hoovervilles

its been eight years since i've had US history, but i do remember Mr. Masington showing both pictures and videos of the hoovervilles of the 1930's. when you learn something in high school history you are lead to believe it is history - not to be revisited. However, today's New York Times reminded me of the new reality of hoovervilles popping up around the nation because of the current economic woes.

Check out the story:

Cities Deal With a Surge in

Shantytowns

now the question is what is the response of the church?

i have the benefit of living in Texas, a state weathering the recession well, and i have little understanding of the stress and despair that my neighbor is enduring. but i must have some loving response.... i just don't yet know what it is

In sickness and in health

Ryan recently caught a nasty stomach bug. Needless to say, this was an unpleasant experience for him, but it was just as unpleasant for me to see him weak, uncomfortable, and worst of all in pain. The opening night to this sickness resulted in our first all-nighter since college, and Ryan doesn't remember much about the ordeal.
He kept apologizing for ruining our plans and getting sick and was still wanting to protect me even though he was the one who needed to be cared for.
There was this one conversation...

Ryan: I'm so sorry I'm sick. I messed everything up.
Me: What did I tell you?
(* This is what I expected him to say: It's not my fault I'm sick.*)
Ryan: You said, "I love you."

Such the sweetly, simple truth. I'm so glad that's what he heard.

I often hear people say things beginning with, "I feel like God wants me to..." or "I think God is telling me to...". Sometimes we need to focus more on the underlying message. God said, "I love you."

(I'm happy to report that Ryan's fever broke, and he is on the upside on this last day of his spring break. Good timing!)