Words of Encouragement

It is really hard to believe how powerful our words are for good or for harm in people's lives.

I have spent some time today reading birthday cards, notes from teachers about kids, thank you notes and other things collected for a second reading. The reason these cards are so important is that they have something encouraging to say to me about a family party or accomplishment of children.

 Of interest is that many of these people are no longer on planet earth. The dear notes from my mother. The very lovely notes from Eloise Hardman, first secretary of Project Lost Sheep.

The night we were incorporated Eloise said. "I will do the job but I don't do the computer." She was about 80 at the time. Eloise was a real encourager. She always had time to listen to me and she noted with interest the development of the kids. She always had something positive to say. She also would invite me over to her house and as a young mom I really appreciated the time to sit in her living room in the quiet.

 Eloise Hardman was a dear friend. Without her willingness to back me up, there would not have been the required person to sign our official papers. Are you thinking you are too old to do anything? Think again. And do write notes of encouragement to your grown children, your grandchildren, and anyone you can say something about that encourages them.

We live by in large in a distrustful and cold world. People who encourage us are like gas in the tank. They keep us going. Even years later, an old birthday card, or Christmas card with personal note or Mother's Day card can give us an uplift.

"Do not neglect to do good when it is in your power to do it." We need to build each other up in love.

If writing isn't our thing then find someone to call on the phone and allow thirty minutes. No short cuts to really encourage someone who may be lonely and needed your voice just to lift their day.

God is full of mercy. When we extend ourselves and see and say what is positive in others we are helping that person to grow and be grounded in love. We need each other. We can't get strong unless we build each other up. It's as simple as that.

If you are thinking of someone right now, it is time for you to act. Don't wait. 

Washington DC

The last time I was here was seven years ago. There are areas of redevelopment that is much needed. The homeless seem to be everywhere. Those afflicted with drugs are obvious. The mental illness can be seen in crazy talk on the streets. A brief encounter with a restaurant manager confirmed that our work for children is needed here.

I am praying for a leader and a church that wants to reach out to the poor children so in time the city may be changed. We are instructed by the Word. "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." Who will rise up with us for the children here?

Seeds grow

This afternoon I have been looking at pictures of campers from past camps. We started in Redwood City in 04 with approximately 40 campers. We have planted in young lives many good seeds of truth from Gods word.

Now over 1000 children have been through a Touchdown kids camp. I am not excited about the number but I am interested in how God has grown the seeds planted in these lives, last year a child came to camp. After that the entire family came into the church, this family is now growing in faith and love with all kinds of help.

If you look at a seed, it seems insignificant. As a child I just couldn't believe that those tiny seeds put in dirt would in time produce a plant with flowers. We know that the Word of God is so powerful that one verse can cause a grown man to fall to his knees, repent and be saved. These Biblical seeds planted in children's lives now may not seen to be active but they are inside the child and will grow in time according to Gods purpose.

What seeds are you planting in the children around you. There are all kinds but the kind that last are seeds of the Kingdom of God. I see the pictures of campers from 07. Where are they all now? We have worked the soil and planted the seed. We have done the job and will continue to work as doors are opened in other cities.

We have prayed. I think of my friend, Audrey Hosteler, who prayed in the Founders group. I once asked her how she got so much prayer in. She said, while she was working grooming pets. She put lots of love and care into the start of Project Lost Sheep. The seeds she planted in me have lasted because I never give up. God wants all the children to receive His blessings. It is not His will that any of these little ones be lost. Do you believe that?

If you can pray, please do this for us. Prayer changes things. We need your help to breakthrough in cities like Bakersfield, San Bernadino and Chicago. Prayer is the shovel that turns over the ground so we can go in and plant and plant and plant.

Cafe Time

This has become an impersonal world. The speed of internet communication is a blessing but it can be an excuse not to sit down and get to know someone face to face.

We all need a place to meet outside of work. How can we love others if we don't know anything about them? We are commanded as Christians to love one another.

Here are some simple steps to that end:
1. Pick someone you nod at as you go by. Stop. Talk to them for a couple of minutes.

2. Next time mention that you like to go to x cafe for lunch or dinner. Reveal something of yourself. Tell the person why you like the place. Then listen to the response.

3. Stop again and talk to the person about anything of general concern. In this crazy world the person is getting to assess whether or not you are safe to be around.

4. Stop. Converse. Mention you would like to have coffee or lunch sometime.

Please note how often the process involves you stopping. This isn't easy unless you ask God to give you more love for others and focus on them rather than self. We can love because we have been and are loved.

A very busy mother and I started with messaging. I hated to bother her. She was home schooling 4 children. My husband thought it very strange that I was messaging my next door neighbour.

"WHY DONT YOU JUST GO OUT TOGETHER", he said. So, of course, I sent a text message and we went out to a local cafe.

We had a great visit and she could rest. She mentioned another neighbour with a serious need. We three went out and real concern and trust came about.

I was surprised last night to be treated to dinner and given a going away present by my cafe friends. Yes, I felt cared for and valued.

Now I am moving, but cafe time will continue. I trust they will invite someone else, I have found my new cafe and it is just a matter of stopping and talking on the new block.

When we stop and care, the impersonal becomes personal. We can be known and know others so that the Love of God can be seen and felt amongst all of us.

Olga's Story

Before I leave San Jose, here is a true story of a mother that raised 3 successful sons in the south side of San Jose.

Olga and her husband came from Mexico with nothing except a dream of a better life in America. Her husband took any job to support the family. She became the stay-at-home mom who watched everything including her sons who shared school life with her. She had vigilant eyes and I can tell you from observation that Olga has a strong work ethic and is happy to clean toilets and the gym.

Her story unfolded over a number of visits with her. When her middle son was in junior high, he just announced to her that he wouldn't be going to school that day. He wasn't sick – he just felt lazy.

"Fine," Olga, said, "Here is the broom. You can go outside now and sweep all the leaves until they are gone." He swept and swept. When his friends walked by, he still was busy. This son graduates from San Jose State this December in criminology.

Good parenting is essential. Olga never let down her vigilance. She went through their backpacks and clothes pockets everyday. She knew where they were at all times. No parties happened without adults present in the house. Parenting takes lots of work. Kids can still make bad choices, but discipline and a strong work ethic plus insistence on an education have paid off. 

Olga was shocked to tell me about friends who had worked hard at their jobs but grown sons, dropped out of school, now sit around the house, expecting parents to feed, clothe them, etc.

In Project Lost Sheep, we encourage education and we also have Parenting Classes, because adults need reinforcement to do the job.

"My husband has always backed up the discipline," Olga says. "He has gone from temporary jobs to having his own business of a floor installation company".

Let's applaud those who work hard to make the real American Dream.

Being Angry

It happens.

We are not perfect even if we have walked with the Lord a long time. We are subject to weariness, irritation and sometimes triggers that can set off the flame of anger.

Anger is dangerous to us and others. Anger causes us to separate ourselves from another. Anger is like fire: it can destroy everything. Be careful and be truly sorry when anger starts to rule you.

Anger does not do any good for you or anyone you lash out at. Jesus said; "Do not let the sun go down on your anger and give the devil a foothold."

I like this because it is real. He didn't say we won't get angry. He just said: Get rid of that day's anger on that day. Anger that is held over night does become a place where the devil can work. A foothold is something that will drag you backwards and keep you from going forward. You can't play with fire and not get burned.

A suggested prayer: "I got angry today. I said some words that I shouldn't have said. Lord, I am truly sorry and ask you to forgive me this breach of your Spirit. Calm me and heal me of bad habits of speaking too fast back as emotion, rather than you, rule.

It is a Decision. Make That Decision.

I chose to forgive x for what he or she said that triggered my response. But, it was my response and I own that and ask you to forgive and release me. I don't want the devil to drag me back or have any foothold in my life. Thank you, Lord, that you forgive me my sins. You are my living Lord and I want to walk in your light."

What Easter Means

Many Americans have lost lots of money in the stock market but there is one thing I would like to say that is good about the stock market. It is closed on Good Friday and has been every Good Friday in all the many years it has been in operation.

In America, banks used to be closed for part of the day on Good Friday, so that people could go to church to prepare for Easter. Many other businesses were closed that now are open and that is a real shame. Because, we all of us need to think about Good Friday and reflect on what happened, whether or not we are able to accept Jesus's sacrifice there. The Bible states that Jesus died ONCE FOR ALL. His blood on the cross opened a way to God that we who were in darkness might come into the light and know peace with God because of Good Friday.

Jesus knew and told his disciples that he would be handed over to the Gentiles and be mocked discouraged and crucified. Jesus prayed for this "cup" of suffering to pass, but it was not God's will that the cross would not happen. Jesus died as the sacrificial lamb for us. Jesus also predicted that in three days he would rise again.

This is Easter. The great triumph of His life over the death that is inherent in man through his sin nature. Can I have peace with God any other way? Can I do enough good deeds to get into heaven? Can I be a better person than someone else and get there? Can I do all kinds of sacrificial things to earn my way? The answer to all of these is NO.

That is why we must put our eyes on the cross. The cross may seem foolish to the some but God is wiser and has provided for all of us.

Do you want peace? There is only one way to get lasting peace. Acknowledge the cross. Suggested prayer: God, thank you. I accept your son's death on the cross for my salvation.

Pasadena

Visiting Pasadena, one of cities in LA where foundation prayer has been laid. Pasadena has a school system that would be benefited by tutor programs. Poverty mixes with affluence. Churches abound. Previous generations have built magnificent buildings mainly empty now.