Yesterday's Post - Better Days and Fruits of the Spirit

Today nothing out of the ordinary happened which was good....really good. My roommate got approved for her surgery. Please pray for her that she has peace before and throughout and after the whole surgery. She's such a blessing in my life.

Today at the front desk, was uneventful. The day really flew by. I had a nice lunch. I fixed a sandwich and ran to my room to hang out for a bit. I even did a little work on the transcription website. I remember I did that last year, I started in September and I made a few bucks. This week I've decided not to take any side jobs. Working from 8 to 5 plus more work is a lot. I did that all last week with my own cleaning team.

Bible study was really good. We talked about the fruits of the Spirit. I realized in my own life, that I have been judging things that weren't necessarily bad. We judge so many things that aren't that important. Like for example. Are you a republican or democrat, You can guarantee when you say that, the other person will be totally opposite. Why should Christians even care? I know who cares, our flesh cares. Satan cares...not God. Then afterwards I got to thinking about how we are constantly bombarded with things on Facebook and also on other social media websites. For a moment, I thought about deleting my Facebook. We also talked about how Christians can sometimes be the most judging and how Paul talked about the circumcised and UN circumcised. I could just see in my mind's eye the picture. A circusized jew saying na na boo boo i'm better than you. I'm this way and you're not. Then I thought of how this applies today and it applies because a lot of the times I want to judge people. Especially before I lived in community. I would think things about a person based on what I saw. Like for example, I always thought based off of 1 Corinthians 6:19 which says

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;

What did I think before I came here? Ewww, how much of a christian can that person be, they have tattoos of  crosses and angels on their skin, but the Bible says that our body is a temple of His Spirit. It's the same thing as being circumcised or not circumcised. It doesn't matter. It also doesn't matter how rich or how poor I am. It doesn't matter that I like blue shoes and another person going to my church has white shoes. Come on church! We need to realize that once we stop focusing on these trivial things, then maybe we can advance His church.

Galatians 5:2-6

2 Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. 3 Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law. 4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. 5 For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Bad Day for Me Today

Today was.....interesting. I was working the phones at the front desk. Since Jeannie is on vacation, I'm working her shift as well. So I work from 8 am to 5 pm. This morning I had a reporter call. No one was answering....he's demanding answers from someone he wants to speak with but that person isn't answering home phone, cell or work. Not much more I can do for him. So I have to deal with him all morning. I felt like he was a ping pong ball that just kept getting tossed back and forth. This afternoon, the reporter guy left me alone. But THIS TIME, a copier supplier calls a dozen times. He wants answers out of me that I can't give him. I ask him if it is a sales call, he says no but ma'am you're business needs to buy printing material. I told him like I was told to tell him that we do all of our printing in the house. He keeps on and on and on. I know from working in a call center that the employees get “incentives” for selling stuff. He would not let go of this one. Thankfully Dave, aka the funny man was standing there and he got on the line and mumbled up words and hung up on him. I was trying to be nice to him. I understand the job.

Then this homeless guy that I seee come by every day. He comes by and asks if we have any hotdogs. Usually after a Chicago Cubs game, we give out hotdogs and brautwursts to the people who come by our door. When the hotdogs are gone, we put up a sign that says NO HOTDOGS in big letters drawn on a paper in front of the window. So from the side window where you can talk to me before I buzz you in. Well, today the door was open. Usually this guy asks if there are any hotdogs (several times), then tries to get in. Usually he can't use I have to buzz him in. Today the door was open, because people were delivering can sodas to the vending machine. Well this guy comes in the front door, ugh, he comes up to me after I told him three times already that there are no hotdogs. I have explained to him (many times) that we only have hotdogs after Cubs home games. I said I'm sorry Sir I'm going to have to ask you to leave. He says some mumbled up words and then after a few more times of me saying that he walks out the door.

So, then at 5 when it's time for me to get off, I wait and I wait and I wait and I wait. My replacement is supposed to be here by now. Then I wait and wait and call the team clean coordinators who don't answer their phones. I think to myself maybe they are getting dinner. So I wait but then the line gets down so low that there is no line. So I think, hmmmm, then a hospital calls wanting information about one of our seniors. I told them I would get their case workers on the line for more information. So I call and call and call some more.....But I can't get ahold of anyone. So finally I get ahold of someone after four phone calls. I get the case worker connected to the hospital. I'm so frustrated that my replacement hasn't arrived. I start crying. I hope I don't get in trouble but the whole day was just a mess. I work eight hours here and now I have to sit here when I'm not supposed to be here. It's not fair.

Well Gary bless his heart, he is one of the guys that does phones from 10:30 till 8 when I come in. He's so willing to do things for other people. He sees me crying and says he will take over.

So now I'm in my room blowing off the steam for the day on my new netbook. I can finally use it now because the charger arrived.

Today was about the worst day I've had since I've been here so far, even when I worked in the kitchen. I've never felt this bad. Anyways, from one of the discipleship classes I had. The class on the book called Community and Growth, Jean Vanier says that some days you won't even like community. Today is one of those days for me. Today I'm thankful that my roommate went to work for a little bit.

Prayer request – please pray that I would not be discouraged working the front desk. I'm supposed to be encouraging and today I feel like I wasn't. Please pray for Sara, she has to have surgery on her broke foot friday. They are going to put a pin in her foot. Doesn't that sound familiar to someone? Haha  

Busy Monday and Lazy Tuesday

I don't know why, but the start of Monday was really bad in the morning. I got enough sleep the night before but there were people who were coming to me and they were making outrageous demands in my opinion. If someone calls and they don't get you on a cell phone please leave a message. There was one person who called and asked to be transferred to a cell phone three times! All within five minutes! :( So I was feeling really mad. To top that off, the charger arrived for my Dell netbook and it didn't fit into the plug. ugh. I called the people who sent it but they were off that day (figures)

So I had made plans with Sara that morning that I was going to come to her job Leland (which is low income housing for formerly homeless people) and get her work computer working faster. I was going to CClean it and then defrag it. I was up in my room and I had just tried to plug in my charger. meh I was feeling like just forget it all. I will not go. Today is just a bad day. So then Sara called and I was like well I guess I will go. I was feeling a funk. Nothing was working out.

So the walk is about the same distance to the church group that we go to every other sunday. The White's house. Sara met me nearby and we walked. It was a long walk but a good one. The walk was so pretty. When we got there I got to meet a few people who live there. Half of all tech support is waiting. Waiting on the system to do what it is going to do. While I was waiting, Carol who is a sweet sweet lady, she always says hello to me in the morning at the front desk. She had just gotten a donation of clothing. So I got to look through and HURRAY THERE WAS MY SIZE. I got a few t-shirts, which is really good because I was going to go to the thrift store because monday is half price day. But thanks to Carol and Leland I didn't have to go to the thrift store. I got a few t-shirts which is what I was looking for. 

So we walked back home and that evening I did a side job for someone. Then I went and tried to help Verlina set up her printer. It didn't work. Well, I did go to a crappy tech school. Most people I can help. I helped Sara with her personal and work laptop. So I felt really good and blessed that I decided to go to help her. God really blessed me yesterday

Tuesday

It was really uneventful. I got off of front desk and went to my room. I played the star wars game for a bit, then all of a sudden I felt really sleepy. I had the air on really high. It's hardly ever on and I like it super cold in summer. But not my grandpa cold...that's too cold! But Sara prefers a fan or window open. That's okay we all have our 

I figured when Sara got in the room she would turn off the AC. We pretty much get along except for when it comes to the AC. I want more she wants less. So I turned on the AC to high. Then I snuggled warm under my comforter which I haven't used in a while and fell asleep. I fell asleep at 2. Then I woke up and saw Sara sitting on the sofa. I was like why is she here? What time is it? I ask.....she says it's 6:30......oh man I realized I missed my side job....crap! So, moral of today is not to take a nap when you have a side job that evening. I was sleeping soooooo good. Especially in the cold of the room. 

I go downstairs to see if there is anything I can do. Nope. all done. No money for tonight so that means only 20 versus 25 no big loss I don't think. I set an alarm for tomorrow. I will definitely be ready,

My plans for tonight fell through so I'm hanging out with the girls doing craft night and blogging. Later on I have to SWTOR tech support oh joy. I called earlier before my nap and they said it would be an hour wait. Oh joy. Hanging out with the girls is fun. I'm glad the other plan fell through. 

As for the side job, there's no use crying over spilled milk. Tomorrow is another day. 

An Unexpected change of events

Well, my plans changed again...This time in a good sorta way. My day yesterday was really good. Just so you know they went ahead and put Jude in the hospital for pain control. Please pray for him. Earlier in the week, I had signed up for wedding work. My job was going to be the flower party. I don't remember who told me, but for and Laura's wedding. I signed up for reception work. I did this only so that I could go to the reception. It really made me mad because the thing I had signed up for the last time, the other girl that was helping me decided to scratch my name out at the last minute (without letting me know) and signed up her boyfriend. So, I thought maybe God was trying to let me know that I didn't need to go to the reception. But usually the reception is the best part of the wedding.

Well this go round, I signed up for the flower party. I was thinking to myself hmm this is fun I can put flowers together and do something really useful for the bride and groom. We were going to meet right after dinner in the senior's dining room. When I get there, I see no flowers just another lady setting up the room. So I ask, where are the flowers? She then tells me that we are not the ones in the flower party, we are the ones helping to set up for the flower party. EERRRGGGHHHH!!!!  A friend of mine even told me to sign up for the flower party that I would have so much fun. UUUGGGHHHH!!!. So I helped set up tables and arrange the drinks and candy dishes along with the refreshment station with chips and dips. I did it with a good heart, but I was disappointed that I didn't get to put together corsages.

Well after the flower party, I go to the front desk. A lady is there and I overhear her saying that she needs someone to do her weekend work for phones. So, I'm thinking in my mind phones or wedding? Money or wedding? So here I am working the phones.  Next time I will go look at the wedding work wall and sign up for something fun. I wish I had a servant's heart.

Tonight I might go to the beach, I'm not sure yet...Here's for hoping.

Five Minute Friday - Rhythm

1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..

OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on the word:::

- See more at: http://lisajobaker.com/2013/06/five-minute-friday-rhythm/#sthash.7OYHWyw5.dpuf

GO

So the Summer comes, my first summer in Chicago. It totally messes up my rhythm. It's humid, hot and muggy just like a Georgia or North Carolina summer. It's not supposed to be this way. My discipleship classes are over so now I'm all out of tune. I have nothing to do in the afternoon, or do I? I saw Jude's mom sitting outside her room down the hall the other day. I decided to go to her and pray for her.

Jude is a sweet boy who has some bone ailment and the doctors can't figure out what's wrong with him. He just had surgery to put a bone in place or something. He's in pain day or night. Sometimes if I stay up at night I can hear him from down the hallways and I wonder if that family is out of their normal rhythm. I want to do something besides pray but I don't know what to do.

This weekend is Tim's wedding. He's a cook I worked with for a little while when I first got here and worked in the kitchen. It's out of rhythm because everyone is scrambling around for the parties and the wedding ceremony. It's good to be out of rhythm sometimes. If life did have a constant beat with the constant thing day after day we would get bored.

STOP

Happy Father's Day to You Father

Well, sorry I haven't written that much. I haven't had that much going on lately. I broke my computer screen a few weeks ago. Thankfully a very good friend of mine helped me out with that. I've had a very busy week this past week. I attended three parties and am going to one tonight for the graduation of my fellow discipleship classmates.

School is out here and I love it. There are kids everywhere and it reminds me of my summers going to summer camp and swim lessons. I was never really into sports growing up but I sure did love the swimming lessons that we got to do Monday Wednesday and Friday. I was a late swimmer. I took lessons every summer and I forgot how old I was when I started swimming. I remember holding on to the edges of Grandpa and Grandma Faye's swimming pool. I remember my cousin Jackie coming over, Glenn and Kesha come over.... or was Kesha with Glenn at that time? I don't really remember. (Glenn is my brother) My step sister at the time Jamie (ugh I couldn't stand her) As soon as I could swim I remember it just clicked. I enjoyed my summers.

Hopefully the pool next door has new hours for the summer and since I don't have classes anymore, maybe I will be able to go. Summer is finally here in Chicago. I thought it would never come.

Today we stood up in church and along with recognizing the Project 12 graduates, we also recognized the fathers in the congregation. I tried to tell every father that I saw happy father's day. Today I realize maybe our Father in Heaven doesn't get the recognition He deserves. He did become and man and die on the cross for me and you (whoever reads this blog I hope someone does) If not, that still doesn't change the fact that Jesus died on the cross for you. Today I am just so happy and content with my life and the way things are going with me right now. God has lead me here for a reason. He is the best Father and I don't think that I would have come this far if it wasn't for Him and His grace.

Friday I wrote a poem for a test (I hope I don't fail it) in John's class on discipleship. When he gives the papers back, I will share it with you. I love the discipleship classes. Even though they end for the summer, I can't wait for next year to start.

Also today in church, we talked about Psalm 122. I was really convicted. Ever since I have been going to church since I was little. I always go about in a rushed panic trying to get ready for church. If I were for instance, going to the beach, I would wake up early and make sure that everything is ready to go. I wouldn't ever ever forget my sunblock, especially after seeing one of the moms on the fifth floor getting burnt to a crisp. I would make sure I had my swim stuff ready. Yet for church, I don't get that excited. I remember a youth pastor named Seth once said that we can hoop and holler at a football game, but we don't get that excited for God. So next Sunday I will try to be ready and prepared as if I were getting ready for a football game.

Well that is all I have for now. I will leave you with Psalm 122. Love you all
Chrissy

Psalm 122

A song of ascents. Of David.

1 I rejoiced with those who said to me,
    “Let us go to the house of the Lord.”
2 Our feet are standing
    in your gates, Jerusalem.

3 Jerusalem is built like a city
    that is closely compacted together.
4 That is where the tribes go up—
    the tribes of the Lord—
to praise the name of the Lord
    according to the statute given to Israel.
5 There stand the thrones for judgment,
    the thrones of the house of David.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
    “May those who love you be secure.
7 May there be peace within your walls
    and security within your citadels.”
8 For the sake of my family and friends,
    I will say, “Peace be within you.”
9 For the sake of the house of the Lord our God,
    I will seek your prosperity.

Gifts, My Busy Life and Serving Others

This week I believe God has shown me my gift to be used for His Kingdom. I thought that gifts were for those "special" people in the family of God. The ones that you see every Sunday who preach, sing, play musical instruments or even lead in Children's Church. I have learned that it takes all of us working together to be a family of God.

I remember a few weeks ago, in a class that Neil teaches called Community and Growth, we actually had a chapter in the book about spiritual gifts. After a month or so of being here, I thought well....God hasn't shown me my gift in the 10 or so years that I have been searching. well....He's probably not going to show it to me now. Then I went to this class and we were talking about how some gifts are just so simple. Such as the gift of serving. If it wasn't for people willing to do the mundane tasks in life, then the important people such as those who lead in church on Sunday couldn't do what they needed to do. We talked about several roles including the "grandparents" of the church who are the people who are willing to give advice because they have lived life and know how to navigate it. We talked about several other types of people that day.

Then we talked about one gift and I forget the exact name of this gift. But there is this really sweet guy here, who is  mentally delayed. He always stands out as the most cheerful and bright person in the room here. He's someone who, if you were sick, he would attempt to draw you a Get well soon card. (just like he did for my roommate this week) He is always willing to say hello and what's up when you see him. He's always happy and now that I think about it this gift is the gift of joy maybe? not quite sure. Anyways, if God can use this fellow, then I know that He can use me.

I've been praying and praying and praying and praying....etc about this.  This week someone said to me that I'm always willing to help out if I see people sad and I'm always willing to say hello. If I see one of our senior's here in the lobby and they seem to be sad, I try to go and talk to them when I'm not working to make sure that they are okay. I know that there is a time to be sad, but I don't like to see people sad. Anyways, I know now that I have the gift of encouragement.

Well, sorry I haven't been posting very much. I've been busy with work. class, magazine work, and homework, that I don't really have time to blog anymore. Well, if I cut out the time that I spend listening to audio books and reading books, then maybe I would have time to blog. haha. This week one of the ladies I know who's sister comes and visits a lot. The sister's friend gave away a lot of clothes she didn't want anymore. So, the sister gave the bag of shirts to me. Yay, more clothes which I always need ever since the fire. Before the fire, I had a pretty good amount of clothes. Since the fire, I've been building up. I kept a whole trash bag of new clothes. I'm so excited.

I went to a clothing bank that we have at one of the shelters we run called the Free Store. Where people can donate clothes and our clients (people in the shelters) can come by and get clothes. Sometimes people who live in the community can get permission to go up there and get some clothes. So I talked to the lady who runs it and she said that it would be fine for me to go to the free store because I needed to look for pants. Well i didn't find any pants, just one shirt. :(

As of this past Friday my roommate has been sick with food poison. I was kind of wary at first of helping her because I thought it might be the stomach bug and I didn't want to catch it. She was so miserable and I hated seeing her being so sick like that. I remember about a month before I came here, I got the stomach bug and it wasn't fun. She wasn't getting better after the first few days, so I went with her to the doctor, who is 2 blocks away at the nearest hospital (it's not a very good hospital). They said she had food poisoning and put her on antibiotics.

I thought she would get better but then for the next day she got worse. Then after that worse day, she felt a lot better. I would check on her almost every hour. I would also bring her things if she needed it. Water, ginger ale, bubbly water, anything. I'm so happy me and my roommate are close. I remember sometimes having roommates in the past that I wasn't so close to.

Well, to all you mothers out there I hope you have a happy mother's day.