James in Montgomery
Monday, August 16, 2010
For More
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Short (kinda) Reflection
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
7/21/10 (Video Update)
Monday, July 19, 2010
7/19/10
Monday, June 28, 2010
6/28/10
(I don’t have Internet at the house so I’m writing this a little blind. I’m not sure where I left off last time.)
Last week was full of ups and downs. Overall we had some ‘breakthrough’ moments and some frustrating discipline moments (not our favorite thing to do, even though some kids might see it differently). I feel like I’m getting to know the kids better. I’m still struggling with names and it doesn’t help that most kids know every intern’s name.
We have to be very flexible here and I admit I’ve gotten frustrated a couple of times, even though I’m usually pretty good with whatever. Sunday night Zo (CGM staff) taught on Jesus’ life that was full of ‘inconveniences.’ I learned that these inconveniences that God puts in my life are there to test my faith and to refine me more into the image of my creator, God, and King.
Today I had an opportunity to be stretched. Because of a discipline issue, my kids couldn’t participate in the afternoon activity. My plans changed I think about five or six time in half an hour. Most of the reason I was frustrated was selfishness. I seeing more and more how selfish I really am. I hope God continues to show me this along with other sins I have and continues to put me in the furnace, burning away the dross so that nothing left of me remains.
Last Friday we went to J. B. and Joy (some friends of Josh). They cooked for us and we had a great night of fellowship. We shared many stories from camp and then they shared their testimonies and how they met and how God brought them together. It was really challenging and encouraging. I’m working on trying to apply it to my life and how I handing the whole dating thing.
My parents are coming to visit this Friday, I believe so if they can find my camera battery charger, I might get some more pictures up for y’all.
I started reading Ministries of Mercy by Timothy Keller yesterday. We have a pretty large amount of reading this summer but I decided to try to read that as well. It’s amazing how so much of what we’re being taught Keller has briefly addressed in the book.
Well, its time for me to head out for dinner so I’ll catch up with y’all later.
God bless!!!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
6/22/10
Usually we go bowling on Tuesdays but today the staff decided to take the older boys to see a movie, since we hadn't gone yet. We saw The Karate Kid. It was good, even though it was the second time I've seen it. I never thought that taking a huge group of kids to see a movie would be as draining as playing paintball...it is.
Last night we had a free night. It was needed. I went with Brittany Sonnier, Ava, Meaghan, and Anna Laura to watch Josh's (staff guy) softball game. His team won. It was good to get out a relax for a couple of hours.
This past week we finally moved into the intern house! We're excited. I'm excited. I'll try to add some pictures soon. I forgot my camera battery charger so you'll be seeing a lot more pictures posted when that happens. The guys have two bedrooms downstairs and the girls have three upstairs. There's a big room that I think is supposed to be a hangout room but I'm not sure if any guys have ventured that far yet.
The big thing at the house now is getting it cleaned and looking like someone lives there. We currently have no furniture in the house. We hope to have a table and couch in there sometime soon. So, if you have something you'd like to donate, I'm sure Common Ground Montgomery would gladly accept.
I'm getting to know all the interns and staff and am loving it. God really brought together a great group of interns and the staff is awesome! Our notebooks have pictures of all of the inters with our names under our pictures so I'll try to remember to take a picture of that and share it with you.
This morning in our time alone with God (TAWG) we studied Deuteronomy 10:17-18, Leviticus 19:15, Proverbs 18:21, and 1 Timothy 5:21. The common theme of these verses is partiality and impartiality. I was really convicted by these verses and how direct and clear they were. In it I not only saw God's heart for justice but how he called us to the same. God, through His word more helped me realize how most, if not all of my life is set up to serve my partiality. That was and is a tough pill to swallow.
On the flip side, as Fred pointed out, I have to be careful not to go to the other extreme to where I sin the same way against those I feel more comfortable with. Read those verses if you want. I'd love to know what you think.
Well, its time for supper and then we have a Bible study with B.K., so I think this is goodbye for now. God Bless!