This is the day that the Lord hath made!
I will rejoice and be glad in it!
Thank you Dear Jesus, merciful God for this day that I shall be healed! Thank you for our friends and family who are praying to YOU! YOU who are ever loving, constant, present, mighty, comforting and all that we need!
GOING4GOD! IN JESUS POWERFUL NAME!
Lori
Lord I pray for you to be with our family as we go forward with this surgery. Be with the doctors and nurses and guide their hands.
Lord you said, Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise -Jeremiah 17:14 . Be with Lori and give her strength, calm her worries and IN JESUS NAME HEAL HER. Be with Anthony, Maddie and Cece and let them know that your plan in all of this is perfect.
Lord I repent of all of my sins and ask for your forgiveness.
In your name I pray.
Rudy
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Dear Jesus,
We come before you Lord as your children with thanksgiving in our hearts and minds and homes~ for all you have provided~ even all the struggles this year that have drawn us closer to you~ all things that you have brought into our lives~ people, faces, communities~ for the children in TJ and the children in Metairie, LA...for Pastor Martha, Pastor Troy, Pastors Jimmy, Thomas, Tom and Dan, Pastor Russ, Streetwise Ministry, RAVEN TEAM, for mighty intercessors of prayer around the country and around the world~ For the countless blessings from around this neighborhood of all those who have contributed to this ministry, our home, our friends, our churches. We give thanks to you Lord who is big enough to bring 600 toys to our children who never doubted you would; who is mightier than cancer; who is kind, merciful, lovely and perfect. Lord, we thank you for your presence, your hope and every relationship you have given to us to get to know you better. With joyful hearts we declare that the enemy has been defeated this year~ that you are our KING and we give you thanks on this day and everyday! And we all come before you to say, AMEN!
Brother Brian, I cannot express in words how proud I am of you. I know your actions today were just your reasonable service but your love for Christ and seeing him in the people you serve is truely commendable. Thank you for setting the bar high.
Semper Fi in Christ
Rudy
Anthony went down to TJ and met Pastor Martha and got to play his favorite sport basketball w/ the kids down there~ and they are in need of a Basketball Hoop for the church!
Anthony agreed that's what they need the most :) The Brascia Boys and Anthony have decided to get the hoop! If you're a friend of Anthony, Dominic and Hayden... and you love to watch them play hoops... please consider donating $20+ towards the hoop...if we get more than enough for the hoop we'll buy some basketballs!!!
Please email Lori@UGO4GOD.com for more info or give the donations to the boys!
EVERY Pastor and Church leader needs to hear this:
NOTE: The following is an extract from the book,"The Heavenly Man" by Brother Yun. Yun is a Pastor and House-Church leader in Communist China. His dedication to Jesus has lead to his being both imprisoned and tortured for his faith.
He is speaking here of what it will take for theWestern church to see Revival.
Brother Yun, "Many pastors in Europe and America have told me they want to see great revival. I'm frequently asked, 'Why is China experiencing revival but most places in the West are not?' This is a big question to answer, but some reasons are very apparent to me.
When I'm in the West, I see all the mighty church buildings and all the expensive equipment, plush carpets, and state-of-the-art soundsystems. I can assure the Western church with absolute certainty that you don't need any more church buildings. Church buildings will never bring the revival you seek. The pursuit of more possessions will never bring revival.
Jesus truly stated, "A man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." -Lk 12:15.
The first thing needed for revival to return to your churches is the Word of the Lord. God's Word is missing. Sure, there are many preachers and thousands of tapes and videos of Bible teaching, but so little contains the sharp truth of God's Word. It's the truth that will set you free. Not only is knowledge of God's Word missing, but obedience to that Word.
There's not much action taking place. When revival came to believers in China, the result was thousands of evangelists being sent out to all corners of the nation, carrying fire from the altar of God with them. When God moves in the West, it seems you want to stop and enjoy His presence and blessings too long, and build an altar to your experiences.You can never really know the Scriptures until you're willing to be changed by them.
All genuine revivals of the Lord result in believers responding with action and soul winning. When God truly moves in your heart you cannot remain silent. There will be a fire in your bones, like Jeremiah, who said, "His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot."Jeremiah 20:9.
Furthermore, it's only when we step out in obedience and share the gospel with people that we come to know God's blessing in every area of our lives. That is why the Apostle Paul wrote to his co-worker Philemon,
"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." -Philemon v.6.
I've seen people in Western Churches worshiping as if they're already in heaven. Then someone invariably brings a comforting message, like, "My children, I love you. Don't be afraid, I'm withyou." I'm not opposed to such words, but why is it that nobody seems to hear a Word from the Lord like, "My child, I want to send you to the slums of Asia or the darkness of Africa to be my messenger to people dying in their sin."?
Good morning everyone!
You're invited this Sunday to our last OPEN HOUSE for Toys for TJ!
Our Home, 2-4pm
There are a lot of toys collected but we do need toys for boys/girls 10 and up!
Art & Bead kits, beanie babies and soccer/basketballs would be GREAT!
So, as most of you know I'm having surgery next week and will be in the hospital a couple of days and then the Gonzalez Home won't be open for more info about TJ! This Sunday please make the attempt to come to the ONLY meeting, question/answer time about teams heading to TJ. Several people have been asking for us to get the info to them in different ways and we can't guarantee that will happen after Sunday as we'll be recovering and trying at best to have a quiet home!
That means no follow up on email/phone/in person after this Sunday!
So, if you cannot make it, send someone for you to get the info and be sure you're signed up to go as we are supporting efforts w/ Streetwise Ministry and Pastor Martha in TJ and putting together teams now! If you are interested in going but don't see your name on this list, please email me ASAP so you and your family will be confirmed on the list and come to the Open House! Again, we thank everyone who has been praying to be a part of the Happy Birthday Jesus Celebration! Here's who we have confirmed this weekend that are going:
Rudy, Maddie, Cece Gonzalez & Lisa K.
Brian, Teri, Joey, Jamie Bennett
Tonie Q., Sean & Orion
Andy & Val Simms
Chris, Shawna, Jenna, Connor S.
Nick Paff
Pete & Olwyne N.
Courtney Blondina
Frank Blondina
Angine, Sophia & Dominic Blondina
Rachael Blondina
Forrest & Stacie
Jeff, Judy, Emilee Harris
Rich, Karen, Josiah, Hez Donaghy
Esther De La Torre
If you don't see your name(s) on the list please confirm ASAP as you're not on a team 'til then! We are hoping to get a bus to take across the border so we need a final head count~ email # of people going (kids too) to get your name on the list~ or post it on the blog, thanks all! Lori@UGO4GOD.com
Thank you to OREACH TEAM today who decided to GO4GOD in Apple Valley!
I don't even know how many showed up, so many! If I could address all of you as God's child~ God's servant, God's messengers~ All of your names~ WOW. Thank you for being doers, not hearers only of the WORD!
Thank you also to the Holl Family and their daughters Evie (8) and Gillian (6) who saved all their money and donated it to be used for OUTREACH. Thank you for HOPE CHAPEL CHILDREN who don't get why us adults hesitate to serve but GO4GOD and encourage us parents and adults to throw away our excuses~ affirming and motivating us into action for JESUS!
Thank you especially to Bobby and Dot Chance who took their "free" afternoon up here to join us in bringing our love for Jesus through worship and ministry in Apple Valley!
Thank you for all the clothes, food, face paint, worship, prayers, bbq, set up, clean up, hugs, handshakes, introductions, photography and love given out today to our neighbors.
Dear Jesus,
We stand in faith with our neighbors, your children who are seeking you. We lift up Johnny and Francis who we have made contact with today in Apple Valley. Lord, we ask a special blessing on them and all the children there who witnessed your love for them through an ordinary afternoon. We thank you Father in advance of the VICTORY, your VICTORY of winning their hearts and minds! We praise you for each conversation, each blessing that once again came to our home and we are overwhelmed at your blessings ten fold, constantly reaching this doorstep. Lord, I ask for protection of these families, of their minds, of their homes. I ask that you will be merciful to them, strengthen them, lift them up that all of those children who prayed you into their hearts today Jesus, that they would arise and become mighty young men and women of God. That they would rebuke the enemy and turn their hearts and minds and focus on YOU, Father God. Dear Jesus we ask that more teams from Hope Chapel East, Hope Chapel West, Hope Chapel Windsor would come together to serve you through OUTREACH right here. The mission field is inside our homes, outside our cars, in our neighborhoods, down our streets...let us arise and be present shouting your name with boldness and truth and grace~ your truth, Jesus, let it be known in Sonoma County. Lord, thank you for the glimpse of your love today in action~ In Jesus POWERFUL Name! AMEN
Holly's Mom from RAVEN TEAM needs our prayers! Here's an email Melanie Bohn forwarded to me~ PLEASE PRAY!
HELLO FRIENDS,
I AM WRITING ON BEHALF OF A DEAR AND SPECIAL FRIEND OF MINE, A PRECIOUS SAINT IN THE LORD, SUE SCOTT. SHE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER WHICH THEY HAD TOLD HER THAT IT HAS ADVANCED INTO THE LYMPNODES AND BONE, INOPERABLE..WE HAVE BEEN STANDING IN FAITH WITH HER ,THAT SHE IS HEALED. SHE WENT TO THE DOCTOR YESTERDAY TO SEE WHAT COURSE OF ACTION, IF ANY , THEY MIGHT COULD TRY.WE ARE TAKING THIS AS A POSTIVE RESPONSE ,BY FAITH , THEY WANT MORE TESTS...THE LAST ONES SEEM TO BE INCONCLUSIVE, PRAISE THE LORD !!SHE WILL GET ANOTHER MRI ON TUESDAY. WE ARE GOING TO COVER HER WITH PRAYER AND FAITH, AND ARE BELIEVING IN HIS WORD...."BY HIS STRIPES , SHE IS HEALED" ! SHE IS ALREADY WALKING IN VICTORY AND KNOWS THAT GOD'S ANSWERS ARE "YEAH AND AMEN" IF YOU ARE WILLING TO PRAY ,PLEASE SEND THIS BACK TO ME AND ANY OF YOUR FRIENDS THAT BELIEVE IN MIRACLES AND ARE WILLING TO PRAY IN AGREEMENT. MAY THE LORD BLESS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU THAT SEES THIS AND IS WILLING TO STAND IN THE GAP FOR SUE. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH, SANDY MCGOWAN
So, you want to know what to buy for TJ?
Besides any toys, rice, beans, crayons, markers, face paint, socks, underwear, toothbrushes, toothpaste...
...how about SOCCER BALLS, FOOTBALLS, BASKETBALLS, BASEBALL GLOVES, WIFFLE BATS & WIFFLE BALLS, PLAYGROUND BALLS, NERF BALLS, VOLLEYBALLS!
100 boys living in an orphanage would LOVE THEM!
Thanks EVERYONE!
Outreach tonight fed so many families w/ bags of food and prayers, I'm not sure how many, Hez and Josiah will tell you~ TEAM: Jordan, Maddie, Anthony, Bryce, Cece, Vicki, Dell, Rudy, Tonie, Kelly and mom, Rich & Karen, Hez and Josiah~
THANK YOU for all of the blessings~ there were 3 loads of food, had to be close to 100 bags~ how great is our God? And the faces of the children and how excited they all were to receive~ and how excited they are that church is coming to their neighborhood on Saturday "a las una."
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus!
Thank you James and Josie, Crissi Dillion and Patti Moreci for the donations, Kelly Marshall and mom~ Donaghys, Gonzalez Girls, Kenny Families, all who contributed way more than we had thought would come, but that's how God works!
We encourage all of you to keep praying for outreach ministries to find a time and place here in Sonoma County. We encourage all of you to join us and be church on Saturday in Apple Valley! Meeting at our home at 1:00 and caravaning over.
We need hot dogs and hot dog buns, cases of waterbottles and condiments for the hotdogs, home baked cookies, face paint and everyone to come and worship Jesus together w/ our neighbors across town!
So many toys are coming, so many prayers...how great it is to be a mommy who's kids are encouraging me to GO4GOD! How great it is to be serving the Lord w/ my husband and friends...church friends!
Thank you Jesus for all of the blessings, for the countless prayers~ for Hope Chapel Santa Rosa!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia! DO SOMETHING, DO ANYTHING IN JESUS NAME!
Hooray!
Thank you Tonie and James and Josie~
25 bags started of food! That means 25 families will be witnessed too, today between 4:30-5pm meeting at the Gonzalez home and then heading out to GO4GOD!
Items still are needed to fill up all the bags:
10 rices
1 spaghetti
19 breakfast items
7 lunch items
1 jelly
13 rolls of toilet paper
4 bars of soap
any thing extra you want to put in the bags!
Thank you to everyone checking their cupboards and dropping items off on our porch~
See y'all later!
Dear Jesus, a team wants to go Thursday night but we need bags of groceries and household supplies~ please stir in action the hearts of those wanting to help and fill up our porch before tomorrow~ Thank you for the bags of donations from James and Josie~ last week we had enough food for 16 families! Let's double that this week! Thank you Lord in advance for your message being spread throughout Santa Rosa and Sonoma County. Thank you for the opportunity to worship you and share your word with one person at a time, one heart at a time. Dear Lord, you are so good to us and we want to shout your good news! In your name, AMEN
Ideas for donations in the next days for outreaches on Thursday Night (TIME TBA)
paper towels, paper napkins, soap, dish soap, laundry soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, toilet paper, kleenex, household cleaners....FOOD, think something for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
bags of rice and beans, pasta and sauce, soup, chili, top ramen, peanut butter and jelly, oatmeal, cereal, pancake mix and syrup, tortillas and a comfort food like chocolate chips, cookies, salsa and chips...staples like flour and sugar, salt, shortening, cooking sprays, etc.
SATURDAY OUTREACH and CHURCH OUTREACH:
Need hotdogs, ketchup, mustard, hot dog buns, water bottles, sodas, chips, grapes, children's face paint, tank of gas for bbq, napkins, paper plates
Outreach on Thursday depends on if groceries show up on our porch in the next 24 hours! If they do then we're going at 5pm sharp from our home.
Outreach/Church on Saturday at 1pm (tenative time, check back) Apple Valley, meet here or there~ let us know you are coming to worship and cook for Jesus!
RSVP to Lori@UGO4GOD.com
Hey guys! I got to share some of my thoughts and experiences of my travels this morning. The topic was "Learning Contentedness" based on Philippians 4:10-13. This is what I shared:
The first time I ever traveled outside of the country, I was 17, and I went with a group from my school to the Dominican Republic for 3 weeks. One afternoon, during this trip, several of us were sitting on an old woman’s porch, just relaxing and talking, when my teacher turned to us and asked, “Are you a willow or an oak?” Our initial reaction was “Huh?” Our teacher soon explained to us that although an oak tree appears strong and sturdy, the branches, in great winds, are easily snapped off, whereas a willow tree’s branches merely move with the direction of the wind. At the time, I said, “I am absolutely a willow. I’m flexible and I deal with change easily.”
I’ve found, in my travels since then, that the metaphor of the willow cannot be forgotten. Some people might call it “Rolling with the punches.” Paul says this: “I have learned to be content in every situation.”
Amazingly enough, at 24, I can look back and tell you about time I have spent in 12 different countries. In those times and in those places, I have learned what it means to be a willow. (Or at least how to try…)
Many of the countries I have visited are considered THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. To them, anyone who has money in a checking account is rich.----It is when I visit these countries, and spend time with the people, that I am brought to the realization that I have far more than I could ever need. And even when you have just enough to survive, there is always a way to share what you have with others. IN FACT, I think that the less you have, the easier it is to give away. This is especially visible in fellow Believers.
In 2002, I went to Tijuana with some high school and college students from the church. My first, and most poignant, memory of the church we visited was a woman drying the floor of a classroom with her own sweater, so that we could move our sleeping gear in quickly. I was BLOWN AWAY by her sacrifice. I could not imagine myself doing the same thing. I probably would have suggested waiting, or searched for a towel of some sort. I know this woman did not own much, and she dirtied HER sweater to offer US comfort. The rest of the week, we continued to be amazed at how much we were blessed by those that we expected to come and bless. “THEY have learned to be content in every situation.”
A few years later, during my second trip to Mexico, I again witnessed generosity on a level far-exceeding my own ability to give. Every day that we worked at the church, many of the women made us a mid-morning snack (which was far more than a snack) and lunch. They went to great lengths to make sure we were fed without the chance of becoming sick—for example, they washed all fruits and vegetables they served us with bottled water. And they served every meal with a smile. Even when a few of us were exploring the city with some of the youth of their church, they refused to let us pay for the ice cream we ordered. It is humbling every time I experience these expressions of generosity. “THEY too have learned to be content in every situation.”
But that’s not enough. It’s not enough to just be impressed by the generosity and flexibility of others. It’s a trait that each of us must develop. For me, there are several ways this exhibits itself. Before I visit foreign countries, my biggest concern is whether I’ll like the food. And when I return, my biggest hope is that I will be able to be as content and generous as those we served.
I expected a recent trip, to Cambodia, to stretch my taste buds farther than ever. Those who know me know that I am one of THE pickiest eaters. (I was in high school before I ever learned--kicking and screaming-- to enjoy Chinese food.) But I recognized that there would be no alternative food available when I was in Cambodia and God opened my mind and taste buds to new and exotic foods. I remembered from my time in the Dominican Republic that what I feared wasn’t bad, just unknown. In a simple way God taught me to be content in THIS circumstance.
While I triumphed over my own fears in Cambodia, I recognized that my freedom to have these fears was not available for the people we served. When they had food, they gave thanks. They could not say “No thank you, I don’t like it.” Every meal was a life or death situation. I NEVER before witnessed this level of poverty. Each of our 8-10 sets of clean travel and work clothes looked extravagant in comparison to the few sets of clothing each age group of orphans shared. The treasured soccer ball was one of the only toys around the home, when almost every kid here has an overflowing toy box – I know I did. Work at the home and time at school was treasured, for they recognized that they were privileged to be taken care of so well.
Every time I return home from a mission, I am convicted of all the things I can live without. The believers we met in Cambodia were not only content with what they had but they were TRULY JOYOUS and readily offered their LOVE to us!
My most recent mission trip did not take me out of the country. Although I have always had the desire to see other countries and experience their cultures, just 5 weeks ago, I traveled to New Orleans to aid in Hurricane Relief. Several of these days we brought ice and water to affected neighborhoods—EVERY neighborhood was affected! Many of the people we met were just returning to their homes for the first time. Some were ripping out carpets and bleaching the walls, while others simply turned around, and wouldn’t – or couldn’t- look back. Each person we came in contact with, we offered to pray with. I never heard a single person turn us down. One woman in particular sticks out to me. She DEFINITELY learned what it means to be “content in every situation.” All of her worldly possessions: pictures, furniture, Christmas decorations, everything was washed away. She stood in front of her destroyed house and began preaching to us (who had come to minister to her). She said “God knew I didn’t need it, so he took it away... From now on I am only going to buy things that I truly NEED… I can’t justify buying things that I want... God is faithful to provide everything I NEED.” Again, I was blown away. Would I have the faith, and be content enough, to respond in the same way. I’m not sure. When I returned home, just like every other time I have returned from a missions trip, I started to take inventory of what I have, and more importantly, what I don’t need. Do I really need another pair of shoes? Millions of people in this world have never owned a pair of shoes. Do I really need a new sweater? People are freezing every day and I have 5 other sweatshirts hanging in my closet. Do I really need a new CD? No. That money could provide food for a hungry family.
Now I see that no matter how much I think I am like the willow tree, I still need to grow more flexible and quit trying to avoid the strong winds, but welcome the storms, just as I do the gentle breezes. When Paul tells us we need to learn to be “content in every situation,” he doesn’t just mean when we are wanting, but also when we have plenty. We need to quit desiring a little bit more and look at those who have next to nothing. They are our example of what it means to be content in every situation. Each time I meet them, I am reminded of that, and I NEED the reminder.
Liz
So, for those of you who know me I haven't been out of the house much this fall~ but I did make it to meet my sister, Elisa Burroughs at Starbucks yesterday morning. Not really wanting to go other than to see my sister, no other excuse~ and then God had another plan. First, I ran into Ben Franzel~ who told me all about his trip to Tijuana last month! I learned about his trip w/ Marty Cassity and Brian Bennett to La Igleasia Bethel Baptista and about the deck that they built. Ben met my sister and we both got to hear about this mission trip. Perfect.
I ran into a dear friend from my old job as a preschool teacher, Miss Judy. It was great to see her and chit chat about our past movie dates and catch up... and we both agreed that God is bigger than cancer and encouragment and affirmations were shared.... Again, perfect.
Then, a woman who looked familiar smiled at me and I thought that perhaps she mistook me for my sister. She didn't. Instead, after getting her coffee she walked outside to where I was sitting and said, "Lori?" And I said, "Yep" and she said that I might not have remembered her but she was Crissi's neighbor and her name was Nora and she met me during the donation drop off at my home over Labor Day weekend. I remembered. She asked if I was doing anything else these days and I said, "Yep" again...and told her about feeding the families in Santa Rosa on Thursday nights and the Toy Drive, briefly. I handed her my UGO4GOD card and she told me that she felt bad because she had bought a Wal-mart card for me to take to New Orleans but never dropped it off. I told her it was okay! And then, she said, "I still have the card and I want you to have it, I know and trust you will do what you need to with it." And she told me that she felt bad using it for herself and had thought often about "me." And then she reached into her purse and handed me a card. I said thank you and as she walked away she said, "Oh, by the way, it's worth $100." Wow.
And so, thank you Nora. I don't know your last name. I am hoping that you will stop by our home or online after Christmas and see pictures of all the children you have blessed through your generous offering~ Maddie and Cece (our girls) went to Wal-Mart today and bought $96 worth of toys! They had so much fun choosing toys~ and the rest of the money on the card was donated to the family behind us, "muchas gracias" they said, and so do we.
Dear Jesus,
Your timing amazes me. Here I was again in my home not really wanting to go out and see a whole lot of people, too comfortable in my home and a million things to get done before the next surgery....like clean out the closests, clean out the cupboards, wrap presents, fold the laundry...but I get an invite from sister and of course I wanted to see her...when she told me where we'd meet (Starbucks in the neighborhood) I silently groaned because it's more than likely I'd run into a ton of people there...not really up for conversing about my health...but instead, dear God, YOU were talked about. Thank you Jesus for honoring me yesterday with fellowship with my sister, testimony from Ben, encouragement from Judy and blessing from Nora. Thank you for meeting me this morning, the morning I didn't feel like going out and seeing anyone. On the way to meet Rudy for lunch I couldn't help but be tearful of your constant presence in the lives of so many~ and how your love and blessings flow~ how important it is to GO and build relationships with others, serve you and to be still and acknowledge that from YOU all blessings flow... to be spirit-filled knowing that YOU really aren't faraway at all...you're even at Starbucks. Thank you, Jesus, your love amazes me. May all of this be for your glory, forever and ever, AMEN.
Thank you Matt, Vickie, Mattie & Jordan Kenny, Cesar, Rich, Maddie & Rudy for GOING4GOD tonight in Apple Valley, Santa Rosa. Thank you James and Pastor Dan who came by and Jordan Bragg for calling~ Thank you for all the hands and feet that helped: Karen Donaghy, Olwyne Nesbitt, Kelly Wood, Michelle, Anthony England, Cece & Maddie Gonzalez for sorting, lifting, carrying, bagging all the donations. Thank you Jesus for 16 full bags of breakfasts, lunches, dinners and comfort food, hygiene and household supplies. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Dear Father God in heaven, there is so much need. Jesus helped one person at a time so let us not use "there is so much need" as an excuse, let us share with one person at a time. We live around so much abundance, sometimes we forget, forgive us Father. Lord, multiply the people to come next week as we go out in Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Lord, multiply the food that was given tonight. There were some that were turned away because we didn't have enough. Thank you Jesus for the willingness of those who were there to receive with grateful hearts not only the food, but THE BREAD OF LIFE through prayer and with thanksgiving. Thank you Jesus for the families asking for "church" to be THERE in Apple Valley on a Saturday! Thank you Father God, Alleluia for lives being changed, lives being fed for the opportunity to serve. Lord, we thank you in advance for all the blessings you are pouring out in this community. Father God, merciful God, loving, compassionate, patient God, all glory and honor to you forever and ever in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, AMEN!
Be Ready by Max Lucado"No one knows when that day or time will be, not the angels in heaven, not even the Son. Only the Father knows." - Matthew 24:36 �His message is unmistakable: He will return, but no one knows when. So, be ready.I was reminded of this not long ago when I boarded a plane. I walked down the aisle, found my seat, and sat down next to a strange sight.The man seated next to me was in a robe and slippers. He was dressed for the living room, not for a journey. His seat was odd, too. Whereas my seat was the cloth type you normally see, his was fine leather."Imported," he said, when he noticed I was looking. "Bought it in Argentina and put it on myself."That was only the beginning. His fold-down table was of mahogany. There was a portable TV installed next to the window. A tiny ceiling fan and globed light hung above us. I had never seen anything like it.My question was the obvious one, "Why did you spend so much time and expense on an airline seat?""I live here," he explained. "I make my home on the plane."Incredible. The man made a home out of a mode of transportation. He made a residence out of a journey. Hard to believe? You think I'm stretching the truth?Well, maybe I haven't seen such foolishness in a plane, but I have in life. And so have you.You've seen people treat this world like it was a permanent home. It's not.You've seen people pour time and energy into life like it will last forever. It won't. You've seen people so proud of what they have done, that they hope they will never have to leave-they will.We all will. We are in transit. Someday the plane will stop and the deboarding will begin. Wise are those who are ready when the pilot says to get off.I don't know much, but I do know how to travel. Carry little. Eat light. Take a nap. And get off when you reach the city. From "And the Angels Were Silent" Max Lucado