark. Double check.
"Okay, I think that would be alright."
We go to the Boys and Girls club where the meeting is being held. Of course, there are no seating options outside. I say
"Well you could sit inside, instead. I'm sure there's a lobby where you could wait."
We go in, the meeting is smack in front of our faces. I don't know what to do.
Seeing as there were only 40ish seats, I say that I don't think it is a public meeting.
"Well, can't you just ask someone? Why don't you do that and I'm gonna head to the bathroom."
"Alright."
What.
I just moved here 5 days ago. I have no clue who anyone in this room is, I don't know how to begin to explain to ANYONE what kind of situation I'm in with this woman. I decide to stand firm and go tell her she can't come.
I walk into the bathroom: "You know, I don't think it is an open meeting. I'm so sorry, I never should have said you could come."
"Stop apologizing! It's alright, I will talk to them."
She walks out of the bathroom. Walks STRAIGHT up to the board who is running the meeting. Introduces herself to each person, shakes their hand, and starts explaining her life story.
"You know, I've been on the streets or the last 6 months. I was involved with drugs and stuff, you know, but now I'm trying to get right with God and I'm volunteering and stuff. I live right on King Street, man, right in the heart of it all. I have a lot of history in youth ministry and was just wondering if I could sit in on the meeting today?"
The look on the councilmen's faces: purely stunned. But, surprisingly they say
"Of course, it's open to everyone! Take a seat."
Now I'm all distracted and completely can't focus on the meeting, but I'm glad they let her stay and I'm glad I got to spend time with her! Seeing through her eyes was a blessing and not at all what I had anticipated for the day. God is definitely at work here, that's undeniable. The fact that I've been going nonstop since I've been here is testament to that. There is need for willing hands and feet, which is exactly what we are humbly attempting to be.
PRAYER REQUESTS:
- My relationship with this homeless woman. I want to develop healthy boundaries with her and am not sure how to do it. Pray God would bless our relationship and make it into what He wants.
- This homeless woman. Pray for her protection, safety, and ultimately that she would come to walk with Jesus in every part of her life.
- People who are willing and able to come and help with our church.
- The church service this Sunday. That God would abide and speak, and that we would have open ears, minds, and hearts to Him.
- Unity in Indio. It's ABUNDANTLY clear that this city is suffering from division. Between families, between churches, between individuals. Pray God would BREAK THAT OFF and that we would come together, finding community in the name of Jesus Christ.
- That God would continue to bless and unite the Salazars together as a family centered on Him.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Here!
So apparently I'm already terrible at keeping this blog. I said I would update it last week: clearly didn't happen. But I really am going to try! I promise! So for those who haven't heard, and maybe didn't see the title, I'M HERE!! I arrived in Indio Saturday afternoon and have just finished unpacking my room. Praise the Lord all of my stuff fits! You don't think you have that much stuff until you have to fit it in your Ford Focus. Yeah, I've got a good amount of stuff. Anyways, the stuff and self is moved in and I'm feeling GREAT! So stoked for starting this journey.
Church went really well yesterday. We have two family who come on Sundays, who have been really consistent, Praise Him! Yesterday, we continued our study through the book of James and talked about the pursuit of wisdom, what it means to be wise, and the difference between knowledge and wisdom. It was a really great discussion; we talked about our perspective on what knowledge is, what areas we have doubt with God, and what integrity is. I'm so excited for next week because I'm running the kids' classroom and we are going to talk about what prayer is! One of my favorite subjects :-).
Today through Wednesday, Mark, Kristi, the kids, and I are headed off to Tustin for a Church Building Conference at Crossroad Church. Mark is really excited about this event. PRAYER RESUEST: Please pray that God would speak to us while we are there; may our ears, eyes, minds, and hearts be open to His spirit. Also, could you pray for the kids that they would not be stressed out and that the days would pass by with plenty to entertain them :-).
Can't wait to see the Lord work over the next few days.
Question for the day: In what area of your life do you doubt God the most? Feel free to start his discussion in the comments, or just ponder it yourself.
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