April 14, 2010
Dear children,
I am sorry. I am sorry that you have to grow up in a world that constantly tells you that you are not good enough. I am sorry for the messages you hear of what you need to do to be loved. I am sorry for the pressure you feel to be earn love, whatever the cost. I am sorry that you are pressured into doing things that children shouldn't do. I am sorry things that shouldn't even exist are so accessible to you. I hope that someday you will know full well how much your Father in heaven loves you, desires you... delights in you. I hope that you will soon discover that you do not need to do anything to earn his love. I hope you find all of your satisfaction in Him who satisfies. I hope that you run far far away from the lies the world begs you to believe. I wish I could keep you all safe, away from these horrible things... I wish I could prevent you from ever believing a single lie. But... the truth is... this world is an ugly place. And I know that you will be hurt... I know that you will choose things that aren't the best for you. I know that you will look for love in places that only offer cheap conditional love. But please... know this... the Father in heaven is waiting for you... with arms wide open... waiting and longing for you to return running to Him. Please know... that no matter where you have been or what you have done HE will always accept you and love you... unconditionally. Please know that His love never fails. His love is true love. His love is real love. Please, the love you are looking for... it is waiting for you.
April 13, 2010
A burden.
As you are probably aware, a little while ago I participated in homelessness campaign which raised over 17000 dollars for Carmichael outreach in Regina. It was perspective changing and continues to effect me as the days pass.
The other day I was asked for money outside of the 7-11. It was the first time since 5days. It caught me off guard. I didn't have any money on me, it being in the north end, and him standing in a shadowy corner... I apologized sincerely and carried on with my day. I knew the reaction I had, mainly internally,was different than what it would have been previous to the 5 days campaign. I was encouraged to know that 5 days did in fact have a deeper impact on me.
Today, I received a letter in the mail from one of Regina's homeless.
I am going to share this letter with you, uncensored, so I apologize for anything that may be offensive.
"Dear Cheryl,
I see your write-up in the newspaper (March 20, Leader Post) of your sleep out. I can see your reason for bringing attention to the problem. But nobody Cares!! The vacancy rate is 0 in Regina. It's terrible! Rents start around $650 and up. That's awful. I am wondering how serious you really are. Sask. people like to show off. I have an idea and a suggestion. The 5 of you should take an afternoon off and fo speak to Mr. Brad Wall, the premier. Ask him to build 2 medium size apartments, reasonably priced for homeless people etc (welfare, old, low wage earner) These should be downtown at the source of all the activity. Tell him to do it this year 2010. He has an election to win in 2011 and it might help him. The money would not be wasted as the rents would eventually cover the cost and would bring in a profit. The government is in other industries and the housing industry is very important. Housing and rental property is no non-existent. Where are people supposed to live? The people of Regina are satisfied fat cats and don't give a damn about you or anybody.
- from A Regina Homeless"
I am challenged...a little bit discouraged... and sad. I do want to do what this person has suggested... but how? I wonder how the mustard seed in Calgary began? I wonder what it is that I can do? I wish I could solve this problem... today! But I know it's a big problem that is probably always going to be around. I don't want to be complacent! I don't want to ignore the issue! I know that I cannot be a hero. Sigh. So many questions. So many issues. So little answers.
The other day I was asked for money outside of the 7-11. It was the first time since 5days. It caught me off guard. I didn't have any money on me, it being in the north end, and him standing in a shadowy corner... I apologized sincerely and carried on with my day. I knew the reaction I had, mainly internally,was different than what it would have been previous to the 5 days campaign. I was encouraged to know that 5 days did in fact have a deeper impact on me.
Today, I received a letter in the mail from one of Regina's homeless.
I am going to share this letter with you, uncensored, so I apologize for anything that may be offensive.
"Dear Cheryl,
I see your write-up in the newspaper (March 20, Leader Post) of your sleep out. I can see your reason for bringing attention to the problem. But nobody Cares!! The vacancy rate is 0 in Regina. It's terrible! Rents start around $650 and up. That's awful. I am wondering how serious you really are. Sask. people like to show off. I have an idea and a suggestion. The 5 of you should take an afternoon off and fo speak to Mr. Brad Wall, the premier. Ask him to build 2 medium size apartments, reasonably priced for homeless people etc (welfare, old, low wage earner) These should be downtown at the source of all the activity. Tell him to do it this year 2010. He has an election to win in 2011 and it might help him. The money would not be wasted as the rents would eventually cover the cost and would bring in a profit. The government is in other industries and the housing industry is very important. Housing and rental property is no non-existent. Where are people supposed to live? The people of Regina are satisfied fat cats and don't give a damn about you or anybody.
- from A Regina Homeless"
I am challenged...a little bit discouraged... and sad. I do want to do what this person has suggested... but how? I wonder how the mustard seed in Calgary began? I wonder what it is that I can do? I wish I could solve this problem... today! But I know it's a big problem that is probably always going to be around. I don't want to be complacent! I don't want to ignore the issue! I know that I cannot be a hero. Sigh. So many questions. So many issues. So little answers.
April 11, 2010
creating.
i LOVE to paint.
i am not sure why i didn't discover this sooner?!
it's making things that i would normally find annoying or bland... enjoyable! though... i am not sure its making those things themselves enjoyable... but it sure is making the time pass quickly!
what am i saying?...
here's an example...
currently... my blow dryer is on... hooked onto my shelf... blowing towards the floor... where my painting lay almost dry... while i have been waiting for it to dry... i do my to do list! i just cleaned the bathroom... and now my painting is nearly dry... just enough time left to write a quick blog and start finishing my homework...
lovely!
I LOVE PAINTING!
oh... not to mention the whole 'not thinking about anything' concept that comes along with painting... seriously... i never knew it was possible to not think and just simple enjoy something... and if i do think... its more directed, like what i am painting, or about how sweet it is that i have the ability to paint... and then that just get me thinking about how awesome God is... and I really can't imagine anything better than being creative while thinking about my creator.
i am not sure why i didn't discover this sooner?!
it's making things that i would normally find annoying or bland... enjoyable! though... i am not sure its making those things themselves enjoyable... but it sure is making the time pass quickly!
what am i saying?...
here's an example...
currently... my blow dryer is on... hooked onto my shelf... blowing towards the floor... where my painting lay almost dry... while i have been waiting for it to dry... i do my to do list! i just cleaned the bathroom... and now my painting is nearly dry... just enough time left to write a quick blog and start finishing my homework...
lovely!
I LOVE PAINTING!
oh... not to mention the whole 'not thinking about anything' concept that comes along with painting... seriously... i never knew it was possible to not think and just simple enjoy something... and if i do think... its more directed, like what i am painting, or about how sweet it is that i have the ability to paint... and then that just get me thinking about how awesome God is... and I really can't imagine anything better than being creative while thinking about my creator.
April 10, 2010
what feeling?
you know that feeling...
the one after a long days work, where your body is begging, pleading with you to stop... you didn't really notice its cries until you started to wind down...
and then... just when it feels like you can't handle anymore... you answer it's call...
that feeling. the feeling of stopping...ceasing... fully. the feeling of your body crying out with thankfulness and relief...
you know that feeling?
i like that feeling.
the one after a long days work, where your body is begging, pleading with you to stop... you didn't really notice its cries until you started to wind down...
and then... just when it feels like you can't handle anymore... you answer it's call...
that feeling. the feeling of stopping...ceasing... fully. the feeling of your body crying out with thankfulness and relief...
you know that feeling?
i like that feeling.
April 1, 2010
some solid thoughts...
So I have been reading this book... (well sort of... I read it on the way to Edmonton in the airport and on the plane... I actually haven't had the chance to continue in the craziness of the end of the semester!!) Anyway.. this book is called 'Be a Hero - the battle for mercy and social justice' by Wesely Campbell and Stephen Court. The goal of the book is to basically outline God's desire for mercy and social justice and his call for us in those regards. A book for me? maybe? A little.
ANYWAY.... I wanted to share some little snipits that have got me thinking.
"Human beings are unable to resist their bases appetites because they have been deprived of the very means of resistance." Not sure if you noticed... will power doesn't work.
They quoted Bono on this one..."We put it in the most crass terms possible; we argue it as a financial and security issue for America.... There are potentially 10 Afghanistans in Africa, and it is cheaper by a factor of 100 to prevent fires from happening than to put them out."
"It is the simple act of not looking away from deformity, from ugliness, from repulsiveness, that is the simplest act of compassion."
"God takes the poor, the need, the alien, the widow, and the orphan and instills within them rights, justice, a sense of belonging and dignity, through the unstinting deployment of justice, righteousness and compassion."
ANYWAY.... I wanted to share some little snipits that have got me thinking.
"Human beings are unable to resist their bases appetites because they have been deprived of the very means of resistance." Not sure if you noticed... will power doesn't work.
They quoted Bono on this one..."We put it in the most crass terms possible; we argue it as a financial and security issue for America.... There are potentially 10 Afghanistans in Africa, and it is cheaper by a factor of 100 to prevent fires from happening than to put them out."
"It is the simple act of not looking away from deformity, from ugliness, from repulsiveness, that is the simplest act of compassion."
"God takes the poor, the need, the alien, the widow, and the orphan and instills within them rights, justice, a sense of belonging and dignity, through the unstinting deployment of justice, righteousness and compassion."
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