Bumpy Roads

Sometimes I can get pretty sick of going over those bumps that come along my path. You know what I mean? Have you ever felt that way? Sometimes my attitude is like, "can't I just get through stuff without so many hurdles?" Is it okay if I be honest here? I mean I like to be real when I write. I write what is on my heart, and I love to share what God teaches me because that is a lot! I always think of Hebrews 12:1 I feel like that is the theme verse of my life, because it says we must throw off everything and run with perseverance. It gets rather difficult sometimes to keep running when you're tired and your heart is burning. But we never have to run in our own strength. God gives us the strength to run each race, and He promises that He will never leave us. What do we do when we have an attitude of I just can't do it anymore? Maybe you feel just plain sick of running and moving forward. We are human, and sometimes we do feel that way don't we? It is okay, but when we are tempted to have that sour attitude, we have to seek God and ask Him to help us turn it around. Something that I like to do when my heart is downcast and I feel really low with a rotten attitude I like to stop and think about all that I have.

I have many blessings. It helps me to stop and think about that. I also like to read the Psalms because David writes so much about what he is feeling. I can relate to a lot of it and I like to make it personal and pray those Psalms. God wants us to pray what is on our hearts, and He is always there to listen anytime day or night. When I spend my time focussing on God and how much He loves me and spend less time feeling sorry for myself, it feels as though I have had an attitude turn-around and everything becomes so much greater. So when you face that bump in the road it is your choice on how you handle it. I enourage you to be real about it. Talk to God about how you are feeling, and you may want to find a trusted friend and allow them to be your prayer warrior. That is one of the greatest blessings you can have is someone who will pray with you, and more than that a heavenly Father who will always be there listening to your cries. You can find shelter in His arms. So turn on some encouraging worship music, lay your head back, and allow yourself to melt away in the arms of Jesus. There is no greater place to be.

Christmas Time is Here

Merry Christmas everyone! It is a glorious time of year, isn't it? Last weekend I was able to travel to Mexico for the first time in several months and be a part of the staff conference as well as the all base staff Christmas party. I was encouraged greatly. God had a lot to share with me but something that I felt was most important for me to know was that God has been working in me and is able to do much more than I can ever imagine. Grant it I already knew that, but lately I haven't been necessarily taking that to heart as much as I should have been. I have fought a lot with discouragement off and on and many times have let that get the best of me. God has been very patient with me and last weekend I believe He had a lot that He taught me and reminded me of. I am very thankful that God continues to use my weaknesses for His glory and in spite of the difficulties, He becomes strong in me. He reminds me to keep looking up into the face of Jesus and to trust Him always. There isn't anything that is impossible with Him.

Maybe this Christmas is a difficult time for you. Maybe you have lost a loved one and are experiencing a lot of pain. Or maybe you or a loved one are fighting a difficult illness. Maybe you are dealing with financial hardship. Maybe you are struggling with discouragement. Or maybe you are far away from family and feel like you have to spend Christmas alone this year. Whatever it is that you are facing, know you are not facing it alone. I know what you may be thinking, that's easy for me to say. I do understand what it means to go through a hard time. I have had many experiences in my life that most people my age have not dealt with. What has helped me to overcome it, is God's amazing grace. His strength is what has ultimately kept me going. His strength is what will carry you through as well. Life can be very hard at times. But God is so faithful. Trust God with all of your heart. Though you may continue to struggle and face hardship, you are not ever walking it alone. God is walking through those dark valleys with you. One day you will make it to the other side and reach the top of that mountain. Keep climbing and don't give up.

God loves you. That is what Christmas is all about. Love came down over two thousand years ago through a little baby born in Bethlehem, born in a stable. The King of kings came down from heaven above and became one of us. He was born to die. Why? All because He loved us so much. He took all of our pain upon Himself. His name is Jesus. Emmanuel. God with us. God is with us. He loves us and He understands what you go through each day. Not matter what it is. This Christmas may you remember the true meaning. May you experience the everlasting love of your Father in Heaven. Have a very blessed Christmas my friends. Always remember God loves you more than you can imagine.

Idaho?

Okay, before you think I'm moving to Idaho or something along those lines let me explain that is not the case here. So, now that that is settled, let me move on to why the title.

Actually, writing this post has been on my heart for a while now, I just haven't made the time to sit down and write it. A couple of weeks ago I was walking around SeaPort Village, one of my favorite spots for evangelism. I was wearing a t-shirt that simply had Idaho written across it. I guess not too many people walk around San Diego with that t-shirt these days, because I received more comments and attention than I ever have before. They weren't mean comments, but rather it opened up a few doors to talk to people, or even more simply smile and wave at them as we passed each other. Those I talked with thought I was a tourist from Idaho. Yes originally I am from Idaho, but I was not a tourist. Anyways, the point that I'm trying to make is, people were interested because of what I was wearing, and asked what brought me to San Diego. At the end of the day as I drove back I thought maybe a cool idea of an ice breaker would be to wear shirts from other states around the country other than California, because that seemed to spark up some interests, and when people ask what brings you here, that is the perfect opportunity to tell them what you're doing.

That same day, I talked with the same homeless man that I usually talk with in that area. He sits in the same spot pretty much everyday. He has the same prayer request for his health and still has never looked up as he talks to me. I don't what goes on in his daily life, or much about his story, other than he has had horrible experiences with his family. God keeps asking me to talk with him and pray for him, and I know I have to continue to be obedient to that. It is hard, because I see a man that is hurting so much and has a heavy burden and really needs the strong arms of Jesus to lift it off his shoulders. I prayed with him again, and it is my prayer that God will revive his heart and he will come to know Jesus as his Savior.

Each week as I've gone out has been different. Sometimes I talk to a few people and pray with them, other times it turns out to be a prayer walk. God continues to use both for His purpose and glory. It is a blessing, it really is. Whether I'm wearing the Idaho shirt or something else, I want people to see Jesus in me as I walk by. That is who I am serving, and Jesus is the one who has brought me here.

God is Faithful Through the Challenges

It has been nearly six months now since I've been battling the headaches. There still hasn't been a miraculous solution and doctors have tried many different strategies. I have definitely fought the battles of frustration and discouragement. I may not ever understand the big question of why. There are days where I don't feel like going forward, there are days when I ask myself is it ever going to end, and there are days when I want to scream.

However, even though I've had those rough days, God faithfulness has continued. In spite of it all, I still count the trials as a blessing. Every one of them. I have challenged others to persevere through their struggles and to remember to keep their eyes on Jesus, and I challenge myself the same thing everyday. I have blown it several times, but God still forgives me, and wants me to get back up and follow Him. Life is a journey. It's a journey about faith, enduring hardship, and picking up the cross and following in the steps of our Savior Jesus Christ. The road we are led on is narrow, it has bumps in it, and sometimes we may trip over the bumps and fall, but God catches us everytime.

Jesus suffered for me all because of love. He wants me to spend an eternity with Him, and He knew the only way that would be possible is if He died on the cross and took my punishment upon Himself. He did that for the world. But there is a world full of people who do not know Jesus. Jesus called me to serve Him, and tell others about Him. He never promised that if I follow Him I would live a pain free life. He has promised however, that He would always be with me and guide me in every step I take. He promised to never give more than what I can handle. One thing I know is that God says to "Endure hardship like a good soldier in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 2:3) I'm a soldier for Christ. I will endure the sufferings for Christ even if that means I have to battle headaches for the rest of my life. My life on earth is temporary. I have an enternal destiny waiting for me. I want to do everything God calls me to do here on earth so I can receive the crown of glory at my finish line.

God will be faithful through all the challenges. He always has been and He always will be. I want God to use me to touch the lives around me. I want Him to continue to use me to keep planting those seeds. The Holy Spirit will continue to do so, and He will continue to work in the hearts of those I minister to. Through all ups and downs, I'm never going to stop running for my King. That is my purpose, and God will be with me through it all, both now and forevermore.

Father God, you are so faithful. Thank You for Your faithfulness, and unconditional love. God, though it isn't easy, You have always been by my side. I have been drawn closer to You through every trial of my life. You had a marvelous plan for me before I was even born, help me to follow that plan. I love You Lord, and I want to share Your love with those all around me. Lead me and guide me, and help me to never stop running no matter how much it may hurt. I pray for Your will to be done. Forgive me for when I fail and help me to do what is pleasing to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

It's Just Heartbreaking

I don't understand why sometimes there are people who are completely ignored like they don't even matter. I mean, when observing people and how they interact with others can be pretty hard sometimes. Let me explain what I'm getting at here. Today I was eating some lunch and I noticed a homeless man walk by. He smiled and waved, I smiled and waved back. A few minutes later I saw the man walk away, and as he walked by someone else he smiled and waved at them. The people he waved to, completely ignored him as if he didn't exist. I had to ask myself why did that just happen? He was just being friendly, not even asking for anything in return other than a wave, and smile.

I witness this kind of behavior very often. I see people walking by homeless people as if they're invisible. It really breaks my heart to see people ignored, forgotten, and sometimes even beaten. I've heard many stories from many homeless men and women in both San Francisco, and San Diego and every one of them broke my heart in one way or another. I've said this a while back, but I'll say it again.... my heart has been ruined, but ruined in love. There is a lot that I've witnessed already, but it has only given me a bigger love for these people. God has given me such a heart for them. The more I see people ignored, the more I want to sit by there side and let them know that they are valuable. They are loved. They do have a purpose. They are not forgotten. They need to hear it time and time again, because most of them don't feel that way.

God loves them. He loves all of us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. God loves everyone from rich to poor, young to old. God's love is so great that there isn't anything you can do to change that. Our job is to share that love. Let the world know who Jesus is and be the hands and feet of Jesus. It is something that I strive to do each day. With God's power working in me, and His strength guiding me through, I can. I want to continue to sit next to the hurting people in this world and listen to their story, but more imporantly tell them that God loves them. Share with them what Jesus did for them, and pray for them.

"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." Matthew 25:40

Father, I pray that You will continue to break my heart for what breaks Yours. I pray for the people who feel forgotten, and unloved. Help Your children to share that love. Help us to let our lights shine for You. God I pray that those who feel alone, that You will surround them with Your presence. Fill their hearts with Your love, and may they have that everlasting joy and happiness that only You can give. God give me the words to share with them. I pray that Your Name will be glorified. In my weakness may you become strong. In Jesus' Name, Amen.