I'm sure you read the title and lots of things go through your mind...like "what the....?" Yeah it's random and no I am not going to give you a "must have" recipe - sorry, Betty Crocker I am not. I want to share what I learned in the last couple of weeks. It all started in the kitchen.....
I watched as my mentor begin the process of baking a German Chocolate Cake. It really is a process. If you follow the directions, make sure you have a handy dish washer (that was my job :) ) You will use a number of dishes and ingredients. As I watched, I realize how much care and patience went in to every detail of the cake. I thought, wow, that is how God is with us.......bear with me. If you rush and just throw everything together for the cake you still get cake but maybe not a really good German Chocolate cake. If you take the time to follow the directions you get 3-4 layers of bliss. Each ingredient had it's place in the recipe...including the time it took to prepare, bake, cool, and icing the cake.
God took his time to organize pieces of our lives...our experiences, our traits, our personalities, our opportunities....all for the unique plan and purpose designed by Him. If we rush things then we get outside of our "recipe" and where God wants us. Follow me?
Now, what did I learn from tic tacs? I sit behind this lady in church. I noticed that this kid would come to her every Sunday. I figured he was a grandson wanting candy. She explained to me that she met him and his family when they first started coming to church. They sat behind her; he would not be still so she handed him a few tic tacs and it started from there. He comes to her, says nothing, she reaches in her purse and pulls out a few tic tacs to give him. She also explained that after that first encounter with him, he made a home-made invitation to a "special friends" day at his school. She went. He was so over joyed, she said that he showed her all around his school and shared a lunch together. She said it all started over tic tacs.
The major theme of this blog is investing. Investing in people.....investing in opportunities even if they seem insignificant. Investing our time in people can make a huge difference in their lives and our lives. I know that I was changed when someone took the time to invest in me. I also was affected when I chose to invest in someone else. It can never not affect you. It is time we look at the big picture through God's eyes.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Life Unscripted
So those that know me know that I am not an avid blogger....however, I've had several things go through my brain that kind of amount to the title - Life Unscripted. My life is anything but ordinary, and I like it that way.
Many people like their routine. They know that they will get up, go about their day, come home and finish the day. Consequently, I hope that I will get up and go through my day, come home and curl up with my cat. However, the difference is that most people have a basic idea of how their day will go and as long as there are no surprises (i.e. car breaking down, emergencies, impromptu meetings/tests, etc) they are just fine with the routine. With what I do and where I serve, nearly every day holds a "surprise" or at least something out of the ordinary. There is no such thing as an ordinary day. Lately, I find myself saying, "You can't script this stuff." The families that we serve melt in to this one big family and we share in laughter, tears, goofiness (for lack of a better word), etc. I love it.
There are times I do get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of what we do. We serve people. People come in all kinds of shapes, colors and with unique ideas, circumstances, past hurts, past successes, dreams - the list goes on. I had a lady come in that we have worked with for several years now. She is wiser than she knows. I have learned a great deal from her. I came here to be a part of changing people's lives and they have changed mine. People we serve continue to teach me. This particular day, I asked (as I always do) how she was doing. She looked up at me and lifted her foot and said, "Would you like to change shoes for a day? Try walking a mile in my shoes." Of course she didn't mean literally for me to take her shoes, even though we wear the same size. She knows that the life she lives on the street is very difficult. She is probably one of the strongest women I know. She does not ask for much. She will ask for a hat or socks, or some clothes, but never more than what she needs. Truth be told I am a wimp and would probably not last a mile in her shoes. I know that many people probably pass her up on the street as if she is invisible - they go about their routine.
Now don't misunderstand me, routine can be healthy for many who may have grown up in an unstable environment. Part of the ministry in the transitional housing is helping families create a routine to create stability. However, we may have some what of a schedule, but we never know who will walk through the doors and whose lives we will touch or who may change our lives in the process.
God has helped me to take a step back and see things slightly different than I have ever before. One of my mentors asked the staff about the year. She asked if anything stuck out to us. I had to think hard about the question. It took about 2 days for an answer to come. I have a difficult time thinking/remembering details on demand. Another mentor has told me to journal my days for the past several years - I have yet to listen (may be a 2012 resolution?). I feel sometimes that I have somewhat "unremarkable" days. Meaning I get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of the day. Each day can culminate in to several moments of opportunity to affect some one's life. Those moments can add up to be very significant. Those moments translate in to a relationship which translates into opportunity for both persons involved to have their lives changed. For example, a man I've known for a few years now (about as long as the lady mentioned above) has been coming to the center for various needs. He was not one that I necessarily looked forward to seeing. He was kind of mean and demanding, However, in the wisdom of our director, she talked with him - showing true compassion and he started becoming calmer. More weeks went by as he still continued to come. Each visit was an opportunity to share a moment of kindness. One evening last week, he came in for a meeting. I saw him afterwards and he looked at me, sighed, and asked how I was. He grinned and gently hugged me. I saw a very gentle side of him I hadn't noticed before. All the moments before had culminated to this. God had softened him. If it hadn't been for all the moments before, he may have never gotten to this point and my life would not have been changed. It isn't about me, but it is way cool to see how God works. He is a highlight of the year in my mind. To watch God work in a such a way is amazing.
There are so many more moments I could share. I may just save them for a later post. I am reminded of a saying that a very wise man would say. He has passed on now, but his legacy still lives. I remember him saying this quite often. He would never complain about a seemingly difficult situation, he would just say, "It's not a problem, its an opportunity." How much I hope to remember that sentiment as I go through this next week and encounter moments of opportunity.
Many people like their routine. They know that they will get up, go about their day, come home and finish the day. Consequently, I hope that I will get up and go through my day, come home and curl up with my cat. However, the difference is that most people have a basic idea of how their day will go and as long as there are no surprises (i.e. car breaking down, emergencies, impromptu meetings/tests, etc) they are just fine with the routine. With what I do and where I serve, nearly every day holds a "surprise" or at least something out of the ordinary. There is no such thing as an ordinary day. Lately, I find myself saying, "You can't script this stuff." The families that we serve melt in to this one big family and we share in laughter, tears, goofiness (for lack of a better word), etc. I love it.
There are times I do get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of what we do. We serve people. People come in all kinds of shapes, colors and with unique ideas, circumstances, past hurts, past successes, dreams - the list goes on. I had a lady come in that we have worked with for several years now. She is wiser than she knows. I have learned a great deal from her. I came here to be a part of changing people's lives and they have changed mine. People we serve continue to teach me. This particular day, I asked (as I always do) how she was doing. She looked up at me and lifted her foot and said, "Would you like to change shoes for a day? Try walking a mile in my shoes." Of course she didn't mean literally for me to take her shoes, even though we wear the same size. She knows that the life she lives on the street is very difficult. She is probably one of the strongest women I know. She does not ask for much. She will ask for a hat or socks, or some clothes, but never more than what she needs. Truth be told I am a wimp and would probably not last a mile in her shoes. I know that many people probably pass her up on the street as if she is invisible - they go about their routine.
Now don't misunderstand me, routine can be healthy for many who may have grown up in an unstable environment. Part of the ministry in the transitional housing is helping families create a routine to create stability. However, we may have some what of a schedule, but we never know who will walk through the doors and whose lives we will touch or who may change our lives in the process.
God has helped me to take a step back and see things slightly different than I have ever before. One of my mentors asked the staff about the year. She asked if anything stuck out to us. I had to think hard about the question. It took about 2 days for an answer to come. I have a difficult time thinking/remembering details on demand. Another mentor has told me to journal my days for the past several years - I have yet to listen (may be a 2012 resolution?). I feel sometimes that I have somewhat "unremarkable" days. Meaning I get caught up in a routine and neglect to see the uniqueness of the day. Each day can culminate in to several moments of opportunity to affect some one's life. Those moments can add up to be very significant. Those moments translate in to a relationship which translates into opportunity for both persons involved to have their lives changed. For example, a man I've known for a few years now (about as long as the lady mentioned above) has been coming to the center for various needs. He was not one that I necessarily looked forward to seeing. He was kind of mean and demanding, However, in the wisdom of our director, she talked with him - showing true compassion and he started becoming calmer. More weeks went by as he still continued to come. Each visit was an opportunity to share a moment of kindness. One evening last week, he came in for a meeting. I saw him afterwards and he looked at me, sighed, and asked how I was. He grinned and gently hugged me. I saw a very gentle side of him I hadn't noticed before. All the moments before had culminated to this. God had softened him. If it hadn't been for all the moments before, he may have never gotten to this point and my life would not have been changed. It isn't about me, but it is way cool to see how God works. He is a highlight of the year in my mind. To watch God work in a such a way is amazing.
There are so many more moments I could share. I may just save them for a later post. I am reminded of a saying that a very wise man would say. He has passed on now, but his legacy still lives. I remember him saying this quite often. He would never complain about a seemingly difficult situation, he would just say, "It's not a problem, its an opportunity." How much I hope to remember that sentiment as I go through this next week and encounter moments of opportunity.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Life
Life is funny about surprising you. I remember being a naive 24 year old that thought she had it all figured out and what she was going to do in ministry. God also has a sense of humor. See, I have this habit of seeing a PIECE of the puzzle and taking off running with it instead of waiting for the rest of the pieces to follow. Now, I am 27 and I have seen myself grow. I know that I am where I am supposed to be at this very moment. I also believe I was always supposed to be here. God's timing really is perfect. I'm learning to be patient on Him and to wait for instructions as they come instead of creating my own.
Puzzles have always intrigued but irritated me. I like putting together a picture. It's a challenge and I like that. I don't like, however, the fact I can never seem to put them together. Not by myself anyway. My brother can put together a puzzle in one afternoon - no matter the size or difficulty. I obviously missed out on that gift. I get impatient and give up. Life is similar. Puzzle really give us so many object lessons about God. A very dear friend used it as an analogy recently talking about our path and how God uses each experience to mold us but not for us to get stuck. God gives us the pieces we need as we NEED them. He also allows us to experience things to teach us about letting go and allowing Him to work. That is one of the most difficult lessons, for me anyway.
Life is a journey - this we know and have heard the cliche. But, it is true. This journey requires guidance. God gives us mentors and other people to guide us. It is up to us to choose to listen and to learn.
Puzzles have always intrigued but irritated me. I like putting together a picture. It's a challenge and I like that. I don't like, however, the fact I can never seem to put them together. Not by myself anyway. My brother can put together a puzzle in one afternoon - no matter the size or difficulty. I obviously missed out on that gift. I get impatient and give up. Life is similar. Puzzle really give us so many object lessons about God. A very dear friend used it as an analogy recently talking about our path and how God uses each experience to mold us but not for us to get stuck. God gives us the pieces we need as we NEED them. He also allows us to experience things to teach us about letting go and allowing Him to work. That is one of the most difficult lessons, for me anyway.
Life is a journey - this we know and have heard the cliche. But, it is true. This journey requires guidance. God gives us mentors and other people to guide us. It is up to us to choose to listen and to learn.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Words are NOT Just Words
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" James 1:19
So, I have had a blog started for probably a month now -- obviously unable to actually post one. Words are important. They aren't so easy to take back, once they're out there that's it, one either built someone up or tore someone down or informed with correct info or bad info and the list goes on.
The verse above was given to me by my mentor about a year or so ago. It has been a constant reminder for me. I am a fixer and sometimes people just need an ear. I am the same way sometimes. There are no words needed just a warm heart. I feel like that is what most people I come in contact daily need.
Here at BFH, we have been busy with Fall Festival, families, programs (GED, computer, etc). It was been a blast! Busy...but fun. Fall Fest is one of my favorites. The community comes together and its one big party with old faces and new faces---family faces. This community is home.
It not about words it's about action and knowing when to just listen.
So, I have had a blog started for probably a month now -- obviously unable to actually post one. Words are important. They aren't so easy to take back, once they're out there that's it, one either built someone up or tore someone down or informed with correct info or bad info and the list goes on.
The verse above was given to me by my mentor about a year or so ago. It has been a constant reminder for me. I am a fixer and sometimes people just need an ear. I am the same way sometimes. There are no words needed just a warm heart. I feel like that is what most people I come in contact daily need.
Here at BFH, we have been busy with Fall Festival, families, programs (GED, computer, etc). It was been a blast! Busy...but fun. Fall Fest is one of my favorites. The community comes together and its one big party with old faces and new faces---family faces. This community is home.
It not about words it's about action and knowing when to just listen.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Refusal
So, I know I haven't updated in a while.....anyone surprised???? I've had several things on my mind that I would say o blog that....of course it's like at midnight when my brain is sifting through all the day's happenings. One theme continued shout at me. It is best summed up in the following quote that a former professor had posted on her door:
"Refuse to fall down. If you cannot refuse to fall down, refuse to stay down, lift your heart toward heaven like a hungry beggar, and ask that it be filled and it will be filled. You may be pushed down. You may be kept from rising. But not one can keep you from lifting your heart toward heaven-only you. It is in the middle of misery that so much becomes clear. The one who says nothing good came from this is not yet listening." (Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes from her book, The Hungry Gardner)
This quote is a reminder to not that people keep you down. So many of our girls, families, people we meet in general have been told that they can't for so long they believe it and so they don't. They don't believe in them selves, they don't believe they can finish high school let alone go to college, and they don't believe that the God who created them had big, no HUGE, plans for them. This is true for so many. It may also be true for many others. I, too, struggle with people telling me that I can't do something. I have since I was a kid. It took God and His constant reminder that He didn't call me because I was talented...or I was popular......I was and am neither. He reminds me that He loves me because I am His creation and wants to use me for His purpose. It is a relief when there isn't an expectation added to God's plan other than follow it. I want to share this with those I meet. I want to share with the girls and women that we serve that God says you can! You can go to college, you can reach for your dreams because God put more than likely them there---Refuse to stay down. -|-
Monday, June 21, 2010
Peaceful Chaos
So the title doesn't make sense at all, however, it does at the same time. New Orleans is still recovering from the effects of Hurricanes Katrina and other recent storms. It is also a place of constant turmoil. Families deal with violence in and around their lives, poverty in excess, no one knowing where to get help or who to trust. Then there are those that know where to look. Life is hard but worth fighting for. We know that God has a plan and can see anyone through any situation. But the humanity of myself struggles to find the right words to provide comfort. Knowing that God has equipped me, and my co-workers/friends/BFH family to provide such comfort, allows me to feel a peace and at home with those I meet.
Living with 15 other people and working with 30+ girls this summer, I don't feel as though I live with strangers. It's odd. I just met new people in the past few weeks and it feels like we all belong here together. I'm sure that is a strange concept for people but for me, it's home. I don't know how else to explain it. It can get chaotic, but not in a bad way....for me it's a 'normal way.' There are times it gets too crazy and I need to breath air not in the building, but I always come back and feel at....home. There are no other words to describe it. We encourage each other and are a family.
We went down to Grand Isle this past Saturday. The water was strangely quiet. We saw the oil floating, not as bad as one would think, the workers are doing a great job of cleaning it up.....it was just calm. A thing that has destroyed the lively-hood of so many caused a great calm over the waters. There wasn't much wildlife. What we did see practiced caution in and around the water. There world is chaotic, though one would never know unless we really looked hard. I guess our lives are very similar...........
Living with 15 other people and working with 30+ girls this summer, I don't feel as though I live with strangers. It's odd. I just met new people in the past few weeks and it feels like we all belong here together. I'm sure that is a strange concept for people but for me, it's home. I don't know how else to explain it. It can get chaotic, but not in a bad way....for me it's a 'normal way.' There are times it gets too crazy and I need to breath air not in the building, but I always come back and feel at....home. There are no other words to describe it. We encourage each other and are a family.
We went down to Grand Isle this past Saturday. The water was strangely quiet. We saw the oil floating, not as bad as one would think, the workers are doing a great job of cleaning it up.....it was just calm. A thing that has destroyed the lively-hood of so many caused a great calm over the waters. There wasn't much wildlife. What we did see practiced caution in and around the water. There world is chaotic, though one would never know unless we really looked hard. I guess our lives are very similar...........
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Life.......It Happens and It CAN Be Fun!
So, as we are finishing up week 2 of Up2HOPE, I realize this week has been an emotional roller coaster. Some of the girls have decided that they love us, or at least like us and some have decided that they can trust us. We have been apart of some of these girls lives for almost a few years now. Even the new ones have caught on that we care about them and want to see them do great things because we know they can. We get the awesome privilege of watching the girls grow up and experience life. It can be so much fun.
The girls have also decided that my office is the fun office.....probably because of the couch and the dry erase board. It gives me so much joy hanging with them and talking with them in small groups. It doesn't bother that 15 people can cram in there. My office has been dubbed the "party office." I love it! (in case you couldn't tell).
My hope is that by the end of the summer, the girls will have a positive view of themselves because God made them for a specific purpose. I want them to have dreams and realize they can reach those dreams. The summer missionaries, and the rest of the BFH staff have the same hope and we are so blessed to be a part of each of the lives we touch everyday.
Please continue to pray for us as we continue to enrich the lives of such awesome young ladies. -|-
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Opening Statements........
Well, let me first say that I am really bad about updating...many who will read this will nod their head in agreement. However, I had started this before and then back out but I am not going to try my best to keep people updated this way as best I can.
So....Summer is in full force at Baptist Friendship House. We have 7 summer missionaries and plenty of girls to share them with. We are starting week 2 of our summer program, Up2HOPE. It is a preventative program for girls 9 and up. We hope to see them grow and avoid getting trapped in destructive lifestyles. We want to see them go to college and reach for their dreams as God has designed them to do. This is the program's 4th year post Hurricane Katrina. It has been a blast being apart of these girls' lives and watching them go from little girls to beautiful teenagers inside and out. Please pray for the girls that come, the staff and summer missionaries.
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