The Good Stuff

I haven't posted in a awhile and those of you who are brave enough to stomach through my ranting know me  enough by now to know  my favorite preference to approaching words and subject matter is  direct so I see no reason in writing this post any differently.

I have been quite busy lately and so has the enemy. I knew coming into this that serving God would not be a picnic 24 hours a day. Sometimes it would be difficult , testing, trying and painful but ALWAYS worth it. 

I traveled to South Carolina to  Christ Central and witnessed the generosity  and unconditional love  poured out to total strangers on a weekly basis . Where I was also welcomed with open arms and treated like a queen by total strangers. Where I was given support practically and lifted up and prayed for diligently and earnestly.

Just to come back to not only zero support of any kind but being talked about behind our backs as if we committed some kind of heinous crime by feeding hungry people. It is evidently frowned upon to love the unloved and since when do you ever think it mattered to God WHERE I loved the unloved  as long as I LOVE them.

In the name of all that is Holy I will NEVER live long enough to EVER wrap my mind around that.

Even though this was never promised to be easy, the people who I call friends, suffer far more injustice than I dare to compare with my little inconveniences. When I am the most hurt and disappointed,when I am angry and torn at the injustice going on against the innocent, when I feel betrayed and abandoned is when I feel the most compelled to pray for my enemies and those who hate me. THATS Jesus!

I have heard  many opinions and solutions on homelessness from people that work with the homeless,  people who have been homeless , and people who serve the homeless, and anyone with a website and a donate button can tell you their opinion. I am no expert on homelessness none of us are . We only know what we experience. 

My experience is that because I love them the way God has shown me and asked me to love them is that its not popular. Its despised ,misunderstood and hated. People I thought loved me and would support me avoid me like the plague and put me in a box on a shelf and only take me out when its convenient. 

Not even the Church, and when I say church I mean people who say they are Christians but walk in fear of walking out the word. They stand for nothing and defend nothing. It is one thing to own the book read it and understand it, it is entirely another matter to believe it, trust it, and apply it and that includes the not so  popular parts too.

I don't know what I'm doing or where God is taking me I just know that loving the unloved is hard and challenging. Their is no denying that and it can only be done in Gods strength.

 However,when I see God changing and  transforming their lives,when I see them delivered from addiction, when I see them get a job,when I see them loving and caring for one another ,when I see God answering their prayers, when I see miracles happening before my very eyes in my little corner of the world, Man.. THATS the good stuff.

Three years ago today my dad died and yesterday  Mr. Ray , an elderly gentleman, had a thin little jacket and it was cold. I had been holding on to my dads work jacket for the past three years not yet able to part with it . I kept thinking about that jacket and came inside to get it and kept trying to find a good reason to keep it.

Well I made it out the door almost in tears and gave Mr Ray the jacket. It was a perfect fit. When he zipped it up and I saw my fathers name on it , I felt more joy giving it to him than any pain I felt letting it go. The Good Stuff!

Every Sunday 15 -20 people come to my house for football and fellowship. We watch the game together,we eat together and  we fellowship together and for a little while they feel human.

I used to be in a hurry for the weekend to get here so I could get out of the house and go off and do something. Now I cant wait for the weekends to come 

 because I know my FRIENDS are coming over. They are the Good Stuff!!!

Miles S. Profit

Miles S. Profit, Do you know who that is? Do you have any idea? Neither did the police when they found his body.  Someone discovered Miles while cutting the grass. He was in the brush behind a Walmart. The last time anyone saw Miles he was leaving a men's shelter on St John Street.


Miles was 61 years old , had grey hair and a ponytail and was from Michigan. According to one of the guys in the shelter Miles kept to himself and was kicked out of the shelter for not collecting his retirement. That of coarse is second hand information but you can decide what to believe , I've already made up my mind that its true based on previous experience and how these shelters are run.


Today, according to the local news and coroners report, we found out that Miles took his own life. As if his death wasn't bad enough that news just cut deeper. I am both sad and sickened at the same time. I have so many thoughts and emotions right now I am sad, angry, hurt disappointed and right back to angry.


All I keep thinking about is how hopeless Miles must have felt that this was his only relief from whatever pain he was enduring. What was going through his mind? Does he have any family ,children, anybody? He was missing since August 25 God knows how long he would have been there because NOBODY EVEN NEW HE WAS MISSING.


I am so pissed right now I could hit something. I'm not mad at God I'm mad at us. I'm angry at a country full of such selfishness, a city so greedy that there only interest in a homeless person is there @#$%^&* social security number. I'm tired of people who care more about  property value in there community than the actual community. That's all I hear "Oh well we don't mind you helping people just not in my backyard. " and apparently not in mine either.


This didn't have to happen. Do you realize you can change some ones life with just a few question. Are you OK ? Is there anything I can do ? What do you need? HOW CAN I HELP?
No one deserves to die alone and no one deserves to die because they see no hope.
The news about Miles was posted through a local news agency on facebook . Some of the comments made  were very speculative and ignorant relating to those who do not have permanent housing.


It  never ceases to amaze me how ignorant grown ups can be. Do yourself a favor and take the time to educate yourself about those in need. Talk to someone on the street , have a conversation ,you would be surprised to find they are really not all that different.


In this economy the face of homelessness is no longer the image of the hobo with his handkerchief and stick or the wino hanging out by the liquor store. Its families,  single mothers, single woman, veterans men and woman who served to protect your country.

 The bible says we will always have the poor. They aren't going away, you can't starve them out , stop there services so that you can sweep them under a rug and pretend like they don't exist. It cost nothing to be kind, It cost nothing to care, It already cost Jesus everything .


Most don't reach out to the needy or unsheltered because of fear and we use so many excuses because we care what everybody else thinks accept the one person we need to please.Well in the words of Christopher Titus "Come down off your cross, use the wood to build a bridge and get over it".


I wrote this because I  want Miles to be remembered , not forgotten.  I've never asked before but I am asking everyone to repost this  everywhere because Miles's story should be , had to be and will be told. My hope is that through this post  someone will listen, someone will hear, someone will care because Miles mattered. 

1 John 3:17-19

The Message (MSG)

 ^16-17This is how we've come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.

When We Practice Real Love

 ^18-20My dear children, let's not just talk about love; let's practice real love. This is the only way we'll know we're living truly, living in God's reality. It's also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves.

Mandy Marks Woodhouse

Yesterday, My Best friend and her husband left for South Carolina. I don't know how long she will be gone but I miss her already.She is going up there to be a part of Christ Central,  to learn how to help the needy and to serve. I 'm not good at goodbyes and anybody that knows Mandy knows she's a bit of a crier so when we hugged for the last time I was ready. It took about 20 minutes after they pulled off that I shed the first tear but don't say anything , I  have a reputation to protect.

Mandy Marks Woodhouse is one of the most inspiring, talented , beautiful women I know. Mandy is also an incredible teacher and writer. If there was  one word to describe Mandy it would be LOVE. Mandy knows how to love genuinely and sincerely.
I met Mandy last year , although I feel like I've known her my whole life. She was raised in Louisiana but attended Hillsongs in Australia were she met her husband Carston. They came back here to start what would be the beginning of answered prayer.

Carston led our group on Thursdays and Mandy led our women's group on  Tuesdays and it was at that first women's meeting that my life would never be the same. Mandy brought a group of women together from all walks of life and none of us were anything alike and Mandy grew and nurtured this group into a sisterhood, a den of lionesses, a life line for each other and woman who are genuinely in love with Jesus.

It was this sisterhood that would put together and develop a plan of action to feed , clothe, and love people in need every Saturday morning  which would become "The Breakfast Club".  I don't  think she fully realizes the impact she has had or the people she has infected with her love and generosity.
I have never known a more selfless thoughtful person. She has inspired me in so many ways but Mandy through God  taught me how to love people through anything . She showed me that love works.
What I will miss most is her quirky sense of humor,  her excessive use of un-American phrases  like "arvo", her love of British comedy and the infamous word I will never get out of my head- "bouncy"because she is a Mighty Boosh freak.

Neither of us are perfect and like most REAL friendships we don't agree on everything  but we do agree to be friends in spite of it. I hope she knows that she was  appreciated, I pray she knows how much she means to us and I want her to know that she was valued. I hope  she realizes who her friends are and that we want to do life with her again someday. I pray she knows that my life is changed for the better because she is  in it.  Well if she didn't' know before, she knows now.

You are a treasure Woodhouse and  I am  proud of myself for knowing it. I'm incredibly grateful to God for you! In  life you are my friend, in my heart you are family, in my spirit you're my sister. I love you!

Struck Down But Not Destroyed : For Shay and Shane

A couple of days ago our friends Shay and Shane ,who are project5050, got there truck broken into and were robbed of the few belongings they do possess. The irony of it all is that these 2 people choose to live in their truck and travel to 50 states to give away everything they have to those who are in need. So whoever took their belongings, had they simply asked them for it ,they probably would have just given it to them.

They would NEVER toot their own horn so without their permission I will commence to  tooting.
Not only do they give away absolutely everything they also have befriended, cared for, and loved some of the most precious people. The unwanted,the afflicted, the addicted,the lonely and the lost. They have made friends  everywhere they've gone and have an unbelievable amount of supporters.

The comments and questions I have heard most frequently are "I can't believe that happened to you ! " and "How could someone do that to you? " My friends you are asking the wrong question. What you should be asking is "Why not ? " Now before anyone tries  to get on my soap box you'll have to get your own blog with your own box.

I mean really ,this isn't the first time the enemy has accused the righteous. Remember Job? Now imagine the enemy going before God and saying "Yeah they may love and serve you now and love your poor but take away  the only earthly possessions they have and see what happens." Well there was his mistake because  instead of cursing God they acted on His behalf.
Were they hurt and upset? Of coarse they're human but there flesh did not prevail. They chose to forgive and act in love by calling the one who stole their phone and asking them if there was anything else they needed. If ever there was  a time to accurately answer that infamous question WWJD ? that message was the appropriate answer.

THAT is why it happened to them because not only did God know what was going to happen but He knew how they would RESPOND to what  would happen. Like Job ,God will take care of Shay and Shane they will get back more than they had or  know what to do with.They are strong, you don't live their life and do what they do without having the God given strength to do it.

If Christians didn't go through trials and tribulations I would think something amiss because it is a sure sign that you are on the right path.

Having your stuff stolen is painful , inconvenient and hard and I am not down playing the hardship that goes with that but at the end of the day you are not your stuff and loosing it is an opportunity to see God show off. When the enemy kicks you down you GETUP and when God comes to your rescue you BOW DOWN!

What the enemy can't steal is your joy and what brings more joy than the joy of giving. So to my friends Shay and Shane I say again pick yourself up dust yourself off and get out there and GIVE YOUR ASS OFF!!


 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 
                                                                                 2Corinthians 4:8-9

The Hub Experiance

Wednesday I went to Shreveport ,La. to visit a non-profit group called The Hub.

How was my trip ? Tiring very very tiring. 

These people work! I got there at 8:00 am and my day didn't end until 9:00 pm.

Physically , they do a lot so without getting into long details here is a summary.

They do something everyday of the week accept Sundays but they do bring people to church if they want to go. They have a day center open 3 days a week where anyone can take a shower, do their laundry, have lunch , just hang out , watch some T.V. and just rest.

They also have events once a week at the park for low income families where they just talk to people and play with the kids. They have a dinner that a local church participates in and they hand out clothes and hygiene products.

One of my favorite things was lunch in The Asian Garden downtown where volunteers come on there lunch hour and bring an extra lunch to share with someone . Those are just a few events they have  but they  do so much more. For more information check out their site www.thehubministry.com

 But what they really do is LOVE people. Everything they do is based on faith and there love for the people they serve and they genuinely LOVE them.

Cassie has 5 full time staff members and they ALL share her heart .

They see past the way someone might look like ,smell like , or act like ,where they come from or where their going and they see their humanity. They love them right where they are.

The Hub is more than a building or a basement , its Jesus. Everyone who is helped by The Hub are not "clients" or numbers  their family.

The homeless ,the needy , the poor ,the troubled, the hurting, they are not tolerated but embraced. Their entire ministry is based on relationships. These are their friends. 

Four of their friends got housing recently and that doesn't happen overnight. Its a process that takes time and is an investment in their relationship. The Hub is in it for the long run . No quick fixes . Also listening to Cassie I can see they have tremendous favor with God and I love that they are totally Spirit lead and not government funded but God funded.

My Hub experience changed me. It gave me the confidence and faith to say to Lafayette , Louisiana" We can do better, we MUST do better." 

I am thankful to Cassie and her staff  Tina ,John, Taylor, and Caleb for their hospitality and for sharing their heart with me. The young definitely have something to teach the old.

If I could just scratch the surface of what The Hub is doing, here in Lafayette , I know it would be 100% better than it is now. But knowing me I could probably never settle for a scratched surface.

BTW This morning before I went to sort clothes at their clothes closet my phone beeped in with my daily bible verse.

I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said " It is more blessed to give than to receive.    - Acts 20:35

This is Robert. I met him at lunch this afternoon.

He is from a small country town , has a brother and sister and works with labor ready. He has never been to New Orleans but says he is definitely a Saints fan. WHODAT!!!!

Random Thoughts 2

Lately I have been having these random thoughts and don't quite know what to do with them or how to cleverly fit them into a post .
So I decided ,while once again indulging in my unhealthy ritual of late night cereal consumption, that I should just write them all down and you take what you need and leave the rest for someone else.


Thought #1
Volunteers and people who run diners , shelters, etc.. for the residentially challenged:
The service I find in some places suck because slop should never be on the menu.
Also its not just the service but the attitude in which the service is rendered that I take issue with.
People in charge of these establishments should implement accountability for their volunteers as to how the people they are there to SERVE are treated. Sort of like an 'Internal Affairs" for volunteers and those over them.
I've seen big and small do it all and frankly I think I can do better bc if I do it Gods way,  which is in love, than it is more efficient and effective and produces real change, HEART change.


Thought #2
When God calls you don't say "Not now God its not a good time". 
True chasers of the cross say 'YES LORD YES ,WHEN CAN I START?"
When you accept that your call in life is ministry your life is no longer your own because it never was. Remind yourself daily that your ministry is not yours its His . It will never be about you it will always be about Him to bring glory and Honor to His name. It does matter what people think .You are a walking , talking, advertisement for Jesus. People should know you are a believer without ever having to open your mouth.


Thought #3
When it comes to finances, no matter how much you try to talk yourself into believing the notion that  "I earned it" or "I worked for it" as an excuse to think that life is about how much "stuff" you can buy before you die,trust me you are deceived.
Show me biblically where it makes more sense or is more important than helping your fellow man!If I'm wrong please tell me.
Am I missing something? Am I reading the bible incorrectly? Do I need to learn Greek and ask God for more clarity and wisdom to interpret what Isaiah 58 really means? I can't wrap my head around "stuff " .
People with money always want to give me advice and tell me they have money because everything is for sale for the right price. There is no  money to be made in the giving away buisness. Do you really believe that Gods purpose in  ALLOWING people to acquire wealth was  so they could hoard it and buy more stuff? Rich people how many cars and toys does one need? I 'm not against making money. By all means make your paper boo boo but damn put it in perspective. 


Thought #4
In a world that is hungry and starving for hope, have we become so apathetic and complacent that our ambitions have been reduced down to seeing who can reach the  first million followers on twitter? Humanity, I beg you please, AIM HIGHER,much much higher!


Thought #5 
Last but not least "The meaning of life"...
Jesus is life therefore it means EVERYTHING!!!

Random Thoughts

I know it's been awhile since I have posted but alot has been going on.
The cloud is moving and that means new direction .When the cloud starts to move I feel mixed emotions but mostly I feel excitement because I know something new and exciting is coming.
One of the best things ,other than the obvious,about being a spirit filled believer is being spirit lead.
I used to be a person that desperately needed to be in control and at times I still struggle with it .But you cannot be in control and also be spirit lead.Spirit lead means the Holy Spirit is in control and at this point in my life I would love nothing more than to put my life in His hands and say " Lead the way".
Some would say easier said than done but honestly once you know the truth and you know God I can't think of anything easier.
Honestly , I think people put to much emphasis on theology and over think everything.
I don't believe that God is that complicated.Wether he tells us to start a non profit or travel the country and live in a truck what's the worst that could happen?If God tells you do something than just do it,if something gets broken along the way He will fix it He never starts something and doesn't finish it nor does He not provide the means in which to carry out His will. I like the idea of not knowing what I am going to do tomorrow and I am ok with not planning out every aspect of my life.I understand the need to be prepared but I am more willing to let the Holy Spirit change my agenda whenever He sees fit.
The breakfast may have come to a standstill but my passion for the community as well as other communities dealing with the same challenges have only increased.
I desire to educate myself and learn from people successfully and fruitfully doing the work.
With everything going on in our world today I have never seen a more desperate time or more urgent need than right now for people to SEE the love of Jesus.
It is very easy to love the people you love and for some it may be easier to love strangers.
I challenge you to walk out the opposite.Those who are more difficult for you to love ,make the attempt. A kind word,a generous act goes further than you think.
God has shown me on many occasions that doing what is convenient for me,not wanting to go out of my way or go the extra mile ,DOES NOT glorify Him!
The Beatles sang "All You Need is Love" and though some may disagree it's the power behind what Love DOES that's important.
It heals, it fixes what is broken, it cuts through the red tape, it makes us who we were intended to be,it makes us see things through His eyes.
It is easy to love when you understand not only what it is , but WHO it is.

A Letter to My Father

To my Father ,
            My name is Lori Feehan Boudreaux and I am your biological daughter. My mother put me up for adoption through Catholic Charities in New Orleans, Louisiana after she gave birth to me at Hotel Dieu Hospital. I don't know alot about you except  that you were from Central America , Hispanic , about 5'6 and I was told you were an "Agricultural Engineer".
God gave me a wonderful Mother, a Dad that I loved more than I could ever express and a family that I wouldn't trade for anything in the world not to mention the best Grandparents ever.
They alone were worth the trade. That being said my life wasn't always easy. Bad things happened to me and I made alot of bad choices. Those choices led me to God when I was 17 and held me to it until I was in my 30's. I have been happily married for 11 years. I have 3 children 2 girls , 1 boy. All of whom participated in saving my life in one way or another.

I am 41 now which would make you about 73. I hope you are alive and well. I pray you have been blessed with more children and grandchildren. I hope you married the love of your life and stayed happy and fulfilled. I guess my purpose for writing this letter to you is just to say what I would say if I ever got the chance to meet you face to face and outside of God answering my prayers this may be as close as I'll ever get.
What I mostly want to say is Thank You! Thank you for your selflessness and your sacrifice. I don't know where your heart was in this but if it was a difficult decision to come to let me assure you it was the right one. Without it I wouldn't be who I am today. Your decision as parents to give me up was the greatest kindness you could have ever shown me.
I pray always that both you and my mother don't live with regret or guilt, as there is nothing to be sorry for. If I could do it over again I wouldn't change a thing.

The dad God gave me was not infallible and certainly not perfect but He was mine and I cherished my relationship with him. He has passed on into a much better life and not a day goes by that I don't think about him. One thing I can assure you of is that he loved me. I didn't have to be anything but Lori for him to be proud of me. You would have liked him , he was fun.
Though he is gone I am not without a father . I have never been without a father . God has never left me nor will He ever He has always taken care of his little girl and will continue to do so.

I would like to conclude by saying to you that I was never angry or bitter even when things were hard. I never questioned your intentions nor have  I ever felt unwanted. If you have gone on to a better place than I pray you have met my father, both of them . If  you are still here I pray God allows the remainder of your days to be happy, blessed and I wish you a very Happy Fathers Day!
                                                                                                                              Love, Lori Lynn

Birds and Buildings

This past week I went to Alabama with a local church group to assist in the tornado relief with the Salvation Army.
I came  home yesterday and had to decide whether or not to continue to serve breakfast even though I had no building. Around midnight I had pretty much decided that no matter what I still needed to show up.
My friend Carla messaged me and said she would help and I'm glad because it would have been rough doing it alone.
We made a trip to Walmart and made breakfast burritos with apple juice and sliced oranges.
Long story short after we fed as many people as we could find, later in the day  I was made aware of a situation that had come about as a result of me feeding people. It was not a positive one and I'll just leave it at that.
I am finding out very quickly that the more you try to be Jesus "FOR REAL" to people the bigger the threat it becomes, to those who may have attempted to start doing it for the right reasons but  have now given into apathy and greed.
Though I expect persecution, trials and tribulation, I am angry and as far as I'm concerned rightfully so.
Did you ever just know that you were called to do something and  everyone wants to get behind you and you feel like you have the support of your peers and community but at times  you try to do everything yourself and make things happen?
You have some success and than all hell breaks loose and suddenly you feel very, very, ALONE. When you can't understand why nobody sees what you see or feels how you feel and doesn't think what you think?
When that happens it is an opportunity to embrace what God has put on YOUR heart and called YOU to do.
It is an opportunity to understand that though He puts people in your life to help, support and assist you , outside of that you need to rely on Him.
Right now I feel like David and the opposition I am facing is Goliath. I know that God is with me and all I am missing is a slingshot and a rock.
While in Alabama I saw a story on the local news about a tornado in Oklahoma, that God used to show me something.
 It was about a tiny bird and her very carefully made delicate little nest that collided with a motorcycle in the midst of the tornado and survived.
 The nest was between the headlight and the turn signal and the motorcycle landed upright both bird , nest,  and bike in tact.
The motorcycle owner made a very keen observation. He said " It was amazing to see something so intricate and delicate survive such a massive force of nature yet a building made of bricks and stone collapse into piles of rocks and pebbles."
What I saw when I looked at the tiny bird and her nest, who laid 4 eggs a few days later, was that which comes from God and belongs to God and is also protected by God , can withstand the toughest of storms. That which is made and created by man and not submitted unto Gods Glory, though it may be a massive structure , built with the finest material and the strongest of stone ,without the covering of God in the midst of a storm, can resort to just a pile of rubble.
Trust Him with your nest, after all He is the one who provided the means to which to build it in the first place. If you give it to Him to hold He will protect it when the storm comes .When He gives it back it won't be empty.

Psalm 61:3 For You have been a shelter for me,A strong tower from the enemy.

Shepherds and Sheep

In the last week my friends Shane and Shay and Joseph had each an unfortunate experience . In short Shane and Shay were refused food and Joseph was asked to leave from church premises while only seeking shelter from the rain. To see what happened you can read their blogs Shane and Shay  http://www.project-5050.com/main/2011/06/02/the-rain/  and Joseph http://joseph2dogs.blogspot.com/2011/05/god-doesnt-answer-prayer-here-this-is.html

I have alot of opinions about how they were treated and how I FEEL about the persons who mistreated them but I would rather focus on the fact that God encouraged the both of them by giving them a promise He made to them in Ezekiel 34. I would like to share it with all of you with the hope that if you are a Shepherd it will cause you to understand in whose name you serve under and that you do answer to the highest authority as to how you treat your flock and you will give an account.

For those of us who are sheep I pray it causes you to understand that your hope and faith cannot be in man but in God your Father because man will ALWAYS fail you, man will ALWAYS disappoint you. Understand that in doing the work of your Father EXPECT to be persecuted , EXPECT to be wronged, EXPECT to be falsely accused as was your Savior but also EXPECT your God to have a plan, EXPECT your God to come through , EXPECT your God to provide. When your are in need of anything expect and know that your deliverer is COMING!

The passage is a little long in this format but I promise it is worth the read. I chose "The Message " version just to be crystal clear.

EZEKIEL 34
God's Message came to me: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherd-leaders of Israel. Yes, prophesy! Tell those shepherds, 'God, the Master, says: Doom to you shepherds of Israel, feeding your own mouths! Aren't shepherds supposed to feed sheep? You drink the milk, you make clothes from the wool, you roast the lambs, but you don't feed the sheep. You don't build up the weak ones, don't heal the sick, don't doctor the injured, don't go after the strays, don't look for the lost. You bully and badger them. And now they're scattered every which way because there was no shepherd—scattered and easy pickings for wolves and coyotes. Scattered—my sheep!—exposed and vulnerable across mountains and hills. My sheep scattered all over the world, and no one out looking for them!

 ^7-9 "'Therefore, shepherds, listen to the Message of God: As sure as I am the living God—Decree of God, the Master—because my sheep have been turned into mere prey, into easy meals for wolves because you shepherds ignored them and only fed yourselves, listen to what God has to say:

 ¹⁰ "'Watch out! I'm coming down on the shepherds and taking my sheep back. They're fired as shepherds of my sheep. No more shepherds who just feed themselves! I'll rescue my sheep from their greed. They're not going to feed off my sheep any longer!

 ^11-16 "'God, the Master, says: From now on, I myself am the shepherd. I'm going looking for them. As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered, I'm going after my sheep. I'll rescue them from all the places they've been scattered to in the storms. I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries, and bring them back to their home country. I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel, along the streams, among their own people. I'll lead them into lush pasture so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel, graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel. And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep. I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest. I'll go after the lost, I'll collect the strays, I'll doctor the injured, I'll build up the weak ones and oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited.

 ^17-19 "'And as for you, my dear flock, I'm stepping in and judging between one sheep and another, between rams and goats. Aren't you satisfied to feed in good pasture without taking over the whole place? Can't you be satisfied to drink from the clear stream without muddying the water with your feet? Why do the rest of my sheep have to make do with grass that's trampled down and water that's been muddied?

 ^20-22 "'Therefore, God, the Master, says: I myself am stepping in and making things right between the plump sheep and the skinny sheep. Because you forced your way with shoulder and rump and butted at all the weaker animals with your horns till you scattered them all over the hills, I'll come in and save my dear flock, no longer let them be pushed around. I'll step in and set things right between one sheep and another.

 ^23-24 "'I'll appoint one shepherd over them all: my servant David. He'll feed them. He'll be their shepherd. And I, God, will be their God. My servant David will be their prince. I, God, have spoken.

 ^25-27 "'I'll make a covenant of peace with them. I'll banish fierce animals from the country so the sheep can live safely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. I'll make them and everything around my hill a blessing. I'll send down plenty of rain in season—showers of blessing! The trees in the orchards will bear fruit, the ground will produce, they'll feel content and safe on their land, and they'll realize that I am God when I break them out of their slavery and rescue them from their slave masters.

 ^28-29

 ^30-31 "'They'll know, beyond doubting, that I, God, am their God, that I'm with them and that they, the people Israel, are my people. Decree of God, the Master:

    You are my dear flock, the flock of my pasture, my human flock,
   And I am your God.
         Decree of God, the Master.'"

Yeah, I can't follow that but let me just end by saying, Shepherds be good stuarts over your sheep and sheep pray for your Shepherds for they like you, are only human. Spread the love , give the love, in its highest form . His version not yours!

"Sometimes the sheep are right where they need to be and the shepherd is lost" - @joseph2dogs

The Elephant in The Room

Janelle is a lady who is sleeping on the sidewalk next to where Lilly parks her car in the Men's shelter parking lot.  Her significant other could get a bed in the shelter but he refuses to leave her so he sleeps next to her on the sidewalk.  I commend him for that because I have seen many who go into the shelter and leave their wives or girlfriends outside alone. Janelle has a CDL license and is capable of working if she can find a few resources or someone just willing to take the time to help her.

 They have NO single woman shelters here and that is unacceptable. Whats even more unacceptable is that we have 3-4 woman shelters for abused women or women with children and a church on every corner. Big churches and little churches and Janelle sleeping on the sidewalk. Someone PLEASE explain that to me. I will tell you that a church did offer to put them in a hotel for 2 nights. After the first night they left, do to the fact that a roach crawled on her while she was trying to sleep and they could barely rest with all the drug activity going on around them. Janelle said her boyfriend got fed up and they left and it was the comment he made that struck me to my deepest core.

He said "A church should know better than that." AMEN BROTHER! Absolutely they should know better because if you are a representation of Christ and church is looked upon as a safe haven than surely you can do better than the crack alley roach hotel. AND if you don't have the fruit and the funds to back up your intentions maybe its because you treat Jesus the same way. Maybe its because you serve Jesus out of a dirty pot.  We wonder why people have lost  faith and don't trust the 4 wall  church anymore. I mean seriously if you cant trust the church who can you trust right?
 We wonder why people don't want to go to church when people walk into a building that has a fantastic state of the art sound system, a coffee bar in their foyer and a sanctuary the size of the grand canyon but can't or won't find the resources to put a single woman with no husband, AKA modern day widow, up in a decent hotel as apposed to the sidewalk.

Oh and here's a thought maybe just offer her a spare bedroom . Surely someone in a 1300 person congregation has one. My guess is you will find the poorest of the poor to  be the first to offer up  a sofa before you will find anyone in a large church who has to have 2 dreams , a vision and 6 confirmations from God before they would even consider getting uncomfortable enough to step out in that kind of selflessness. Don't get me wrong there are those who are kind and generous and who  wouldn't hesitate,  but very few.

So why is that? What are we so afraid of ? Lets just confront the "Elephant in the Room". People don't really want to host someone in there home for several reasons .One, they don't want to be bothered or put out, they have there own families to worry about. Two, they will give and serve but don't want strangers living in their home and they allow fear of the unknown to  paralyze them into not moving in Gods will instead of trusting that the Holy Spirit is there protector. Its called dicernment. Three, people don't want to step outside of their comfort zone , they think everyone was called to partake in Christs suffering accept them.

Fourth , My all time favorite "I would have to pray about it " or "I am not called to that." or "Its just not the right timing. " Well all I have to say about that is  Isaiah 58 clearly squashes the first two excuses and you know when the right time is to give up your spare bedroom and your privacy ? When someone is sleeping on the sidewalk in front of the men's shelter.

- Janelle and our volunteer coordinator / prayer warrior, Mandy Woodhouse

Prayers for Lilly

Y'all remember Cajun Lilly right? I saw her this morning briefly at the breakfast. She looked so tired and worn out like she hadn't slept all night. How much sleep can you get  in your car in the heat.

I told her I had to leave early to attend my sons graduation but that I would be around the parking lot to check on her. 

For those of you that don't know, Cajun Lilly is homeless . Lilly lives in her car in the parking lot of the men's shelter. This evening I went over there to check on her. She was sitting in the back seat of her car smoking a cigarette. They had two guys sleeping, one on the sidewalk and one on the cement bench.

Lilly walks up to the truck and says "I was waiten fuh ya, I'm wide awake cuz I slep all day."  I ask her how she is feeling , "Not to good cher not to good, dey suppose ta be waiten fuh my pepper work to go trew so I could git my lil house and Imma give dem til dis week den Imma a make a stink."  Lilly is a little bitty woman but she can be a  firecracker. 

" Is anyone following up on you  and do they know you are sleeping out here?" I asked " Yeah dey know butchu da only one comes see bout me." Lilly replied. That PISSES ME OFF! Lilly has C.O.P.D. she has to be able to take her breathing treatments and should be on oxygen 24hrs a day. Her Doctor has written several notes to the people who are suppose to be helping Lilly find housing that she needs to have these treatments and oxygen which really isn't very convenient when YOU ARE LIVING IN YOUR FRICKIN CAR!!

Now they are telling her they need proof she is living in her car in the parking lot. To let you in on how insane this  really is, the building that is assisting her with finding housing, is in FRONT of the men's shelter parking lot. I KNOW RIGHT? She has been there for a month and the people running the men's shelter see her there everyday . I cannot wrap my brain around this. I know if something doesn't happen she is going to fall through the cracks  and she will die before they find her housing. If you are from Louisiana you know how hot and humid it gets in the summer and she definitely can't keep oxygen in a hot car and for  a person with C.O.P.D. the heat is a nightmare. WTH so every single day you see a woman sleeping in her car and every one's OK with that? Its not OK with me and I so sick of people telling me I have to separate work from home. Seriously? And my all time favorite "You can't save everyone" well I'm sure as hell gonna  try because if others would step up and do there part, ESPECIALLY the church, than maybe I wouldn't feel like I have to take it all on. 

Where would we be if Jesus didn't take his work home with Him ? Oh wait... What home? That's right He didn't have a home. Jesus took His work with Him wherever He went. He carried it, His heart was burdened for it, He was passionate about His ministry. Jesus didn't hang it up at 5 o'clock and call it a day. Jesus didn't drop me at the door He took me with Him. Before He went to sleep it was me He was praying for , as He closed his eyes to rest it was me He was thinking of. I have a heart for Lilly and I care about what happens to her. Damn right I'm taking that home because if I don't than i will be just another self proclaiming believer fueling the inevitable fire of apathy.Well screw that! I am asking that you take a moment and purposefully and intentionally pray for my friend Lilly. Prayer cost nothing but a few moments of your time. I know not everyone can do everything but everybody can DO something!

P.S. If this post offended you in anyway please feel free to post a comment and I will be more than happy to accept your apology!

BFF"S

Most of my adult life I never had a BFF. I did when I was younger but we grew apart.Than I went through a custody battle with my son and that's when I found out who my friends were. Needless to say I was very betrayed by people I thought were my friends. Since than I found it hard to trust anybody so primarily my only confidants were older woman,wiser woman. My aunts,my mother,my mother in law and my very best friend was my grandmother.These are women I trusted. The only friend I had outside of family was an older black lady who used to be my bible study leader,Jackie,she was my TITUS 2 woman.


 Younger women annoyed me because I had been down those roads already and of coarse they know everything and had way more attitude than I cared to deal with.There are younger women wise beyond their years but they are few and far and in between. Women my own age got on my nerves because they were just to full of drama and bull$#!&. Older women were wiser and more mature for the most part.This year I got involved in a bible study full of all of the above except this time I had the decision to run or to stick with it and be that TITUS 2 woman for someone else like Jackie was for me. I have learned a lot from these woman younger and older. I consciously made the decision not to have a BFF anymore because it makes it seem as though one is better than the others.I don't see it as better I see it as different.There are some I connect with on different levels but I love them all.                    
I have learned that everybody has crap and everybody goes through something.Some are more needy than others but the one thing I have learned is that you have to love people where they are and it is important that you KEEP YOUR WORD.I am guilty of this myself and its not OK not to follow through. If you tell someone your going to do something than do it.If you say your going to be there than be there.This never offends me,it hurts me.Recently I had asked a friend to go somewhere with me for support because it was going to be a difficult thing for me to go through. They said yes and than backed out of it because they had somewhere to go.I wasn't angry ,I wasn't offended, I was hurt.That's when the light bulb went off and I heard God whisper to my heart "I'll Be There." I wanted my friend to be there to be a buffer between me and the fear so I could hide behind it,but if God is there He can REMOVE the fear.
The bottom line is people are going to disappoint you, there going to hurt your feelings, there going to get on your nerves sometimes and they are not always going to be there.The people in your life are not always going to have the same priority list that you have and even if they believe what you believe they are not always going to act on that.
God on the other hand will always SHOW UP! He will never back out,He will never say "I can't come " or "I'm too busy". He will never be late, he will never cancel , He will never say "I have to work" or "I'll be out of town." He will never say " I FORGOT". God is the one person you can count on,depend on to never let you down.God is a man of His word.God is many things to me. He is my Father , my wise council,my confidant,my everything and He will always be my best friend.God and Lori BFF"S 4 LIFE and than some!!


"God is not a man that He should lie or a son of man that He should change His mind. Does He speak and than not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?"- (NIV)Numbers 23:19

Hands, Heart and Feet!

Most of the time when I post about The Breakfast Club I talk about the people we serve.
This week I would like to tell you about the people who are spreading the LOVE.
I'll Start with Cydni. Cydni is a beautiful little girl who comes to the breakfast EVERY Saturday to serve breakfast to the community. Some of our patrons call her the CEO because she knows exactly what needs to be done and needs no direction but is extremely good at delegating ,which means she is especially good at telling everybody what they need to be doing. Cydni knows her stuff. Cydni is extremely kind and she takes pride in serving others, Cydni is the hands of Jesus.
Than there is Jordan, all I can say about Jordan is WOW. Jordan is fearless.
Jordan talks to everybody about anything and everything. He is the son of Jeff and Jo Cook, the founders of Servnlove. 
I have never met a child so charismatic and so full of life. Jordan does everything from sitting down and eating(Jordan is a professional eater) with our community to stirring their coffee for them. Jordan loves on every person in the building. As far as how our guests feel about Jordan,well lets just say he had them at hello. Jordan is the heart of Jesus.
That brings us to Anthony. Anthony stays very focused on his tasks at hand very much like his grandmother Maria who also serves with us.


Anthony is very handsome and is quite a hit with the ladies. His approach to love is making sure everyone gets what they need. He walks around making sure everyone has coffee in their cup and food on there plate and he picks it all up when their done and throws it  away. Anthony is the feet of Jesus.

There are other children that come and help serve but for the most part these three are here almost every Saturday.These kids are not forced to be here,their parents don't make them come,they DESIRE to serve. When most  children want to sleep in or spend there weekend doing something other kids consider fun, these three are here bright and early serving and loving there neighbor. How I wish that adults had the capacity to love like children who love like Jesus.How I pray that one day all adults like these children , will not focus on their communities homelessness but  focus on their communities humanity. I am a big believer in allowing children to volunteer and spend time with the people in their community because if they serve as children they will serve as adults and no one will be able to sell them the stereotype because they'll have been raised up with first hand experience and they will never be afraid of the poor and needy. The fact that these three kids get it at their age makes me proud of who they are but much more excited about who they will become.

James #7 update

Last week I posted about a gentleman named James AKA #7. I couldn't wait to give you an up date. After the Saturday we met Jame one of our volunteers, Maria, went to the Salvation Army looking for James to type up a resume for him and help him find a job. The following  Monday James had an experience he would never forget. When I saw James this past Saturday he couldn't wait to tell me what happened. I could see the anticipation on his face.
He said that he got a bike from some and was going to  apply for a job in Broussard. He didn't think it was far and figured he could make it back to the shelter before 5. He initially was lost but when he found it he discovered it was a lot further than he thought. By the time he finished up it was already after 3 and James was getting nervous because he had to be back at the shelter on time or he would loose his bed. He peddled and peddled and it was going on 4:00 and he still had a ways to go . He called the shelter and told them he was on his way but they told him they would not be able to hold his bed for him after 5.
James told me that anyone who knows him knows he is NOT a religious person but at that moment all he could think to say was "God if you would just please,please help me get there on time I sure would appreciate it. " Before he could reach the bus stop the bus was pulling off and didn't have a bike rack anyway. Now he was panicked and just when he thought all hope was lost he looked over next to him at a guy in a truck he thought was my husband. The man said to James "Where you trying to catch that bus?" James explained to him his situation and the many told him to put his bike in the truck and he made it to the shelter at 4:30. James offered the man his last $5.00 for gas but the man just smiled and told him to keep it" You gonna need that" he said. James told me "I know that was God I know it." Today James called Maria to tell her that he just got a job making $300.00 a day and was on his way to take his drug screen.
This is what happens when you LOVE people through their circumstances.When you take the time out of your probably way to busy schedule to do something for someone that doesn't benefit you in any way. This is what happens when you step out in faith, walk out Isaiah 58 and decide to become the hands and feet of Jesus. 
By the way, James is the 5th person to find a job since we started doing breakfast on Saturdays. That's one person a week that found employment through prayer, faith,  and LOVE!
Every Saturday more and more people are coming. There coming because they are hungry for more than just food. They are coming because we love them unconditionally, they are coming because we desire to go the extra mile for them, they are coming because they see a little light in the dark, they are coming because HE is there!

Proverbs 16:3 (AMP)  "Roll your works up on the Lord [commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and] so shall your plans be established and succeed."

 

:)

Petes Pen

This morning was one of the most humbling experiences with the breakfast thus far. Many more people showed up,  so many wonderful things happened this morning I can't wait to tell you about it and I will. But , this cannot wait. Pete  has come only twice, came  to me and handed me a piece of paper and asked that when I had time if I would read it. After the breakfast  he was still waiting for us to close up,  I sat down with him and pulled the paper he gave me out of my back pocket  and when I looked I realized it was a poem he had written for me,for our volunteers,for servnLOVE.This is what it said:


"The Well" When you walk in the door your not alone in the streets.


The well serves hot food to the homeless
Here's a story of the crew led by Lori
They received a message from God
There lives are  in the light of Gods glory


There all blessed by the Lord
and they are selfless to others
and are all from one God 
That makes us sisters and brothers


We've only crossed paths once in this life
I may never see them again
I mean the flesh life we live
Not the eternal life in heaven


When you walk through the door
You can feel the love they all smile
"Make yourself right at home
we'll serve you food in a while"


There attentive to all
They lift a mans self esteem
There a blessing to all
There on the Lords team


The plate that they served me
Killed the hunger,my need
They say just thank the Lord
To all that they feed


They'll say " Now that your full
would you like a shirt for your back
Please take whatever you need
we have new clothes on the rack."


And if your in need of an ear
To get some weight off your chest
They will help lift the load
They will give it there best


I know when I walked through the door
I was blessed in so many ways
I pray the lord them right here
For many years ,many days.


-Pete Martinez


Again just re-reading it I am overwhelmed with emotion because I know that this poem was written with Pete's pen through Gods heart.
Pete shared his heart and I am overwhelmed with grattitude that he took the time to write that poem in the midst of his trials and circumstances to give thanks. Not just to us but he recognizes that it is God who is feeding him.  I believe the  poem was also God letting us know that we were on the right path and making a difference. God is telling me that while I have their back, He has mine.  Everyone deserves to be loved and let me tell you something people, love makes a difference ,love restores dignity,love brings change, love covers and without a doubt love WORKS! Without love you cannot BE Jesus to people.

Cajun Lilly

Lilly is an old Cajun gal I  met Sunday in the parking lot of a men's shelter a few blocks from my house. My friend Rachel's church had a bunch of leftover hamburgers from a BBQ and we handed them out in the parking lot of the men's shelter . Lilly was the only woman there and told me she was sleeping in her car.
Last night I took a ride over there to see how she was  doing and if she needed anything.
There she was sitting in her car puffin on her Marlboro in her long grey and black ponytail and her tank top and sweat pants she had been wearing for a week.
I asked her if she was afraid to sleep out there by herself . "No mais I guess not, dees fellas say if anybody mess wit me all I gotta do is lay on dat horn and dell come runnin."she said. I must admit I'm a sucker for those old cajun accents, I could listen to them for hours.
One of the guys that look after her said she never wants to leave and get a shower or clothes at the recovery center which provides that. I asked her why . "Mais  dey got to many guys over der sha and I don't like dat." A few of the guys offered to go with her and stand watch by her door . She said she would go but I wasn't so convinced. Part of the reason she won't go is pride. She doesn't want to ask anybody for anything.The guys bring her food because breakfast and dinner are only for those at the shelter . The homeless on the street only get lunch and dinner at the salvation army which is not a short walk. I asked her if she had any family and she said she had one son but he doesn't know she has been living in her car for 3 weeks. "Why don't you tell him?" I said "Because he got his own famly to care fa and his job is dangerous and I don't want him stressin ova me." she replied.
Can you imagine? Lilly is in a situation that has "suck" written all over it. See in Lafayette there are only shelters for woman with children and battered woman. No shelters for single woman going through hard times that are not alcoholics or substance abusers. What really sucks is that Lilly is oxygen dependent and has C.O.P.D.  My father died of C.O.P.D. so I am well aware of how critical it is for her to have that oxygen on ALL the time especially since she is still smoking. Oh and before anyone passes judgement thinking that she needs to quit smoking, let me just clarify that although it doesn't help it doesn't hurt either because if you have C.O.P.D the damage is already done. Lilly had been going to the public hospital when it got really bad but one of the guys told her she could go to the clinic which was closer.
Still I  don't understand why there is no place for her to sleep. She has applied for housing an those of us who know how the system works knows it could be a while.
 No one deserves to live or die like this. Lilly is sleeping in her car in front of a building that shelters 14-20 men and there is no place for her to go. I  have one woman sleeping in my old broke down truck in the front yard and she comes and goes. I have another man who is homeless that lives with us and works with my husband(future blog).  James , aka#7  keeps his big suitcase in the back of my wrecked van in the driveway but stays at the shelter and I wish I had room for Lilly. I thought I might be able to find her a place to stay for a little while but when I passed there tonight her car wasn't there. Please don't misunderstand, I am not telling you all my business to toot my own horn or to say "look at me ,look how gracious I am." quite the opposite. I am telling you to say, if I can do it so can YOU!  To Cajun Lilly "May da Lawd go witcha sha , an evry tom I pass imma tink aboutcha and imma  pray fa ya."


UPDATE :  7/26/2012
Cajun Lilly finally received housing about a month after this post. Lilly enjoyed her little apartment and loved to watch T.V. 
Lilly peacefully passed away this past Sunday. I will miss my feisty little Cajun friend and I imagine Lilly somewhere in heaven sitting on the porch of her little cajun cabin.
R.I.P.   "Au Revior Mes Ami " (Goodbye my friend).

#7

This morning was our 5th breakfast for the community and they were welcomed to bacon and eggs, biscuits, fresh fruit and plenty of hugs and handshakes to go around.
A couple who volunteered last week spoke to their family and asked them to reach out to support us.That conversation resulted in phone calls made to employees to clean out there closets and donate.
Last week we had 3 pairs of shoes, 1 or 2 shirts, a couple pairs of pants, and  a few socks . This week we had 2 shelves full of shoes ,lots of pants and shirts new underwear and socks. THAT is the power of networking,word of mouth and the favor of God.
That was the good news now here is what pissed me off! The guys I met today need there story told and that's all they want is someone to listen to their story. This is Jame's story.
I met James who drove here from Alabama after the tornado's destroyed his house. When he got down here his car broke down, so without money to fix it or money to get it out of impound he just donated it .
He got a bed at the shelter and now he is #7. Not James the human being, just #7.  James was woken up at 5:00 am this morning along with all the other men who were told to pack up and take all their belongings with them and vacate the premises. Now James has never been in this situation before he is scared, he doesn't know where to go or how to get help. After 5days at the shelter you have to pay $7.00 a night to stay there and you have to check in at 7 and 12 or you will loose your bed and are not allowed to recover your personal property. $7.00 really? HELLO jobless, poor, and homeless.That is why you see most of the guys panhandling trying to get money to stay in the shelter. Are you angry yet? I hope so bc I'm just getting started.
James and a few other men arrived this morning with backpacks on and suitcase in tow. Imagine lugging that around all day with no where to go. As my friend John Slowdeck would say "What a big pile of suck that is!" If to many of them got to the library yes the PUBLIC library, they kick everyone out which is a little thing I like to call !@$# up!(sorry) Profiling , discrimination,  call it what you want but it kind of sounds like your borderline on infringing upon some basic human rights. I could be wrong  , just sayin!
Now here is the kicker damn near everyone that came this morning is able to work and actively wanting to look for work. They don't have the correct information they need to get the assistance they need which is  Internet access and a phone. Why is that so complicated? Well I guess you can't complain about the problem if your not willing to be part of the solution so by next week that is going to change. My awesome friends  are  working on that so hopefully by next week we can help in that area as well.
James has a TWIC card( Transportation Workers Identification Card) which is something you have to have to work offshore. He has every certification you can imagine , a boat captains licence , he has more experience than anyone I've met in his situation . He has never been unemployed and he can't find a job and here is why.
James has no phone , no address, no access to computers to look for a job and if he applies , no one has anyway of getting in touch with him. If he goes to look he needs money for bus fair but remember he has to be back to check in at the shelter or he  looses his spot. Lets say he has bus fair than he is still stuck carrying his backpack and towing his luggage wherever he goes bc if he leaves it at the shelter and isn't back on time he looses all his stuff. Maybe its just me but its almost as if the shelter system is designed to KEEP THEM HOMELESS! Something as simple as bus fair or the cost of a TWIC card, (which is about $100.00) , and the use of a phone, could get these guys working and on the road to housing.
Whats frustrating is the fact that  it is so do able. The system needs to be reworked and fixed bc its not working. James told me today that he didn't know how much more he could take and that he didn't want to start making bad decisions but that he can see why so many start drinking and doing drugs. "You feel hopeless and lost" he said. If we can help people before it gets to that ,than we've won half the battle.
I am so sick of people telling me "You can't save everybody. " Thank God Jesus didn't feel that way.

Jesus is the hope and the love that orchestrates what we do and God is the number one reason we do what we do. If there is anything I could say to James to encourage him , I want him to know more than anything that #1 LOVES #7.