The lost of a loved one

It is always so difficult when you lose someone you love.  We recently lost one of our former students last week.  He made it to 24 years old and he wasn’t even supposed to live one.  Now you wanna talk about God’s love.  He was unbelievable, he always was smiling and playing and just so happy.  My heart dropped when I heard the news yesterday and I immediately wanted to know every detail.  We came to find out that we missed the memorial but from talking with his mom, it was a celebration of life.  There were so many lives that he touched and even though he could not speak, his crown of life reached so many hearts.  You could always count on him to brighten your day no matter what you were going through. As hard as it is to lose someone, and we havent seen him for two years, the pain is deep.  However, through the grieving we come to realize he lived a good life and Jesus wanted him to be home.  I know I will be excited for the day I go home when I can see him running and kicking a ball and talking and singing.  His legacy is one of love and I pray I can work towards loving others the way he did.  Love you, Lee.. Enjoy Jesus… Amen!

Everyday life

It has been really surprising to me how easy it is to forget what God does.  The scripture that says to take up your cross daily is so critical in our lives as christians.  We have to be deliberate in following Jesus, but even more deliberate in being silent to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying.  If we just live to chase Jesus we will be open for attacks by the enemy, but if we rest in his protection and listen intently to his word, the Holy Spirit will counsel us in what is of Jesus and what is not.  I pray that I will have the courage to take up my cross daily and I ask for your prayers to give me that strength to follow what the Holy Spirit calls on me to do. Selah!

The Turn

THE TURN:

We made a heartbreaking turn
And all the light seemed to be gone
Moving past children watching garbage burn
It was like the darkness swallowed the dawn

They picked through it like it was gold
Looking over their shoulders as we passed
The truth of this poverty began to unfold
In this place a flag is forever at half-mast

As we journeyed closer to their shacks
There is death written on every face
Everyone constantly watching their backs
As God shouts these images you cannot erase

We stood outside the fortress’ doors
Listening as the locks were being released
If I were stuck here I would beg on all fours
For the truth would be, all of my hopes would be deceased

The doors cracked open to let us enter
And we were overcome with God’s Grace
Even with all the surrounding darkness, Christ is at the center
And the children of La Chureca proved it with their embrace

That heartbreaking turn is etched deeply in my heart
Their smiles and hugs will help to fuel my fire
Their burdens I pray to carry and feel like a flaming dart
This should be all of our prayers and this I know is our Papa’s desire