Jesus Was Homeless - Selfishness

Selfishness
I think it's our nature to be selfish don't you? Growing up as an only child has afforded me some strong character traits that have helped shaped me and make me who I am today. Traits like, independence, determination, leadership, responsibility and dependability. But I think it has made me more selfish as well. I tend to think I've "earned" this or I "deserve" that. I was at the store the other day looking at some "techie" things and I couldn't help but notice how "shiny and new" everything looked, even the washers and dryers. I thought to myself, it's no wonder we get distracted from serving and sacrificing for others. I can tell you first hand most of the people I've run across this past year are not "shiny and new", they are broken and tired, yet I've met God there more than I'll ever meet him in the store. Over the past year and a half of Jesus Was Homeless I have started to learn the importance of serving my fellow man. Unfortunately, it still comes back to my selfishness. Now it's the selfishness of not wanting to be as selfish. I have begun to learn that by serving others it helps to take the focus off of me, my problems, the things I can't have or do and replaces that emptiness with joy and fullness for others. Make no mistake I still have a long way to go but the "renewing of my mind" and the "transformation of my heart" I believe have been done through God's gift of serving. I think one of the best things about Jesus Was Homeless is that it's open to anyone. We won't turn you away. We don't care what church you're from, if any. We don't care what you do for a living. We're just a group of people wanting to get outside of ourselves. For the past few weeks we've had some incredibly selfless teenagers come and serve. Now after raising 4 teenagers I didn't know it was possible to use those 2 words in the same sentence. Just think about the teenage world they live in. Almost always it's full of themselves, their friends and anything else they could be doing other than something productive, yet this group of kids comes each week and hangs out with, I can't speak for myself, nerdy adults, passing out food. It really made me think this past week as Easter went by that if these kids sacrifice their time to serve their fellow man, just how HUGE it was for Jesus to sacrifice himself for ALL of us. As I thought about that I have to tell you how glad I am that I haven't been given what I've earned or deserved. To experience a full "renewing of your mind and a transformation of your heart" I believe you MUST serve and sacrifice for your fellow man. If you would like to check us out we make meals every Thursday morning from 9-11 am and deliver over 330 meals every Thursday night from 5:30-8:30 pm. "Come and See".

40 "And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' - Matthew 25:40 (NLT)
Homeless Man Sad but True
A homeless and unkept man, desperately seeking inspiration, was met at the door of a church; rather than being greeted and welcomed inside was instead told that he could not enter because of the way he was dressed. Confused, the homeless man walked away and as he was walking down the stairs noticed another long-haired, untidy, man sitting on the stairs who said "Son, do not be offended by what they do, but rather feel sorry for them. They would not let me in either. Come sit with me and share this beautiful day." The homeless man sat down next to him and replied "Thank you; what is your name?" The long-haired, untidy man replied, "Jesus." - From our friend Bonnie. Thanks for sharing.
Smile Making A Difference?
Amy and Bryan,
I work with a student at the HS and each week he talks about getting his "happy meal" on Thursdays. I asked him one time if he goes to McDonalds to get that and he said no. He mentioned that nice people bring it to him, his brother and mom at their room. He said that there is always a smiling face on the bags. Just wanted you to know that you are talked about A LOT. Love you both, Leeann
Prayer Prayer Requests
Ron and Nancy LaDuke - Ron had a stroke while raking ditches.
Abby Lewis and her family - Against the enemies attacks.
Jodelle Fitzwater - Her friends, Justin and Stefanie Boyce have two beautiful children who have both been diagnosed with MPS III, Sanfilippo Syndrome which is a rare genetic disorder that causes the body to slowly lose its ability to function.
Suzette and Jim Brawner - Jim's brother Joe and Suzette's dad are both battling cancer.
My friend Steve from school - He just relocated and is struggling.
Upcoming "Love Your Neighbor BBQ" Event
Community Celebration Event
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
May 2, 2010
Payless Inn parking lot, W Hwy 76 (Across from Rib Crib)