The Promise

The Promise

I never said that I would give you silver or gold
or that you would never feel the fire or shiver in the cold.
But I did say you'd never walk through this world alone.
And I did say don't make this world your home.

I never said that fear wouldn't find you in the night
or that loneliness was something you'd never have to fight
but I did say I'd be right by your side.
And I did say I'll always help you to fight.
I'll always help you to fight.

'Cause you know I made a promise that I intend to keep.
My grace will be sufficient in every time of need.
My love will be the anchor that you can hold on to;
this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you.

I never said that friends would never turn their back on you,
or that the world around wouldn't see you as a fool,
but I did say like Me, you'll surely be despised.
And I did say
My ways confound the wise.

I didn't say you'd never taste the bitter kiss of death
or have to walk through chilly Jordan to enter into rest,
but I did say I'd waitin' right on the other side.
And I did say I'd dry every tear you cry.
Every tear that you cry.

'Cause you know I made a promise that I've prepared a place,
and someday sooner than you think you'll see Me face to face.
And you'll sing with the angels and a countless multitude;
this is the promise, this is the promise I've made to you.

So just keep on walkin',
don't turn to the left or right,
and in the midst of darkness,
oh, let this be your light:
that hell can't separate us,
you're gonna make it through;
this is the promise,
this is the promise I've made to you.
This is the promise,
this is the promise,
that I made to you.

Words and music by Brian White and Don Poythress

We were rehearsing this song in choir Thursday evening and God spoke to me. Trust me, I'm taking care of you. This is My promise to you.

Be Specific

Last night I helped out serving and visiting in the Bowness community at a supper for lower income families. This is what happened:

While I was sitting eating dinner, this woman who was familiar sat down near me. I recognized her from the Center of Hope when I used to work there. She would come in the for the community meal at 4pm. It was a free soup line for anyone in the community. She was always rude and negative. But, we began chatting.

She told me that she's learning how to use the computer, taking a course at the library downtown. She was suicidal because her friend kept putting her down and telling her she couldn't do any of the goals she had set out for herself...learn the computer, learn how to drive and own a car. She's trying to break away from this relationship since she feels she's being verbally and emotionally abused. That explains why she was so negative when I saw her downtown.

Earlier that day, I had listened to Dr. David Jeremiah on Turning Point about resentment and anger and how if we don't deal with it, it'll destroy us and the people around us. God has perfect timing! I shared this with her. I shared that as hard as it is to severe those relationships around us that aren't strengthening us, we need too. But, we also need to deal with our resentment and anger which we have for others and for situations in our lives which have hurt us. I could tell she was hurting because she kept going back to what this woman had done to her. It made me think about my own situation. It's not right to hold onto the anger and bitterness. I need to forgive. So I encouraged her to forgive.


As we are chatting, I'm noticing people cleaning up around us. But I didn't feel led to leave. Someone had asked me a question which pulled me away from the table. But, she got my attention and asked if she could PRAY for me! Here we are, serving the guests, encouraging them to let us pray for them and she wants to pray for me! I told her that I would like prayer for a job. She then said, well, God wants us to be specific when we ask for things, so what type of job?! I explained specifically what type of job and she prayed for me, then I prayed for her.

What blows me away every time is that yes, they may be a marginalized society, but they are just like me. With hurts and struggles and choices to make in life. So messed up, intoxicated, strung out, low self esteem, bitter, angry (etc), but human and looking to be treated with dignity and respect, yet expecting the worst. They may seem scary on the outside, but deep down we are all the same.

I miss the people living in the East Village. Never thought I would say that! God calls us to go to the poor and hurting and love them. As I go, God will change and use me. How cool!

"The Noise"

I know I haven't posted in awhile, but this is pretty funny. Welcome to my neighborhood...more commonly known as "Ranch Hood"...


Strange noise in Ranchlands

Where is that strange noise coming from?
Updated: Thu Sep. 10 2009 15:14:33

ctvcalgary.ca

A University of Calgary assistant professor and an acoustic engineer are now researching the source of a strange noise in Ranchlands.

CTV News first reported on the noise heard by some Ranchlands residents back in February.

The City and utility companies all attempted to find what was making the noise to no avail.

Now, Marcia Epstein and Richard Patching have recorded the sound at a few residences and hope to gather more evidence.

Residents and the community association are just happy someone is looking into the unidentifiable sound.

Epstein says it appears the sound could be from several sources.


The funny part? I've never heard "The Noise" and my friends live in the area and if they've heard it, it was once and faint! Goodness, people! I grew up on a flight path and got used to it!

What is this world coming to?!!