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

have you had a day recently

Where you just couldn't get it together - whatever "it" was...

I have been feeling so caught off guard by the emotions that rise up in my chest throughout my days. I can't even put my finger on whatever "it" is that keeps coming back.

Different things can push that button... where I just can't contain the tears that hide behind my eyes... a child spills milk on a freshly washed floor and I crumble... my husband gives word of another long trip... and something deep breaks... relationships already strained are even heavier this season... and it feels long and weary...

I'm sensing the "it" in my life... and I will never get "it" together... I need Jesus. He's the only one who can put it all together... the pieces that have come unglued and unraveled. He alone can pour strength into a lifeless bunch of bones and skin.

I am needing Him this Christmas and I won't find him under a tree or wrapped in paper. I will only find the One I need at a cross... I need to go and sit with him awhile... and am needing Him to also come find me...again. I need Him to whisper to my hard heart... I am stubborn and won't always run fast back to Him - I find that so strange, needing rich peace, but choosing to shoulder a burden on my own shoulders a while longer. Why? What good does that bring?

It brings nothing. I am nothing. Jesus, could you please come find me again? I am wanting to feel your arms around me. I realize you have never let me go, but I am too hard to feel much right now. I know you know that already. Ps 139 says so... I cling to those promises I have in my head and plead for warmth that comes only from your love to feel it in my heart... I need your rich, deep love to soften my hard exterior ... to ease my mind and soften my heart and to enable me to let it all go...open hands...open heart... open life... Let your life pour into mine. Oh, I am so much in need... Come find me, Jesus... bring life and healing and wisdom and peace... Oh what sweet, sweet gifts you bring at Christmas... what love you bring, King Jesus...

Ever Present Help

So my oldest turns 6 today! I am taken back by how quickly these seemingly long moments of each day quickly become such fleeting years. I honestly need to learn better how to embrace THIS MOMENT.

God is an ever present help. I read that constantly. I must admit that I don't know if that head knowledge reaches my heart often enough these days... Day that swirl about me as I nurse my 4 week old, change the diaper on my 19 month old, fix broken toys and bruised egos of the other three kiddos... and throw in a dash of laundry, cooking and pick-up.

Ever present help in time of need...

Why do I think God can only handle my Big Stuff sometimes? Do I really believe that He's unable to care for the small detail of my day? Of course I don't. I know He's big enough, but I don't live that trust out in my day to day all of the time. I try to tackle far too much on my own strength. It turns out upside down... Either I accomplish what I set out to do and I am overcome with much pride. Or I just plain ole fail.

Ever present help in time of need...

Today my sweet girl is 6! Lord, I want to full know and trust in every detail that you are BIG enough to handle everything in my day. I need to KNOW you are ever present and offering a hand in EVERY moment so I can live that out in faith each day... It's a gift I can daily give my kiddos... I want them to KNOW early on you alone are our ever present help... You fill up this house and make it a home. You take 7 VERY different people and bring us together to make it a family. We need you. We love you.

Lord, 6 years ago today I became someone's Mommy. I was forever changed the moment she was laid in my arms. Lord, I thank you for the many blessing you have entrusted to me. I am overwhelmed with how good you are to me and the favor you have bestowed on me, an unworthy traveler. Walk with me, Lord. Thank you for being the prefect help I need in every moment in every need... big or small...

Love you.

Being Intentional

With the birth of sweet AK, came the inevitable change in our family "routine" ... So while we are in the process of adjusting, I'm implementing "Messy Mondays with Mama" and "Family Fridays" ... I'm praying God's help with this every step of the way. I am a creature of habit and without his help, this will only remain an idea.

The Rules for Mondays: #1 Have fun! Enjoy the Moments!
#2 No cleaning (except the kitchen table and floor) during the day! That
stuff can wait till the evening - it's not going anywhere... These
moments sure are!
#3 Limit the distractions: no phone, computer, tv during the day.
#4 Have fun! Enjoy the Moments!!!

*** School on Mondays will change as well. We'll be doing messy craft projects, art, etc. on Messy Mondays. We'll continue to read, but the other subjects can wait. I have wee ones around and want to enjoy these sweet blessings that God has entrusted to my care... I am certain he will continue to bless their minds and such in the way of formal education as we're seeking to be even more intentional about creating a closer togetherness with each other and Him.

Family Fridays: This will consist of our regular school day and a.m. and p.m. chore packs (thank Mrs Duggar for that lovely idea) But in the afternoon we'll make our Friday pizzas together - and we'll even make our own cheese once in awhile! They love fresh Mozzarella! Friday nights are family night where we play games or watch a family movie with popcorn and end the night with family reading time all together! This will help set the tone for our weekends - to be conscious of taking the time to really seek the moments we can as a complete family... to enjoy each other and really get to know these sweet people we do daily life with!


Dear God,
I am so unworthy and in adequate to care for these 5 small sheep. They will surely follow where I am leading, Lord. So I pray that you enable me to follow you more closely. I can't do anything on my own. I pray you will place your hand of blessing on these small ideas for creating even more closeness in our family. You know me, Father, all too well. You know I crave order in our home.... and you also know that it distracts me from my kiddos at times. I don't choose "the better" often enough - time with you and time with them... So I am asking for you to help us grow closer as as family to you and to each other - - - using whatever means you need to do that.

In Jesus' name,
Amen