Under the Overpass

When I received my copy of Under the Overpass, I thought it would simply be an interesting read about street life in America. Having a background in the social welfare area, I wasn't expecting too many surprises. The truth is, I was surprised. Yes, it is a book about life on the streets in America, but it goes much deeper than that. God truly had many "surprises" waiting for me in the pages of the book...and I'd bet He has them waiting there for you as well.

The journey that Mike and Sam embark on opened my eyes to what to what I have often closed my eyes to. That though I can give money and offer to serve food in a soup kitchen, I don't always fully open my heart to those I serve. I have too often remained at a "comfortable distance" and have failed to deeply connect to those I am reaching out to. All too often, we the Body of Christ, choose not to really see those struggling on the street... quickly forgetting they are people made in the very image of our Creator - just like us.

This is truly an inspiring book and I honestly believe if more people read it, God could move mountains in a harvest of people who need our love more even more than our money...who need our respect even more than food to fill their bellies.

Please read this book and be opened to change from the inside out.



**I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah in exchange for a personal review.

Praying for others: the mark it leaves on our own hearts...

I was re-reading this post and praying for this sweet baby and her family...and thanking God for drawing close to us - I was reminded in my Bible reading this morning what a fool I often am ... and in that foolishness of thought and action the God of the Universe draws nearer to me still... and loves me so much that he willingly leans in close to take in each one of my offered prayer-words.

I called the kids to pray with me over this sweet baby. I explained that she was born a little while ago and was really sick and we needed to pray. Em's eyes filled with tears (she's so tenderhearted) and she quickly prayed for Jesus to heal this sweet baby and with heads bowed, I prayed with prayer-words a plea to Jesus and teaching words to my kiddos, that Jesus, the hear-er of all our prayers, knew exactly when this sweet baby would be welcomed into the world and he knew exactly when those breaths stopped and knows, even now, how many breaths she will take before He carries her back home.

Em broke out in full out sobs and interrupted with, "Mom, I don't like that the baby is sick. Can Jesus let her stay longer?" I said I didn't know, but that we were asking him if she could. If she can't and he wants to take her back to her home in heaven, that we were asking Jesus to comfort her parents and help them not to be sad for too long. That they would cling to the hope we have in Jesus no matter what happens...

Lord, I am overwhelmed with emotion and at a loss for words. I deeply love each of my dear children who are so willing to pray for others ...for Em's heart who is moved to tears over the pain someone is experiencing. Forgive me for not always looking closer, bending low, to see that that little girl holds one heck of a lot of love for everyone she encounters. I'm grateful to have the chance to see such a beautiful heart in her. May she always have Your heart for others, Lord. Thank you, words not enough dear Father, that by Your amazing grace,, I get to be their mama...

Happy Birthday, Donnie!

Today this guy would be 45! Donnie, ya old fart you! He was the most hilarious guy and bestest uncle on the planet! He was also a FABULOUS Daddy to his two kiddos! He was the biggest prankster and always pullin' some crazy joke on someone. He made us all laugh till it hurt! Even with all the brain surgeries and all that goes with them, he made the doctors and nurses laugh. He still played jokes. The bestest part - He chose to see Jesus in and through it all.... and was such a witness for the kingdom. What a truly amazing guy. No doubt the angels are laughin' hysterically today, Donnie. Hope you are having a wonderful day with grandpa. I miss you guys and love you much!

a fresh, new year

Happy New Year! Last year when I began this crazy online journal of sorts I felt it was going to be a year of big changes. It certainly was! Most of them took place in my own skin... I was stretched and grew in many areas...

So what lies ahead of 2011? While I do not yet have any details, I trust God will stretch me and grow me again this year. I pray to have a heart willing to step out of my usual routine and habits and follow hard after God in obedience - wherever that leads me. I want to have faith like Abraham...picking up and heading out even when I don't know where we're going...fully placing my confidence in my God. I know I will undoubtedly find myself in the desert at times (perhaps both literally and figuratively speaking) and will have to put one foot in front of the other and choose to see the circumstances of life through God instead of through me. I will also have times where we stand on the mountaintop together - and rest, breathing easy as I take in the site.

Yes, as with any year, God has much in store for me. I pray to live a life of meaning - a life that has an eternal impact and to lay aside all the things that so easily distract me from what He's called me to do and be here on this side of heaven. I especially pray for deeper connectedness with the people God has so graciously brought into my life... namely my hubby and my kiddos. I want to leave a rich legacy of faith when I leave this world...

I have a good friend who had me thinkin' of one word to focus on this year... I didn't read her entire blog post yet, bc I have been thinkin' of that one word for me this year and didn't want her ideas and thoughts to sway me in any one direction. She's got an awesome heart and I know I could easily be swayed instead of taking time to ask God for my own word... :)


I think heritage is a mighty fine word to focus on this year... I have really been meaning to get into more study of the Old Testament for awhile ... I am also interested in digging into my own past a bit to see what I have mistakenly brought with me that really needs to be let go of. And I'd like to seek out more and more ways to build something of great worth and value that is worth leaving to our children... a family life rich in a heritage of faith.


Hope this New Year finds you counting your blessings and maybe finding your own special word to focus on!

Lisa