Motel Communities

Though I have not written much of anything about my job, it is a subject that is much on my mind. During our weekly outreaches to the low income motels, we interact with the dregs of society, incredibly broken people who can only be healed and restored through God's love. Poverty does not mandate addiction, but there certainly is a determined, vicious cycle. People are trapped by their desires, mental illnesses, traumatic past, lack of knowledge, or all of the above. It is hard to give advice on how to rescue the children even though I work with a dedicated group of service providers who spend much time and money trying to reach the families. The more I work in broken sectors, the more I am reminded of our desperate need for God. Passion and care are not enough to help these people. Only God can change their lives, restore their minds, and protect innocent ones. He is also the only one who can accurately say the degree of personal responsiblity versus tragic circumstances that causes people to live in death (yes, an accurate oxymoron) and brokenness.

Please pray for your communities. Even if you do not live in a low-income community as I do, there are countless homes with income of all levels that wear a different face of dysfunction. Be ready and available for God to use you to impact others.

Things I Like IIIV

Trader Joe's
My apartment
When things match without planning ("happy accidents" such as my stamp and my address book this morning)
Free stuff
Singing
My family
Settlers of Catan
Yellow squash, sauteed
The United States Post Office
Thrift stores
John Denver songs (in moderation)
Gift cards
Sweet peas
House Beautiful
Well-kept gardens
Arboretums
Donovan
Vacations
Sleep
Public accolades that are not overly effusive
Unexpectedly running into people I know and like
The word "turnip"

Dearly loved childhood toys

Old and new

My old half room at 1234 Stafford Street in SLO (my last housing in college) Dimly lit pictures of my current apartment. I've since added a mirror and graphic letters to the walls. My cantankerous camera would not take a nonblurry picture of the bedroom and bathroom. Most everything you see in this picture was obtained for free. God is gracious and generous!

3-7 highlights

Sunday: Spending time with the fam and Donovan
Monday: Power nap, worshipping Jesus
Tuesday: Unexpectedly singing "El Condor Pasa"
Wednesday: Shrimp and lemon pasta from Trader Joe's
Thursday: Snow on the San Bernadino mountains (viewed on the way to a conference in Palm Springs)
Friday: Sleeping in (due to "overtime" from conference), Peppermint Patties

Reminder

Why are you cast down, O my soul?
And why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
The help of my countenance and my God.
Psalm 42:11

Building and Guarding

Though I've never claimed to be indefatigable, my body has been shutting down more of late. As I am decidedly not pregnant and have not changed my diet, I'm unsure as to the cause. Veronica and I continue to attend bootcamp workout twice a week, so former theories as to my lack of exertion do not apply.

Self-improvement continues at a rapid pace with dance class beginning next week. Though I have not learned too much from voice class, I was asked to be a back-up singing for the upcoming Latin concert. Granted, the pool was rather limited. On the social front, the VISTAs have been converging in small groups relatively often with happy hour every other week, ethnic food club once a month, and book club every now and then.

Lately, the Lord has oft reminded me of Psalm 127:1 -- "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."

Happy Monday.