reminder

Don't forget to pray for George and his dad.

So I keep thinking about Debbie's post, and Cosby's suggestion we pray the ideal scenario for our lives. A list of sorts has begun to accumulate in my head. And as I go through my day it pops up again and again. And when time/space/privacy allows I will write it out. But yeah... it's been good for me. Thanks Bryan and Debbie. You add depth to my life.

update on Samo

Well... I was unable to get into juvenile hall to see Samo yesterday. The restrictions are so tight with minors, which I guess is a good thing... but extremely frustrating. Davey did get in to see him, though, for which I am grateful. Samo seemed okay to Dave, and he even told Dave he is praying. He has to stay in there at least until his court date this next Tuesday.

Samo's mom Jackie has asked me to go with her to court. She is torn up because she is the one who turned him in for residential burglary, thinking it would do him some good to spend a night there... that it would teach him a lesson. Now the system has taken over and she has lost all control.

Samo's older brother Joe is coming home from jail sometime this month. He calls me periodically and tells me he has changed, and knows that God has changed his mother, and he wants a good life for their whole family now.

God has done so much with this family. I could talk for hours with stories of what I have seen them go through in the last 9 years or so. Joe and Samo lived with us for a while when their mom was in prison, and my kids and I became very close to them. Our hearts are breaking... they are so close to having a whole, intact family. How very like the enemy to try to prevent that from happening.

So I ask you to pray against the enemy's schemes, and to hold Jackie and her family in your hearts and prayers. God has great plans. His love will not fail them.

Samo

Thank you Jesus, Debbie and Davey. I am scheduled to get in to see Samo today at 2:00. Please pray.

I pray Samo will hear from Jesus, that he will take into his heart the love God has for him, and believe that God has plans for his life. Holy Spirit come with me and give me words.











Samo and Nate last spring

I Confess

I stalked her
in the grocery store: her crown
of snowy braids held in place by a great silver clip,
her erect bearing, radiating tenderness,
the way she placed yogurt and avocados in her basket,
beaming peace like the North Star.
I wanted to ask, "what aisle did you find
your serenity in, do you know how
to be married for 50 years, or how to live alone,
excuse me for interrupting, but you seem to possess
some knowledge that makes the earth burn and turn on its axis"
but we don't request such things from strangers
nowadays. So I said, "I love your hair."

by Alison Luterman

go see this movie

Go see this movie.

And I'm not just saying it because my son is named after Nate Saint.

And you'd better hurry because it's not going to be in theaters long.

It is powerful.

girls' night IN

We had a sleepover at our house last night. Girls only. There were the usual ingredients: movies, pizza, snacks, lots of laughing and talking, staying up late, sleeping in and eating a huge breakfast, the freedom of being girls without the pressure of guys around... there were also some differences.

--girls who were unaccustomed to sitting at a table to eat.
"I feel so special sitting here."
--being surprised by real flowers on the table.
"For reals? Them flowers aren't fake?"
--truly appreciating things:
"Mmmm... I never sat by a fireplace. This is sooo nice."
--lifestyle contrasts:
"How many families live up in here?"
--freedom from responsibilites:
"I don't gotta watch my brothers. I can just chill."

Thank you Jesus for giving me the privilege, the space, and the time. And for Emily, who continues to amaze me with her love, patience, and wisdom.

some men are just DESTINED for greatness

I stole this picture from my friend's blog.

Yeah. That's how it feels sometimes.

don't forget your honey on tuesday

james de la vega

While I was in New York I met a unique artist named James De La Vega. He has offered to come to Dakota House the next time he is here and spend some time with the kids, teaching them ways to express themselves through art. I hope it happens.

Check out his stuff here.

this morning i woke up with this song in my head:

"No, that's not what it is at all. That's an animal that we call a zebra."

"I see. But it still looks like a horse in striped pajamas to me!"

circa 1963 Captain Kangaroo

Bizarre. Kinda makes me wonder what goes on in there while I am sleeping....

um. yeah. this is my son.

Nate turns 16 on February 7th.

His name means 'gift from God.' And he truly is.

back home

Emily and I arrived home safely last night.... sad to leave Sarie and New York but happy to be here as well.
Highlights of the trip (click on each to see photos):

seeing Sarah's world
meeting Sarah's friends who really love her
the subway
Yaffa Cafe (open always)
discovering St. Mark's
seeing Sarah and Emily so happy to be together again
finally seeing where sarah lives
watching Emily take it all in for the first time
just being with my girls
walking and walking for hours into the night
the live band at this great little Cuban restaurant
meeting an artist who wants to help Dakota House kids



George--deepest apologies... didn't see your cup request until I got home and I (selfishly) did not think of it while there. Next time. I promise.