Good Day

Last night I went home earlier than normal from McNellies $3 burger night, so I could spend some time reading. I read a couple chapters out of the gospel of John that ministered to me about giving. I ended up reading some other versus that were on the same topic (giving). As I meditated on Jesus' words I realized He was saying give even if you are in need, give.... but he almost pushed on where not only money... time, gifts (skills) and every aspect of your life, then your treasure will be in heaven! It was just a really good time right before bed.

Then Next morning (today) I woke up in a good mood. I took my cousin (Ashley) out to First Watch to treat her for her birthday. While we were waiting on our food, this sweet lady came up to me and said, "I just wanted to let you know that I see Jesus all over your face. It is so evident that you have him in your life!" I responded "thank you!" (I didn't know what to say but that). My day was already going well and that just made it better. When I went to go pay my bill the guy at the register said that my ticket has been taken care of and handed me a note that congratulated me on opening my cafe from an old friend I have not seen in a while. :) !!!

I hurried over to the cafe to see Josiah (my business partner) handling a line of people out the door and from that moment on it was pretty busy here. Austin is showing up in a bit to have sushi then later we are going to watch football at his house.

Lent

While going through this lenten season, I realized tho I have been good at giving up what I said I would, I have not been good with filling it completely with God. One thing I gave up is TV (Movies, shows...) but when I normally would have spent 2-3hrs watching tv/movie, I am only giving God 30 minutes of that time. There are for sure good things that have been produced from this season but there is more that can come I just need to allow it.

“Cry aloud, spare not;

Lift up your voice like a trumpet;

Tell My people their transgression,

And the house of Jacob their sins.

Yet they seek Me daily,

And delight to know My ways,

As a nation that did righteousness,

And did not forsake the ordinance of their God.

They ask of Me the ordinances of justice;

They take delight in approaching God.

‘ Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and You have not seen?

Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?

“ In fact, in the day of your fast you find pleasure,

And exploit all your laborers.

Indeed you fast for strife and debate,

And to strike with the fist of wickedness.

You will not fast as you do this day,

To make your voice heard on high.

Is it a fast that I have chosen,

A day for a man to afflict his soul?

Is it to bow down his head like a bulrush,

And to spread out sackcloth and ashes?

Would you call this a fast,

And an acceptable day to the LORD?

“ Is this not the fast that I have chosen:

To loose the bonds of wickedness,

To undo the heavy burdens,

To let the oppressed go free,

And that you break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,

And that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out;

When you see the naked, that you cover him,

And not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth like the morning,

Your healing shall spring forth speedily,

And your righteousness shall go before you;

The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer;

You shall cry, and He will say, ‘Here I am.’"

Isaiah 58:1-9

I am amazed by God's grace! HE frees us from the wickedness that bonds us, burdens that weigh us down and sickness that attacks our bodies.

Fast and pray to the Lord and you will be set free!

Papa Sanders

I feel like in almost every school at one point they have you write about your "Hero". And for me I wrote about my Papa Sanders. I don't quite remember all I wrote seeing how it was over 10 years ago but I do remember how he had a great impact on me in all of my past years. After talking with quite a few of my other cousins I realized that I was not the only one that considered him their hero.

On March 14th at 10:27 I watched one of my heros pass away.

My Papa Sanders was a man that genuinely loved people and knew how to make people feel loved. For me I never saw his ministry on the "Restless Ribbon" or in Louisville, Kentucky or how he led revivals in cities. But what I saw was how he was a leader in his family, how he spent time with God. How he loved people. I saw how he loved me. As I look back I am grateful for the times we had playing basketball (knock out and HORSE), darts, dominos, ping pong, and went fishing. I miss his hugs, him telling me that he loves me and him mouthing to me that he loves me when his voice didn't work. I miss his thankfulness after I spent the day helping him. I miss the way his face lit up when someone came buy to visit or when he got to see one of his great grandchildren. But I love the memories, and I love the way he made such an impact on his family, friends and strangers. I love his courage and boldness. I love that he was not ashamed of the gospel.

He was a blessed man with a wonderful family and friends. And it makes me realize how blessed I am with my amazing family and great friends. We serve and awesome God that gives grace to those who seek him. Thank you Lord for all your blessings and for giving me a grandfather who led a great example for his family to follow.

New Project

Today I woke at 4:50am to give my Papa Sanders his medicine....

At 9am I had a meeting downtown to talk things over about the cafe.

Here is a picture of a little place Josiah and I are turning into a cafe.

At 11:30 I had class and got out at 3:50. I really need to practice my Spanish.

From TCC Metro I headed over to the condo that I am working on flipping with my Grandma Gloria.

... Now I am up with my Papa trying to make sure he stays comfortable. Hopefully I'll get to bed by 9am and that will mean I've been up for 28hrs w/out sleep.