Ever think about how amazing it was that King David chose the wrath of God over the other consequences offered to him in 2nd Samuel 24? David had sinned by numbering his fighting men and then Gad, the prophet, came and gave him 3 choices: Famine, fighting, or plague.
David's answer is amazing, "I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."
Wow.

summer is happening

books.
work.
time to think.
Jesus.
camp.
thailand.
new roommate.
rest.
sweet map.
old friends.
new friends.
thai food.
asian friends.
newman's own lemonade.

Close to home Cont.

I purchased a copy of Street Roots, which I just noticed is dated February 20th, and I laughed.
My best roommate and I went to Powell's on Burnside to do some homework and I saw a man selling it. So, in view of my last post, decided to buy a copy. If you've not had the time to read the real article let me tell you this: a paper costs $1 and the salesperson only has to pay 25 cents back to the company so it seems like a great way for a person to make money if he or she wishes. Although I don't know what it's like to be homeless, this job certainly seems like something I'd prefer doing over holding a sign. The topics found in the paper cover a wide range and all of the issues relate to what we're seeing in our City today. Sweet.
Next time you're at Powell's look for the guy holding a stack of these papers and buy one; you'll like it.

Close to home.

Heard of Relevant Magazine? It comes once every two months but I happened to check out the web site and came across an article titled Street Roots: The Voice of the Homeless. It caught my eye because it talks about Portland and our very own Powell's; more importantly, the man selling newspapers outside the door.
Check it out.

retrospect.

spring break turned out to be what i needed, thankfully. i only really accomplished one of the things on my list: sleep. i read about a chapter of schaeffer, had some good bible study (luke 8.16-18), got some homework done, but didn't get a chance to talk with Anna. however i did hang out with a couple individuals that i love: Abby and Mary Anne.
i've been feeling a little discouraged lately about my bus route because it has seemed like none of the kids come anymore... this week was beautiful because although only one girl came, the Straw family drove themselves to the 11am service. the parents are really good parents and it was awesome to see them come.
i appreciate how God brings us through seasons to prove again and again that He is enough. my life can get so wrapped up in agenda and the minute details that i forget that unless He is in those details it is worthless.
one of my favorite things is watching people be set free... its beautiful.

Ahh...

It's here, finally. Spring break. I'm smiling as I write this because I'm excited to be able to rest a little. I will be working about 30 hours this week but I have some goals:

1. Sleep

2. Finish How Then Should We Live by Francis Schaefer
3. Bust out a fair amount of homework
4. Have a phone conversation with my sister Anna
5. Spend some time in Bible study I haven't gotten to

Anything I should add to this list?

i see you.

there are so many people around who are living their lives in seeming contrast to the rest of us here in portland. i see them. i hear them crying out, "notice me, notice me."

there are so many reasons for this pain, but chief is the breakdown of the family and the lack of fathers.

oh that we would rise up and be the church who notices.