Catching Up!
Thursday, September 15, 2005
I haven't posted in a few days so I will back up and catch up....
Sunday Sept. 11, 2005
Today we started the new series, "Love Affair" at church. Awesome service! We left to go to the Correctional Facility to hold Sunday morning services there. Joseph shared his testimony and seven boys came forward for the invitation and accepted Jesus as their personal savior. I was amazed and stunned. I was stunned because Joseph prayed with them and then sat down with a few of them to talk about their problems. One of the boys started crying. I am so moved when God moves in such a way that an ex gang member will humble himself and let his true feelings and all the hurt he has kept inside come out.
Monday Sept. 12, 2005
Today I had to go appear before a District Attorney involving a case of child abuse. The child, a four year old girl died. My only involvement with the child's parents was her mother knew Joseph's mother and through a series of events they had called me and asked me to pray for the family. I had spoken with the mother, maybe three times, she seemed sincere, wanted me to pray for her and her child, so I did. I remember when I found out the mother and father had beaten the child to death because they were on heroin, I was so mad. I was totally livid. First I couldn't understand why God allowed this woman to call me and request prayer when she was abusing her little girl. I was so upset, I really questioned God. I wanted to know why. IWhy was I decieved into thinking she sincerely wanted prayer? I still think she was trying to cover her tracks, but I am not sure. Perhaps God will show me the answers one day.
I spent the rest of the day helping Joseph get caught up on some things he had been neglecting. First a ticket he got for no registration. I had him go get the registration then go to the PD, talk to the court about going before the judge. He was able to go before him, he showed the registration and paid ten dollars, the judge dismissed the ticket. Next he had to call to get an extension on a ticket he got for no glasses. So I sent him to get a perscription, so he could get glasses, (next week he will go before the judge on this ticket again, only this one is in a different jurisdiction.) Next, I sent him to get his inspection, then to change the oil in his vehicle. We had been telling him to get all of these things taken care of, but on Sunday night we gave him no choice, we basically took authority over the matter and gave him a list of what he was to get accomplished on Monday. Anyway, his vehicle didn't pass inspection, he has to get either a tune up or an oxygen sensor, which means Friday his vehicle will go in the shop.
One thing about working with these boys...they have never been taught to take care of responsibility. The simplest things to me can be a major mountain to them. We try to give them the benefit of the doubt, but they have never had examples to live by, no one to show them what is required of them. So it's a step by step learning process, being consistent, setting goals and expectations and follow through. Hopefully the end result is they will want to continue being responsible long after they leave our home. Only God knows what will happen....
Tuesday Sept 13, 2005
My computer went down so I couldn't post. I was so sleep deprived and so tired I could hardly think, so it was probably a good thing I didn't post. Anyway just before I left, I was in the lobby of the PD, when the Fire Department decided to test the alarms. Oh My Word! They almost blew my brains out! lol! Really, I couldn't wait to get out of there!! One thing is for sure, it woke me up! I got home at around 7:30 am, cleaned the back porch, put some items in the shed and then crashed around 9:30. I got up around 11, went back to bed at 12 noon and got up at 4:30 because I had to go pick up one of our cars from the body shop.
Anyway that catches me up on three days of blogging! Not too eventful, huh???
Sunday Sept. 11, 2005
Today we started the new series, "Love Affair" at church. Awesome service! We left to go to the Correctional Facility to hold Sunday morning services there. Joseph shared his testimony and seven boys came forward for the invitation and accepted Jesus as their personal savior. I was amazed and stunned. I was stunned because Joseph prayed with them and then sat down with a few of them to talk about their problems. One of the boys started crying. I am so moved when God moves in such a way that an ex gang member will humble himself and let his true feelings and all the hurt he has kept inside come out.
Monday Sept. 12, 2005
Today I had to go appear before a District Attorney involving a case of child abuse. The child, a four year old girl died. My only involvement with the child's parents was her mother knew Joseph's mother and through a series of events they had called me and asked me to pray for the family. I had spoken with the mother, maybe three times, she seemed sincere, wanted me to pray for her and her child, so I did. I remember when I found out the mother and father had beaten the child to death because they were on heroin, I was so mad. I was totally livid. First I couldn't understand why God allowed this woman to call me and request prayer when she was abusing her little girl. I was so upset, I really questioned God. I wanted to know why. IWhy was I decieved into thinking she sincerely wanted prayer? I still think she was trying to cover her tracks, but I am not sure. Perhaps God will show me the answers one day.
I spent the rest of the day helping Joseph get caught up on some things he had been neglecting. First a ticket he got for no registration. I had him go get the registration then go to the PD, talk to the court about going before the judge. He was able to go before him, he showed the registration and paid ten dollars, the judge dismissed the ticket. Next he had to call to get an extension on a ticket he got for no glasses. So I sent him to get a perscription, so he could get glasses, (next week he will go before the judge on this ticket again, only this one is in a different jurisdiction.) Next, I sent him to get his inspection, then to change the oil in his vehicle. We had been telling him to get all of these things taken care of, but on Sunday night we gave him no choice, we basically took authority over the matter and gave him a list of what he was to get accomplished on Monday. Anyway, his vehicle didn't pass inspection, he has to get either a tune up or an oxygen sensor, which means Friday his vehicle will go in the shop.
One thing about working with these boys...they have never been taught to take care of responsibility. The simplest things to me can be a major mountain to them. We try to give them the benefit of the doubt, but they have never had examples to live by, no one to show them what is required of them. So it's a step by step learning process, being consistent, setting goals and expectations and follow through. Hopefully the end result is they will want to continue being responsible long after they leave our home. Only God knows what will happen....
Tuesday Sept 13, 2005
My computer went down so I couldn't post. I was so sleep deprived and so tired I could hardly think, so it was probably a good thing I didn't post. Anyway just before I left, I was in the lobby of the PD, when the Fire Department decided to test the alarms. Oh My Word! They almost blew my brains out! lol! Really, I couldn't wait to get out of there!! One thing is for sure, it woke me up! I got home at around 7:30 am, cleaned the back porch, put some items in the shed and then crashed around 9:30. I got up around 11, went back to bed at 12 noon and got up at 4:30 because I had to go pick up one of our cars from the body shop.
Anyway that catches me up on three days of blogging! Not too eventful, huh???
posted by Live, Love, Laugh | 12:41 AM
15 Comments:
Personal responsibility.. we all know how important it is, no? You are doing well with the kids.
Wow, you are doing awesome by the sounds of it!
I operated my own private daycare for many years and the child abuse issues will tear your heart out....I will never forget the morning the police showed up on my door step and read me "my rights"....lies and deceit are everywhere in this world, even in the Christian's life...as His love and mercy are so often misused for someone's personal triumph. My heart weeps for the children...you are in an awesome position to make a difference for Jesus...Bless you
Wow. I just started reading your blog, so I don't know what your exact job is but I can tell God has put you in the right place! I am so humbled by your willingness to pour everything you've got into those boys to give them a brighter future. I feel your rage at the death of that little girl. I just cannot comprehend such things. But we know that God has a plan, and I pray he gives you a special blessing today for your part in it!
Perhaps not a very exciting life, but obviously well filled with God's love and purpose.
You do such great work - kudos!!
Mom, please, you are so busy you hardly have time to call your son anymore! Or have lunch with him! I am totally pouring on the SGT today! (Son Guilt Trip for those of you who don't know)
Well, I get to see you this weekend which will be great.
Love you bunches!
wow, you mean you're human after all?? >:p
Wow... I'm tired now just reading all of that.
I'd say you have your hands (and your plate) full. And that's an understatement.
Well keeping busy, anyway! Thank you for all of your support and sweet comments lately. They are so much appreciated!
**hugs**
You've been busy!!!
Love you mom!
not too eventful??? Whatever! I LOVE To hear about men who finally let their gaurd down and just cry for the Lord. GREAT STUFF!!
I am wondering about that woman who asked you to pray for her and her daughter (the one on heroine who abused the girl)...maybe she was sincere in it, and maybe she longed to tell you about her addiction or that she longed to get off it but couldn't...God knows the real reasons (and they might be negative), but you did what you needed to do regardless of whether or not she was serious. Just knowing that you were praying for her and the little girl might be what she remembers at some point down the road and it could end up leading her to Christ...you may have just planted some seeds my friend!
I sure am glad you could update us on your happenings. I checked in several times while you were out. That was so beautiful about the boys on Sunday. Then, on Monday, what a rollercoaster of emotion. Its so hard when God is confusing to us. Oh, and it is so important the step by step guidance and teaching by example on how to take care of responsibilites. Keep seeking Him above and doing what He guides you to do. Listen to Him and His voice while He increasingly lives His life through you for His glorification! Be bold and courageous! You go girl (in Him)!
Good stuff and hey, thanks for the prayer - I appreciate it sooo much.
I am actally applying back to school now as well...doing some God's work potentially...but I guess its all God's work in the end.
anyways...thank ya thank ya.
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