the least of these.

    My eyes, my ears and my heart have been opened this weekend. Learning about the history of my city, Houston, and gaining knowledge about the uniqueness of the different Wards, and most of all, working side by side with true servants of The Lord loving the homeless men, women and children for the weekend. While working at The Beacon, a place designed to provide people on the streets with food, clean laundry and showers, I was assigned the job of checking in and registering new people. I loved this job due to the fact it allowed me to identify with each person in a different way. An elderly man walking through the door, my mind shouted out at me, “that could be my Grandpa”, a woman with her older daughter, “my mom and I”. Throughout most of the morning most of the individuals who entered the Beacon’s doors were in their twenty’s at least, and up into the elderly ages. Despite my awareness of street children, I had never had any interaction or witnessed seeing any before. When the first child walked through the doors with his Father, I couldn’t help but immediately think of the movie, The Pursuit of Happiness. The Father approached Krishten’s desk while the child hopelessly dragged his feet towards mine. With little to say, he gave me his name and thanked me for his ticket which I gently handed him. Tears flooded my eyes as he walked away with his head still down. He couldn’t have been more than 9 years old, and forever he will have touched my heart.

Moments and experiences like these are the ones that change the way I view people, our world, and this life. Witnessing firsthand the multitude of people on the streets just in Houston has sparked something in me. It’s convicting to realize how much is able to be done, and is try to be done, but not enough people are taking part in it.

While registering new clients at the Beacon, I was required to read over a set of rules and guidelines prior to completing the rest of the questions and form. Each time I had a new client approach me, I could feel the pressure arise in me and would suddenly become so uncomfortable. Haley Graham always talks about how “[the Lord places us in uncomfortable situations because it's in those moments where we are able to truly show His love]“. Her words resounded in my head with each rule I would read aloud. Lots of times new clients would become very defensive in assuring me that “no, no ma’am, I’m not into drugs anymore” and when I came to the rule about no violence, “no I wouldn’t hurt a fly”. Pain struck me as I realized that this is the way the society views these people, and has always viewed them in the past. Therefore, they have no other option but to defend their selves. It has become “normal” for them to be viewed like this.

I wish I could have somehow captured every single sight I witnessed this past weekend, or recorded each conversation for each of yall to see or listen to yourselves. But unfortunately, that would have probably been a little weird, and made things a little less REAL. All I cay say and do is encourage you to get involved with the “Jesus’ in disguise” in our world. They can be found everywhere you go, if only you take the time to notice them. Living so close to Houston, we have numerous opportunities to get involved in actually DOING something, instead of just talking about how we SHOULD. This is truly living out the mission. Getting involved in organizations and people like I was blessed to meet and work with this weekend are living in true community with each other, and their actual community around them.

On Sunday we attended St. John’s United Methodist downtown for their 10:00 AM service. I am always excited when we attend a predominately African American church because it is in them that my eyes are open to what a real church family looks like. The intense passion they all share for the Lord and true worship is contagious and one can’t help but join in on the dancing and shouting out to the Lord. From the second you walk into St.John’s and the minute you walk out the door, you are embraced with a huge hug from one of the spirited family members. True community; walk inside the doors of St.John’s and this is what you will experience.

I love Houston. And it is because of this trip that I have realized what an amazing city it is and the deep cry for help it is proclaiming to it’s own community. Reach out. Open your own heart to your own city; I can promise you-you won’t regret it.

Sonnet 1

Sonnet I wrote for my english class..you can take it however you interpret it but when writing I was imagining women in Africa hiding from the Rebels:

The dampness of a broken mother’s eye
Reveals the deep hurt within her inside
The simple truth is found in the child’s cry
For how much longer will they have to hide?

Darkness succumbs the most delicate sights
Whispers resound despite the blow of guns
She holds her one child close with all her might
And wonders when they’ll no longer be shunned

The anger in the dark men’s rough faces
Pulses great waves of a hopeless nation
Where is the justice for all the races?
Who will portray a new declaration?

She wipes the tear off her soot-covered cheek,
Humming a soft hymn to her child, so meek.

rob bell.

i love rob bell. how is he such a genius? sheeeeesh!

The heart of Jesus

Tonight at our church, a band called “The Daylight’s” played a gig. They were awesome and i enjoyed listening to them. One of their guys that was selling merch was having a conversation with a student about what he believed, and being interested, I began to listen. He said that he doesn’t like to classify himself with Christians these days. Hmm, I instantly became intrigued. He went on to state that he thinks “Christians” have lost the true idea Jesus had of the church, and completely missed Jesus’ heart. Lindsey was standing next to me, nodding her head in agreement, I thought to myself, “Wow, he is completely right.” Saddened by this realization, I began to relate it to what Bob had spoken about at church this past Sunday; Jesus calls us to simple be KIND. And so many of the times, we forget to even do this. A homeless man on the street whom we cautiously drive past, an elder at the store whom we don’t graciously open the door for, or a child who simply wants a few minutes of your time to play. We nonchalantly miss all of this. There is no right to claim yourself a Christian when you can’t even abide by Jesus’ heart; whom we declare to model our own heart’s after. I love Jesus, and I love the life he calls us to live, and the heart he portrays us to inherit, but I don’t agree with the pseudo religion of Christianity that so many claim to be. Loving the Lord shouldn’t fall under a classification or institution. I pray that one day I find a group of people that simply long to worship our Lord who is SO much bigger than the materialistic things the institution of the church has so blindly fallen for.

i love hillsong posts

Be Compassionate!!

You’ve probably heard the saying that “you may be the only Jesus someone ever sees.” There may be a desperate person who is in need of something as small as a smile or a little money, and you might be the best or the only example of Jesus’ love to them! With this in mind, look for ways today to live with true compassion and a caring attitude toward others. That’s how you can plant seeds of God in someone. You may not be around to see the seeds grow into a large and beautiful plant, but you could make a life-changing impact where you are!

Experience Satisfaction !!

You can experience satisfaction. That’s right; no matter where you’re at, what is troubling you today, or what has happened to you in the past, true satisfaction is close at hand. It’s found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. And along with the satisfaction that God gives you, peace and joy will flood your life to an overwhelming degree! This satisfaction and peace is not temporary, it’s not just here until something bad happens. Experiencing true satisfaction in God lasts for an eternity. You can live the way you were born to live, the way God intended for you to live! With God’s satisfaction, you can live a healthier, happier, and victorious life for as long as you live.

Worry, or Worship?

The enemy would love to get you worrying instead of worshiping God. When the devil brings you thoughts of worry, anxiety and fear, let them be a reminder for you to thank God that His answer is on the way. Say, “Devil, thank you for reminding me,” and then say, “Father, I thank You that You are at work on my behalf.” That’s what King Jehoshaphat did. The people of Judah were surrounded by three major armies. It didn’t look like they had a chance. This godly king was probably bombarded with thoughts of fear and anxiety. But he gathered the people together, lifted his eyes toward heaven, and prayed the simple prayer in today’s verse. Jehoshaphat’s prayer was answered. God told the people to march right in to the enemy’s camp, singing and shouting praises on their way. Notice, they weren’t worrying—they were worshiping—and God delivered them. Do you need a victory in your life? Then learn to worship instead of worry!

Be Refreshed!!

Nothing is more refreshing than having some crisp, cold water to drink when you’re dry, thirsty and tired! If quenching your thirst feels so good and invigorating, then imagine just how much better it feels to refresh your spirit and soul. That’s what God had in mind when He stated that He desires for you to come before Him and plug yourself back into His unlimited strength and victory. The same should be true of your time with other believers. When followers of Christ gather, it should be uplifting and refreshing for everyone involved, and make each person leave the place different than when they came in.

Make Worship a Priority!!

People who have their priorities in the right order are also joyful worshipers! God intended worship to be a way of life for those of us who love and follow Him. That means you can spend time worshiping and praising God throughout the day, every day! It doesn’t matter if you’re at home, at work, at the bus stop or enjoying a ballgame. Take time to worship God for who He is and thank Him for all the blessings He has given you. And be sure to spend time reading His Word. Your Bible is the best tool for discovering your God-given purpose—that calling the Lord has designed uniquely for you. The Bible will tell you who you are, what you have and what you can do. There’s nothing like the excitement of discovering the treasures God has for you in His Word.

The Power of What You Say !!

The Bible teaches to choose your words wisely. In fact, God’s Word says life and death are in the power of the tongue. That’s why you need to be very careful about what you say each day. Your words can either be a positive and encouraging influence, or a discouraging one. It may be easier to grumble and become negative when things aren’t going your way, but God calls you to speak words that strengthen and lift others up. When you do that, you will be blessed as well. Today, experience a new sense of joy by speaking positive words of faith and victory over your life and those around you.

Still Love, Holly Brook

You drank a bit down
Spilled the rest of it in me
And that’s the minute i let go
Your direction
With the bending of the light
If i remember it right
It carried on just fine
But tonight i will cry myself to sleep

Every rain makes its way into somebody’s song
As a way to relieve the pain
This one is calling me out of my shelter
To face the truth
But i still love

More than one time
This color has been mine
To consume the energy
To be a painter
And cover all the blue
I would give up wanting you
But still the morning sun
Will leak into my window when i’m done

Every rain makes its way into somebody’s song
As a way to relieve the pain
This one is calling me out of my shelter
To face the truth
But i still love

Searching for my intuition
Even though i recognize
Myself in all these silver walls
But as i stare they all break me down

Where were you?

Where were you? It seems to be the question most asked every year on this day. As I listened to people ask, and answer, this question today I realized how real that day was. And how it really did change our world forever. It’s amazing how every single individual that was old enough to remember, can recall, and relive, exactly where they were and all of the emotions they experienced as they watched the two twin towers be crashed into, and come tumbling down. As i bowed my head for the moment of silence today, and began to pray, I thought of all the families affected, here in the U.S and in places like Iraq. I prayed that He would comfort every single one of their hearts, and that somehow through this tragedy, He would continue to use it to reveal Himself in the eyes of the broken. My psychology teacher commented on how quite it was during the moment of silence today, “Maybe we still do remember.” And we do. So, what about you? Where were you?

Fall away from me slowly, as I try to reach for you.
But drift away from me gently, as I’m chasing after you.
Leave me to recover from the state that i’ve been in,
so fall away from me slowly,
don’t let me pull you back in.

I remember September, and the way you said hello,
but then i think of the winter,
you’re heart became so cold.
You pulled away from me softly,
and i knew that I was doomed,
so fall away from me slowly,
it’s the best thing you can do.

Ya, drift away from me gently,
let my heart return to new.

My Grandma.

Tonight my family and I went out to dinner to celebrate my Grandma’s birthday. It made me realize how amazing my family is and how BLESSED I am to have them!  I love and respect my Grandma with all of my heart, and truly hope she realizes that. She is my biggest role model, and it’s amazing how just a few, simple words from her can let me know that everything is going to be all right. Her and my grandpa love to travel. Their most recent trip was to Canada, where they stayed in a different city, and hotel every night. They also made a stop in Montana. Now, my grandma LOVES to buy us gifts on each trip she takes. This time, she brought back for my sister and I an Indian Version of the 23rd Psalm and a “lucky” canadian penny. (She told me she found it perfect for it being the start of my senior year.) As I read over the Psalm, I felt relieved. Recently, I have been emotionally drained from missing my cousin, my best friend since I was 2, and all of my good pals that just went off to school. As I was telling my grandma about how i’ve been feeling lately, she grasped onto my hands and simply said, ” Well, Sarah..maybe this is an opportunity for you to make some new friends!” I smiled, and  nodded my head. I love her.  Thank God for blessing me with such an amazing role model, and inspiring Grandma.

Indian Version of the 23rd Psalm 

The Great Father above is a Shepherd Chief. I am His, and with Him I want not.

He throws out to me a rope and the name of the rope is love, and He draws me to where the grass is green and the waters not dangerous. I eat and lie down satisfied.

Sometimes my heart is very weak and falls down, but He lifts it up again and draws me onto a good road. His name is wonderful.

Sometimes, it may be very soon, it may be longer, it may be a long, long time, He will draw me into a place between the mountains. It is dark there, but I’ll draw back not. I’ll be afraid not, for it is in there between the mountains that the Shepherd Chief will meet me. There the hunger that I have felt in my heart all through this life will be satisfied.

Sometimes He makes the love rope into a whip but afterwards He gives me a staff to lean on. He spreads a table before me with all kinds of food. He puts His hands upon my head and all the “tired” is gone. My cup He fills till is runs over.

What I tell you is true. I lie not. Those roads that are away will stay with me through this life, and afterwards I will go to live in the Big Teepee, and sit down with the Shepherd Chief forever.

Fortune Cookies & Sorrow

How do you cope with sadness, and learn to accept change? I miss my friends. I miss feeling connected with the church. I simply just miss. I have been devoted to praying about all of these things lately. Despite my continuous uncertainty, I know The Lord will not put me though anything HE knows I cannot handle. When i was in college station this past Sunday, a bunch of us went out to dinner at Pei Wei. I opened up two fortune cookies. The first one read, ” Happier days are definitely ahead for you.” Thanks Father. I proceeded to open another, curious as to what it might read, ” Life always gets harder near the summit.” Amused, I showed them to Whitney Jones, who was seated next to me. She raised her hands in the air and exclaimed, “ALL RIGHT JESUS, WE HEAR YA!” And indeed, I do. Just takes time to heal the heart.